Stonemasons, amongst several other industries including construction and mining, still need protection against crystalline silica dust, however, the current COVID-19 crisis has made it increasingly difficult to source N95 disposable masks.
CleanSpace Respirators are reusable, which means industry can continue to operate safely and efficiently, without supply shortages that could cripple operations or put workers in danger.
Silica dust is harmful when inhaled into your lungs. It is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, so small it can be inhaled without knowing. Respirable crystalline silica exposure can cause silicosis, a debilitating and irreversible lung condition that can cut short careers, reduce quality of life and lead to death. Respirable silica is also linked to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease.
When looking to protect yourself or your staff from any airborne contaminants, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), offer high and reliable protection, far exceeding disposable masks. CleanSpace Respirators are a revolution in the area of respiratory protection because while they provide all the protection of a PAPR, they a free from belts, battery packs and hoses making them more comfortable and easier to deploy.
When used in hot or humid conditions CleanSpace Respirators provide cool, clean air to the user and eliminate fogging and moisture. CleanSpace respirators are light, easy to put on, reliably safe and comfortable. These smart powered devices are easily operated using a one-button smart system meaning more workers wear the respirator for a full shift every time. CleanSpace assists their clients to be safe and compliant when working around silica dust.
Compared to disposable masks, CleanSpace Respirators offer high protection in a reusable device, that completely eliminates the cost of replacing disposable masks. Disposable masks are well-known for causing fogging and discomfort, leading to low compliance, frequent stopping and mask changes.
To guard against silica exposure, state regulators have moved to recommending staff wear powered respiratory protection using a minimum of a P2 filter. CleanSpace respirators meet and exceed these requirements with a P3 filter.
Regardless of whether you see the dust or not, silica is a hazard you cannot afford to ignore. Under the Standards, all worn tight fitting respirators, (regardless of whether it is a disposable mask or powered respirator), must achieve a correct fit to ensure the wearer is protected. Facial hair including; stubble, beards, moustaches and sideburns between the edge of a tight-facing facepiece and the face, will prevent the respirator from sealing properly.
CleanSpace offers both half face and full-face masks. The full-face mask also has a high impact rating. CleanSpace Respirators are compact systems that have up to 6 hours run time and fast/top up charging.
“The feedback we get from teams wearing CleanSpace Ultra, full face mask for mining activities, is that the mask is comfortable to wear all day, and the cool fresh air on the face is a dramatic improvement on disposable or reusable half masks,” said CleanSpace CEO Alex Birrell. “They have also told us there is no fogging or hot moisture on their face.”
CleanSpace Respirators are available in different models with a range of particulate and combination gas filters depending on the task requirements. CleanSpace EX is intrinsically safe approved and can be worn in potentially explosive environments. CleanSpace Ultra is IP rated 66, making it water tolerant and CleanSpace2 is the standard model suitable for those that do not require the aforementioned features. The newly launched CleanSpace HALO is designed specifically for laboratories and testing facilities.
The CleanSpace Technology team of product specialists can assist with on-site product training, fit testing, trouble shooting and instructions on maintenance. With the renewed focus of regulators and the industry on silica, it is a great time to re-evaluate your sites respiratory program and equipment.
