Arc-Zone is partnering with 3M™ to bring some of the most highly engineered welding safety products to our customers.
3M™ makes many many products (everything from masking tape and Post-It Notes to data storage) but we’ll only be offering their welding safety products or Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
Specifically we’ll be stocking 3M’s welding helmets including the the auto-darkening helmets with Speedglas™ lens, and 3M respiratory safety products (including Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) ).
The helmets and respiratory protection products are designed to work together for the ultimate in safety and comfort.
If you’re managing any kind of welding business you’re well aware of OSHA regulations, specifically in regards to respiratory safety but many of you may not realize that depending on your specific welding application, the process changes you implement in your weld shop may not address all the health concerns. In addition, in recent years there have been changes to both the Eye & Face Protection standards and the Respiratory Protection standards (especially in regards to Hexavalent Chromium and Manganese). You can read about these welding safety regulation changes from 3M (.pdf)
The 3M Adflo system is the high-end PAPR product that protects workers from inhalants. Of specific concern are Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI) and Manganese. There is also a version of the Adflo that adjusts for changes in air density and is adapted for high altitude welding.
Other respiratory protection systems include the Rugged Comfort Half Facepiece 6500 Series.
Arc-Zone will also be offering the 3M Speedglas™ welding helmets. The one we’re most excited about is the Super Light (SL) which weighs in at 13 ounces.
You may not know the history of 3M— their first venture was a failed mining operation (Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company). Company founders were undeterred, however, and continued on their path to success. Their culture of persistence and constant innovation is a perfect match for Arc-Zone.com and we’re proud to be able to include their welding safety products in our webstore. And to think, it all started with sandpaper!
For more welding safety information:
Respiratory Welding Safety Basics
“Controlling Hazardous Fume and Gases during Welding (.pdf)” from OSHA
“Tips for taking care of your welding helmet”
“Choosing welding helmets and goggles” (.pdf)
