Northeast Property Restoration
March 13, 2020
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Types of Respiratory Protection

Types of Respiratory Protection | Respirators are used everyday in multiple industries. There are different types of respiratory protectors designed to protect against contaminants that are present in the field of work.

Respirators protect the user in two basic ways:

Removal of contaminants from the air. These include particulate respirators, which filter out airborne particles; and “gas masks” which filter out chemicals and gases.
Other respirators protect by supplying clean respirable air from another source. These include airline respirators, which use compressed air from a remote source; and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which include their own air supply.

DO NOT PURCHASE AND USE these respirators if you are not exposed to hazardous environments and DO NOT have the proper training, fit testing, and medical evaluation to use them. Specific professions rely on this protection to do their jobs properly and safely.

NIOSH issues recommendations for respirator use. Which can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/respusers.html

Surgical Masks (NOT a Type of Respiratory Protection)

Intended Use: Fluid resistant and provides protection against large droplets, splashes, and or sprays of bodily or other hazardous fluids.

Fit Testing: Not Required

Filtration: Does NOT provide the wearer with a reliable level of protection from inhaling smaller airborne particles and is NOT considered respiratory protection.

Use Limitations: Discard after one use.

Professions: Used in medical, nurses, doctors, dentist, etc.

1) N95 Respirator

Intended Use: Reduces exposure to small particle aerosols and large droplets.

Fit Testing: Required

Filtration: Filters out at least 95% of airborne particles including large and small.

Use Limitations: Should be discarded after each patient encounter, becomes damaged, no longer seals to face, becomes wet, dirty, or becomes exposed to fluids.

Professions: Contractors, Builders, Construction, Medical professions, etc.

2) Elastomeric Half Face-piece Respirator

Intended Use: Protects against small particles, vapors, and gases. At NEPR we use these respirators.

Fit Testing: Required

Filtration: Should be equipped with filters that block 95%, 99%, or 100%. (filters sold separately)

Use Limitations: Reusable but must be properly cleaned and disinfected. Store away after cleaning. Replaceable canisters, cartridges, and filters.

Professions: Disaster Cleanup Technicians, Welders, Construction, etc.

3) Elastomeric Full Face-piece Respirator

Intended Use: Protect against vapors, particles when equipped with the appropriate filters. Also provides eye protection. At NEPR we use these for any CAT 3 job those with mold and sewage.

Fit Testing: Required

Filtration: Should be equipped with filters that block 95%, 99%, or 100%. (filters sold separately)

Use Limitations: Reusable face-piece and replaceable canisters, cartridges, and filters.

Professions: Disaster Cleanup Technicians, Welders, Construction, etc.

4) Powered Air Purifying Respirator

Intended Use: Protect against gases, vapors, or particles when equipped with cartridges, canisters, or filters. Provides eye protection.

Fit Testing: Loose fitting Not Required. Tight fitted required.

Filtration: Battery powered with blower that pulls air through an attached canister.

Use Limitations: Reusable face-piece and replaceable canisters, cartridges, and filters.

NIOSH Respirator Filter Classes

Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators

These respirators provide clean air from a source separate from the work area. They protect wearers from many types of contaminants including particles, gases, and vapors. Some of these respirators can supply breathable air in areas where here is not enough oxygen. Fit testing is required with these tight fitting face-piece respirators.

1) Supplied Air Respirator

How Does it Work?: The face-piece is connected to a separate source that supplies compressed air through a hose.

Types: Available in demand, pressure demand, and continuous flow configurations.

Intended Use: Can be lightweight therefore can be used when working for long hours in environments not immediately dangerous to life and health.

2) Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

Types: Open Circuit and Closed Circuit

How Does it Work?: Open Circuit– Pressurized cylinder is carried on back to supply breathing air for 30-90 mins, Exhausts air instead of recirculating, and can either be continuous demand (escape only) or pressured demand. Closed Circuit– Approved for both entry and escape, 4 hours of use, recycles exhaled air, removes carbon dioxide and replaces with oxygen,

Intended Use: Used for entry into or escape from environments that are deemed dangerous to life and health.

Professions: Firefighters, miners, etc.

3) Combination Respirator

How Does it Work?: Pressure demand combinations, suitable for dangerous to life and health environments, can be used to enter confined spaces. Self contained air supply. SCBA provides air if airline supply fails or becomes interrupted.

Intended Use: Used for entry into or escape from environments that are deemed dangerous to life and health.

Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection is extremely important when working in specific environments with hazardous conditions. All employees that use respiratory protection need training. Knowledge is needed to properly wear and use these respirators.

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Broome County, Tioga County, Tompkins County, Cortland County, Susquehanna County, Lakawanna County, Chenango County and more!