Classification of respiratory protection equipment

Based on the PN-EN 133 standard on respiratory protection equipment, we can classify according to the type of hazard: presence of harmful substances in the air (dust, gases, vapors, etc.), oxygen deficiency (below 17%). This is directly related to the method of respiratory protection, which may consist of either purifying the inhaled air (purifying equipment) or supplying air from a source independent of the surroundings (isolating equipment).

We can protect the respiratory tract in two ways: purify the inhaled air (purification equipment) or supply the air from a source free of pollutants (isolating equipment).

Purification equipment

Purification of the inhaled air from harmful chemicals and dusts is carried out by:

• filters that stop dust and mists,
• absorbers that retain chemical substances in the form of gas,
• combined filters and absorbers.

They are not self-protection, but must be completed with the face piece. Due to the design of the face part, we can distinguish: disposable half masks, half masks, full face masks, hoods and helmets.

Insulating equipment

When there is less than 17% oxygen in the air, the concentration of harmful substances is unknown or is very high, filtration is ineffective, the dangerous substance in the form of gas is odorless, we use insulating equipment. ) or autonomous (cylinder or regenerative apparatuses).

Escape equipment

It is not a work equipment, but an emergency, often used during evacuation from a danger zone.

Selection and use of respiratory protection measures

Basic concepts.

• NDS - Maximum Allowable Concentration - weighted average value of concentration, the impact of which on an employee during the 8-hour daily and average weekly working time, throughout the period of his professional activity.
• STEL - Maximum Permissible Temporary Concentration - the average value of the concentration, which should not cause negative changes in the health condition of an employee, if it occurs in the work environment for no longer than 15 minutes and not more often than 2 times during a work shift, at an interval of not less than 1 time.
• TLV - Maximum Permissible Ceiling Concentration - concentration value that may not be exceeded in the work environment at any time.
• NPF - Nominal Protection Factor - the theoretical level of protection provided by respiratory protective equipment based on laboratory measurements.
• Protection factor - shows how many times air pollution will decrease after passing through the cleaning equipment. May be nominal (NPF) or expected APF).
• APF - Expected Protection Factor - the level of protection that can actually be achieved by properly trained and supervised personnel. These values ​​should be taken into account when choosing cleaning equipment.

Types of respiratory protection means

Short-term filters - they cover the mouth and nose and their protective properties depend on the material they are made of.

Half masks - cover the chin, mouth and nose. The inhaled air passes through one or more filters, canisters or combined canisters, while the exhaled air passes through the exhalation valve.

Full face masks - they cover the chin, mouth, nose and eyes and the air flow in this equipment is the same as in half masks.

Air supplied respiratory protection

The breathing air is taken from the mains or from a portable cylinder and fed through a hose to a full mask, hood or half mask. When using this type of equipment, it is worth remembering about a separate filter to clean the air before it reaches the breathing apparatus. Types of respiratory protection means