Respirators

Respirator Face Masks

2006-05-03T13:27:00.000+08:00

The Importance of Respirator Face Masks

Globalization as well as advances in technology has improved the quality of life of the people. New inventions and industrialization has somehow made life easier and m ore comfortable for the modern man. However, while these are considered blessings to humanity, the modernization of the human race carried with it unavoidable evils such as modern diseases.

The rise in the number of diseases may be attributed to the increasing globalization of the world. The increase in people traffic from on e country to another has made containment of diseases harder and more complex. Thanks to technology again, man has invented ways and means to keep modern diseases from spreading.

The use of respirator face masks both for ordinary citizens and for health workers has somehow minimized the spread of diseases. Such diseases would have grown to an epidemic if not for these health masks.

Respirator face masks are widely used by healthcare providers as well as individuals who already have diseases of are in danger of getting the disease.

The panic brought about by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS several years ago has increased the demand for respiratory masks. Some healthcare institutions used to reserve respiratory masks in the event of a smallpox outbreak. However, there are more complicated and special respiratory face masks for use in case of chemical or radiological emergencies.

During the SARS scare, healthcare workers were prioritized in the provision of respiratory face masks since they were in direct contact with patients who have SARS or who may have been infected with the disease.

Respiratory face masks come in all sizes and shapes and in different specifications. Some respiratory masks have exhalation devices that are intended to lessen the build up of moisture. Most respiratory masks can fit any face size and are designed to protect the wearers from the spread of the virus. Generally, respiratory masks protect the wearer from microorganisms that are easily spread in the air.

However, experts admitted that the use of respiratory face masks does not provide total protection to the wearer. Thus, aside form wearing respiratory face masks, doctors also recommend the use of other precautionary methods like gloves or medical gown as well as the intake of vitamins and other medicines.

Hospitals or clinics that are at the forefront of healthcare provision are required to provide respiratory face masks for both their medical and non-medical staff. They must also conduct trainings for the their staff who may possibly encounter highly critical and contagious diseases later on so they will know what to do when that happens. The respiratory face masks are special health equipment and the staff must be taught its proper use.

Ordinary people tend to confuse the ordinary surgical mask from the respiratory mask but these are two different masks. The doctor’s surgical masks does not provide the same protection offered by the respiratory face mask although it can be a substitute when a person is faced with an emergency situation and it is impossible for him to find a respiratory mask Surgical masks tend to be loosely fitted and are generally not suited as a protection against airborne diseases. Surgical masks are used to protect healthcare workers from blood splashes and the release of other body fluids during surgical and related procedures.

3M Half Face Respirator

2006-04-29T17:59:00.000+08:00

The Ultimate Respirator

3M is known for coming up with the best quality tools around, from post-its to double-sided electric tapes. Their products are always accepted well by consumers, the reason why the brand is one of the most stable in the market. So it is no surprise that when 3m produced a respirator, it turned out to be one of the best in that category.

First, it is better to give an idea on the functions of the product. A respirator is a device that is meant to provide protection to the person wearing it from harmful elements such as dust, gases, fumes and vapors. They come in different varieties, and there are respirators made for specific industries and the public market. There are three main kinds of respirators:

1.Air-purifying respirator (APR)

Eliminates air contaminants by filtering out the particulates such as dusts and mists. Other purifiers of this class clean out the air by absorbing the gases on an absorbing material, then into a canister or cartridge.

2.Supplied-air respirators (SAR)

They may have respiratory inlets that are either tight-fitting or loose-fitting. SAR supplies pure air by with an air line or compressed air tank as its source. The air that the SAR produces should pass content and moisture standards.

3M is best known for their 6000 and 7000 respirator series. It comes in three sizes, and consumers like it because of its fit, the comfort it gives to the wearer, and its being lightweight. It is a product worth buying because it can be used over and over again, it can be cleaned and reassembled easily.

What are its main features?

-Provides coverage for the face and the chin
-Made of durable material that provides great comfort for the wearer
-Offers limited spare parts which lessens the possibility of the workers involving in its maintenance and repair
-Fitted with head straps that are easy to adjust
-Inclusion of a pair of P100 filters
-Minimal maintenance time
-Can be used over and over

The respirator can be used for several applications, such as woodworking, automotive manufacturing, welding, utilities, painting, pharmaceutical manufacturing and a lot more.

