All-in-one solution
April 1st 2006

Hazardous work environments come in a multitude of forms, including those where there is a danger to unprotected heads from the impact of falling or flying objects. Head protection, however, often needs to be accompanied by other forms of PPE.

Bob Gaskell of Helmet Integrated Systems (HISL) advocates an all-in-one solution Among the many hazards that may be present in the workplace are sparks, flying debris, chemical or molten metal splashes and airborne contaminants. To protect personnel from these multiple hazards, HISL has developed a range of headwear that incorporates face shields and respiratory systems to provide an all-in-one solution.

These self-contained, helmet-based PAPR (purifying air powered respirator) systems combine head, eye, face and respiratory protection in a lightweight and compact unit. They offer benefits over conventional safety helmets by doing away with the cost and inconvenience of supplying separate helmets, bump caps, brow guards, safety spectacles, face shields, half- or full-face respiratory masks and disposable dust masks.

Pureflo ESM, for example, combines a helmet and face shield with a positive pressure, battery powered respiratory system, featuring sophisticated electronic management controls that monitor external conditions and warn the wearer immediately if protection levels are compromised.

This lightweight, compact helmet system, which is completely self-contained, delivers a constant, plentiful supply of clean air via high efficiency particulate and fume filters using rechargeable batteries. It is 25% lighter, smaller and more powerful that previous models and has a fixed or flip-up high impact resistant polycarbonate faceshield, available with anti-scratch, anti-mist coating.

Contaminated air from the surrounding environment is drawn into the filter on the rear of the helmet. Having passed through the filter, the clean air passes through the filter, flowing across the top of the head and down the face, exiting through an exhale patch in the neck cape.

The tied neck cape maintains the positive pressure breathing environment and provides additional protection to the lower face and neck area, particularly important in applications such as grinding and fettling where sparks and debris can be propelled upwards, under the face shield and into the eyes.

Compared to the use of negative pressure rubber or silicone half and full face respiratory masks, the helmet and positive pressure respiratory combination reduces fatigue and provides greater all round vision.

Bump caps or hard hats can be selected with the option of a mesh face-shield or welding screen plus lamp bracket attachment.

The electronic management system constantly monitors filter efficiency and fan performance, optimising the supply of filtered air to the wearer at all times. A manual over-ride enables the wearer to boost airflow if required to cope with hotter and more tiring conditions.

Two internally-mounted, rechargeable battery packs provide 8h or more of continuous operation, with a rapid, on-board re-charge of just 2h.

A six-point adjustable harness fitted inside the helmet or bump cap shell can be used to adjust both lateral and height positioning to suit individual head shapes and sizes to achieve the best comfort, balance and fit.

Pureflo ABS - airlinebreathing systems - are the latest addition to the company's respiratory helmet range. These lightweight helmet and face shield combinations, with the same hard hat and bump cap face shield combinations as the battery powered models, provide a continuous supply of clean air from an independent compressed air supply, via a waist-mounted airflow control regulator.

Offering variable flow rates and fitted with deodorising carbon cartridges, the Pureflo ABS comes in a choice of models to protect against chemical and impact hazards, including dusts, particulates, gases, vapours, mists, fumes and high speed particulates. Waist belt regulators connect to the headpiece with a quick-release fitting and can be supplied with an additional take-off for air tools and hoses. A welding shield option is available.

Suitable for a range of industrial environments, helmet and brow guard systems can deliver measurable benefits in improved safety, wearer comfort, convenience and increased productivity, while lowering the cost of personal protection.

Bulletin

With a history dating back to 1924, the principal activity of Helmet Integrated Systems is the design, testing, manufacture and marketing of protective helmets, face shields respiratory and communications equipment.

These helmet systems are in daily use throughout the world by industrial workforces, military and civil aircrews, fire and emergency services, public order, police and prison services.

The company manufactures in the UK to rigorous quality requirements in compliance with all relevant European and international standards.

More articles from Helmet Integrated Systems Ltd: