Air helmets

In combination with a full-face mask, their use is possible in a contaminated atmosphere containing up to 1000 times the OEL, but with a half mask up to 100 times the OEL only. If the requirements according to EN 269 [6-83] are fulfilled, a fresh-air helmet or hood can be used up to 100 times the OEL. If warning devices indicating weakness or breakdown of the air supply are not present, the use of air line respirators is not allowed for protection against carcinogens, very toxic or radioactive substances, or micro-organisms and enzymes (see Table 6.29). 

The air helmet is covered under Mine Safety Health Administration Section 11.130, which concerns Dust,... 

Masks are available with battery-powered filter paeks whieh supply filtered air to a faeepieee from a haversaek filter unit. Anotlier type eomprises a proteetive helmet ineorporating an eleetrieally operated fan and filter unit eomplete with faee vizor and provision for ear muffs. 

Impact-resistant foam liners used in helmets and other protective gear are usually not breathable unless air passages are fabricated in them. Brock USA has developed a process for moulding closed-cell foam that permits three-dimensional air flow and moisture evaporation... 

As a precaution should fire occur, the workers should be provided either with protective helmets, equipped with a fresh air supply, or with masks and absorbers, and they should also wear protective clothing of asbestos or thick wool. If a violent fire occurs, the building must be evacuated, since to remain in an atmosphere containing a high concentration of nitrogen dioxide, even for a short time, is very dangerous. This is discussed in more detail on p. 407. 

Protect yourself from places and situations that are unsafe by immediately walking away or wearing an MCS mask, a half- or full-face respiratory mask, or by wearing a helmet with a portable air purifier. See entry 274 for more information. 

No, not like normal people do. My social life predominandy takes place online or over the phone. I go for visits only after making preparations and taking my air purifier along with me, but that s mostly in the summer so that we can sit in the yard. Going into other people s homes without my helmet is for me no longer possible (see Chapter 8 About Protective Measures), given all the chemical substances that are present in a normal home. 

I don t leave the house much but when I do, I protect myself using my portable air purifier, hose and helmet (see photographs). Often I use only the motor with the hose, but in some situations the helmet is really necessary. 

My plan is to spend at least the warmer half of each year in a country with cleaner air, in a spot where I can usually be without having to wear my helmet. I hope that in time the air quality in the most polluted areas will improve, so that I eventually will no longer have to flee and that due to the cleaner air, less people will get sick. 

First of all, protect yourself by wearing a respirator mask or a helmet with a mobile air purifier or, if you re a mild MCS patient, by wearing a cotton MCS mask. (See entry 274.) You may wish to bring a doctor s letter explaining you must wear the respirator for medical reasons. 

This is a very moving film about a 17-year-old boy in isolation. He can only receive guests while wearing a helmet with an air purification system. Ever since childhood he has had to wear an air purification device on his back. At home, he makes use of various air purification devices and always carries around a hose which supplies purified air. He has not been outside in more than eight years. He has DNA deficiencies and his father worked with chemical substances, which according to the movie accounts for this boy s disorders. 

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