Much has been done to the product when it comes to giving comfort for the consumer. It makes them wear and use the tight-fitting product in a longer period of time. Heat is one of the major complaints of consumers when it comes to wearing masks so 3m made a specially designed Cool Flow Exhalation Valve, which releases heat rapidly from the respirator, for the benefit of the wearer. The respirator can be attached with the disposable filters readily, and it is low profile so it gives better visibility and good protection.

What are the things to remember before using this kind of respirator?

Workers should only use respirators against contaminants at times when there are no other means of hazard protection available. Respirators should be used specifically on the following situations:

- Administrative or engineering controls is low in feasibility
- Installation and repair of engineering controls
- Occurrence of emergencies and other situations that are not permanent

Consumers should always choose the appropriate kind of respirator for their needs. Using these kind of safety tools should not be taken lightly, and one should always remember that there are various kinds of respirators that will provide the protection that they need against hazardous substances.

Respirator Mask

2006-04-27T14:30:00.000+08:00

Respirators are devices created to protect its wearer from the harmful effects of impure air. It – depending on its make – can protect against particles and impurities such as dust, fumes, smoke, and others. These devices are essential in industries such as mining, welding, medicine, and science.

Respirator mask can either be filtration devices or oxygen supplied devices. Each has its own niche in any industry. Infiltration devices work by filtering out particles from the air in the environment. Self-supplied devices have their own air supply and provide safe air to its wearer.

Without respirators, man is in danger of inhaling potentially hazardous particles. Miners without respirators would succumb to the poisonous air in mine shafts. Welders could inhale fumes from welded metal that could cause cancer and respiratory diseases. Health workers need respirators to protect themselves from airborne contaminants such as germs and droplets. The failure to wear such puts a medical institution in greater risk of spreading a disease.

The use of respirator mask can be traced back to the days of Leonardo da Vinci. He suggested the use of finely woven, porous cloth that was dipped in water to protect sailors from a toxic weapon he had devised. Aside from this instance, respirators were first developed for use in industries. For example, Alexander Von Humboldt created a primitive device to assist miners that were exposed to the suffocating mines.

From here various designs and implementations of the respirator were made. The basic form, however, of these contraptions was that of a bag that fit over the wearer's head with windows built around near the eyes to allow sight. These respirators would either filter the air in the environment or have bottle oxygen supply pure air to the wearer.

Various materials were used to filter the air. Early attempts included cloth, linen, charcoal, lime, and a bevy of neutralizing chemicals. Some designs had bottled oxygen that even allowed for the recycle of exhaled gases. These devices stripped the CO2 from the air and allow for a few recycles of the air.

During World War I, the German Army began using toxic chemicals in war. The Allies were initially outraged at the use of such underhanded methods. However, in the long run, they realized that the use of portable and effective respirators was integral to success on the battlefields against such toxic substances such as chlorine gas.

Dozens of designs popped up during this period – with many of them duds and potential suffocating hazards themselves. Eventually, technology allowed for better devices and materials. The war had a great effect on expediting the development of respiration devices.

Today's respirators are lightweight, efficient and affordable. They are available by different grades and uses. There are 3 generally regarded series of respirators: the N, R, and the P. The N series do not protect against oil based particulates. The R series somewhat provides protection against such particulates, while the P series is very effective against oil based fumes and particulates. A number generally follows the series letter, signifying the effectiveness of the respirator – the higher the number the greater the filtering effect.

Today, respirator mask are a very important part of everyday industries. It is very important that, as a safety precaution, respirators and other safety devices be considered to protect against occupational hazards. It is also important that the work environment be examined to determine which respirator fits the job.

3M 7800 Respirator

2006-04-26T06:30:00.000+08:00

Why should you choose a 3m 7800 respirator?

The increase in air travel between nations has also increased the risk of spreading contagious diseases in different continents. The fast spread of diseases has created a panic among people from different nations, prompting health authorities to device gadgets that would at least minimize the spread of the disease.

Healthcare workers are in the forefront of providing immediate relief to persons afflicted with contagious diseases and so the proper authorities must ensure that the healthcare workers are given the proper tools and equipment to avoid getting the diseases themselves.

