The document explains the different types of respirators and facepieces designed to protect against hazardous air conditions and contaminants. It details various respirators such as disposable masks, chemical cartridge respirators, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), along with their applications and specifications. Emphasis is placed on selecting the correct filters and NIOSH-certified products for effective protection.

1. Respirators and facepieces help us avoid bodily damage caused by
exposure to hazardous air conditions, chemicals, gases, vapors and dusts.
Breathe Easy!
SELECTING THE
RIGHT RESPIRATOR
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DUST MASK/FILTERING FACEPIECE
• Entire facepiece contains the filtering medium,
or the filter is an integral part of the facepiece
• Masks protect only against some particulates
and not chemicals, gases or vapors
• Smallest, simplest, lightweight and least
expensive, these are intended for low hazards
• Disposable masks/facepieces require
no maintenance
CHEMICAL CARTRIDGE/GAS
MASK RESPIRATOR
• Filters chemical gases and some particulates
from the air
• Includes a facepiece or mask plus a cartridge
to filter particles
• Use with particulate filters, gas and vapor
cartridges or combination cartridges
• Effective only with the correct cartridge or
filter for the hazard you face
• Half-face respirators cover the lower half of
the face, including nose and mouth
• Full-face respirators cover most of the face,
including the eyes
POWERED AIR-PURIFYING
RESPIRATOR (PAPR)
• A fan blower forces air through the filter to
the wearer
• Require a fully charged battery to work properly
• Effective only with the correct cartridge or filter
for the hazard you face
• Must be equipped with a HEPA filter when
used to protect against infectious diseases
SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING
APPARATUS (SCBA)
• Uses its own air tank and hose to supply clean
air; cartridge not required
• Provides the greatest protection; commonly
used by firefighters
• Protects against high concentrations of
dangerous chemicals
• Equipment is very heavy and proper use requires
special training
A person usually breathes
an average of 13 pints
of air every minute.1
An estimated 5 million
workers are required to wear
respirators in 1.3 million
workplaces in the U.S.2
• RESISTANCE TO OILY MISTS
• N: Not resistant to oil
• R: Oil-resistant for up to 8 hours
• P: Oil-proof
• FILTRATION EFFICIENCY
• Rated 95, 99 or 100 to indicate the percentage of airborne
particles the cartridge is capable of filtering
• PAPR respirators use a HEPA or HE filter, which provides at least
99.7% filtration of particulates
• CARTRIDGE LABEL COLOR CODE
• Black: Approved for use with organic vapors
• White: Approved for use with acid gases
• Yellow: Approved for both organic vapors and acid gases
• Green: Approved for use with ammonia gas
• Magenta: HEPA or P100 filter
Sources:
1) https://pulmonaryhypertensionnews.com/2017/12/20/8-fun-facts-lungs/
2) https://compliance-specialists.com/2015/10/28/preventable-deaths-respirators/
CHOOSE NIOSH CERTIFIED CARTRIDGES AND FILTERS
Always look for products that are certified by the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH cartridges are categorized by: