Don’t Risk Your Safety: Respirators to Reduce Exposure (Part 1)

3M Air-Mate™ Powered Air Purifying Respirator Blower Assy
3M Air-Mate™ Powered Air Purifying Respirator Blower Assy

For National Safety Month, this is the first of a two-part series on the value of respirators.

A chemical leak at a Texas plant killed four workers in November, 2014. An investigation revealed a clogged pipe leading from a storage tank of methyl mercaptan. The toxic liquid was responsible for claiming the lives of the workers, who were not required to wear respirators.

While the investigation continued, the incident was eye-opening to those working around hazardous substances, infectious agents, fumes and gases, and other airborne risks. Without proper protection, the danger is real and the hazards can be fatal.

OSHA classifies respirators as air-purifying (those that remove contaminants) and atmosphere-supplying (those that supply clean air to wearers).

Air purifying respirators: While dust masks may protect users from allergens, dust, and mists, they do not provide adequate filtration for gases, vapors, asbestos, and lead.

Half-face respirators are the first level of protection against these contaminants. Full-face respirators provide an enhanced level of protection and also shield the eyes. Loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators circulate air within a hood or helmet. All of these types of respirators filter air through cartridges, which are selected according to your exposure to contaminants. Typically, these respirators are NIOSH-approved.

Atmosphere-supplying respirators: For oxygen-deficient environments, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with an air tank keeps you breathing clean air. Don a SCBA when the air is deemed dangerous prior to entry—containing very toxic chemicals or unknown contaminants. Regular SCBA wearers include firefighters, rescue workers, and industrial users.

NIOSH approves SCBA after rigorous testing and evaluation. These tests include the ability to protect users from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials that first responders may encounter.

Read part two in our next blog, covering respirator cartridges and fit. View our selection of respirators and masks.

1 Comment on "Don’t Risk Your Safety: Respirators to Reduce Exposure (Part 1)"

  1. Very good post on the subject of breathing apparatus. Breathing apparatus is a very important PPE and can be life saving. We deal in safety signs and wonderful to see post related to our field.

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