One of the healthcare tools, that is expected to prevent if not minimize the spread of contaminants that are airborne, is the respiratory face mask that comes in all shapes and sizes and which can prevent to a certain extent the inhalation of contaminants.

The 3m 7800 respiratory face mask is made of soft silicone and contains a face seal with a double flap. It can fit any face size due to its adjustable strap and it has a nose cup to allow the wearer a more comfortable fit. Health authorities has approved the use of 3m 7800 respiratory face mask and it is guaranteed to provide protection of no less than 50 times the allowable exposure or contact limit.

The 3m 7800 respiratory face mask snugly fits the wearer’s face so it allows the wearer good visibility. The mask face is made of polycarbonate which can resist scratching. While offering maximum protection for the user, it also allows for a more reliable communication between the wearer and his colleagues due to the mask’s speaking diaphragm.

The filters and cartridges for respiratory mask are sold individually but the mask can hold cartridges in the 7000 series and filters and cartridges in the P100 series. It can be used for airline purposes but a conversion kit must also be utilized.

The 3m 7800 respiratory face masks are made in the United States and can be shipped to your location in a maximum of two days. The 3m 7800 respiratory masks comes in large and small sizes. Both the small and large 3m 7800 mask comes with a diaphragm kit for speaking; it can be used with chemical cartridges and has an extra large valve for easier inhalation and exhalation. The mask comes in an adjustable strap so it easily and snugly fist any face size.

Aside from healthcare purposes, the 3m 7800 respiratory mask is also ideal for use in welding, metal and wood working, car and chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing and for similar purposes.

While respiratory face masks have a variety of uses, health authorities require their use by health care workers who are directly exposed to patients with contagious diseases. But how long should the respiratory masks be used and are they reusable?

Experts agree that the respiratory face masks should only be removed when the threat is already minimal, meaning when the wearer is already as far as possible from the area where the patient with a contagious disease is located. Before removing the respiratory mask, the wearer should make sure to wash his hands thoroughly. The wearer should handled the respiratory mask strap only and immediately discard the mask as per the indicated guidelines. Once the wearer has removed and disposed of the mask, he should wash his hands thoroughly again to make sure that he is rid of any contaminants.

The manufacturers do not recommend the cleaning or reusing of respiratory masks that have been exposed to contaminants. The instruction is that respiratory masks that have been exposed to patients with contagious diseases should be disposed of immediately and properly.

Full Face Respirators

2006-04-24T17:16:00.000+08:00

A Respirator is a device that provides protection to the wearer from hazardous substances in the air. They come in a variety of kinds and sizes, in specifications that will suit each customer from different industries or environment. Generally, there are many classes of respirators when it comes to fit. These are the full face piece, the half-face mask, the quarter mask, and the mouth bit respirator.

This article will focus specifically on the full face respirator. This kind of protective gear is used by workers who will be working in an environment where the hazardous substances are in full force, especially if the wearer is subjected to injuries such as eye irritation.

To give consumers the idea of the features and the availability of full face respirators, here are some of the ones found in the market:

1.) 7600 Full-face Respirator from North

The face piece is made up of silicone material that conforms to the features of the face and does not harden after a long period of time. It is very durable, very easy to clean, and does not become distorted. Fogging is reduced because of the presence of an oral nasal cup. Communicating with another person is very effective because of the speaker diaphragm provided.

2.) 3M Reusable Full Face Respirators from 3M

Comes in three sizes, and is known for giving great comfort to the wearer. It provides full coverage for the face and chin, and has head straps that are easy to adjust. The product includes a pair of filter upon purchase. It can be used repeatedly and takes only minimum time and effort to maintain.

3.) Opti-Fit Full-Face Respirators from Survivair

It has a lightweight wheel and a modern look, and is specially designed to relax the head and the neck of the wearer. It is easy to care for and maintain, because of there are only a few parts and comes with a replaceable lens. It has anti-scratch protection due to its strong hard coat, and it has adjustable headstraps.

4.) 54001 Full-face Respirator from North

Features an elastomeric face piece with dual cartridge, and is provided with respirator wipes, windows, and a storage bag. There are three sizes available. However, the filters and cartridges are sold separately.

