• Types of Respirators: Respirators come in two main categories: air-purifying respirators (APRs) like N95s and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), and atmosphere-supplying respirators (ASRs) like supplied-air respirators (SARs) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Compliance: Employers must follow the OSHA respirator standard (29 CFR 1910.134) to ensure proper respirator selection, use, and maintenance.
• Fit Testing: To meet OSHA respirator fit test requirements, employers must conduct annual fit testing to ensure a proper seal and maximum protection.
• Employee Training and Maintenance: Proper training on respirator use, along with regular maintenance, is critical for workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

 

Workplace safety is paramount, especially when it comes to protecting employees from airborne hazards. Whether your team is exposed to dust, fumes, or harmful chemicals, selecting the right types of respirators is critical for maintaining their safety and staying compliant with regulations. Respirators come in various forms, each designed to offer specific protection levels depending on the nature of the hazard.

 

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of respirators, their applications, and how to choose the most appropriate option for your workplace.

 

Understanding the Different Types of Respirators

 

Respirators fall into two broad categories: air-purifying respirators (APRs) and atmosphere-supplying respirators (ASRs).

 

• Air-Purifying Respirators: These respirators filter out contaminants from the air, such as dust, fumes, or vapors. They include:
  • Disposable filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs): Often referred to as N95 masks, FFRs are lightweight and ideal for protection against non-oil-based particles.
  • Reusable half-face respirators: These offer more robust protection than disposable versions and can be fitted with various cartridges for gas, vapor, or particle filtration.
  • Powered air-purifying respirators: PAPRs use a fan to draw air through filters, making them more comfortable for long-duration wear.
• Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators: Unlike APRs, ASRs provide clean air from an uncontaminated source. These are essential in environments where oxygen levels are low or hazardous gases are present.
  • Supplied-air respirators: These devices deliver breathable air through a hose connected to a clean air source. This clean air source is typically located in an area free from hazardous contaminants and can be a compressed air tank or a system that purifies ambient air and then delivers it through the hose. Here are a couple of examples of how the setup can work:
    • Compressed Air Tank: In this setup, the SAR is connected to a high-pressure tank filled with compressed air, similar to those used by divers. The tank is placed in a secure location, away from the work area with potential hazards. The hose is typically connected using a secure, threaded connection that ensures an airtight seal. The length of the hose can vary, allowing for different ranges of movement depending on the job requirement.
    • Air Purification Systems: Alternatively, SARs can be connected to air purification systems, which draw ambient air and pass it through a series of filters to remove contaminants before delivering it to the respirator wearer. These systems use a network of hoses and can support multiple users at once. The connection to these systems is also made via a hose that securely attaches to the respirator with specific fittings designed to prevent leaks and maintain a constant air supply.

 

Both setups ensure that the wearer receives a steady supply of clean, breathable air, making it crucial for situations where ambient air quality cannot be guaranteed, such as in chemical manufacturing plants, confined spaces, or areas with high levels of toxic gases.

 

• Self-contained breathing apparatus: SCBA units are often used by firefighters and emergency responders, providing air from a tank carried by the user.

 

When selecting different types of respirators, it’s essential to assess the specific hazards in your workplace. For example, workers in construction or manufacturing may primarily need dust protection, while those handling chemicals may require specialized gas or vapor filters.

 

The Importance of OSHA Standards and Fit Testing

 

Choosing the right respirator isn’t just about picking the most advanced model; it’s about making sure it meets regulatory requirements and fits properly. The OSHA respirator standard (29 CFR 1910.134) sets forth guidelines for selecting, using, and maintaining respirators in the workplace. This standard guarantees that employees receive adequate protection based on the type of hazard they encounter.

 

One of the key aspects of compliance with OSHA regulations is fit testing. An ill-fitting respirator can compromise protection, putting workers at risk of inhaling harmful substances. The OSHA respirator fit test requirements confirm that each respirator forms a proper seal around the user’s face, providing maximum effectiveness.

 

Fit tests come in two forms:

 

• Qualitative fit tests: These rely on the user’s sensory response (e.g., taste or smell) to detect leaks.
• Quantitative fit tests: These use instruments to measure the amount of leakage into the respirator.

 

Both types of tests are critical to compliance, and employers must provide fit testing to their workers annually, whenever a new respirator type is introduced, or if an employee’s physical condition changes. Here are a few examples of changes in an employee’s physical condition that would necessitate a new fit test for a respirator:

 

1. Significant Weight Gain or Loss: Changes in body weight can affect the shape of the face, altering how a respirator fits.
2. Dental Work: Major dental procedures, such as getting dentures, braces, or extensive dental surgery, can change the contour of the face.
3. Facial Surgery: Any surgery that alters the structure of the face or jaw, including cosmetic surgeries like rhinoplasty or reconstructive procedures.
4. Scarring or Severe Acne: Significant changes in skin texture or the development of scars in the area where the respirator seals can affect the fit.
5. Growth of Facial Hair: Growing a beard or changing facial hair styles can interfere with the seal of the respirator, which is critical for proper function.

 

These changes can compromise the effectiveness of the existing fit, making it crucial to conduct a new fit test to ensure the respirator still provides adequate protection.

 

Training and Proper Maintenance

 

Beyond selecting the right respirator and conducting fit tests, proper training and maintenance are important components of an effective respiratory protection program. Employees need to understand how to wear, adjust, and inspect their respirators. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and storage, helps maintain long-term effectiveness.

 

At Global Industrial, we offer a wide range of respirators, including N95 masks, reusable respirators, and more, to help your business comply with the OSHA respirator standard and keep your employees safe.

 

Selecting the right respirator for your workplace can be a complex task, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can protect your employees from hazardous air contaminants. Understanding the types of respirators available and complying with OSHA respirator fit test requirements are essential steps in creating a safer, more compliant work environment.

 

The information contained in this article is for informational, educational, and promotional purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. It is the reader’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations. If there is any question or doubt in regard to any element contained in this article, please consult a licensed professional. Under no circumstances will Global Industrial® be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on this article.