When it comes to working safely in a hazardous environment, respirators are among the most important pieces of protective equipment to consider. Before choosing a respirator, you should assess all workplace operations, processes, and environments for airborne contaminants, as well as identify the hazards and their potentially harmful airborne concentrations. Not to be taken lightly, the assessment should be done by experienced safety personnel or by an industrial hygienist.
Understanding Respirator Materials
Respirators are available in a variety of materials, with the most popular being silicone, neoprene, and rubber. In general, rubber and neoprene are rigid, durable materials, while silicone is preferred for its comfort, flexibility, and ease in cleaning. Also available are full-face respirators that feature a six-strap harness or ratchet suspension. Harness-type respirators can be worn with a hard hat, but ratchet suspensions are generally easier to adjust, making them easier to install and remove. Zoro offers a variety of respirators, including:
- Disposable Particulate Masks
- Air Purifying Respirators
- PAPR - Powered Air Purifying Respirators
- Supplied Air Respirators
- SCBA - Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Understanding Types of Respirators
Disposable particulate masks are generally the least expensive, and offer the least amount of protection. Designed mainly for particulate protection, disposable particulate masks can also provide a measure of “nuisance” odor protection from chemicals and are available with optional features such as a face seal, exhalation valve, and nose clip.
Air purifying respirators can be either a full-face or half-mask filtering facepiece with mechanical or chemical cartridges to filter dust, mists, fumes, vapors, or gases. Available in three different types (disposable, reusable, and disposable/reusable), half- and full-face style cartridge respirators should be fit-tested to ensure a proper seal.
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A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) features a loose-fitting whole head cover that doesn't require a fit test, and like air purifying respirators can filter particulate or chemical fumes. Powered by a rechargeable battery pack, they provide the user with filtered air to the hood assembly.
Supplied air respirators, like the air purifying respirator and PAPR, can use a half- or full-face mask, a loose-fitting hood, hard hat or welder’s shield assembly. However, this respirator requires the use of a filtered Class D breathing air supply and must be used with a dedicated air compressor specifically designed for the task. It also requires being tethered to an air supply hose.
A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) provides the greatest level of protection against highly toxic and unknown materials. Featuring a limited air supply that is carried by the user, SCBAs allow for greater mobility when working in hazardous environments. When empty, the air tanks must be refilled by a dedicated Class D air fill station or supplier.
Respirators and the Particles They Filter
| Common Filter Colors/Protection | |
|---|---|
| Color Code | Protection |
| Magenta/Purple | P100-Particulates |
| Yellow | Acid Gas and Organic Vapors |
| Black | Organic Vapors |
| White | Acid Gasses |
| Green | Ammonia |
| Olive | Multi-Contaminant |
Check the chemical MSDS for required protection, or consult a safety specialist for recommendation.
MSDS Example: SECTION 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
Respiratory Protection: A NIOSH/MSHA approved air purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge or canister may be permissible under certain circumstances where airborne concentrations are expected to exceed exposure limits. Protection provided by air purifying respirators is limited. Use a positive pressure air supplied respirator if there is any potential for an uncontrolled release, exposure levels are not known, or in any other circumstances where air purifying respirator may not provide adequate protection.
When used correctly, Zoro’s collection of respirators can help you safely and confidently take on most any hazardous environment you might encounter! And when done, if you need to find replacement cartridges or filters for your respirator, check out our selection of cartridges and filters.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.