Monday, August 4, 2014

Information To Know About N95 Respirators

By Annabelle Holman


Inhalation of dangerous or harmful substance like vapors, gasses, dust, and fumes can be avoided by wearing a device called a respirator. The current market overflows with a wide variety of respirators including the N95 respirators. N95 is a general purpose variety. It is applicable in industries, offices, homes, hospitals, and in outdoor environments. Heavy applications like military and high-risk operations require other brands that have cartridges making them can be recyclable and reusable.

N95 is a non-reusable air filtering respirator capable of filtering small airborne particles with diameters of up to 0.1 microns. Their filter efficiency is very high at approximately 95 percent. Instructions on usage must be followed to ensure that the protection gained from the item is high enough. For example, one should only get into a work area after they have confirmed that the item fits properly on the face and is air tight along the sealing surface.

Most manufacturers specify dressing procedures and necessary seal checks that one must do. Not all products from different manufacturers are the same or have the same donning or seal check procedures hence one should not assume. Making such assumptions can lead to exposure to the very substances one is trying to protect themselves from. Items that become difficult to breathe through due to damages or soiling should be replaced immediately.

These devices can be applied in several different settings. Researchers, health practitioners, and animal handlers are among the most common users. Places of application include all work places that have contaminants that can be blocked by the appliance. Some employers may also make it a requirement for employees to wear these safety devices when at the working place. All users are required to attend an annual training and fit test in the United States.

An individual does not have to attend the training physically. There are sites that offer online training to the public. An inspector can be called to conduct a fit test after completing the online training. This type of respirator is meant for one-time usage hence must be disposed properly after removing. Certain jurisdictions consider it an offence to re-use the item.

Certain limitations are associated with these devices and users should know about them. One of the limitations is that they do not provide protection against chemicals. The efficiency of the device is sometimes reduced by facial hair. The hair prevents the sealing surface from forming a tight seal. Protection against certain hazards like silica, lead, and asbestos is not possible.

The device cannot be employed at certain concentration levels beyond the recommended limit. For example, concentration levels that are over ten times the recommended levels make the device useless. Employees can voluntarily wear the device even if levels of exposures are way below recommended lower limits for using the equipment.

After leaving the site of contamination, the exterior of the device should not be touched. This is because the fabric of the device may be containing contaminants. One should wash their hands properly with the necessary detergent after leaving the work area.




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