105: How to select respirators

Respirator is used to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous atmosphere.

• Gases
• Vapours
• Particles (dusts, aerosols, mists, droplets, fumes, airborne microorganisms etc.)

Respirator types based on the usage:

1- Disposable

2- Reusable

• with particle filter
• with gas and vapour cartridge
• with powered or supplied air system

Respirator physical forms:

1- Half face (half mask): for lower half of face and covers nose, mouth and chin and is suitable only for particles.

2- Full face (full face piece): it convers entire face (nose, mouth, eyes and face skin) and is suitable for gases, vapours and particles

3- Tight fitting face piece

4- Loose fitting face piece (hood or helmet)

Respirator types:

1- APR (Air Purifying Respirator): equipped with filter, cartridge or canister

2- PAPRs (Powered Air Purifying Respirators) or Positive Pressure Respirator: APR equipped with battery powered blower to pull the air.

PAPRs components are as below:

• Headgear
• Cartridge or filter
• Breathing tube
• Motor blower
• Battery
• Charger
• Belt

3- Supplied Air Respirator: equipped with an alternative air supply source

4- SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus): with its own breathing air supply for IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) environment which user must carry a tank filled with clean air.

5- Combination supplied air and SCBA

Related standards:

• NIOSH
• EN 149
• NFPA 1404