All Round Safety have noticed the common mistakes made by people who wear respirators, starting with choosing the wrong respirator. If you’ve got the wrong respirator for the job, then you’re not going to be properly protected and will be throwing money away. Before you grab the first respirator you see make sure you understand what respiratory hazards you are dealing with and what the levels of concentrations are likely to be. It’s always best to ask advice from an expert before purchasing.
Another mistake is not getting fit tested. All users of respiratory protection should get fit tested when using a respiratory mask that relies on a close face fit / seal. Wearing the wrong size respirator or the correct size but not fitted correctly will mean you don’t get the level of protection you need. It is recommended you use a qualified fit tester, and another mistake is using the wrong filters. Different respiratory hazards require different filters. Some chemicals will require a combination of filters. All Round Safety’s filter selection guide can help you figure out the correct filter for the job.
Respiratory filters, like all other filters, need to be changed periodically as they will eventually become saturated or full and not work properly. Gas filters typically use activated carbon to remove specific gases and should be changed at least every 6 months once open, regardless of use. If you find breathing resistance has increased or you can smell or taste a chemical, it’s probably time to change the filters. Similarly, after
use you should take the time to clean your respirator and put it away properly. Filters and valves should be changed regularly.
Another mistake made by men with beards is not buying and wearing a positive pressure respirator with loose fitting hood. Also, all users need to be properly trained by a competent person to use and maintain their respiratory protective equipment. For more tips on respiratory protection, and for more information on PPE equipment and waterproof pants please go to https://www.allroundsafety.co.nz .
