Proper mask Wear - Fit Test
3 Common Types of Air Purifying Respirators
Air purifying respirators are combined with particulate filters or cartridges to provide the user with the appropriate level of protection from the contaminants they may encounter.
Filters
Filters are designed to eliminate airborne particulates such as dust and fibres. Filters are divided between those used with Non-powered air-purifying filters and Powered air-purifying filters. They are further divided based on their level of resistance to oil and their level of efficiency.
Oil Resistance
- N: not resistant to oil
- R: resistant to oil up to 8 hours
- P: oil resistant (oil proof)
The presence of oil mist can degrade certain types of filter materials reducing their ability to filter out airborne particulates.
Filter Efficiency
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95: filters at least 95% of airborne particulates
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99: filters at least 99% of airborne particulates
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100: filters at least 99.97% of airborne particulates
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HE: filters at least 99.97% of airborne particulates
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PAPR100: filters at least 99.97% of airborne particulates
There are 9 classes of non-powered air-purifying filters:
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N95, N99, N100
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R95, R99, R100
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P95, P99, P100
There are 3 classes of Powered air-purifying filters
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HE
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PAPR100-N
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PAPR100-P
Cartridges
Cartridges are designed to eliminate a number of vapours and gases. Cartridges are more specialized than filters and can eliminate different ranges of contaminants.
The cartridges are colour coded based on which contaminate they eliminate.
A Mask is only as efficient as its Fit
Not only is Mask-Fit testing needed to insure that the user is gaining the full protection of the respirator it is also a legal requirement under the Ontario Health and Safety Act.
Prime Analytical Inc. has personnel trained in qualitative mask fit testing, we are available to come to your office or work site and fit test your employees. Following a successful test each individual will be issued a card certifying that they have been properly fit tested. Fit testing is required to be performed at least every two years or when there is a change in the users physical condition that could respirator fit.