In 2020, we all became aware of just how important respiratory protection is. This type of PPE has been around for a long time. Different types of respirators are used in a lot of high risk jobs, like firefighting and construction.
Respiratory protection are separated into two main categories: Air Purifying and Atmosphere Supplying.
AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATORS
Air Purifying Respirators (APRs) function by removing gases, vapors, aerosols, or a combination of contaminants from the air. These are most commonly used.
Filtering Facepiece Respirator: Disposable respirators that are designed with a filter material and form a seal around the nose and mouth. The mask forces air to always pass through the filter. Often referred to as a particulate respirator. APF usually around 10. (Hint: N95 is a classic example.)
Elastometric Half Mask Respirator: Reusable respirators with exchangeable filters or cartridges that may be changed for different levels of filtration needed. Facepieces are made of synthetic or natural rubber material that can be cleaned, disinfected and stored.
Elastomeric Full Face Respirator: Reusable respirator that also covers the nose, mouth and eyes. Very similar to the half mask elastromeric respirator, but also provides protection around the eyes.
Powered Air Purifying Respirator: Reusable respirator that has a hood or helmet that cover the entire head and is connected to a battery powered blower through a breathing tube and pulls air through filters and cartridges.
Atmosphere Supplying Respirator
Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators (ASRs) are just like it sounds, they provide clean breathing air from a source other than the air surrounding the user.
Full Facepiece Supplied Air Respirator: Full facepiece respirator that is connected via hose to a stationary source that is located away from the contaminated area. These are work when negative pressure and powered air purifying respirators do not provide adequate protection.
Auxiliary Escape Respirator/ Escape Hood or Mask: This is an attachment that provides protection from hazards for a limited amount of time in emergency situations, should the supplied air respirator fail. Usually contain a filter.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus: Full facepiece respirator that provides very pure, dry compressed air via a hose. Air is exhaled into environment. By law, these must be worn when entering environments immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) or when you cannot rule out IDLH atmosphere. These provide the highest level of respiratory protection, but they are heavy to wear, hard to communicate through and the oxygen supply is limited.
By understanding and choosing the right type of respirator, you can ensure maximum protection, enabling you to focus on your work with confidence. Remember, safety for yourself and your team should always come first. If you have any questions or need assistance in selecting the right respiratory protection, our customer support team is here to help. Stay safe, and breathe easy.
Browse our respiratory protection here.
Read more on how to conduct a respiratory hazard assessment here.
Are you more of a visual/auditory learner? Watch our expert-led webinar on disposable respiratory protection HERE.
