Anti-dust masks for many types of people

 What should you know when deciding whether to buy an escape hood, gas mask or other respirator to prepare your home and work?

Some employers and consumers are considering purchasing a gas mask or other respirator to protect themselves from potential terrorist threats, including biological and chemical substances. This guide will provide information on what respirators are, how they work and what is needed for respirators to provide protection.

Is buying a face mask for painting or other type of respirator the best way to protect yourself, your family and/or your employees?
If available and used correctly, mask for painting can selectively reduce the exposure you may be exposed to. respirators have been used in the workplace for many years and employers have a plan to ensure safety by choosing the right mask with a filter first and foremost.

As a first step, plan how you will respond in the event of an emergency. A fully protective mask is only a small part of that plan. In some cases, it is best to stay in place and avoid any uncertainty from the outside world, a process known as 'sheltering in place' as a means of survival. Use available information to assess the situation. You may need to take such measures if you see a lot of debris in the air or if the local authorities say that the air is heavily polluted.

respiratory protection is only effective if
you are using the correct respirator, it is available when you need it, you know when and how to put it on and take it off, and you have stored and kept it in working order according to the manufacturer's instructions

There are several types of paint respirator, each with its own precautions, restrictions and limitations of use. Some respirators need to be tested to ensure a snug fit on the face and should not be used with facial hair. Others use a nose clip and a biting mouthpiece that bites between the teeth, similar to a snorkel. Some respirators prevent the user from speaking, while others have the ability to speak. Every respirator contaminated with hazardous chemicals should be decontaminated and disposed of properly.

If you do not use your respirator properly, it is likely to fail to protect you and may even harm you. The following information will help you understand what a respirator is and how it should be used.

What is a respirator mask?
A respirator is a device that protects you from inhaling dangerous substances, such as chemicals and infectious particles. There are several different types of respirators, as described below.

Escape respirators
Escape respirators are designed to be used only in emergency situations and only to escape from a hazardous area to a safe area. There are several types of escape respirator on the market. Many of them use a hood with a neck seal rather than a facepiece. They are usually designed for short term disposable use, usually 15 minutes to 1 hour. They may be available in a variety of sizes to suit most adults. Individuals with smaller or larger neck sizes may not be able to use some escape hood designs - check supplier product information before purchasing.

Particulate respirators
Particulate respirators are the simplest, cheapest and least protective of the types of respirator available. These respirators only protect against particulate matter. They do not protect against chemicals, gases or vapours and are only used in low hazard classes. The well known "N-95" filter mask respirator is a particulate respirator and is commonly used in hospitals to protect against infection factors. Particulate respirators are "air-purifying respirators" because they remove particles from the air as you breathe. Even if you can't see the particles, there may be too many in the air for the respirator to provide adequate protection.

Chemical cartridges/gas mask respirators
gas masks are also known as "air-purifying respirators" because they filter or clean chemical gases and possibly airborne particles as you breathe. The respirator consists of a mask or facepiece and a filter/cartridge (called a "canister" if the filter is in a metal housing). A strap secures the mask to the head. The cartridge may have a filter to remove particles (e.g. biological weapons), charcoal (to remove certain chemicals), both or other parts. When the user inhales, the air is pulled through the filter.

gas masks are only effective when used with the correct cartridge or filter (these terms are often used interchangeably) for a specific biological or chemical substance. Choosing the right filter can be a complex process. There are available cartridges to protect against more than one hazard, but there is no 'all-in-one' filter that will protect against all substances. You need to know what hazards you will be exposed to in order to ensure that you have chosen the right filter.
These respirators must be selected to protect against specific hazards.
The precautions, restrictions and limitations of use that come with the respirator must be strictly observed. If your facepiece does not completely seal your face when you inhale, you may breathe in contaminated air that leaks from the sealing edge of your face. Anything that prevents the mask from fitting snugly around your face, such as a beard or long sideburns, can cause leaks. Some respirators come in different styles and sizes to suit different people, as people's faces have different shapes. You will also need to be trained on how to put on and wear the mask correctly.

If I have the correct cartridge/filter for a hazard and my mask fits, will they always protect me from that hazard?
gas masks and escape respirators reduce exposure to hazards, but if the exposure exceeds the filter's capacity (either because the amount of toxic gas or particles exceeds the filter's design capacity, or because the exposure lasts longer than the filter is designed to handle), the filter may not be effective in providing the required protection. In addition, even if the fit of the respirator has been tested, there may be a small amount of leakage. If this is the case, and if there are large amounts of toxic chemicals in the outside air, then even a small leak may be dangerous.

Can anyone wear a gas mask?
Breathing through a respirator is more difficult than breathing outdoors. People with lung conditions such as asthma or emphysema, older people and others may have difficulty breathing. Some people who suffer from claustrophobia may not be able to wear a mask or respirator with a hood. Some people with vision problems may have difficulty seeing while wearing a mask or hood (special masks are available for those who need glasses).

Will a gas mask protect children?
For children, especially young children and babies, there are various problems with the wearing and use of respirators. For example, the masks currently available are unlikely to fit the faces of young children and infants. As with anyone using a respirator, fit testing, training and proper use and maintenance are essential.

Will my cartridge/filter and respirator mask be permanently protected?
Filters and masks can become old. If the filter cartridge attached to the mask is outdated, exposed to the air or damaged, you will not be protected. Filter cartridges containing charcoal or other chemicals used to filter air should be packaged in sealed packages. Matching products should not be used if they are open or not packed in a sealed package. Even accessories in their original packaging have expiry dates that should be checked before purchase. In addition, over time your mask will become old and damaged. Keep the mask in a clean, dry place, away from extreme heat or cold.

If I wear my gas mask correctly, am I completely safe?
The cartridge will only protect against certain airborne substances that are inhaled. Some dangerous chemicals can be absorbed through the skin. Properly selected and worn gas masks and escape respirators must be combined with protective clothing to completely prevent injury from these chemicals.

Will a gas mask protect me if there is not enough oxygen in the air?
gas masks do not provide oxygen. If used in an environment with low oxygen levels, such as a fire, you run the risk of asphyxiation.

Will the gas mask protect me in the event of a fire?
If your main concern is being able to escape from a smoke filled building, then it is important to read the manufacturer's information. Smoke particles can quickly clog gas mask filters and filters with special chemicals are needed to protect against carbon monoxide and other gases that may be present in a fire. Not all gas masks and escape respirators protect against these hazards. Some parts of many gas masks and escape respirators, including hoods and face shields, may melt if exposed to fire.

How long will a gas mask or escape respirator last once I have it on?
This depends on the filtering capacity of the respirator and the level of hazard in the air - the more chemical or biological hazards in the air (the higher the concentration), the shorter the duration of the filter. There is no absolute time limit and it will vary depending on the capacity of each respirator model. This is why your emergency plan must include some idea of how to reach a safe area before the filtering capacity of the mask is exhausted.

In very often this full face respirator mask is the basis for keeping us safe, even if we are not currently in danger or the workplace is relatively safe, but I think the groundwork needs to be prepared first, and this is the raison d'etre of being prepared.

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