When working in circumstances with contaminants in the air, a respirator is nothing short of a lifeline. This equipment safeguards you from airborne hazardous contaminants such as biological contaminants, dust, mists, fumes, gases, or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of taking good care of your respirator.
When was the last time you changed your respirator's filter? Numerous technicians overlook the significant duty of diligently replacing the filter. We would like to urge you to take this opportunity to inspect your filter. Consider it akin to your own lungs: The filter is what prevents harmful agents from reaching you.
Reasons Why You Need to Replace the Filter
Filter Efficiency: Respirator filters are designed to capture and remove airborne particles and contaminants from the air you breathe. Over time, as the filter gets used, it becomes clogged with these particles, reducing its efficiency. By changing the filters regularly, you ensure that the respirator continues to provide effective filtration and protection.
Worker Safety: The primary purpose of respirators is to protect workers from harmful substances in the air. If the filters are not changed regularly, they can become overloaded with particles and may no longer provide adequate protection. This can expose workers to potential health risks and compromise their safety.
Breathing Resistance: As filters accumulate particles, they can restrict the airflow through the respirator. This leads to increased breathing resistance, making it more difficult for the wearer to breathe comfortably. By changing filters, you maintain optimal airflow and ensure that workers can breathe easily while wearing the respirator.
Compliance with Regulations: Many industries have specific regulations and standards regarding respiratory protection. These regulations often include requirements for regular filter replacement as part of a comprehensive respiratory protection program. By adhering to these regulations, employers demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
Three Different Types of Filters
Particulate filters: They only protect against particles such as dust, mists, fumes, aerosols, smoke, mold, bacteria, etc.
Gas & Vapour cartridge filters: They protect only against gases and vapours. There are different kinds of gas & vapour cartridge filters for different kinds of gasses.
Combination filters: They protect you against both particles and gases. Different combination particulate/cartridge filters are used depending on the gas or vapour present in the air.
When do I need to replace particulate filters?
It is necessary to replace the particulate filters when breathing comfortably becomes challenging, the filter gets dirty or experiences physical damage.
When do I need to replace the gas & vapour cartridge filters?
There are several factors that can affect the service life of a gas and vapour cartridge filter. You need to change the filter when one of the following occurs:
When the expiry date has elapsed.
When it's been 6 months since the package was opened. Even if unused, the maximum recommended use time for a gas and vapour cartridge filter is 6 months from the date of opening the package.
When contaminant can be detected by smell or taste.
Or in accordance with your established filter change schedule.
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