PiONAiR has launched the RX-3000 Hardhat All-in-One PAPR, a compact powered air respiratory protection system designed to help employers improve protection against hazardous dusts, including respirable crystalline silica.
The launch comes as silica dust exposure is under growing public and regulatory scrutiny, particularly in relation to engineered stone and quartz worktops. Recent reporting has highlighted severe cases of silicosis among workers cutting and finishing kitchen worktops, while the Health and Safety Executive has strengthened its guidance and enforcement activity around engineered stone dust.
The RX-3000 has beens developed for workers in construction, stonework, utilities, maintenance and other dusty industrial environments where respiratory protection must be practical, comfortable and easy to manage on site.
Unlike traditional belt-mounted powered air systems, the RX-3000 has no waist-mounted blower, breathing hose or separate power pack. The blower, filter and battery are built into the helmet system, giving the wearer one complete unit to put on before starting work.
The system provides loose-fitting powered respiratory protection to TH3 / APF40 level. Because it is loose-fitting, it does not require face fit testing and can be worn by operatives with facial hair, helping employers overcome one of the most common compliance issues associated with tight-fitting disposable or reusable masks.
The RX-3000 also integrates EN397 hardhat protection and an EN166 1 B impact-rated flip-front visor, making it suitable for demanding site environments where workers need head, eye and respiratory protection together.
A rear-mounted filter is positioned away from the direct dust path to help reduce filter loading, while three adjustable airflow speeds allow users to balance comfort and airflow during work. The front flip visor can be lifted when needed without removing the full helmet system.
Ricard Pomeroy, Product Manager at PiONAiR, said: “Silica dust is not a new risk, but the level of attention around engineered stone and construction dust is making many employers look again at whether their respiratory protection is practical enough for real site conditions.
“The RX-3000 was designed around a simple idea: make high-level powered protection easier to wear, easier to manage and easier to keep in use. With no belt-mounted blower or hose, it gives workers a single all-in-one unit that reduces restriction and helps simplify day-to-day use.
“For many employers, the challenge is not just choosing compliant RPE. It is making sure workers actually wear it correctly, especially where face fit testing, facial hair and comfort can create barriers. Loose-fitting powered air helps remove those barriers.”
The RX-3000 is designed for use with particulate hazards such as silica dust, wood dust, cement dust, plaster dust, grinding dust, metal fumes, mists and airborne particles, subject to a suitable risk assessment and correct filter selection.
PiONAiR is also offering the RX-3000 with storage options, including a Pro-Stack Heavy Duty PAPR Storage Case, giving the unit a dedicated place to be stored between tasks. This helps protect the equipment from damage and reduces the risk of dust entering the breathing area while the kit is not in use.
The RX-3000 is available exclusively through the PiONAiR distributor network. PiONAiR is also running a programme of no-obligation site demonstrations for employers, contractors and safety teams who want to see the system in use and understand where it could fit within their respiratory protection programme.
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