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jeudi 1 août 2013

Learning More About N95 Respirators

By Lela Perkins


Through the spreading H1N1 flu virus, the uses of N95 respirators masks have become common. Initially, they were used for other purposes. They were used in occupational safety. The acronym N95 refers to the NIOSH which in a full means national Institute for occupational safety and health. It is employed to rate the masks on a certain standard for particle transmission system.

Respirators can be divided into two categories. The single use disposable masks which are inexpensive and the reusable ones which have very sophisticated cartridges to filter the air. The reusable Mask respirators are known as air purifying respirators abbreviated as APR and can be further divided into two types: the full face respirator and the half mask ones.

Disposable masks do not filter the air in the same way as the reusable masks. Many of the masks have the option of purchasing lens covers that stick to the full face mask and can be peeled after use. These films help to preserve the lens from scratches. Any mask respirator need to perform a fit test prior to using it in hazardous conditions.

One should ensure fitting the mask correctly to ensure that the infected person cannot transmit the viruses through the nose or mouth. They should not be blocked by hair or jewelry. When the mask is poorly fitted, it can allow air particles to enter through the open spaces and at the edges.

Users must note that these aids are not a perfect choice if the contaminant concentration is ten times more than the permissible exposure limit set by OSHA. The N95 respirators are really effective in offering protection against filter particles like soot, smoke and ash. But before actually using them, people are strongly recommended to go through the user instructions very carefully and then go ahead with using them.

Many people believe that any mask that looks like the N95 mask can perform the same function. Dust masks which reduce the amount of dust inhaled looks quite similar to the N95 mask. However they do not have the thin latex.

There are steps that can be followed when cleaning the aids. In each of the three buckets used to clean, the respirator run two full gallons of warm water. The temperature should be above 110 Fahrenheit. After running warm water, separate the respirator and remove the cartridges filters and accessories. Ensure washing the pieces using a soft-bristled brush alternatively, you can use a sponge. Use a dish washing detergent and alternatively use alcohol-free wipes. Remove the respiratory pieces from the bucket and dip them in the second bucket.

N95 respirators are not designed for people with facial hair. People with chronic respiratory or other medical conditions should check before wearing the mask. Wearing a respiratory masks is an effective method for reducing the chances of contracting airborne diseases and restoring good health conditions regardless of the contaminants that linger around in the work place or any other place for that matter.




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