Fit is critical for effectiveness. NIOSH approved respirators are designed to filter from 95% to 99.7% of the particulate hazards from the air that pass through them. How the respirator seals to the face is one of the most important aspects for its effectiveness to help filter particles out of the air. Half face respirators are designed to be tight-fitting, and it is crucial that the user has a good seal on the face before entering a contaminated area. Air will take the path of least resistance, so if a user does not get a proper seal between the respirator and the face, inhaled air and airborne hazards are more likely to travel through the gaps around the edges of the respirator, rather than through the filter.
To check for a proper seal: First, if you are an occupational user, you need to be fit-tested at least annually to help ensure you have selected the correct size respirator that seals to your face. Next, you will need to perform a user seal check prior to each use and before being exposed to the hazard. A user seal check will help determine if the respirator is being worn properly. To ensure you don’t break the seal, it is important that nothing comes between the edge of the respirator and the face. You need to be clean-shaven every time you wear a respirator, even a 5 o’clock shadow can break the seal. Finally, remember to look out for any other items that may interfere with the seal of the respirator.
21 июл 2024
