All about respirators U-2K

The U-2K respirator is a filtering half mask, with the help of which it is possible to reliably isolate the human respiratory system from an aggressive environment. In the article, we will consider the description, technical characteristics of the device, purpose and rules of use.

Protective respirator model U-2K is used in the national economy and in the event of an emergency regime in order to protect the human body from the ingress of fine mineral, chemical or radioactive dust, some types of bacteria and fungal spores into the respiratory system, as well as fertilizers in the form of a powder that does not the release of harmful gaseous vapors is characteristic. The U-2K respirator can also be effective for protection against aerosol liquids if their density does not exceed 200 mg / m³. The device works equally effectively both in winter and in summer, in various climatic conditions, with the exception of getting into an environment where moisture is in a drip state.

The respirator specifications do not affect the oxygen saturation of the air inhaled through the device. In addition, in the operating instructions, the manufacturer warns that the U-2K will not protect the human respiratory system from exposure to hazardous gaseous vapors. The weight of the U-2K respirator is no more than 60 grams, its operating temperature range is from -40 to + 50 ° C.

Three layers of filtering material are included in the set of the U-2K respirator. Foamed polyurethane (foam rubber), painted green, is used as the outer layer. An additional layer is a film made of dense polyethylene with valves for air inhalation. The layer reinforces the structure, which is located in the center, between the foam rubber and the film - this is a filter material made of polymer fibers. The valves, with the help of which the inhalation is carried out, are located at the front of the respirator; they have additional protection with a special screen. For ease of use, the protective device has an aluminum clip that allows you to fix the respirator in the nose area, and a thin rubber cord is mounted in the half mask around the perimeter, which makes it possible to tighten the edges of the device so that they are as close to the face as possible. In addition, for fixation on the head, the U-2K protective device is equipped with cotton and elastic slings, which are adjustable in length with the help of buckles.

Exhalation occurs through an opening called the expiratory valve. The inside of the respirator has a moisture-resistant paint indicating the height of the person for whom this product is suitable. The manufacturer's mark and the date of manufacture of the product are indicated on the elastic band - this information is important, since the shelf life of this product is no more than 5 years.

The U-2K protective respirator is designed to protect the human body from the smallest parts in the form of dust from entering its respiratory system:

• vegetable origin - from processing wood, hemp, cotton, tobacco, coal, sugar, and so on;
• animal origin - from the processing of wool, horns, bones, feathers and down;
• metal composition - in the industrial processing of cast iron, iron, copper, lead and other metals;
• mineral composition - when working with cement, glass, lime, road dust, emery dust;
• fertilizers and chemicals - for working with substances that do not emit toxic fumes;
• radioactive dust.

Protective agent U-2K is not suitable for work in conditions of droplet humidity, and it is also absolutely unstable to the effects of solvents or similar chemical organic substances.

Only a device that has not expired can be used for personal protection. The working respirator must be absolutely dry, as it loses its protective properties when wet.

After the selection of the device, it is carefully adjusted according to the degree of fit of the protective half mask.

To properly fit the protective device, you will need to follow a series of steps.

1. Remove the protective respirator from the packaging, check its expiration date and the serviceability of each structural element.
2. The U-2K device must be put on the face, and this must be done so that the nose and chin are inside the half mask. If this is difficult to accomplish, then you have taken the size of the protective device inappropriate for your height.
3. A cotton sling is placed on the back of the head, the second sling is placed on the parietal part of the head.
4. Using the available buckles, you need to adjust the size of the elastic straps so that the structure is firmly attached to the head and does not move even during intensive work.
5. Design an aluminum nose clip so that it provides a good snug fit of the respirator at the bridge of the nose.
6. If necessary, the contoured edges of the mask should be tightened to maximize its adherence to the face.

To check how tightly the respirator fits to your face, you need to do a little test: you need to hold the screen area with your hand so that air cannot flow through the valves. Next, try breathing in and out. If air cannot pass through the contours of the mask, but only inflates the structure, then you have put on the protective device correctly. In the event that air passes in the bridge of the nose, you will need to press the nose clip structure more tightly to the nose. If all attempts to seal the half mask were in vain, this indicates that you have chosen the wrong size for the product.

Before starting to use, it is necessary to check the tightness of the protective respirator every time, and this should also be done after a long period of using the half mask during the day.

Since the U-2K device is airtight, condensate will accumulate in the space under the mask over time. To remove it, you will need to lower your head down several times and raise it again, while in parallel with the movements of the head, you need to perform several strong exhalations. If a large amount of moisture has accumulated inside the protective respirator, if possible, remove the device in a place safe for breathing, remove moisture, wipe the inside of the structure dry and put it back on its head.

After each use of the protective device, you must clean and decontaminate it. To do this, dust is removed from the outer part of the respirator by tapping the half mask on a hard surface. The surface inside the device must be wiped off with a gauze or cotton swab (sometimes they are moistened with an antibacterial agent, but more often with plain water).Carrying out internal processing, the structure of the half mask must not be turned outward. After processing, the U-2K respirator must be properly dried and put into a packaging bag, tightly sealed. Careful and proper care of the product allows it to be used many times - up to 12-15 times.

In order for the protective device to serve for a long time and properly, you will need to protect it from any mechanical damage. If through breaks are found in the structure of the device, any of the filter layers is damaged, the inhalation or exhalation valve is lost, the nose clip or attachment straps are damaged, then such a respirator cannot be used. The U-2K half mask should be protected from exposure to any solvents, since the foam rubber included in the protective layers of the half mask is destroyed under the influence of this chemical.

It must also be remembered that polymeric materials that are part of the respirator may start to melt if the ambient temperature reaches 75 ° C... For this reason, it is forbidden to store the product after sanitizing on the panels of heating devices, dry near an open flame, and use electric heaters.

How to use U-2K or R-2 respirators correctly, see below.