Providing workers with clean breathable fresh air while working in dangerous environments is essential. According to OSHA, “Employees need to wear respirators whenever engineering and work practice control measures are not adequate to prevent atmospheric contamination at the worksite.” Respiratory protective devices must be approved by NIOSH for the contaminant to which the employee is exposed.
Advantages of Constant Flow Respirators:
- Low cost
- Reusable
- Constant supply of fresh air
- Low breathing resistance
- Increased worker production
- No cartridge change outs or having to schedule maintenance
- No fit testing
- Minimal paperwork to maintain
- Air temperature controllers available
- Pump and filtration panel options can be used with half mask, full face, soft and hard hood styles
If you have a job that involves spray painting, chemical handling or mixing, construction, spray foam application, or light grinding, here are two reliable solutions from Allegro to provide healthy air to you in the workplace:
1. Ambient Air Pump A-750 by Allegro
Ambient Air Pump A-750 is a rotary vane, extra portable and lightweight air source for one hood user or for two full- or half-face respirator users. The benefit of this device being lightweight and portable is that it has the flexibility to be used at multiple sites, and be easily stored when not in use. Another advantage of this oil-less pump is that it does not produce any carbon monoxide, oil vapor or oil mist. Inlet and discharge filters need to be changed every 200 running hours or if the pressure gauge shows a drop in pressure. Carbon vanes should be replaced every 4000-5000 running hours.
Low-pressure ambient air pumps differ from air filtration units in that they are electrically driven, oil-less compressors--and are usually placed in locations with fresh air away from work areas. This pump is designed to move air through a hose to a breathing area. This is why it is important for the air inlet to be located where the breathable air is supplied at all times. Air delivery can be adjusted via the brass pressure relief valve. The steel handle offers protection for the pressure gauge in case the unit tips over. The device pumps the existing air but does not provide an independent air supply, that is why it is not recommended for use in extremely hot or cold environments, as the air temperature cannot be changed. The longer airline will help cool the air. Ambient Air Pumps are not intended to be used with generators, and Vortex coolers. Fittings for other brands respirators can be swapped out for free.
The ambient air pump is only designed for use with constant flow respirators and does not have the psi or CFM capabilities to run a pressure demand respirator. It is not approved for an IDLH (Immediate Danger to Life and Health) application. Respirators receive air from an ambient air pump that draws in fresh air from wherever it is located and sends it to the respirator. The pump should be located away from any area where vehicles may pass by or stop and stay idle. In can be used in medical facilities while mixing chemicals or cleaning the rooms, in pesticide operations when handling chemicals and spraying, in foundries, etc.
Other possible applications include: spray painting, spray coating, fiberglass coating, pharmaceutical manufacturing, spray foam, chemical handling and mixing, pesticide operations, light grinding, medical facilities, foundries, building, construction, restoration. When placed in a clean air environment, pumps offer a low-cost alternative of supplying clean, breathable air to respirator wearers working in contaminated environments. Air pumps do not require temperature alarms, CO monitors or airline filters, so they are considered to be a cost-effective way of providing air supply.
2. Air Filtration Panel 9872 by Allegro
Air Filtration Panel 9872 filters out impurities (most particles, fumes, moisture, hydrocarbons) from an air compressor and converts it into the grade D breathable air. The panel provides up to 30 CFM of air within a 5-125 PSI range. It is housed in a Pelican case with a carrying handle and latches and offers a 16 gauge powder-coated steel stand for support, and all-brass plumbing with quick-disconnect Hansen couplers. You may use NIOSH-approved constant flow and pressure–demand respirators with this panel. However, it is important to know that you cannot mix an airline and a respirator from different manufacturers. Most types of compressors (piston, screw, rotary vane) are suitable to supply air for this type of application. On the inlet side, you can use a pre-filter to filter out larger particles. On a discharge side, you may use an Allegro Vortex cooler or a temperature controller, when used with the Allegro Fully Disposable Hoods. There is an optional Remote CO alarm (P/N 9871-01), a remote Point of Attachment (P/N 9871-03), which will extend the airline length. The maximum length of breathing airline is up to 300 feet.
Wearing respiratory protection may seem inconvenient, but airborne particles and contaminants – no matter how small – can cause both short-term and long-term health problems if proper use and care are not exercised.
If you have questions or would like help selecting the right equipment for your application, please give us a call at 1-800-829-9580, or visit us online at pksafety.com.