How to choose and use a respirator for painting?

Respirators for painting are a popular type of personal protective equipment used both in a professional environment and when doing work on their own by individuals. The simplest half masks and full-fledged gas masks, modern lightweight options and kits for filtering heavy metals and other hazardous suspensions - there is a wide range of models from Russian and foreign manufacturers on the market. When preparing for the use of chemically aggressive substances, it is very important to think about not only how to choose, but also how to use a paint mask respirator for breathing protection.

In the process of using paint compounds on a different basis, a person comes into contact with the volatile substances they contain. In addition to relatively safe for health, among them there are compounds that can harm it. The respirator for painting is designed to solve the problem of protecting the respiratory system from contact with toxic fumes, fine dust, gaseous substances. Contrary to popular belief, painting even with odorless household compounds requires a serious approach and mandatory compliance with all safety measures. The harm from paint is expressed not only in the general intoxication of the body: there are many other hidden dangers.

A respirator for a painter is a mandatory part of his equipment. This rule also works for paint jobs in the autosphere. For respiratory protection when using liquid formulations, powder mixtures, there are both separate and universal PPE with a high degree of filtration.

All respirators used for painting work can be conditionally divided into partial (half masks) and full, providing isolation of the entire face. In addition, there is a division into professional and household product segments. The simplest classification of PPE is presented below.

• Standard products. The classic respirator has a built-in polymer-based filtration system. The degree of protection allows filtering out both organic vapors and particles of fine aerosols.

• Specialized respirators. The models presented in this category are distinguished by a high level of protection. With their help, the harmful effects of smoke during welding, ozone radiation, industrial dust, organic vapors are neutralized.

• Volumetric respirators. They have 2 or 3 panels providing a high degree of protection against various external influences. These are specialized products for particularly difficult painting conditions - in factory shops, in production, in mechanical engineering.

• Foldable. Compact products, easy to store. They can act as spare if the work is carried out periodically.

Also, all respirators are divided into filtering and insulating. The first type in the classic version protects only against dust. Replaceable filters help to improve its protective properties - they are selected depending on what kind of sprayed substances you have to work with. The most popular filtering respirator option is RPG-67... In the domestic version, models with a charcoal filter are suitable for staining and whitewashing, have the form of a half mask that covers the nose and mouth.

Insulating models are aimed at maximum protection against all types of substances: gaseous and dust particles, chemical reagents. They use an autonomous oxygen supply system to prevent contact with a potentially hazardous environment.

When choosing respirators for painting, one has to take into account not only the type of product design and the method of applying the compositions, but also the list of substances from which a particular model protects better. Modern industry offers a wide range of products, among them there are not only comfortable, but also beautiful models, while they fully meet all safety requirements.

The main criteria for the selection of PPE in each specific case should be considered in more detail.

1. Construction type. It depends on the working conditions. For home painting work, a half mask will be enough with a brush or roller. When spraying substances dry or wet, it is best to choose the option. covering the entire face, with an eye shield. When working with particularly toxic materials in closed rooms, models with an autonomous oxygen supply or a breathing apparatus are used.
2. Multiple use. Disposable masks, as a rule, have the simplest design, they are disposed of after completion of work. Reusable respirators have a replaceable filter and valve system - they are changed after each use or according to the equipment manufacturer's recommendations. Such products are relevant if the work is performed systematically.
3. Principle of operation. Filter masks for painting are more like classic gas masks. They prevent contact of the respiratory system with dust, volatile substances, fine particles, and eliminate odors. Isolating completely eliminates the possibility of potentially hazardous chemicals entering the body. These are self-contained breathing systems with a hose or a special apparatus for maintaining the pressure of the environment.
4. Protection class. There are 3 main groups: FFP1 - half masks that can trap up to 80% of potentially dangerous or harmful impurities, FFP2 have an indicator of up to 94%, FFP3 filters up to 99% of all possible sources of danger - this is quite enough for painting.
5. Workmanship. The respirator for painting has a long contact with the skin of the face, therefore it is very important that it is comfortable to use, meets the requirements for the area of ​​contact and the density of contact. A properly selected mask or other protection system does not cause inconvenience, excludes the ingress of harmful substances or odors from the outside under its edges. Even when carrying out painting work in everyday life, you should think about buying a special respirator: paper and gauze bandages act as an exclusively mechanical barrier, not protecting the respiratory tract.
6. The type of substances to be filtered. It can be dust, gaseous (volatile) substances. A paint respirator can deal with one source of problems, or fix several at once. The second type is called universal, it is suitable if the master performs different tasks, works with dry substances and liquid paints and varnishes.

There is a general standard for the use of respirators when painting. It is important to follow the instructions when using them.

1. Check the integrity of the respirator. It should not have visible damages, punctures, breaks.
2. Make sure that the selected type of PPE corresponds to the level of contamination of the environment. FFP1 will protect up to 4 MPC, while FFP3 will provide safety up to 50 MPC.If necessary, it is necessary to install cylinders and replaceable filters.
3. Take a respirator in hand so that its attachments hang freely, and the mask lies in the palm of your hand.
4. Apply PPE to faceclosing it from the bridge of the nose to the bottom of the chin. Fix the top mount on the head. The second elastic should go under the line of the ears - this is the only way to ensure a complete and snug fit of all parts of the mask.
5. Press the respirator tightly with your fingers in the area of ​​the nose, adjusting it taking into account the characteristics of the face.
6. Check for proper fit. The surface of the respirator is covered with the palms, a sharp exhalation is performed. If air escapes along the contact strip, you need to adjust the fit of the product again.
7. Respiratory PPE should be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, in conditions of normal humidity, in the absence of direct contact with sunlight. After the expiration date, the product must be replaced.

Considering all these points, it is possible to ensure the correct use of masking masks and other types of respirators when working with paints and varnishes.

For tips on choosing a respirator, see the video below.