10 Tips on Wearing A Respirator

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A lot of people don’t read all the ins and outs of a product they are about to use. For the most part, we tend to have a general idea of how something works and try it out. If all seems well, then we continue seemingly without incident. But wearing a respirator of any sort should be taken seriously. It’s not simply a matter of taking it out of the bag and putting it over your face. So let’s go over 10 tips on wearing a respirator.

1.    Most women don’t need to worry about this one, but if you are male, then this tip is for you. You should have a clean shaven face when wearing a respirator. Having a clean shaven face will enable a proper seal around the face or mouth/nose areas. Even though hairs are extremely small, the space they create will allow toxic fumes in to your mask and defeat the purpose of wearing a respirator.

2.    If your respirator is designed to be used once, don’t reuse it. For the respirators that use cartridges, it is important to follow their directions. Most organic cartridges are charcoal based and degrade when exposed to air.

3.    It sounds boring, but reading all of the instructions is really important. There may be a specific problem or incidence you need to adhere to when using your respirator. The instructions are designed for that specific respirator, so it is best to follow them.

4.    A common mistake when inserting filters or cartridges is to forget to remove the protective coverings. Usually these covers are in place to prevent the filter from degrading from exposure.

5.    All respirators will come with instructions to test your fitting. It is important to have a proper seal as mentioned in tip #1. Fit testing should take less than 30 seconds, so it makes sense to do it every time.

6.    Change your filters and cartridges often. Yes, they can be expensive but it’s your health that you’re putting at risk. When to change them will be specified with their documentation. Again, it’s important to follow these and even do better than what’s recommended.

7.    I’ve often debated with people about wearing a half-faced or full-faced respirator. Yes it can depend on the job, but I believe you want as much facial protection as possible. The skin on your face is very sensitive and it is an easy route for chemicals to enter the body. Not only that, but a full face respirator will also help protect your eyes.

8.    Don’t confuse a full face respirator with SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus). You should always work in a well ventilated area. Many deaths have occurred from poor ventilation.

9.    If you are unsure of the type of respirator to use or if a work environment is safe, contact safety works or another recognized organization. Never take a chance; your life could depend on it.

10. There are different types of respirators. Some are for organic compounds and others for dust and particles. Always double check with the documentation that it fits the job.

And there you have it, 10 tips on wearing a respirator. How much is your health worth to you?