Respiratory diseases rank as the third most prevalent occupational disease category in Europe, according to a survey of occupational diseases in the European Union (EU) 1. Scott Safety, a world leader in the design and manufacture of respiratory protective products, has launched the Spirit Powered Air Respirator, the next generation in powered air purifying respirators that will provide advanced protection in almost any environment.
Combining new levels of operator comfort with air flow adjustability and low through life costs, the Spirit from Scott Safety operates with either particle or combined particle and gas filters and with a new and updated range of versatile headtops to offer protection in a wide range of hazardous environments.
The Spirit incorporates an intelligent performance indicator that shows remaining battery life and airflow rates that can be set to the requirements of the application or the user allowing the whole system to be tailored to their needs. When using particulate filters airflow can be adjusted by the user to match both personal preferences and environmental demands and a volumetric closed loop flow rate control keeps airflow constant, regardless of the filter or head top. If using the SX version, airflow is adjustable in precise increments. The display screen gives clear indication of current performance and remaining capacity and on the Spirit SX version, the smart filter identification automatically recognises and displays filter type and prevents mismatched or badly fitted filter use. An alarm will warn the user if the flow of air has decreased, which could be as a result of the filter becoming clogged.
The through life costs are improved through the use of a rechargeable, long-lasting Lithium battery and a 1800 hours or 3-year warranty on the blower with no conditional servicing stipulations.
The Spirit works with a new versatile range of headtops including three new ergonomic designs that Scott Safety has developed to improve wearer comfort and acceptance. The colour matched range has been purpose designed to provide specialised high performance for each application with a choice of hose types, materials and an increased field of view in the ‘soft’ headtops, making them safer and more practical over a range of tasks. It incorporates the extensively used soft top, full hood and flip-up visor, with all three models meeting the highest Class TH3 protection levels. The revolutionary mesh headgear on the newest headtops enhances comfort and makes donning intuitive.
From lockable filters to a self-adjusting hose, clear displays and rapid recharge power packs, Spirit is a breath of fresh air in PAPR design.
