How to evaluate respiratory protection options

Wearing a mask, whether by choice or work requirement, is about protection. There are also other things to consider when choosing the type of mask to use. Protection, fit, comfort, quality and durability: these are all key elements to consider. Whether you are an expert in making these decisions or have little experience in choosing respiratory protective equipment, you will want to be sure that you are making the right decision for your workplace. But how are these qualities evaluated? Let's dive into the world of respiratory protection.

Protection

Protection is paramount. As an employee, you should feel that the respiratory protection you wear is approved for use in the country and sector in which you work. Do you meet the requirements of your job? Everyone wants to come home safe and sound at the end of their workday and proper respiratory protection can help you achieve this. However, a difficulty with air pollutants is that some are so small that they cannot be seen.

In addition, over time, many dangerous air pollutants have been associated with long-term health problems from exposure to elements such as welding fumes, isocyanates, silica powders and other substances. Choosing adequate respiratory protection to help protect you from exposure above the occupational exposure limit is a vital step in protecting yourself.

Comfort

The use of respiratory protection often requires some adjustment, but there are many different options and, with the right selection, comfort and protection are not mutually exclusive. Whether you are thinking about disposable masks, reusable options, powered respiration equipment (PAPR) or even air supply (SA), there are many options available and consulting with a reputable manufacturer to help you find a suitable option can be very helpful. .What. In addition, many things related to comfort must be considered, and a respiratory protection specialist can help.

Adjustment

In the field of respiratory protection, fit is a vital element, along with comfort and protection. Without proper adjustment, you will not always be able to get the protection you seek with the use of respiratory protection. Fitness tests are very important when choosing a respiratory protection program. Even with the best possible filtration, if a mask is not properly fitted, the contaminated air can pass through the mask and head into the wearer's respiratory tract.

For users, the setting includes appropriate sealing and comfort. In the case of tight-fitting masks, such as disposable (FFR) masks and reusable half-masks, the fit is the sealing capacity to each wearer's face. For all masks, including loose masks such as many PAPR and SA, adjustment may affect the wearer's perception of comfort. A mask that is not the right size may not fit well and become uncomfortable over time. Masks that do not fit well can cause pressure points or become cumbersome. Remember, fitting is individual: no face is the same and you should look for a manufacturer committed to fitting and design that takes into account all kinds of face shapes and sizes.

Quality

Quality is important when it comes to product selection. Even if the correct fit, comfort level and protection requirements are met, if the quality of your mask is not adequate, then it is not a product you should continue to use. Have you been certified by the appropriate regulatory body?

With proper care and maintenance, reusable masks and PPE can last quite a long time, so it is important to follow all user instructions on cleaning and inspect respiratory protective equipment every time it is used, as components erode over time due to use and the environments to which they are exposed as part of their work.

Respiratory protection should be designed to help you have the peace of mind and confidence in your PPE you need to do your job and return safely to your family at the end of the day. When choosing which type of respiratory protection to use, look for a manufacturer that offers innovative solutions based on science.

Do you need help selecting the respiratory PPE? We're here to help you

Contact our respiratory protection specialists, who are available to share their knowledge of the industry, regulations and products and help you select respiratory options that keep you and your workers protected.

It's from: 3M Spain, S.L.