The document provides information on respiratory protection devices that use filtering methods. It discusses different types of filters that can be used for low workload situations, including particle and gas filters. It also covers powered air-purifying respirators that are used for higher workloads. The document details the components, use, and maintenance of half face masks and full face masks, including checking for proper fit and cleaning. It emphasizes the importance of using respiratory protection devices as part of a full respiratory protection program.
According to AS/NZS1715:2009, respiratory protection shall be adapted according to the working environment, the task to be performed and the user.
The assigned protection factor is lower than the nominal rating. The assigned protection factor is not based solely on laboratory measurements, it also takes into account actual measurements taken in the workplace. The assigned protection factors relate to the recommended values published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Normal oxygen concentration is 21%; must not fall below 19.5%
Clear warning characteristics (except for substances such as mercury, isocyanates).
Contaminants can get into the body in a variety of ways:
Via the mouth, e.g. when we eat
Through the skin when we touch various substances, e.g. different types of fluid
Via the lungs when we breathe
Particles are split into three groups
1. Inhalable dust (100 μm)
2. Thoracic dust (10 μm)
3. Respirable dust (4 μm)
Collectively, these 3 groups are called TOTAL DUST
The total dust concept will be changed to Inhalable dust
Particles that are sufficiently small are drawn down into the lungs with each breath and
may lead to sensitive people suffering breathing difficulties.
There are "only" two types of contaminant - gases and particulates can usually be easily filtered out.
NB Purifying respiratory protective devices cannot be used in instances where there is a lack of oxygen. Appropriate breathing apparatus must be used instead.
Definition of particles: dust, smoke, mist (Aerosol)
Silicosis = pneumoconiosis, caused by the inhalation of silica dust
Solvents can cause brain damage and permanent nerve damage. Symptoms mimic those of an alcoholic - forgetfulness, shivers and irritability!
Many contaminants are carcenogenic, e.g. petrol, TRE (trichloroethylene) and asbestos
A foetus is generally exposed to the same health hazards as its mother! Lead, cadmium and mercury
Many substances are allergenic (e.g. isocyanites) or may act as a catalyst for asthma.
Remember, the only safe exposure to substances that are allergenic or carcenogenic is zero exposure. Therefore, try to use equipment with as high a protection factor as possible.
AS/NZS1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
AS/NZS1715:2009 can be ordered from SAI Global (http://infostore.saiglobal.com/store/Details.aspx?ProductID=1092559)
Activation
Chemical activation
Carbonised peat
Chemical + 700°C
Washing, drying,
Ground to powder or extruded into pellets
Steam activation
Coal and coconut
Coking
Activation with steam 1000°C
Impregnation
Impregnated active carbon is prepared using chemicals that react with certain gases that would otherwise pass straight through.
Examples of impregnations:
Chromium, copper, potassium carbonate, potassium iodide, TEDA, silver, sulphur, etc. Chemical activation Steam activation
Carbonised peat, coal and coconut
Chemical + 700°C
Washing, drying,
Ground to powder or extruded into pellets
Example of Ammonia penetration; Point A = smell limit; Point B = Hygienic Limit Value, i.e. Ammonia has clear warning characteristics
Example of Isocyanate penetration Point A = Hygienic Limit Value Point B = smell limit, i.e. Isocyanates have no warning characteristics, use compressed air initially.
Gas filters only protect against gas not particles !
Gas filters must be marked with both a letter and colour code!
Product Description
Gas and fumes are filtered away in the active carbon. Sundström has a wide range of gas filters.
Gases and vapors are adsorbed/absorbed by the active carbon
NB
Particle filters only protect against particles
Indicated by the letter code "P" and colour code "White"
Particle filters intended for single shift use must be marked "NR"
Particle filters that can be re-used must be marked "R"
Split into three classes, the higher class(es) covering those below
Large filter surface provides low breathing resistance and long filter service life
Filter to be replace when increase breathing resistance felt
P1 Not effective against carcinogens, radioactive substances, micro-organisms (e.g. viruses, spores) or biochemical substances (e.g. enzymes, hormones)
P1 and P2 Not effective against micro-organisms (e.g. viruses, spores) or biochemical substances (e.g. enzymes, hormones)
P3 Protects against all types of particle
* Filtering quota = 100 % contaminant / filter penetration.
The filtering quota refers only to the filter material, i.e. it does not take into account deficiencies in the fit!
Particle filter SR 510 marking
SR 510 P3
SR 610 marking
SR 610 P3
NB - cannot be combined with a gas filter!
Theoretical filtering quota refers only to the filter material (separation level), i.e. it does not take deficiencies in the fit into account!
Example 1,000,000 particles in the air when using FFP3 1 000 000/100 = 10,000 particles behind filter
1,000,000 particles in the air when using SR 510 1,000,000/33,000 = 33 particles behind filter
Although this only theoretically applies to the filter, it has a major significance on the respiratory protective device's total leakage.
Sundström particle filters SR 510 and SR 610 are not affected by air speed, humidity or temperature.
A combination filter must always be used whenever gas and particles occur at the same time.
We all have slightly different facial features, and this is something that can affect leakage.
Remember, you should be smooth shaved before using half or full facemasks.
Filter:
Gas filters do not leak.
Particle filters leak depending on separation level. The SR 510 has a maximum separation level of > 99.997 %, i.e. < 0.0003% leakage
Low inhalation resistance in the filter minimises the risk of leakage.
Exhalation valve:
Clean and intact
Easily accessible
Low exhalation resistance
Between face & mask
Clean shaven
Size
Wide and flexible seal against face
High level of comfort affords longer wear time
Wear time = the actual length of time the protective device is used during the working day
High level of comfort affords longer wear time.
The wear time for a vacuum mask is, to a large extent, determined by the level of comfort.
