Committed to Safety: Respirators in the Foundry
If you’ve ever toured a foundry, you may be wondering why all of the workers don't wear the same masks or respirators.
With various jobs on the foundry floor, different respirators and masks are required. They protect workers against various particles, dust, chemicals and metal shavings.
Here is a complete list of respirators and masks we use at C.A. Lawton in De Pere.
Different Types of Respirators
Since Covid, many people are familiar with the term “N95." That type of respirator is the NIOSH-approved (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) mask that provides at least 95% filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles and aerosols.
All of the 3M respirators we use at C.A. Lawton are NIOSH-approved N95 or P95 masks.
3M-8511 Respirator
The 3M-8511 allows for easy breathing, especially important in a physically demanding environment.
These masks are worn typically by workers in the molding and flask areas of the foundry, as well as visitors and guests touring the facility.
3M-8210 Respirator
This disposable respirator is similar to the 8511.
It provides the same protection of at least 95% filtration efficiency against certain non-oil based particles.
It is best suited for grinding, sanding, sweeping, sawing and other dust-related jobs.
3M-8515 Respirator
The 8515 respirator is mostly used by employees working in welding, grinding and metalwork.
The mask has a cool flow valve to reduce heat build-up and is flame-resistant.
3M-8577 Respirator
The 8577 respirator is a NIOSH-approved P95, meaning it has at least 95% filtration efficiency against certain solid and liquid aerosols, including oils.
These masks are worn by foundry workers in the mold wash, solvent and resin areas.
The respirator helps reduce nuisance levels of organic vapors like solvents, degreasers and resins.
3M-9105 Respirator
This respirator is also known as the “VFlex™” particulate respirator by 3M.
The v-shaped pleats expand for easier breathing and are more flexible for workers who need to talk and communicate often.
Half-Mask Respirator
The half-mask respirators we use are reusable and have cartridges and filters you can change out.
The masks are mainly used by workers in grinding, welding coating and painting.
The half masks are lightweight and comfortable.
Full-Face Respirator
The full-face respirator comes with filters and cartridges to keep workers safe, especially in the areas of grinding, chemical handling, sanding, painting and much more.
This mask also comes with cool flow technology to keep the workers from overheating.
PowerFlow Respirator
The Power Flow or Versaflo respirator provides workers with their own personal air filtration system.
A battery powered fan draws contaminated air through the filter and delivers fresh, clean air to the workers.
This is often used in our grinding area.
Committed to Safety at C.A. Lawton
The C.A. Lawton Company takes the safety and health of our employees very seriously.
We want our workers to have the latest and best technology to keep them safe on the foundry floor.
Respirators are just one of the ways to keep them safe and healthy.
You can read more about other PPE items that our Environmental, Health and Safety coordinator considers “must-haves” for foundry workers by clicking here.