5.) SR200 Full Face Mask from Sundstrom

Its unique functions and features include a face piece made of soft, silicone material that is non-allergenic. The vision of the wearer is greatly optimized because of its curved visor. The visor is made up of polycardonate, and also comes with laminated glass. It is capable of air redirection so the respirator is mist-free during use. Quality voice transmission is possible, and its resistance to exhalation is very low. Its deflector valve caps protect the valve seat from spray and particles.

6.) 3000 Full Face Respirator from Advantage

Features a lens that wraps around the face, with a facepiece made up of soft, silicone material. To provide convenience to its loyal brand users, the 3000 utilize the same cartridges and filters as the Advantage 200LS Respirator. The design of the respirator allows lower breathing resistance, and fogging is reduced because of the nosecup included. The lens of the face piece has a coating that resists scratching, and the lens itself eliminates distortion.

Choosing the perfect respirator is not an easy task. The wearer must be aware of his working conditions and his personal needs when looking for his tools. The products above can help the wearer in deciding what respirator to get.

Respirator Fit Test

2006-04-21T18:27:00.000+08:00

The workplace is a foundation for unhealthy conditions. Numerous employee-related illnesses have arose out of poor and unclean work situations. This could in turn affect employee health and overall well-being. One notable concern at work is the air that we breathe. Workers may unwittingly or unknowingly be exposed to airborne contaminants or other air-related physical hazards. This may then affect the one most vital part of our body -- our lungs.

Respiratory disease may occur from work areas that are often exposed to contaminated air, or harmful materials such as dust, fumes, mists, gases, sprays and vapors. To ensure employee safety, some companies offer respirators to their employees for them to breathe better. A respirator is used to clean out the air before it enters your body. This device is worn over your mouth and nose It is necessary for it to be fitted properly over your face. Training is also necessary to use this device. Employees are given what is called a Respirator Fit test to help them get a suitable respirator fitting.

The Two Types of Respirator Fit TestS

Knowing the respirator fit is an integral part of respiratory protection. Once you have found the respirator that suits your job, the first thing that you should do is try it out and check if you feel comfortable wearing it. The next step is to make sure that it fits you. In order to do that, you must know how to put on the respirator properly. You must also wear it long enough to know if it will continue to be comfortable after a period of time. After all, this is something that you will wear while working. It is important to know if you could stand wearing this device during actual working conditions. The respirator is designed to protect you, not hinder you from doing your job.

There really is no set procedure in determining if you will feel comfortable wearing your respirator. The degree of comfort of a respirator is something that only you can gauge. On the other hand, wo types of tests can be done in order to test if a respirator fits you.

The Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) This is a test that will assess how well the respirator fits. It generally relies on the individual's response to the test agent since it involves exposing him to it and asking him to observe the extent of its leakage into the respirator. Although this method is very simple, the answers given can be terribly inaccurate.

The Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT). This assesses how adequately the respirator fits by numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator. This is done by mathematically comparing the amount of concentration inside the respirator and the amount of concentration outside it.

Overall the use of these tests may prevent a lifetime of medical bills. The proper use of respirators is a good way to avoid contracting any occupational respiratory ailments. So be sure to check on the health standards of your office. If you're feeling anything, consult with management and see what preventive measures your office provides. This will benefit you in the long run and may avoid any unwanted future illnesses. Being happy and healthy at work makes us more efficient workers. So why not stay safe - and use a respirator!!!

N95 Respirator

2006-04-19T17:14:00.000+08:00

For people who work in areas where the quality of breathing air is less than healthy, a breath of fresh air is something to die for. If fresh air is not available, filtering out the dust, contaminants and particles in the area is paramount to maintaining a tolerable if not healthy working environment.

In areas such as hospitals, infected particles float around posing a health risk to all health workers in the area. Other occupations that may need such filtrations include woodworkers, lab workers, welders and those who work with animals (for the dander). A solution to these concerns would be to use a filtering mask that would amply protect against these hazards. One such equipment is the N95 respirator.

The N95 respirator is a filter that is especially designed to protect against particles in the air up to 1 micrometer in diameter, making it perfect for dust, and some fumes. The N in its name stands for “No Oils,” meaning that the respirator is not meant to filter oil based contaminants. This means that the N95 is not to be used for organic vapors, and toxic gases. The 95 marker means it has 95 percent efficiency in filtering aerosol particulates. That is truly a far cry from having to directly breathe in dusty, smoky, or dirty air.

The N95 is not for jobs such as sandblasting, spray painting, or other work that will put one in contact with oil based fumes and aerosols. If you are thinking of using the N95 for these purposes you will want to look elsewhere for a respirator that caters to oil based particles.

For those in the welding business, the N95 is the perfect solution to their respiration needs on the job. The fumes from welding are strong irritants – one can’t help but cough when inhaling the fumes. Inhaling these gases unprotected can wreck total havoc on your respiratory system and can cause diseases to boot. The mucus membranes of you nose and throat are not spared from the harmful effects of such fumes. To help avoid inhaling the fumes, you will need a respirator like the N95.

For the N95 to be effective, the respirator’s cup must fit the wearer’s face snugly and securely. It there are gaps through which the gases can pass through, the respirator’s effect is greatly compromised. It is advisable that no facial hairs come between the respirator and the wearer’s face. If the respirator does not fit, it would be better that one purchases a respirator that does.

One should also remember that when the respirator gets wet, they are no longer usable. The respirators must be kept dry and away from stains or else they are no longer effective in filtering unwanted particles. In the event that this happens you will want to replace your N95 with a new one. Do not hesitate to replace your respirator if it is no longer usable since safety is the main concern here after all – and faulty respirators can compromise this ideal.

In all, a good respirator such as the N95 can do much to protect one against the harmful effects of irritating welding gases and troublesome dust particles. It is an irreplaceable piece of the equipment for the welder, and will bring much relief to those who work in places where a breath of fresh air is a luxury.

Welding Respirator

2006-04-17T09:22:00.000+08:00

Many people underestimate the hazards that welders face. Aside from getting burnt by ultraviolet rays of the arc, the heat and proximity to the welding heat, and chance of getting splashed by glowing hot metal particles, one faces the hazards of the noxious fumes welding produces.

According to a report of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, welding fumes constitute the greatest danger to the welder’s health. The various welding fumes – depending on the material – can cause serious illnesses and even lead to death. Nickel fumes can cause cancer and asthma. Manganese can increase the chances of one acquiring Parkinson’s disease. And the list does not end there. It gets worse if the welded materials are coated by paint, grease, and solvents, as these materials can add to a growing list of respiratory and chemical ailments welders face.

This is why using a welding respirator during the welding process is critical in ensuring the safety of those who work in such areas.

A proper welding respirator will help minimize, if not eliminate, the amount of hazardous particles the welder breathes in. This will make working in these conditions safer and more comfortable.

While using your respirator, here are a few tips to ensure further safety with regards to harmful welding fumes:

1. Keep good ventilation in the work area

This cannot be stressed enough. The work place should allow for the inflow of fresh air and the release of the toxic fumes in the room. This, in conjunction with the use of a respirator, will ensure that the welder has better oxygen supply. Ventilation fans will do well to draw out offending fumes from the work area, and are a great installation to any welding area.

2. Make sure the respirator is a snug fit

If your respirator has gaps in it, all the filtering powers of event the best respirator are for naught. Make sure your respirator is a good fit before using it. If it does not fit, have it replaced with one that does. Also you will have to make sure your respirator is in good working condition. Keep it dry and away from contaminants to maintain its effectiveness.

3. Clean welding area

Cleaning the welding area’s immediate surroundings will benefit the quality of air in the room. Make sure that the materials being welded are also cleaned of grease, oils, and paint before being welded. When these chemicals are exposed to high heat they produce fumes that are toxic and potentially hazardous. Moreover, respirators such as the N95 are not designed to filter out oil and solvent based aerosols and may compromise the safety one expects of such respirators.

4. Use the right tools

Some welding guns have attachments to them that absorb fumes. These guns can be particularly effective, reducing fume emission up to 95%. This will greatly increase the quality of air in a welding environment. There are also welding rods that give off less fumes, so purchasing such rods would be a great idea.

5. Have medical aid ready

It still pays to have medical know-how on the stand by just in case. Every welding outfit should at least have the first aid applicable to welding hazards. Some of the more important elements in a welding first aid kit are oxygen masks, burn creams and bandages, and respiratory remedies.

Discount Respirators

2006-04-17T09:03:00.000+08:00

The prevalence of airborne diseases has made respirators an important fixture in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities. The various kinds of respirators may be affordable but since healthcare institutions need to have a steady and ready supply of respirators, it takes a greater percentage of healthcare cost.

There are States that mandate hospitals to have a ready supply of respirators for their medical and non–medical. In fact, health authorities encourage healthcare facilities to conduct trainings for their staff, on the proper use of respirators and how to face an emergency situation when the respirators need to be used.

Respiratory face masks have become in demand during the Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS outbreak when even the ordinary citizen found it necessary to protect himself from contamination by using a respiratory mask.

While respiratory masks are a bit uncomfortable, there are respiratory masks that can snugly fit any face size and have diaphragm kits for easy breathing.

Respirators have become a must-have item in healthcare facilities that the latter continuously look for ways to purchase quality respirators at affordable prices. Various companies offer big discounts for the sale of all kinds of respirators. However, healthcare facilities who want to save on the cost of respiratory gas masks should always buy in bulk to take advantage of big discounts for bulk purchases.

Healthcare facilities should also establish a partnership with a company so that they can get discounts for repeat orders of respiratory masks. There are companies that even offer free delivery or other non-monetary discounts or benefits for repeat buyers of respiratory masks.

It is always advisable to have a list of companies that sell respiratory masks, as well as the corresponding price they give for individual and wholesale purchases. Some companies can even help the buyers in terms of training their staff on the proper use of the respiratory mask.

There are various internet sites selling respiratory masks and purchasers need not go far to research on their prices. Majority of the sites display the price of the respiratory masks they sell. However, to get a good sale, it is best to contact the company by phone or personally.

While cost should always be a consideration when choosing and buying respiratory masks, but should not be the on y consideration. Bear in mind that respiratory masks are mainly needed as healthcare preventive and protection devices. Thus, the quality and the kind of protection the respiratory mask offers should also be a major consideration when buying them.

The fact that respiratory masks are not reusable gives all the more reason for purchasers to be concerned about buying quality as well as reasonably-priced respirators. Health authorities have advised respiratory mask users to dispose of the mask immediately and properly after they are within safe distance from the patient that has been contaminated. Users of respirators should not scrimp on respirators just so they can get more value from it. What they should do is to look for discounted respirators.

While on the lookout for discounted and less expensive respirators, purchasers should b e aware that respirators are different from surgical masks, the latter being cheaper as it is intended for other uses. Respirators are particularly intended to protect the wearer from contaminants that are airborne, surgical masks are used to protect the wearers from blood and other body fluids.

Unknowledgeable purchasers may be confused since there are surgical masks and respirators that may look similar. Respirators are capable of protecting wearers from inhaling contaminants they may have been exposed to when treating patients with communicable diseases, or for the ordinary citizens, when dealing with people who may have a contagious disease or a virus that can be passed on through the air.

The high cost of health care is a problem that concerns almost everyone, from the healthcare providers to the ordinary people who may be faced with a health problem within the family. Thus, almost all sectors will understandably look for ways to save and to choose products that are cost effective.

Purchasers should always remember that they can get discounts on respirators when they buy off season, when they buy in bulk or wholesale. To get good discounts, purchasers should take a look at the websites of the different companies selling respirators and compare their prices.

3M Respirators

2006-04-17T08:51:00.000+08:00

What is it that workers want when it comes to respirators? Basically, the standard needs apply: convenience, comfort and a lightweight design. Fortunately, 3M provides such features to its respirators. They have an experience of producing a line of technology that provides efficient filtration techniques, and a whole range of respirators that possess an excellent level of value and comfort.

3M has a long line of respirators that help anyone meet the strictest quality requirements. Also, their respirators are basically free from maintenance and are made from light materials, are comfortable to use, have straps that are adjustable and are economically affordable.

The use of 3M respirators are basically for operations that are dusty. Activities such as sanding, grinding, sweeping make good use of respirators. Working with wood, preparing and handling food, processing coal minerals and particular other substances are some of the other uses of 3M respirators.

Other features of 3M respirators are the following: they have a profile that provides good visibility and is basically compatible with a variety of other equipments. 3M respirators also conform to various sizes of face. They could also be conveniently stored and is extremely portable. Plus, 3M respirators feel comfortable and soft on the skin as it has a soft web cover. It also has a nose clip that conforms easily on all sizes and shapes of noses.

As an added info for this type of 3M respirator, it is needed that before this is used, a written program of respiratory protection is needed and implemented.

Another type of new 3M respirator is the 3M respirator particle 8000 N95. This kind of respirator is a very inexpensive solution for any applications that require light or short duties. This type of respirator is the best choice for applications that have a lot of dust. It is suggested that this be applied to sawing, bagging, sanding, grinding, sweeping — especially on areas where exposure to a lot of particles are concerned.

Other features of this type of 3M respirator include a design that has two straps with an attachment that has a singular point. This feature helps in providing the wearer of the respirator a secure and sure fit. Also, this has a nose clip that is easily adjustable. It also reduces fogging of the eye area and has a fit that is sure. Its light construction helps enhance the comfort of the worker and during the time it is worn.

Believe it or not, this type of 3M respirator has an advanced and charged electrostatic microfibers that assist in making breathing a lot easier for the wearer. It also enhances comfort.

As an added info, this 3M respirator is not advisable to be used in cases where there is a possibility that exposure to vapor and gases are present, this usually applies in applications where paint spray is present.

It is necessary that the appropriate respirator be used for the right need. For instance, the 3M respirator 8000 is the best respirator to be used when there is an exposure that falls below ten times the government limits.

All in all, 3M respirators are the best choice when it comes to protecting one’s self from the onslaught of lethal particles fro the air such as dust, fumes, ash, sand, etc. 3M respirators not only adhere to the strictest quality standards, it also keeps in mind the welfare of its wearers, customers, clients and consumers.

MSA Respirators

2006-04-17T08:31:00.000+08:00

The following are general information that everyone should know about MSA respirators and the much dreaded avian flu currently scaring half of the world today.

Government institutions in the world today are currently not recommending that respirators be used by the public specifically for the Avian flu disease. However, the major organizations of the world, (such as the United States Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization) as well as other agencies from Europe have already recommended that workers in the field of health care and those that are continuously exposed to patients that carry the bird flu virus, use any and all forms of protection.

Particulate respirators are especially recommended and approved by governments to be used in order to reduce anyone’s exposure to the virus brought about by the Avian Flu.

Believe it or not, it has also been recommended that protection for the respiratory system be provided to those who are involved in the culling, gathering, inspecting of those birds infected with the virus as well as to those people who are continuously exposed to birds that are already sick.

It is widely believed that the cases of Avian Flu were the results of humans having contact with any and all forms of poultry that were already infected or on surfaces that are contaminated with the virus. It is extremely necessary therefore that extra care as well as caution be observed when cooking or handling poultry. Hand washing must always be observed.

Besides such ways and means, it is also a fact that the flu is caused by an airborne virus which, like other agents that are biological in nature, could be readily filtered by respirators that possess filters for air particulates.

Fortunately, such agents could be readily filtered by respirators in just as effective a manner as those particles that are non-biological in nature.

However, there are those particles that are industrial in nature which governments have not yet established a level that could be considered as safe. This basically means that any virus breathed in might be unsafe. So even if respirators could help in reducing one’s exposure to the flu virus, basically there is still no specific guarantee that such a user will not be able to contract the dreaded flu virus.

Therefore, respirators could help in the reduction of one’s exposure to any airborne contaminants that are biological in nature. However, they still do not eliminate one’s risk of being exposed to illness, death or infection.

So if there are people who personally decide to use a respirator that has been approved by the government, it is vital that people know that reduction of being infected will occur and not total elimination of catching the virus. Take note that respirators cannot prevent anyone from catching the virus via the eyes, mouth, or nose.

Respirators must also be worn the whole time that the risk from exposure to such contaminants is there. MSA respirators have a highly supportive staff that are readily available to answer questions regarding the appropriate respirator fit.

Be aware that respirators should fit one’s face comfortably and conveniently. Any openings or leaks could cause one to be susceptible from airborne particles.

Respirators that are disposable must be immediately thrown after being used and so should not be shared with any other.

All in all, respirators especially those manufactured by MSA provide the best features and benefits to its users. However, one’s safety still depends on you.