When do welding helmet and respirator parts need replacing?

There are many benefits to maintaining your welding helmet and respirator parts, including comfort, safety, and saving money!

To help you keep on top of welding helmet maintenance, we will guide you through each component, and reveal what parts to replace and when.

When should I replace my welding helmet?

Most auto darkening helmets should last a good 8-10 years if looked after correctly.

Maintaining the parts and replacing them when needed will also increase the lifespan, give lasting comfort and enable it to perform at its best at all times.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends having a competent ventilation engineer to test and examine the system every 14 months.

How often should I change my lenses in my welding helmet?

Out of all the parts within the helmet, the lens is probably the one that needs to be replaced the most. It's no wonder this is the case as it puts up with flying debris and sparks on a regular basis!

Look out for signs of damage including:

- Scratches, dents or cracks.
- The lens becomes uncleanable.
- If the inside lens changes in colour.
- The vision has become poor.
- For auto darkening lenses - if the battery is charged but you are noticing the auto dark is not working.

When to replace the lens depends on how much you use it. For regular use we recommend replacing the outside lens every 3-5 days and the inside lens every month. Anti fog lenses should be replaced every 2-4 weeks.

When should I change the filters in my PAPR system?

Most PAPR systems will let you know when you need to replace the filter. However it is good practice to have scheduled filter changes to prolong the life of your system.

Look out for signs that the filter needs replacing, such as:

- The battery is not lasting as long as you would expect.
- Your breathing becomes difficult.
- You smell any pollutants.
- The filter has been damaged.

If you don't see any of the above signs, we still recommend changing the filter after every 40 hours of use.

When should I replace the face seal on my welding helmet?

The face seal is a crucial part of the helmet which can easily be forgotten. It is essential to clean this part as well as the helmet after each use. Not only for comfort, but to keep polluting gases at bay.

Replace your face shield if you notice:

- Any rips or damage.
- Any fumes are seeping into the helmet.
- It has become unhygienic.

It is recommended to change the face seal after 2 months if you are working in a dirty environment and 3-4 months if you're not using it every day.

The tips above go hand in hand with ensuring your welding helmet is well cleaned after each use and is stored in a clean and dry place.

If you need to replace the parts in your welding helmet, take a look at our wide range of welding helmet spare parts. Or for more information on when to change the parts in your welding helmet, contact our team of experts.