Follow these three steps to lengthen the useful life of your half-mask and full-face dual cartridge reusable respirators and make sure they properly filter air as designed.
More respirator accessories available from Gemplers
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The three steps to keeping your respirator in good condition are:
- Inspection
- Cleaning
- Storage
The first step: Inspection
Inspections should be performed before each use and during cleaning. Follow these steps to thoroughly inspect your respirator:
- Check the straps for tears and be sure that the elastic isn't too loose.
- Inspect the face seal. Look for dirt, cracks or tears and make sure it is still pliable.
- If you have a full-face respirator, check the lens for cracks or other damage. - Check the tightness of any connections and look for any other worn, damaged or missing parts such as exhalation or inhalation valves.
- Replace any parts if necessary and make sure to only use NIOSH-approved parts for that specific respirator.
If your respirator is damaged beyond repair, it must be removed from service.
You can find a large inventory of replacement parts for 3M, Moldex, Honeywell, and other respirators at gemplers.com/collections/resp....
The next step is cleaning
Respirators must be cleaned in accordance with OSHA's cleaning procedures. OSHA states it needs to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use if being worn by a different person. The manufacturer's suggestions are usually to clean it after each use, or more frequently if necessary.
The basic cleaning steps for a respirator are:
- Wash your hands.
- Disassemble the respirator.
- Remove cartridges, filters, valves, diaphragms or any other parts recommended by the manufacturer.
- Wash the components in warm water (not exceeding 110 degrees F) with mild detergent or a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. A brush with stiff bristles can be used to remove stubborn dirt. Do not use wire brushes.
- Thoroughly rinse all components with clean, warm and preferably running water. - If the cleaner used does not contain a disinfecting agent, then the components should be immersed for two minutes in a hypochlorite, iodine or equally effective disinfectant solution recommended by the manufacturer.
- The components should again be thoroughly rinsed with clean, warm and preferably running water.
- Allow components to air dry or hand dry them with a clean lint-free cloth.
- Reassemble the respirator and test it to be sure that it works properly.
The third step for proper maintenance of a respirator is storage.
Dust, sunlight, humidity, extreme temperatures, and chemicals may all damage respirators. Follow these guidelines for best results:
- Store respirators in a cool, dry place out of the sunlight and away from chemicals.
- Use a respirator storage bag or remove cartridges and store them in a sealable plastic bag.
Cartridges can absorb anything from cigarette smoke to engine exhaust. Do not store the respirator on a workbench, dashboard, or in a tractor cab. Do not set anything on top of it or store it in an area where it may be crushed.
Take good care of your respirator by knowing how to inspect and clean it. If you spot any worn, damaged or missing parts, use a different respirator. Also, make sure to leave the contaminated area where you’re using your respirator and change cartridges when you detect any odors or irritation.
Be sure to read your owner's manual for any additional care instructions.
If you need more help, contact Gemplers Customer Service at (800) 382-8437. If you need any replacement parts for your dual-cartridge respirator, click on the links in this video to head over to gemplers.com/collections/resp... for those items.
21 июл 2024
