Exposure to airborne contaminants can cause serious, long-term damage to your lungs and the rest of your body, so it's absolutely essential to have the right safeguards in place to protect yourself and stay compliant.
BlackHawk Industrial offers a wide range of respiratory protection options that are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of industries, whether it's manufacturing, construction, chemical processing, or many others.
Read on to learn about how to choose the right respiratory protection for your needs, some pro tips on maintaining and using the protection correctly, and more. And as always, contact the experts on our customer support team. We're dedicated to making sure that our customers are getting exactly what they need, and we'll be happy to guide you through the selection process to ensure that you and your workers are staying safe with the right equipment for the job.
Choosing the Right Respiratory Protection For Your Needs
There are more respiratory protection options than you can imagine, which means that there are a lot of different factors you'll have to think about when you're choosing the right protection for your situation. Respiratory protection can range from disposable masks to reusable respirators, powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) to self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA). Here are some of the major factors to consider:
Type of Contaminants: Are you protecting against dust? Vapors? Gases? Biological contaminants? Each type will require a specific type of filtration, so make sure the protection you are considering is designed to protect against the contaminants you'll be encountering.
Duration of Exposure: If you are preparing for long-term exposure, such as a full work-day in an environment filled with harsh chemical off-gassing, then you'll need to find a comfortable respirator that has high efficiency, like a reusable respirator with advanced, replaceable filtration.
Breathing Resistance: Since a respirator is filtering the air, it can introduce some resistance. Over time, this resistance can cause problems, especially if you are doing physically demanding tasks that will increase your breathing and heart rates.
Comfort and Fit: Even for a short-term use case, proper fit is critical. Things like adjustable straps, complete face seal, and entire coverage for your face shape and size are crucial, meaning you may need to consider a few different sizes or shapes to accommodate your entire team.
Respiratory Protection Pro Tips
Here are a few tips from the pros to make sure you are maximizing the effectiveness of your respiratory protection while staying comfortable:
Get Fit-Tested Regularly: Even the perfect respirator won't keep you fully protected if it doesn't fit properly. Do fit tests on a routine basis to make sure that you have a secure seal that is keeping contaminants out.
Check for Proper Seals: Even with routine fit tests, make sure you check your seals every time you put your respirator on — especially if it has adjustable straps. A slightly loose strap can cause an improper seal that becomes an entry point for airborne particles.
Use the Right Filter For the Job: Reusable respirators often use filtration cartridges, and different types are most effective with different contaminants. HEPA is great for small particulate matter, while a gas cartridge will give you the most protection against vapors. Research the right filter for the environment you are working in.
Replace Filters as Needed: Your filter will clog or lose efficacy over time. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines about replacement schedules and STICK TO THEM. Saving a few dollars on a respirator cartridge is putting you at risk of long-term health issues.
Respiratory Protection Care & Maintenance
Taking care of your respiratory protection is essential to ensuring that you are staying safe while getting the longest possible life and effectiveness out of your gear:
Clean Regularly: Reusable respirators need to be cleaned and disinfected after EVERY time you use them. Read the manufacturer's guidelines on the right cleaning products for your equipment.
Replace Filters As Necessary: Keep track of the length of time your filter is in use, and replace them according to the manufacturer's guidelines — or sooner if you notice that there are odors or it is getting difficult to breath normally without resistance.
Storage: Store your respiratory protection in a cool, dry place where it won't be exposed to direct sunlight or significant temperature fluctuations. If your operation uses respiratory protection often, it might not be a bad idea to consider a dedicated storage container to keep a stable storage environment for all of your gear.
Inspect Before Each Use: Check over your respirator before every use, paying care to things like cracks, tears, or other obvious wear. If you see any damage, discard the respirator.
Why Purchase Respiratory Protection from BlackHawk Industrial?
At BlackHawk Industrial, we're proud to be the #1 choice for industrial manufacturers who are in need of Technical Service and Production Savings. We are their "across-the-production-floor" partner, delivering value through product and supply chain performance that lowers the total cost of production.
When it comes to respiratory protection, our expertise and comprehensive product selection means that your team can choose from the highest-quality equipment designed for durability, comfort, and optimal safety in hazardous environments.
Respiratory Protection FAQs
How do I know if my respirator fits right?
A seal check is key every time you put your respirator on. Most respirators come with a fit-check protocol that you should refer to about how to do the right test for your model.
How often should I replace the filter or cartridge in my respirator?
This question is best left to the manufacturer of the respirator and/or cartridge. Read the guidelines to know the replacement schedule, and replace the filter earlier if you notice it smells, tastes strange, or it's making it harder to breathe.
Can I use a disposable mask more than once?
It isn't usually recommended that you use a disposable mask more than once. They are designed as one-time-use pieces of equipment and lose effectiveness when they get damp or dirty.
What's the difference between an N95 and a P100 filter?
N95 filters are 95% effective for airborne particles, while a P100 filter is 99.97% effective while also providing oil resistance, which makes them the preferred option for environments with oily particles.
