Filter masks: selection and application

Masks (they are also respirators) with filters are an individual means and a method of protecting external and internal respiratory organs. They are used when working with chem. preparations and substances, gases and vapors, aerosol particles, as well as to prevent the ingress of elements of dust and suspended matter into the lungs.

Respirators are classified according to the following criteria and description.

• By device (with or without a dedicated respirator valve, with or without replaceable carbon filters).
• By resource of use (single or repeated use).
• By the principle of work (insulating and filtering). Self-contained respirators are completely self-contained and are as safe as possible for their wearer. The disadvantage of this type of mask is the limited supply of oxygen available to the user.

Gas respirators are used to create an external barrier against hazardous vapors of various liquids (organic solvents, gasoline, alcohol) and other concentrates. Universal or gas-dust masks are designed to simultaneously protect against gases, vapors and aerosols. This type is considered the most reliable and proven.

Industrial types of masks include: construction, fire, welding, painting. The construction mask prevents the ingress of dust that can form during some types of construction work (sanding and sawing materials). A fire respirator is necessary for work in the relevant profession and prevents gases and dust from the combustion of various materials from entering the respiratory system. Refers to the universal means of protection of the human bronchopulmonary system.

A multi-layer mask with a charcoal filter and a valve is used by painters working with dyes and aerosols. We should also talk about PPE for welders. When carrying out work on metal welding, not only the welder's eyesight is in danger, but also his respiratory organs. Vapors released into the air during these works contain harmful impurities and substances. Therefore, in the modern world there are welding masks with a special filter for respiratory protection. Industrial or industrial respirators can be reused.

The most effective are models with two or three layers. The middle layer of the mask is often made from a material called melblown. Such models are always equipped with some kind of fasteners, often it is an elastic band for secure fixation on the head. Double and triple layer masks must be replaced every 4-6 hours. The oxygen model is used to supply oxygen to the respiratory system of the human body.

Examples of household protective equipment are respirators used by cyclists, and masks for the manicurist. The carbon filter cycling mask is used by athletes when exercising outdoors, in woodlands, fields and parks, as well as off-road and dirty city streets. These face masks are equipped with a special replaceable carbon filter for 30 days of use. The carbon filter protects against road dust, allergens and other impurities in car exhaust gases.

When choosing a respirator, one more feature of filter masks should be taken into account.

All of them are divided into 3 types:

• a quarter of the mask (hide only the respiratory organs, leaving the rest of the face completely open), mainly used to protect against dust;
• half masks with filters (cover the respiratory tract and the lower part of the face, are made of an airtight material);
• full face respirators with filters.

Half masks and full face masks are universal reusable products. Substances for filtration are chosen based on the characteristics of the profession in which the person works. Universal respirators are designed with unique absorbers. Industrial workers, builders, painters, welders, paramedics, and manicurists cannot do without these masks.

You need to choose for yourself personally and be sure to try on. It is necessary to take measurements of the face in advance and record the distance from the groove on the bridge of the nose between the eyes to the lowest point located on the chin. Compare with the existing sizes of masks: size 1 - up to 109 mm, size 2 - 110-120 mm, size 3 - 121 mm and more. Inside the mask, below is the size number.

Before trying on a respirator, you need to carefully examine it for the possibility of defects and flaws. When trying on, you need to pay attention to the fact that the model should tightly cover the nose, mouth and chin, but not put pressure on the face. If you have a full-face mask, then put the chin correctly enough tightly to the mount, if this cannot be done, then the mask does not quite fit you in size.

Without removing the respirator, it is worth checking its tightness: press your palm tightly against the ventilation hole and inhale. If the air has not passed, then the model is suitable. If it was possible to inhale easily and the air passed from above, then you need to lightly press the mask in the nose area and check the tightness again. When re-passing air, you must try on a mask of a larger or smaller size. When buying, remember that if your profession or activity involves the use of respirators, then approach them correctly. Do not forget to be sure to check the mask for integrity before purchasing and using.

See below for an overview of the face shield.