Respiratory Protection Systems

Positive-Pressure Respiratory Protection Systems

Powered, supplied-air, welding and self-contained breathing systems selected around your workplace hazard, application and required level of protection.

Hero image: worker in positive-pressure hood system, industrial/refinery background
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Powered Air

Filtered air from battery powered blower

Supplied Air

Air from external source through airline

Welding Protection

Integrated welding helmet with respiratory protection

Self-Contained Air

Breathing air from cylinder for IDLH environments

Respirator Selection Guide

Answer six questions about your atmosphere, hazard and task. We will identify the system category suited to your application and the head protection typically paired with it.

Question 1 of 6

Compare Systems

Air source, oxygen dependency, IDLH suitability and mobility across the four system categories.

Consideration PAPR Supplied Air Adflo Welding PAPR SCBA
Air Source Filtered workplace airRemote compressed air Filtered workplace airWearer-carried cylinder
Depends on Ambient Oxygen YesNo (subject to system design)YesNo
Suitable for IDLH NoOnly with approved systemNoYes (subject to selection)
Mobility HighRestricted by airlineHighHigh (limited by cylinder)
Typical Use Dust, fumes, vaporsLong-duration / process work Welding, grinding, fabricationEmergency, firefighting, confined space
Key Head Protection S-533L / M-306 / 6800S-533L / M-306 / 6800 Speedglas G5-01 / G5-03Scott Full Face Mask

Table scrolls horizontally on smaller screens. Selection must be based on a documented hazard and risk assessment.

What Is Positive Pressure?

Positive pressure respiratory systems deliver clean, breathable air to the wearer so that the pressure inside the facepiece, hood or helmet is higher than the surrounding atmosphere. This outward pressure helps reduce the inward leakage of contaminated air and can also reduce the breathing effort.

Powered Air (PAPR)

Ambient air is drawn through filters by a blower and delivered to the headtop.

Supplied Air (SAR)

Clean air is provided from a remote source through a filter panel, regulator and airline.

Self-Contained (SCBA)

Breathing air is carried in a cylinder and delivered through a demand valve to the facepiece.

PAPR systems are not suitable for oxygen-deficient or IDLH atmospheres. Selection must be based on a proper hazard and risk assessment.

Understanding APF

APF (Assigned Protection Factor) indicates the level of protection a respirator is expected to provide when properly selected, used and maintained.

Respirator CategoryTypical APF* (OSHA Framework)
Half-mask negative pressure10
Full-face negative pressure50
Loose-fitting hood/helmet PAPR25
Tight-fitting full-face PAPRUp to 1,000+
Supplied-air (loose-fitting hood/helmet)25
Supplied-air (full facepiece)50
Pressure-demand supplied-air (full face)1,000
Pressure-demand SCBA (full face)10,000

APF Calculation

Required APF = Contaminant Concentration Exposure Limit

Maximum Use Concentration
APF × Exposure Limit

Note: Never exceed IDLH limits, oxygen deficiencies or manufacturer limitations.

*Values may vary depending on jurisdiction, configuration and approval.

Our 3M Respiratory Solutions

Systems supplied and supported by Kewalson as an authorised distributor.

Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR)

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  • TR-315E with S-533L Hood / M-306
  • TR-619E with S-533L Hood / M-306
  • TR-819E (Intrinsically Safe) with S-533L Hood / M-306
Request Demo

Supplied-Air Respirator System

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  • W-2806 Filter Panel
  • V-300DA Air Regulating Valve
  • With S-533L / M-306 / 6800 Full Facepiece
Request Survey

3M Speedglas Adflo Welding Systems

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  • G5-01 VC / G5-01NC
  • G5-03
  • Integrated welding and respiratory protection
Book Demo

Scott SCBA System

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  • Scott Sigma 2 Type 2 Backplate
  • Scott Full Face Mask
  • Scott Composite Cylinder
Request Demo

Industries We Serve

Automotive

Paint, welding, grinding, adhesives, maintenance

Heavy Engineering

Welding, fabrication, foundry, maintenance, shutdowns

Pharmaceutical

Powder handling, high potency, cleaning, potential explosive dust environments

Oil & Gas

Hazardous area, maintenance, chemical handling, emergency response

Chemicals

Chemical handling, gases, vapors, reactor maintenance, decontamination

Every application is unique. Let our experts assess your environment.

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Our Services

Site Survey & Assessment

Application assessment and system recommendation for your environment.

Product Demonstration

On-site demonstration of systems with your team, in your conditions.

Fit Testing & Training

Fit testing and breathing-air quality checks per applicable standards.

Maintenance & Support

After-sales service, servicing schedules and system support.

Spare Parts & Consumables

Filters, hoods, visors and consumables held for supported systems.

Standards & Compliance

Our solutions comply with international standards and approvals.

  • EN 12941 / EN 12942Powered filtering devices
  • EN 14594Continuous flow supplied-air respirators
  • EN 137Self-contained breathing apparatus
  • NIOSH Approved SystemsWhere applicable
  • Fit Testing & Breathing-Air QualityPer applicable standards

View all standards →

Why Kewalson?

  • 3M Authorised Distributor
  • Wide Range of 3M Respiratory Solutions
  • Application Assessment & System Recommendation
  • On-site Demonstration & Training
  • After-sales Service & Support

Enquire Now

Tell us about your application and our experts will get in touch.

  • Serving industrial, infrastructure and government clients since 1974
  • Delhi headquarters with branches in Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Jaipur and Haridwar
  • Application assessment, demonstration and training delivered on site

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