Respirators

"The Importance of Using a Respirator..."

When working with noxious materials, such as solvents and finishing materials, it is not only important to protect your eyes and skin, but your lungs as well.  When proper work-area ventilation is a problem, several breaks are required a day for fresh air; even so, a health problem is sure to erupt from prolonged exposure to the work materials.  A personal respirator can make work-time more efficient, as well as improve breathing conditions.

General Information...

Uses for a respirator...

In the medical and industrial field, many employees are required to be fitted yearly for a personal air purifying respirators. Personal respirators protect against biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses (such as anthrax), mold and fungi; particle contaminants such as gases, vapors, dust and fumes; and chemical contaminants that may all irritate the lungs and chest or cause an unnoticeable hazard to your body from prolonged exposure. 

Types of respirators...

Particle respirators work well for dusts, mists and fumes; however, do not work well for gases and vapors. Particle respirators usually cover just the lower half of the face and should be used in addition to safety goggles.

Combination respirators work well for the above particle contaminants as well as gases and vapors. They cover either half or all of the face depending upon the manufacturer and are usually heavier than other styles.

The third style of respirators are Gas and Vapor respirators, which are usually used when there are only hazardous gases and vapors in the air. These respirators use chemical filters called cartridges or canisters and can be specific to certain chemicals.

When the user finds the respirator difficult to breathe through, it is a good indication that its filters need replacing.

How much do respirators actually protect me?

Even if the user does not wear glasses or have facial hair that extends to the frame of the respirator, proper fit is a necessity to ensure the respirator is effective.  Occupation Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)  have collaborated with the American National Standards Institute to make a chart of the  assigned protection factor (APF). The APF of a respirator reflects the level of protection that a properly functioning respirator would be expected to provide to a population of properly fitted and trained users.  For example, an APF of 10 for a respirator means that a user could expect to inhale no more than one tenth of  the airborne contaminant present.

If you have any questions, call us, we'll be glad to help!

1-877-688-2703

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