Hoods and masks for sandblasting, shot-peening, airbrushing

Sandblasting is an industrial process which allows to strip or clean different types of surfaces by the projection at high speed of sand grains coming, in the majority of the cases, from different natural minerals. This process generates dust that is harmful to humans and the environment, hence the need to take certain precautions such as the installation of a dust removal system and the use of hoods or sandblasting masks as personal protective equipment.

PPE dedicated to sandblasting, shot-peening and airbrushing
  1. The TR82 EPDM is a class 3 gas mask (the highest level of safety) with an anti-scratch and anti-solvent polycarbonate lens. Fitted with a DIN RD40 front connector, it is compatible with all filter cartridges that comply with the EN148-1 standard (40 mm universal thread). The EPDM elastomer face skirt provides excellent comfort for the user during prolonged wear.

    • EN136 class 3 approved full face mask (highest level of safety)
    • Compatible with RD DIN40 filter cartridges with 40 mm universal thread (EN148-1)
    • Heavy duty polycarbonate lens with anti-solvent and anti-scratch treatment
    • Molded outer skirt for excellent fit on the face
    • Great comfort of use even for long periods
  2. The X-plore 6530 is a gas mask that meets the highest quality requirements, reliability, and fit safety. It is an EN136 class 3 respirator (the highest safety level) compatible with the Dräger X-plore Rd40 filter cartridges with 40 mm universal thread (EN148-1). One size fits all, and it is comfortable to wear.

    • EN136 Class 3 approved gas mask resistant to impact, chemicals, and high temperatures
    • Visor available in impact-resistant polycarbonate or temperature and chemical-resistant Triplex glass
    • Compatible with Dräger X-plore DIN Rd40 filters
    • Mask body made of highly resistant and non-irritating EPDM
    • One size fits all, 5-point harness with flexible and adjustable straps
  3. WIth no hoses or belt attachments, the Purelite Xstream ventilated helmet is an innovative ALL-IN-ONE respiratory protection system that integrates the motor, battery and filter into one protective shell. Lightweight and comfortable, even for long-duration operations, it offers ideal freedom of movement, especially useful in tight spaces.

    • ALL-IN-ONE ventilated helmet with P3 filter against dust, fine particles, solid or liquid (aerosols)
    • Motor, battery andfilter integrated in a protective shell for freedom of movement
    • P3 filtern TH2P protection with a rated protection factor of 20
    • Air flow rate of 210 l/min, one of the highest on the market
    • Excellent price/performance ratio

  4. The PureFlo 3000 powered air purifying helmet offers total respiratory, head, eye, and face protection ALL-IN-ONE with the motor, battery, and filter integrated into an EN 397 standard safety helmet. With no cables, hoses, or belt attachments, it gives users freedom of movement without the risk of snagging.

    • ALL-IN-ONE respirator with integrated motor, battery, and filter in an EN 397 standard safety helmet
    • HEPA filter against aerosols and tiny particles (lead, hexavalent chrome, manganese, crystalline silica)
    • Comfortable fit with a completely adjustable head harness
    • Great freedom of movement without risk of snagging
    • Low battery and saturated filter alarm
  5. The CleanSpace Pro mask is a revolutionary device in terms of respiratory protection. It consists of a half-mask that clips onto an ultra-lightweight engine block containing the filter and battery. With no cables, hoses or belt attachments, it offers users freedom of movement without the risk of snagging.

    • ALL-IN-ONE powered air purifying mask with integrated filter and battery in the engine block against fine particles, toxic gases and fumes
    • AirSensit™ technology with mask pressure and airflow control based on the wearer's breathing
    • Up to 14 hours of autonomy with a charging time of less than 2 hours
    • Air flow adapted to the wearer's breathing for unparalleled comfort
    • Great freedom of movement (no cables or hoses attached to the belt)
  6. The powered air purifying mask Proflow 2 SC is a compact, lightweight respiratory protective equipment that provides 160 L/min of airflow to reduce respiratory stress and provide optimum comfort during long working periods, especially in hot environments. The industry and asbestos removal sectors widely use it.

    • 160 l/min powered air purifying mask reducing respiratory stress for long duration work
    • Sealed construction and downward facing filters for easy decontamination operations
    • Up to 10 hours of autonomy (waterproof battery and fast charging)
    • Visual display and alarm for state of charge and clogging of filters (particles)
    • Delivered complete, ready to use in its protective box
  7. The TS Series microporous coverall is a category 3 type 4, 5, and 6 protective clothing. It is composed of a polypropylene substrate coated with a laminated polyethylene microporous film (PP/PE). It prevents the passage of liquid molecules to the inside. But it allows water vapor to escape to the outside, making the garment very breathable and ideal for long-duration work.

    • Category 3 limited-use suit, type 4, 5 & 6 (garment impervious to low toxic chemical sprays)
    • Suitable for the pharmaceutical industry (blood, body fluids) and spray painting applications, crop protection spray
    • Made of laminated microporous polyethylene for excellent breathability
    • Antistatic (conforms to EN1149-1: 2005)
    • Available in 4 sizes: L, XL, XXL, XXXL
  8. The NS Series disposable Coverall is the first level of protection for category 3. It offers protection against solid particles (type 5) and low-hazard liquid chemicals in the form of a light spray (liquid aerosols, sprays) or projected at low pressure (type 6). Made of microporous polyethylene (PE), it is lightweight and comfortable to wear.

    • Single-use category 3 type 5 & 6 coveralls (liquid splash and dust protection)
    • Particularly suitable for spray paint, insecticide, and pesticide spraying
    • Made of flexible laminated microporous polyethylene (PE) for comfort
    • Available in sizes M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
    • Excellent quality/price ratio

Sandblasting, shot-peening and airbrushing

The sandblasting process - also known as shot peening or airbrushing - is much easier to use and more efficient than the use of traditional stripping tools such as a spatula or wire brush. It offers the possibility of treating large areas in record time.  

Sandblasting is mainly used for stripping various materials (wood, stainless steel, steel, cast iron, aluminum, etc.) and coatings such as paint or other protective varnishes. It is also used to deoxidize metal parts (remove rust) as well as to eliminate mold or scale deposits that may be present on various materials. It is also frequently used for decorative and aesthetic purposes such as engraving on marble or glass, renovating stones or even treating jeans by giving them a worn and brightened appearance. 

Hoods and masks for sandblasting

However, even if this method is used in a multitude of fields, it is necessary to remember that sandblasting can cause serious health risks, which is why it is essential to take certain precautions such as using hoods or sandblasting masks as PPE (personal protective equipment): 

  • Full face masks: Minimum protection, they cover the entire face (nose, mouth and eyes). Half-masks should be avoided as they do not protect the mucous membranes of the eyes; 
  • Powered air purifying respirators: These are more elaborate filtering devices that reduce the respiratory effort by using a motorized ventilator that supplies the filtered air directly to the face piece (mask, screen or hood); 
  • Air supply systems: These are respiratory protection equipment offering the highest level of safety. They belong to the same family as SCBAs and are particularly suitable for long-term work.

High-intensity sand propulsion can cause skin irritation or eye injury from projections. These same dusts and particles are potentially explosive and must, therefore, be treated with caution. They may be composed of toxic particles such as nickel, silica or coal slag.  

The greatest danger associated with sandblasting is that it can potentially lead to silicosis, a serious and sometimes fatal lung disease. This disease is caused by the accumulation of very fine particles (mainly silica present in the sandblasting mixture) that build up and harden in the lungs. Other potential risks should not be ignored (respiratory disorders, lead poisoning, lung cancer, cognitive damage, etc.).