This respirator includes a facepiece or mask, and a filter/cartridge (if the filter is in a metal shell it is called a “canister”). Gas masks are also known as “air-purifying respirators” because they filter or clean chemical gases and possibly particles out of the air as you breathe. There are several different types of respirators, as described below. What is a respirator?Ī respirator is a device to protect you from inhaling dangerous substances, such as chemicals and infectious particles. The following information will help you understand what a respirator is, and how it should be used. If you do not use a respirator correctly, it is very likely that it will not protect you-and may even hurt you. This information is provided by the supplier of the respirator (i.e. Training is extremely important in regard to the storage, maintenance, use, and discarding of the respirator. Some escape respirators come in a package that must remain sealed until use, so you need to be trained using a special “practice” version. Sometimes you can practice using your own respirator. Every respirator contaminated with hazardous chemicals should be decontaminated and disposed of properly.Īll respirators require training to be properly used. Some respirators prevent the user from talking while others have speaking capabilities. Others use a nose clip and mouthpiece, which is clenched between your teeth, similar to a snorkel. Some respirators require testing to ensure a tight fit to the face, and should not be used with facial hair.
#Changing gas mask filters how to
you know when and how to put it on and take it off, and.
Respiratory protection is effective only if: The US Department of Homeland Security offers information on shelter-in-place and other emergency planning recommendations external icon on its Internet site, and through a toll-free number, 1-800-BE-READY.
If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you may want to take this kind of action. Use available information to assess the situation. There may be situations in which it’s simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside, a process known as “shelter-in-place,” as a means of survival. A respirator is only one small part of that plan. The goal is to avoid unintended problems that might occur through lack of understanding or a false sense of security.Īs a first step, plan how to respond if an emergency happens. When consumers use respirators, they don’t have such support, so this fact sheet includes lots of background information to help consumers understand the limitations and cautions that need to be considered. Respirators have been used for many years in the workplace, where employers have programs to make sure the proper masks are selected and that the respirator fits. If available and used correctly, a respirator can selectively reduce the exposure you might otherwise receive. Is buying an escape hood or other type of respirator the best way to protect myself, my family, and/or my employees?
This guidance will provide information on what respirators are, how they work, and what is needed for a respirator to provide protection. Some employers and consumers are considering purchasing escape hoods or other respirators to protect themselves against potential terrorist threats, including biological and chemical substances.
What You Should Know in Deciding Whether to Buy Escape Hoods, Gas Masks, or Other Respirators for Preparedness at Home and Work
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