Respirators: types and device

Respirators are classified as personal protective equipment for the respiratory system. From the material in this article, you will learn about what varieties exist, what are the features and properties of products, what are their differences from gas masks. In addition, we will show you how to choose and use them correctly.

Respirators (abbreviated as RPE or PPE) are special protective masks of various types. They are an effective measure to protect the respiratory organs from the harm of toxic volatiles, smoke and dust.

Outwardly, these are masks that partially cover the face. Most of them cover the areas of the mouth and nose. Other varieties have additional eye protection.

Respirators are widely used in various conditions. The device of the respirator depends on the complexity of the product. A classic respirator mask consists of a face piece (half mask) and a filter element.

In the simplest options, the half mask itself acts as a cleaning filter. In the more efficient versions, the device includes a full face mask, a breathing valve, and a filter. Product filters vary.

In addition to design features, modifications differ in purpose, duration of operation, and the principle of the device of protective mechanisms. In our country, more than 100 GOST and SanPiN have been developed for respirators.

By the type of purpose, masks are divided into dust and gas protection, smoke protection, industrial, construction, and household masks. In addition, respirators are military, used for military exercises and in emergency situations.

Medical varieties - simple masks for hairdressers, manicurists. This also includes gauze bandages. Household ones are used in everyday life and for repairs (protection from construction dust).

By type of use, they are disposable and reusable. According to the principle of operation - with a filter and additional air supply.

The main difference between respirators and gas masks is the degree of respiratory protection. Masks are unable to completely isolate a person from a harmful environment. It is forbidden to use them in conditions of the release of especially dangerous toxic substances.

For example, they cannot be used in conditions of exposure to substances that penetrate the human body through the skin. Even models with forced air supply do not have the same protection class as gas masks.

Unlike respirators, they have a protective helmet. In addition, a breathing air supply element is included. The mask has a filter on the very front part. For gas masks, air supply elements can be located not only on the face, but also on the belt (compressors).

The insulating type constructions are equipped with their own oxygen source. These are the means of maximum possible protection against harmful and toxic odors. They are used in conditions of the highest level of air pollution.

Self-contained respirators are based on the principle of complete autonomy. Their only drawback is the limited supply of oxygen.These types include two types of respirators: self-contained and hose-type. Each type of mask has its own classification.

Products of an autonomous type differ in the type of contour. There are closed-type varieties in the rulers. They better protect the respiratory system from the effects of the external environment.

Their characteristic is such that the same air is used repeatedly in the devices. After exhalation, it is enriched with oxygen. Analogs with an open case are distinguished by the exhalation of air into the atmosphere.

Hose type respirators look like scuba gear. Depending on the type, they are able to provide air supply constantly or as needed.

This line includes devices that deliver oxygen under pressure. Hose models are used in industrial environments and in rescue operations.

According to the type of device, respirators are divided into 2 types: models with a built-in and replaceable filter. Both types of products imply the purification of air from the external environment.

In comparison with analogs of the autonomous type, they are less effective. Despite this, they have a number of advantages. For example, they are distinguished by a long service life and a budget price.

On sale there are foam rubber models and products with mineral wool. By the type of toxic substances, the structures are divided into 3 subgroups. Each of them has its own characteristics.

Such devices use a filter element consisting of many of the finest fibers. Dust is trapped on the fibrous material by the passage of air. This is due to the electrostatic charge carried by the dust particles themselves.

Anti-aerosol respirators have 3 classes of protection of the owner from poisonous substances. Reusable models are equipped with replaceable white filters, exhalation valves. Most often, filters are placed at the bottom of the mask.

And also in the line there are options for single use. Filter replacement for aerosol respirators is carried out when breathing becomes difficult. In addition, filters are changed in case of damage.

These modifications protect the respiratory system from harmful vapors and gases. However, they are not designed to filter dust particles and aerosol impurities. They are moderately compact, durable and budget.

Based on the variety, the mask of such products can be partial and complete. The device itself works by adsorption. The absorbing layer is an activated carbon charge. In some models, it is additionally equipped with other chemical absorbers.

These products have a wide range of applications. They protect a person from ethereal, carbon disulfide, gasoline, kerosene, benzene fumes. In addition, they protect the body from poisoning by toxic substances (for example, mercury, salt vapors).

