
Protective mask
Painting can be a health hazard. Professional painters agree: wearing a paint protection mask is essential. The protective mask is used to protect you against the fumes from the products used. These fumes are a real threat to the respiratory system. But fortunately, we have solutions to help you protect yourself when you're at work!
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Do you
need it?
Why use a protective mask?
Painter, bodybuilder, coating professional… Many craftsmen from a wide range of fields use paint in their work. Using paint exposes professionals to fumes that are hazardous to the lungs and respiratory tract. Spraying the product can cause adverse effects on health in general, and the respiratory system in particular. What's more, some people may be allergic to certain components in the paint they use.
Working in a dusty environment can also expose professionals to respiratory problems. Whether in the field or in the workshop, the presence of toxic products is almost inevitable. Proper protection when painting is essential, and your health depends on it. Using a paint protection mask is one way of protecting your health.
What types of paint protection masks are there?
There are various types of protective masks, including dust masks and gas masks… So you're spoilt for choice.
For example, in the disposable masks category, you can choose between FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3 masks. Disposable masks protect against particles in paint products only. If the professional uses a product containing vapour or gas, he or she must use one of the following types of mask:
- The half-mask this protective paint mask protects the nose, face and mouth. It's a cartridge mask, which means you can load and change its filters after each use. This mask is ideal for protecting the breathing zone without reducing the field of vision. It consists of clamps, exhalation and inhalation valves and a blending repair.
- Full face mask this type of mask protects the respiratory system as well as the eyes. Thanks to its structure, it offers complete protection, hence its name. It is also used when the fumes present an eye hazard. Another feature of this model is that you can choose the type of filter. Gas filter, particulate filter or combined filter, you can fit your mask with the filter you need for the job in hand. Note that it is possible to add several filters at once for greater protection.
How do I choose a paint protection mask?
The type of mask depends on the work being carried out and the risk of fumes. Each intervention has its own risks and exposes the professional in a different way. Some jobs require a moderate level of protection, while others require maximum protection. In addition to the nature of the work, the choice of the right mask also depends on the workplace (indoors or outdoors, large or confined space, type of contaminant, surrounding oxygen levels…). So it's important to find out what you need to know before you start work, so you can choose the right paint protection mask.
For example, for occasional, short-term use, you can choose a disposable mask. However, for professional use, regular painters should use a full-face or half-face mask. These masks guarantee long working hours without any discomfort. We recommend wearing a half mask for in-house work and a full mask for outdoor applications. Inadequate ventilation, such as when working indoors, means that you need to wear a mask to protect against gases and vapours. Whereas outdoor exposure requires protection against solvent and gas particles, hence the use of the full-face model.
What are the characteristics of a paint protection mask?
Protective paint masks form an effective barrier against viruses. They prevent bacteria from reaching the body and affecting health, but that's not all. The field of action of these masks extends to protect the professional against all components harmful to his or her health. Paint is a product made up of solvents, resins, chillies and additives. Protective masks provide effective protection for the respiratory system against organic solvents.
Wearing a mask is especially advisable when applying spray paint or clearcoat. The reason for this is that spraying the paint spreads the toxic components and therefore causes high levels of exposure to the harmful effects of the paint.
Gas masks, dust masks, half masks… Colorbox offers a wide range of masks for your protection. Our equipment is your ally in protecting you against possible contamination. We also sell all the accessories you need for your paint protection mask, including refill filters, support rings and organic vapour filters… Contact us to find out more.