Reusable Respirator

Unlike disposable respirators, reusable respirators can be used again as long as the filters are changed between uses. A difference between disposable respirators and facepiece reusable respirators is that reusable facepieces a more versatile. This allows the user to swap cartridges and filters to tackle the safety requirements for the chemical you may be dealing with. In short, you are not required to completely switch masks if you have the filters and cartridges for the situation.

These non-disposable respirators usually come with dual sets of straps, a mouth piece featuring cartridges or filters on the front or sides of the mask and require NIOSH approval for industry work. Reusable respiratory protection is common in industries where workers are exposed to particulate matter such as dusts, fumes, toxic air contaminants, gases and vapors.

Reusable respirators are commonly used in industries where workers are constantly exposed to any sorts of chemicals. Potentially hazardous chemicals and substances could include dusts, fumes, toxic particulate matter, harmful gases and vapors. They can have one of two main functions: air-supply or air-purifying.

Reusable respirator masks come in two main types: Half-face respirators and Full-face respirators

As the name implies, half-face respirators will only cover the lower half of your face from the nose to the jaw. Full face respirators, on the other hand, protect your entire face. Both types of respirators can use the various filters and cartridges needed for hazardous work. However, there are some cases where the coverage of the full-face makes it the better option.

Full-face respirators are better options when:

• Additional protective gear is not needed
• Working with eye irritants such as chemical vapors
• Protecting against sprays, hot smoke and liquid splashes
• better face seal is required
• Not requiring glasses for sight

Half-face respirators are better options when:

• Added equipment is needed such as faceshields, ear muffs, and prescription glasses
• Exposure to sprays, hot smoke, or splashes is unlikely

Respirators are not one size fit, so it is recommended to get fit tested. Fit Testings measure tightness between a wearer's face and their facepiece. Any person wearing a tight fitting RPE should get a fit test. This would include disposable and reusable respirators using filters. Suction-based filters require tight fits to prevent contaminated leakage into the facepiece.

They do not take long to complete and should be done at least once a year. However, the frequency of testing will be affected by the gaining or loss of weight, surgical face/mouth procedures, scarring around the mouth, chin, or nostrils. It is important for you to wear everything that you would while working with the facepiece (glasses, nosering, retainers, etc.) to get the most accurate fit for your work conditions.

Attention: Get fitted when clean-shaven. Any amount of facial hair can change the fitting of your mask, putting you in danger of exposure to harmful substances.

Once you are fit tested you are required to use the same respirator model, style, make, and size for your job. These tests are simple to do and can be conducted using a fit testing kit or by a supplier/work professional.

Respirators need to be cleaned following every use. Doing so an prevent contaminants on the mask from becoming hazardous to you and ensures a longer-lasting gas mask. There are two common ways to clean a respirator. The first, is to use respirator cleaning wipes. While the second, is to leave the face-peace in warm liquid-based cleaning solution, using a brushed tool to gently clean it.

Be warned, cartridges and filteres should be properly trashed once used.

Steps for cleaning your facepiece gas mask:

• Remove filters and/or vapor cartridges from your gas mask
• Then use your preferred method of cleaning (with cleaning wipes or soaked in warm cleaning solution and scrubbed) to clean the tight spaces in and outside the mask.
• Next, you should soak or spray your mask using disinfectant
• Once disinfected, rinse your mask with warm water then allow it to dry. Dry towels are perfect for drying respirators. Air drying in disinfected areas removed from contaminated spaces is another option for drying your mask
• Once dried store your cleaned mask in an air tight container or air sealed bag for future use.

Fun Fact: The container should be large enough to store the mask comfortably with changing its shape