ESAB G30 Air Parts FAQs
Spares for a flip-front welding helmet prepared for a fresh-air supply: air-duct headgear, visors, shell and sweatbands, and how to check and look after them.
What is headgear with an air duct, and how does it differ from ordinary headgear?
Headgear with an air duct is a different part from standard headgear. On a helmet designed for a fresh-air supply, the headgear includes a duct that carries air from the supply into the helmet, so ordinary headgear will not do the same job.
Check your helmet's manual and parts list for the correct part, and ask the maker or your supplier if you are unsure. Fit it exactly as instructed, and check it for damage and secure connections before each use, because a loose or damaged duct connection can reduce the air reaching your breathing zone.
What should I check on the helmet before each use?
Powered and fresh-air helmets are respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Users should check their RPE every time they use it, following the maker's instructions, and any problem should be reported to your supervisor rather than carrying on working.
In practice, check the visors for cracks, pitting or spatter, the headgear and duct for damage and secure connections, and the face seal for tears. Check that hoses are connected properly and that battery-powered equipment is fully charged. Then confirm that air is actually reaching the helmet, using the method in your manual. Different helmets and supplies have different checks and flow figures, so use your own manual's pre-use routine.
When is powered or fresh-air protection worth using with a welding helmet?
Where RPE must be worn continuously for long periods, a powered respirator or airline breathing apparatus with a loose-fitting hood or helmet is a better option than a non-powered tight-fitting mask. Continuous wear of a non-powered tight-fitting respirator should be limited, because it becomes uncomfortable and people loosen or remove it.
Whether you need respiratory protection at all, and how much, comes from your COSHH risk assessment, which looks at the process, the metal, any coatings and where you work. Respirators must not be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres, which need suitable breathing apparatus and professional advice.
Can I connect any compressed air line to the helmet?
No. Only connect the supply type and the connecting parts that the maker's instructions allow for your helmet. If the air comes from a compressor, it has to be of breathable quality. Breathing air standards set limits on contaminants like oil, water and carbon monoxide.
A fatal case has been reported where breathing air from a poorly maintained oil-lubricated compressor contained carbon monoxide at many times the allowed limit. The advice is to use a compressor designed for breathing-air supply, drawing in clean air, maintain it as instructed, and monitor CO with an alarm and test the air regularly. Follow published breathing-air guidance and your risk assessment.