Reusable air-purifying respirators have replaceable filter
cartridges. The most common facial types are the half and full face
masks. A full face mask covers the nose, mouth and the eyes. If the
hazard irritates the skin or eyes, use a full face respirator.
Respirator cartridges can be changed with other hazard cartridge types
to fit the hazard (i.e., a particulate cartridge to a gases and vapors
cartridge). Some cartridges come with pre-filters to use with the
respirator cartridge. Don't forget to use them. If you don't use them,
you reduce the amount of protection available to you. Cartridges or
respirators from one manufacturer cannot be used with
cartridges/respirators from another manufacturer. Reusable
air-purifying respirators are the type commonly used to protect the
user from chemical vapors, dusts and mists. Cartridge type
air-purifying respirators do not protect from lack of oxygen.
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Always inspect and test fit with new cartridges.
Do not use a respirator that's been sitting around
since last season.
Clean
the respirator daily according to manufacturer's instructions. To
extend cartridge life, store the respirator and cartridges in an
air-tight bag.
Store
the respirator in a sealable plastic bag away from contaminants, not in
a machine shop or livestock confinement building. The cartridges in the
respirator continue to absorb the gases (e.g., exhaust fumes or pit
gases) in a storage area until the charcoal has reached its absorption
capacity.
Follow the test fit instructions.
Do not use respirators with beards or other facial
hair that pass between the sealing flange of the respirator and the
face.
