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jeudi 31 juillet 2014

Info Post
By Annabelle Holman


Respirators refer to devices designed and used for protection against inhalation of harmful air or airborne particles such as fumes, dust, gasses, and vapors. N95 respirators are one of the many varieties of respirators on the market. They are meant for general use. They can be used by the public, health workers, industrial workers, or in workplaces that require workers to protect themselves against harmful substances and gasses. There are other brands that are more suited for use by military personnel and other heavy users.

N95 is a non-reusable air filtering respirator capable of filtering small airborne particles with diameters of up to 0.1 microns. Their filter efficiency is very high at approximately 95 percent. Instructions on usage must be followed to ensure that the protection gained from the item is high enough. For example, one should only get into a work area after they have confirmed that the item fits properly on the face and is air tight along the sealing surface.

Manuals that accompany the products usually specify all necessary seal checks and dressing procedures. Different manufacturers make the products in different ways hence a user should not think that the seal checks and donning procedures remain the same in all brands. Reading the manual is important. Contamination and exposures are common among individuals who ignore the manuals. Damages or soiling can make an article hard to breathe through. Such articles should be replaced immediately.

These devices need to be used in many different situations. Some of the most common users are researchers, animal handlers, and health care workers who are required by protocol to wear respirators. Some employers also require their employees to wear these items at all times or during certain moments while at the place of work. In the US, there is an annual training and fit test for all employees who are required to use the device by their employers.

An individual does not have to attend the training physically. There are sites that offer online training to the public. An inspector can be called to conduct a fit test after completing the online training. This type of respirator is meant for one-time usage hence must be disposed properly after removing. Certain jurisdictions consider it an offence to re-use the item.

Users should know all the shortcomings that these devices present when before using them. One of the shortcomings is that the products cannot protect the wearer from chemicals. Facial hair may also temper with the efficiency. A tight seal is prevented from forming by facial hair. The products can also not protect an individual from silica, lead, and asbestos hazards.

There are also certain concentration levels beyond which the device should not be used. For example, if the infectious substance has a concentration ten times the specified limit, the equipment cannot be of any use. In cases where exposures do not exceed the lowest limit for which the equipment must be worn, the employee may decide to wear it voluntarily.

After leaving the site of contamination, the exterior of the device should not be touched. This is because the fabric of the device may be containing contaminants. One should wash their hands properly with the necessary detergent after leaving the work area.




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