Factors influencing the selection of absorbing equipment

Selection of the absorber

After determining the type of the hazardous substance, the type and protection class of the absorber should be selected. Next, the minimum value of the protection index should be calculated by dividing the concentration of the substance by its TLV. Then we select the equipment so that the equipment has a higher value of the AFP protection index.

Other factors influencing the selection of equipment:

• Work intensity and time
• Ambient temperature, humidity - increased temperature and high humidity may shorten the operating time of the absorber
• Visibility - respiratory protection equipment reduces the field of view, therefore, especially full-face masks should be equipped with a visor with a large field of view
• Communication - the face pieces of the equipment distort the voice, although some masks have a built-in diaphragm to facilitate conversation
• Mobility
• Cooperation with other personal protective equipment
• Mask tightness

Principles of proper use of PPE

At the outset, it is worth remembering how important the expiry date of the equipment is. After its expiry, the manufacturer does not guarantee that the protective properties will be maintained in a specific protection class. Additionally, make sure that the packages are intact and that they have been properly stored.

In accordance with the Instructions of the European Community Countries containing recommendations for the selection and use of respiratory protective equipment, the users of the equipment are subject to mandatory medical examinations: every three years - for employees up to 35 years old, every two years - for employees aged 35 to 45, every year - for employees over 45 years of age.

In addition, systematic checks should be carried out on the technical condition, storage of the equipment, and proper adjustment by users.

Principles of proper use of respiratory protection measures

The time of effective operation of the absorbers consists of:

• absorber type,
• ambient air humidity and temperature,
• sorption capacity,
• degree of work arduousness,
• concentration of vapor or gas in the air and its type.

The biggest problem for the user is determining the moment when it is necessary to replace the absorbing element. Manufacturers often use warning characteristics of chemicals such as smell, taste, irritation of the mucous membranes.