FAQs

Respiratory FAQ's

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• Is a disposable mask all that is needed to protect against harmful airborne material?

  No. There are six types of airborne hazards – Dust, mist, fume, vapour, gas and oxygen deficiency/enrichment.

  Respiratory gear is designed, manufactured, tested and certified for use against a number of different hazards and should be selected for a specific purpose. Charts are available to choose the appropriate protection. Check the charts and the label/type of each respirator.

  P1 rated respirators protect against mechanically generated particles.

  P2 rated respirators protect against mechanically and some thermally generated particles. Respirators fitted with an Active Carbon Filter protect against nuisance-level organic vapours.

• How do I recognise the six forms of airborne hazards?

  Dust - Formed by the breaking down of solid materials, normally when materials are altered. For example, sanding, cutting, grinding and brushing. In general, the smaller the dust particle, the greater the hazard that it presents. Fibres from materials should also be treated as dusts.

  Mist - Formed by the processes that involve atomisation (such as spraying, cleaning and cutting/grinding using coolants) and consists of tiny liquid droplets rather like steam in a bathroom.

  Fume - Formed by the vapourisation of a solid material by the application of intense heat. Extremely fine particulates are formed as the fume cools and condenses. Many processes form fume, such as smelting, pouring metals and many welding applications.

  Vapour - A gaseous state formed by evaporation from substances that are normally solid or liquid at room temperature. Generally released at room temperature (petrol, methylated spirits), many industrial processes used in degreasing vapourise particularly quickly once heated.

  Gas - An air-like substance at room temperature. Gases can travel far, very quickly.

  Oxygen Deficiency/Enrichment - When an atmosphere is likely to contain less than 18% oxygen (or where conditions may exist in the future for this to happen); and in certain circumstances where the risk may be oxygen enrichment, which can lead to explosion and severe impairment of operatives. Note: Monitoring devices should always be used to check oxygen levels of an unknown environment. Conventional dust masks are not suitable for oxygen deficient situations.

• How should respirators be stored?
  Keep unused disposable respirators in their closed box in a dry, uncontaminated area. Disposable respirators can be stored for up to 5 years in this way. Half mask cartridges and pre-filters can be stored for up to 3 years this way.
• What is technically meant by Oxygen deficiency?
  Oxygen deficiency occurs when the percentage of oxygen in the air falls below 18% by volume. It may be caused by fire or when chemicals replace the oxygen in the air. Places with poor ventilation or in confined spaces such as silos, ships’ holds, storage tanks, unventilated workspaces, are likely environments for oxygen deficiency.
• Which type of mask should I use?
  
• what is the "Assigned Protection Factor" of a respirator?

  The assigned protection factor (APF) of a respirator reflects the level of protection that a properly functioning respirator would be expected to provide to a population of properly fitted and trained users. For example, an APF of 10 for a respirator means that the air inside the respirator is ten times cleaner than the outside contaminated air. An APF of 20 means the air inside the respirator is 20 times cleaner than the outside air and where a user could expect to inhale no more than one tenth of the airborne contaminant present.

  

• When should i change my disposable mask?

  Disposable masks are designed to last for a maximum of an eight hour shift, however, in hot, dusty, humid conditions, or where the wearer in removing or adjusting the mask frequently. the EFFECTIVE life of the mask will be reduced.

  You should replace your respirator with a new one if:

  • the respirator is removed in a contaminated area
  • excessive clogging of the respirator causes breathing difficulty
  • the respirator becomes damaged
  • the smell of vapours becomes apparent