Honeywell - Respiratory Protection Catalogue

Respiratory Protection

RESPIRATORY > Know Your Respiratory Safety Needs

Know Your Respiratory Safety Needs

When choosing a respirator that is suitable for your work environment, several important factors needs to be taken into account.

HARMFUL SUBSTANCES MAY BE IN THE FORM OF DUSTS, MISTS, FUMES, GASES, VAPORS, OR COMBINATIONS.

B) Selection of filter efficiency (i.e., 95%, 99%, or 99.97%) depends on how much filter leakage can be accepted. Higher filter efficiency means lower filter leakage. • For protection from gases and vapors, use a different respirator type. The type of contaminant and concentration will determine which filter/respirator is required. You need to know the workplace exposure standard for it. • Conduct regular trainings for the need and correct use of respirators. Product training and motivation of users of personal protective equipment is vital to ensure complete understanding of a respiratory protection program.

• Ensure there is sufficient oxygen present in your work environment (please refer to standards or regulations for concentration level details). • Determine the physical and chemical properties of the contaminant – this can be ascertained from the most current Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the substance concerned, or from other appropriate reference resources. • Determine the concentration of the contaminant in your workplace environment. Lower capacity respirators are only designed to work at lower concentration levels, and you may need to use a different respirator for a higher rate of contaminant concentration. • Assess the working conditions and respirator protection factor. It is recommended to use a filter series (N, R, or P), depending on the contaminant and its concentration level. A) The selection of N, R, and P-series filters depends on the presence or absence of oil particles. - If no oil particles are present in the work environment, use a filter of any series (i.e., N, R, or P-series). - If oil particles (e.g., lubricants, cutting fluids, glycerine, etc.) are present, use a R or P-series filter. N-series filters cannot be used if oil particles are present.

- If oil particles are present and the filter is to be used for more than one work shift, use only a P-series filter.

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