What are protective masks and how to choose them?

Protection of skin, eyes and respiratory organs is a basic component when performing hot work, as well as in contact with toxic substances. In our review, we will offer you a number of useful tips that will help you navigate among the wide variety of protective equipment on sale and choose a practical option based on the physiological characteristics of the user and the operating conditions.

Masks are one of the most effective means of protecting the skin of the face, respiratory tract, mucous membranes and eyes from the following factors:

• chemicals;
• frost, wind and precipitation;
• poisonous and toxic substances;
• dust;
• sparks;
• ingress of solid sharp particles and scale.

Safety masks are commonly used in a wide variety of manufacturing and construction industries. They are made of heavy-duty materials that are resistant to high temperatures, each mask must have fasteners for fixing. Some models provide an additional elongated visor that covers the forehead when working with sharp and flammable tools - this allows you to increase the level of protection, as well as to greatly reduce the risk of injury to the user.

Some types of masks are made together with a metallized mesh, which includes a large number of tiny cells. This structural element helps to increase human security and avoid any micro-damage.

A group of masks, which are called "respirators", stands apart. They are designed to protect the human respiratory system from all kinds of chemical and physical impurities in the inhaled air - this can be construction dust, aerosol sprays, carbon monoxide, smoke, toxic substances and many other harmful factors that a worker may encounter while performing his job duties.

All types of protective masks are divided into those that are intended for domestic use and used for industrial purposes.

Generally, it should be noted that in the industrial world there are many personal protective equipment. All of them are lightweight, ergonomic and adjustable in safety.

The choice of masks is wide - they can be disposable and reusable, face and respiratory. Often they have holes, a protective shield, and a shield, some masks use a forced air system. Depending on the materials to be made, they can be fabric or plastic. There are many grounds for classification - let's dwell on the most common ones.

Depending on the design features, there are:

• masks - protecting the entire face, including the eyes;
• half masks - they only protect the respiratory system.

All models on sale are divided into collapsible and non-collapsible. The second ones have a more democratic cost, but at the same time they do not provide for the possibility of replacing failed parts.The price for collapsible ones is an order of magnitude higher - however, their removable structural parts can be easily changed in case of wear.

Masks designed to protect the respiratory tract from toxic gases and harmful suspended particles in the air must have filters, most often they are fabric with the addition of a layer of sorbents.

To work with a grinder, models of masks with visors are usually used. As a rule, such elements are additionally equipped with special fasteners, thanks to which the shield does not fall during work.

Visors are most often made of transparent one-piece material, usually polycarbonate, less often there are models on a metal base - the latter solution is a flat surface with a large number of stainless steel cells.

All face shields are available in standard standard sizes or extended. Such models are optimal for protecting not only the skin of the face, but also the neck and chest - this is especially important when in contact with flammable instruments.

Protective masks can have different types of attachment.

• Head-mounted. In such products, small straps are provided that hold the structure firmly on the user's head. This type of mask has a special rotating mechanism that allows you to fix the transparent mask shield.
• Attached to the mask. In this version, the transparent part of the structure is attached to the headdress. The protective product can be lowered and raised using a special device used for practical fixation.

Masks are made from a wide variety of materials.

• Polycarbonate. One of the most popular types of masks, it helps protect users from severe injuries that they can receive as a result of mechanical shock. This polymer reliably protects the user's skin and eyes from solid particles. In addition, polycarbonate is often used when working with hazardous chemicals, as well as metal scales.

• Polystyrene. Polystyrene is considered a material of increased strength, however, during operation, the plastic composition often becomes cloudy - this is what explains the relatively low cost of masks. Nevertheless, a similar model is widely used today in chemical industries and construction sites. Such a wide demand is due to the fact that this material is able to withstand even the largest metal fragments, as well as scales and wood chips. Used when working with a grinder and for a trimmer.

• Reinforced metal mesh. These masks are made of a large number of tiny cells, they protect the skin and eyes of a person from scales and large debris. Such protective equipment is ubiquitous in sawmills and mining mines.

• Respiratory protection is commonly used cloth masks, usually made of neoprene, knitted fabrics are used for disposable items.

Today, one of the leaders in the market of protective masks is CJSC "MONA", this manufacturer offers models of protective masks in three main series: half masks of the 6000 and 7500 series, as well as face masks 6000. Each series contains several models of different sizes, all of them have standard connectors for fixing filter units.

The most common products are shown below.

• 6200 3M - non-separable half mask.This model is made in black. Has a double filter, which provides reduced breathing resistance, but maintains a full wide field of view for the user. Fitting to the face is simple and very reliable. The weight of the face part of the mask is 82 g.

• 7502 3M - collapsible half mask. This model is equipped with a silicone liner, thanks to which the skin of the face is protected from chafing. The half mask has high parameters of resistance to wear, the average operational period of the model is 4-5 years. The model is collapsible, so all failed components can be replaced if necessary. There is an option for forced air masses, the outlet valve allows you to reduce the accumulation of water and heat. The total weight of the structure is 136 g.

• 6800 3M - full mask. One of the lightest and most balanced masks, which is a bowl with a silicone lining. This design provides maximum convenience and comfort during prolonged work. The weight of the front part is 400 g. The advantages of the model include the design, which provides for two filters, which leads to a reduced breathing resistance, resistance to mechanical damage and exposure to chemicals. When worn, the user's range of vision remains wide.

Before you buy a protective mask for workers, manufacturing and construction specialties, you need to pay special attention to certain features of their operation.

• If you intend to use isolation masks to protect your respiratory system from chemicals, it is better to give preference to respirators with built-in filters.
• When working with welding, protective structures are required to cover the eyes and face, made of transparent, impact-resistant and fire-resistant materials.
• If you have to work with aggressive chemical solutions, then preference should be given to the most durable and practical polycarbonate options.
• Often, buyers purchase transparent masks from trade enterprises. Pay your attention to the fact that in such products a special mechanism for removing steam must be provided without fail - it will allow the employee to perform his duties for a long time. If there is no such element in the structure, the glass will quickly fog up, and a person simply will not be able to do business.
• Be sure to make sure that the dimming system is working. Do not forget that the light filter, according to safety regulations, should be triggered in the event of electric flashes in a split second. If the system takes longer to run, it causes quite serious damage to the retina.
• When choosing a mask that protects against low temperatures, give preference to products made from cloths based on wool and mixed fabrics, synthetics will not protect the skin from the effects of cold.

For information on how to choose a respirator, see the next video.