Example of comfort factors for a half and full facemask.:
Inhalation resistance
Exhalation resistance
Mask structure softness and fit
Harness design and adjustability
An achieved effective protection factor of 1000 will be reduced by 90% if respiratory protection is not used for 5 minutes in an 8 hour
working day, or if it leaks for an equally long period of time!
Based on a large number of "Portacount" quantitative fit tests conducted on Sundström's half facemasks since 1989.
A half facemask covers the user's nose, mouth and chin, and is held in position by an adjustable strap. When used in combination with a filter, the user breathes in the air. Exhalation air is released through one or more exhalation valves. There are particle filters, filters for gases/fumes and combination filters.
Best suited for use at lower exposure levels and where there is no potential for eye irritation.
The principle is based on achieving a good seal between the mask and face, which forms a vacuum inside the mask during inhalation.
Vacuum masks increase pressure on the respiratory system and are most suited for use with low workloads or during shorter periods of activity.
Sundström produces half facemasks, full facemasks (and fan-assisted respiratory protective equipment, see step 2)
Body and membrane made from silicon
Robust structure
Does not degrade over time
Flexible, which affords a high level of comfort and a good fit
Heat finished, which means that no silicon oil is released from the material (200 degrees for 6 hours)
Stable and well-balanced mask
Two sizes (S/M and M/L)
Dual exhalation valves
Body uses muscles when inhaling.
Exhalation is passive.
In other words, it is important to have a low exhalation resistance.
Exhalation valve cover protecting the membrane (e.g. during spray painting)
Easily adjustable harness
Simple filter program
Simple check before use (SR 322)
Can be connected to compressed air using SR 307
Test adapter (SR 328), for quantitative fit test (Porta Count)
Unique ID label
For spare parts, see the directions for use.
SR 230 Storage box
SR 339 Storage bag
SR 64 Short duration protective hood
SR 345 Protective hood
SR 100 Spare part kit
SR 342 Microphone
SR 336 Spark arrester
SR 324 Voice amplifier
SR 328 Test adapter
A full facemask covers the user's eyes, nose, mouth and chin, and is held in position by an adjustable harness. When used in combination with a filter, the user breathes in the air. Exhalation air is released through one or more exhalation valves. There are particle filters, filters for gases/fumes and combination filters.
Thanks to a large contact surface area on the face and more substantial strapping, full facemasks provide a higher level of protection.
The principle is based on achieving a good seal between the mask and face, which forms a vacuum inside the mask during inhalation.
Vacuum masks increase pressure on the respiratory system and are most suited for use with low workloads or during shorter periods of activity.
Sundström produces half facemasks, full facemasks (and fan-assisted respiratory protective equipment, see step 2)
Integrated silicon outer and inner mask
high level of comfort
good fit = high protection factor
easy to clean
Unique air circulation affords low inhalation resistance
Dual exhalation valves produce low breathing resistance
Exhalation valve cover protecting the membrane (e.g. during spray painting)
Large field of vision
Scratch resistant polycarbonate visor EN 166 class B, 120 m/s
Alternative laminated glass visor, used in applications such as spray painting
Easy to replace visor - 2 screws
Easily adjustable textile harness
Washable at 40 degrees (Washing instructions on harness)
alternative rubber harness available
Simple filter program
For half and full facemask
Simple filter storage
Body and membrane made from silicon
Robust structure
Does not degrade over time
Flexible, which affords a high level of comfort and a good fit
Heat finished, which means that no silicon oil is released from the material (200 degrees for 6 hours)
Stable and well-balanced mask
Few parts, which means easy maintenance
Standard thread compliant with EN 148-1, filter adapter SR 280-3
Simple check before use (SR 322)
Test adapter (SR 370), for quantitative fit test (Porta Count)
Can be connected to compressed air using SR 307 and fan SR 500 / SR 500 EX
Unique ID label
Low weight, approx. 460 grams
For spare parts, see the directions for use.
SR 341 Spectacle frames
SR 64 Short duration protective hood
SR 345 Protective hood
SR 84 Welding shield
SR 342 Microphone
SR 344 Storage box
SR 343 Protective films (PC visual disc) / SR 353 (Perspex visual disc)
SR 336 Spark arrester
SR 324 Voice amplifier
SR 370 Test adapter
SR 200 Spare part kit
Rubber harness
Textile harness
SR 280-3 Filter adapter
Perspex visor
Check that there are no scratches, deformations, etc. in the mask. Check that the harness has ”normal” elasticity and that the inhalation membrane and the exhalation membrane are in position. It is important that the valve covers on the maskare also in position as they protect the exhalation valve against external influences. Lost valve covers may lead to leakage!
Fitting accessories, e.g. hoods, must be done before the user enters the contaminated environment!
Connect test disc 322 to where the pre-filter normally sits (make sure that it goes in straight and covers the entire filter!). Take the mask in one hand and place it against your face without putting on the harness. Suck air into the mask. If the face seal is good, it will remain on your face for approximately 5-10 seconds. If this does not happen, visually inspect the mask a second time. Beards/stubble may cause leakage. Get your shaver out!
Hang the mask around you neck so that ”the main plate” ends up on the "nose" section of the mask.. Perform an initial adjustment of the harness. Normally, a perfectly tensioned harness means that the nose section of the mask is at the same height as the user's breastplate.
5. The mask is put on by first placing the chin into the mask before it is positioned against the nose.
The harness is then put into position.
The crown plate must be positioned at the top ofå the rear section crown.
Adjust the mask so that it sits comfortably on your face.
The mask must not be too tight to the face, as this can be uncomfortable and lead to leakage!
Check the directions for use!
Store the mask and filter dry and clean in airtight packaging!
Never clean the mask using strong solvents (e.g. acetone) as it may become deformed!!