Ten Considerations When Selecting Respiratory Protection

There are many factors to consider when choosing respiratory protection. Do your employer and health and safety regulations require masks? Is the mask certified by a notified body? But even once you select the right respiratory protection for your job and application, another important consideration is getting the right fit.

Respiratory protection must be used in accordance with all health and safety regulations and the manufacturer's instructions for use. Here are ten things to consider when selecting respiratory protection for your workers.

• Even with the highest filtration efficiency available, if a mask is not properly fitted, contaminated air can pass through the mask and into the wearer's respiratory tract. If your employer has a respiratory protection program that requires a fit test, make sure you have passed the fit test correctly each time you wear a new type or model of mask. This is especially true for tight masks, which include filter masks (FFR) and reusable respiratory protection (RR) (elastomeric).

• Select respiratory protection products from a reputable mask manufacturer that prioritizes fit and understand that faces come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

• Masks may have different components to help with fit and comfort. Nose clips, straps, foam for the nose, etc. Inspect each mask before using it. Are the components in good condition? Are you using them properly?

• Always read carefully and follow the user instructions to know how to perform the model-specific user seal check.

• Changing mask model can be challenging, but there are many options, so you should seek out respiratory protection specialists who can help you understand the options available and what the right fit will provide considering the potential risks.

• For users, 'fitting' usually means proper sealing and comfort. In the case of fitted masks such as filter masks (FFR) /disposable masks or reusable masks (RR), the 'fitting' focuses on the sealing capability of each wearer's face. Fitting tests and putting/removing practice, as well as sealing checks are key parts of using masks correctly.

• It is important to understand the fit and check that you can get a good fit and seal every time you wear the mask. Make sure you are well shaved, if using an FFR or RR, even if the RR is used with motorised breathing equipment.

• User sealing checks are important for the mask wearer to check the sealing at any time and determine what adjustments may be necessary.

• For all masks, including loose masks such as many powered respirators (PAPR) and air-supplied masks (SA), adjustment may affect the perception of comfort. A mask that is not the right size can become uncomfortable over time. Masks that do not fit well can cause pressure points or become cumbersome. The adjustment is individual: no face is the same, so a mask model fits different people differently. Take as much time as you need to practice using your mask to ensure that it fits you well, is comfortable, and can be worn for as long as necessary given the demands of your job.

• Make sure your mask is kept in a clean place. Always inspect the mask before putting it on to make sure it is not damaged, damaged or expired before using it.

Adjustment is essential for respiratory protection. What's the point of a new mask if it can't achieve proper sealing and isn't comfortable all the time? Keep all these things in mind whenever you want to switch to a new model or are evaluating whether you want to continue with the model you are currently using.

Fitting and sealing properly will help you to get the maximum protection from your breathing protection. For more information on fit tests and help in selecting the right respiratory protection products, please contact our respiratory protection specialists for help.

Do you need help selecting the respiratory PPE? We're here to help you.

Contact our respiratory protection specialists, who are available to share their knowledge of the industry, regulations and products and help you select respiratory options that keep you and your workers protected

It's from: 3M Spain, S.L.