There Are So Many Respirator Masks Out There, How Do I Choose One?

A respirator mask is going to be used to protect you from particles and contaminants in the air. This practice is only used if any other hazard methods are not possible. Respirator masks should not be your first choice for respiratory safety protection in the workplace.

It is very important that you choose the right respirator mask. If there are any leaks or exposure, they are useless. Choosing the right respiratory mask is more complicated than most probably are aware of. Most of the time the respirator mask will be chosen by experienced professionals who are familiar with the work environment that the mask will be worn in.

One of the many decisions is to choose the right class of respirator mask. This should be carefully considered based on the evaluation and identification of the hazard, and whether other engineering controls are feasible for the situation.

Many, many situations require a respirator mask. There is a list that helps most professionals make a logic decision upon choosing what they need.

Here are some of the questions to think about when choosing a respirator mask.

• Will it be used is oxygen deficient areas?
• Is there contact with an airborne contaminant that is a gase, particulate, or vapor?
• Is it going to be used in fire emergencies? Is the hazardous material above the limit considered safe, or could it cause immediate danger to life or health?
• What is the nature of the contaminant?
• What exactly are the health effects?
• What is the process you will be undergoing with the respirator mask?
• How long with the respirator need to be worn?
• Does the respirator mask fit properly?
• What will be the nearest place that the worker can reach air that is safe to breathe?
  

The main types of respirator masks are air-purifying and supplied air. The mouth bit respirator fits in the mouth and comes with a clip that keeps the nose closed. This type of respirator is for rescue purposes only. A quart-mask respirator only covers the mouth and nose. A half-face respirator covers the face and nose to below the chin area. The full-face piece respirator mask covers from above the eyes ro below the chin. It is very important to know which one of these will keep you safe when dealing with respiratory dangers.

You can choose supplied air respirator masks if an air-purifying mask just won’t do the trick. These masks supply clean air from an air tank. There are situations where air from the surrounding area cannot be taken in at all for someone’s own protection no matter how safe you think a mask is.

Make sure that you maintain your respirator masks from a safety official or occupational hazard specialist. It is never wise to choose a mask on your own. Each type of mask is of a different make and type that has been created to suit a certain situation. Using a respirator mask that you are not sure of can be very hazardous to you life and health.