Gas and dust respirators are modifications of the combined type. They are referred to as universal products. Such respirators are a measure of protection against all types of poisoning.

They are effective in protecting against bacteriological and radioactive aerosols. They have additional protection against chloride and ammonia fumes. They have filters against gases and aerosols.

Usually, such modifications are marked with a list of letters and numbers. Filters can be two-color or three-color. The color indicates protection against specific gas and aerosol hazardous substances.

The only drawback of the products is their high cost in comparison with other analogues.

The wrong choice of respirator threatens to poison the body up to damage to the organs of the central nervous system. Protective equipment must be suitable for a specific person.

Labeling is important. It indicates the filter class and respirator type. The degree of protection depends on the class of the product.

For example, class 1 filter element indicates low efficiency. Such products are suitable for protection against metal, coal dust. They protect against inhalation of paint vapors.

Class 2 analogs are considered moderately effective. They can be used for medical purposes. For example, they are effective in contact with patients with tuberculosis. These respirators save from toxic chemical dust, viruses, radioactive substances.

Class 3 models are considered highly efficient. These are professional options with a protection factor of up to 97%.

When buying, it is important to consider the brand of respirator. This is the letter in front of the number that indicates which types of contamination the device protects against. For example:

• А, АХ - protects against gas and organic fumes;
• B - provides protection against inorganic vapors (bromine, fluorine);
• E - protects a person from acid gas (sulfuric acid);
• K - prevents poisoning of the body from ammonia compounds;
• P - anti-smoke, anti-fog, anti-dust type;
• SX - protective option against toxic gases (phosgene);
• NOP3 - Disposable Nitric Oxide Protection.

When choosing the best option, they pay attention to the shape. For example, to work in a dusty environment, you need a mask with goggles.

The panoramic version completely covers the face. It is advisable to buy a model with an exhalation valve, oxygen supply. Such products are more comfortable to use.

The type of the filter element matters. Air shielded devices are designed to trap small particles. Analogues with a cleansing effect filter the air from toxins. Combined products can be equipped with a multilevel cleaning system.

The sizes are selected in such a way that the mask fits snugly to the face. This is the only way to ensure adequate protection against harmful substances. It is good if the product has adjusting ties.

Choosing a specific model, they pay attention to its reliability and quality. The packaging must be hermetically sealed. If it is violated, the respirator does not have the declared protective qualities.

It is better to purchase a product of a trusted brand. The packaging must indicate compliance with GOST. The respirator must be of high quality: any defect is excluded. All connections must be solid.

When buying a product with replaceable filters, you need to consider the choice of cartridges. On sale there are options with a sufficient assortment of brands of suitable elements.

Each cartridge type is designed for specific types of vapors and gases. Individual respirators have up to several brands of filters that can protect a person from impurities individually and together.

The type of construction depends on the needs. For example, building masks must have glasses. In this case, they will provide eye protection. Models for masters of nail service can be simple, disposable.

The type of medical mask depends on the purpose. Depending on the working conditions, it can be a lightweight half mask, a respirator with a replaceable filter and goggles.

In order for the product to be effective in operation, it is necessary to take into account several nuances of the application.

Before putting on the mask, you need to make sure that it is intact. In the event of damage, operation is excluded, regardless of the class of the device. Do not use a respirator with a damaged face.

The protection class of the respirator must correspond to the degree of environmental pollution. The size of the product should be selected as correctly as possible. If there is even a slight slack in the mask, its effectiveness will be reduced to zero.

To correctly determine the size of the desired product, measure the height of the face (from the bottom of the chin to the depression in the bridge of the nose). After measurement, choose the size from the table of masks (for adults).

Some models provide density adjustment. To do this, tighten the headband braid. You cannot buy a mask that is too small.

Moisture can build up under the respirator during use. If there is a lot of it, you need to get rid of it. To do this, you need to remove the mask for a couple of minutes, wipe your face.

Reusable masks should be cleaned after use. For this, the front side is cleaned of dust. The purl is wiped with a damp swab. You cannot turn the product out. After drying, it is put into an airtight package.

It is necessary to follow the expiration date of the respirator indicated in the instructions. An increase in weight indicates the need to replace the filter. Disposable masks are thrown away immediately.