Respiratory protection
What you should know about respiratory protection
First and foremost, you need to know what you need to protect yourself against. Dust and liquid particles or gases and vapors?
When working with dust
If you work with dust and liquid particles, you should choose a respiratory protection with a particle filter. They are available as face masks (disposable masks) and as half- or full-face masks.
Face masks or half- and full-face masks
The face mask provides freedom of movement and is an easy solution for simple tasks. The disadvantages are that you can only work with it for three hours a day. At the same time, it can be difficult to fit to the face, and it also has a limited lifespan.
Disposable dust masks are available with and without exhalation valves; the advantage of the valve is easier exhalation and less moisture in the mask.
Half- and full-face masks can be reused. They are equipped with a particle filter that must be replaced depending on the type of contamination you are working with. Check the chart and find the type of mask that suits the work you need to perform.
When working with gases and vapors
If you work with gases and vapors, you should choose a half- or full-face mask. Below is an overview of the types of filters you need for the most common gases and vapors.
Filter guide
Limitations on the use of respiratory protection
You may work a maximum of three hours a day with face masks and half- and full-face masks. If you need to work longer during the day, you should choose a turbo respiratory protection or a supplied-air respirator. These can be used for a maximum of six hours a day.
If you have a beard
Even with stubble or short beard, you lose up to 90% of the mask's protective factor. Therefore, if you have a beard, it is recommended to use a turbo respiratory protection or a supplied-air respirator.
In certain cases, you need to use a supplied-air respirator. For example:
When working in wells, tanks, or other places with low oxygen content.
When air pollution is high.
When you do not know what type of air pollution you are working with.
When there are no approved filters for the pollution you are working with.
When the pollution cannot be smelled or tasted.
If you have lost your sense of smell.
Get the optimal protection
The respiratory protection must be used throughout the time you are in the contaminated area, as even a short period without respiratory protection will result in significantly reduced protection.
For example, if you wear the mask for the entire work time and have a protection factor of, say, 100, removing the mask for just 5% of the time will result in an overall protection factor of 16 over the entire work period.
Remember, not all types of contamination have filters available. If you cannot get a suitable filter, you should use a supplied-air respirator.
When should you change the filter?
With particle filters, it is quite easy. You can clearly feel that it becomes harder to breathe through the filter.
A charcoal filter should be replaced when you can smell and taste the chemicals. How long it takes before the filter needs to be replaced depends, among other things, on temperature, humidity, and how much air you breathe in.
5 Things to consider when choosing respiratory protection
What substances do you need to protect against?
What type of mask is suitable for the task?
What type of filter is suitable for the task?
How much time per day will you use the respiratory protection?
Do you need a supplied-air respirator?
Types of respiratory protection:
Depending on the chosen filter, half- and full-face masks protect against
particles, gases, and vapors. A half-mask covers the nose, mouth, and chin.
A full-face mask covers the entire face.
Protects against dust and particles, covering the nose, mouth, and chin.
The mask can be equipped with an exhalation valve.
Turbo respirators protect, depending on the selected filter, against dust, gases, vapors, and odors. A fan unit draws air through the filters, after which the cleaned air is conveyed through a hose into the main part.
Note: Turbo equipment is not a fresh air supplied respirator.
This guide is prepared by
Nordic Safety Alliance
Specialists in safety equipment for industry and construction for 80 years.