Thursday, August 7, 2014

Things One Should Know Concerning N95 Respirators

Things One Should Know Concerning N95 Respirators



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 respirator is a disposable air filtering appliance that can filter particles with diameters as tiny as 0.1 microns. They have a considerably high filter efficiency of around 95 percent. For maximum protection, the user must follow the instructions on how to wear the product. For instance, before one gets into the work area, they must confirm that the piece is well fitted on the face and is air proof along the sealing surface.



The dressing procedures and all seal checks needed are normally specified by the manufacturer in the manual the product comes with. Since manufacturers make these products differently, one should not assume that donning or seal checks are the same. It is important to read the manual to be sure. Such assumptions may result in exposures to dangerous materials against which protection is being sort. Replacements should be done to any article one has trough breathing through because of damages or soiling.



These devices can be applied in several different settings. Researchers, health practitioners, and animal handlers are among the most common users. Places of application include all work places that have contaminants that can be blocked by the appliance. Some employers may also make it a requirement for employees to wear these safety devices when at the working place. All users are required to attend an annual training and fit test in the United States.



Such trainings can be undertaken online without having to visit the training facilities. After taking the online training, one can call an inspector to come and conduct a fit test. Since these devices are meant to be used only once, they must be discarded immediately they are removed. It is an offence to re-use the item under certain jurisdictions.



These devices have certain limitations associated with them that users should be aware of. The use of an N95 respirator for instance does not provide protection against certain substances such as chemicals. Efficiency can also be reduced with the facial hair between the face and the sealing surface on the device. Hazards such as asbestos, silica, and lead cannot be protected against using a respirator of this kind.



At certain concentration levels the device is considered inefficient and cannot be used. For example, the device is useless if the level of concentration of the harmful substance is ten times. Voluntary use is not discouraged even if levels of exposures lie below the lowest limits recommended for wearing the equipment.



Touching the outside of the appliance after being in a contaminated area is discouraged. This is because the surface of the device is considered to be contaminated. Hands should also be washed well afterwards.









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Things One Should Know Concerning N95 Respirators Things One Should Know Concerning N95 Respirators



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Things One Should Know Concerning N95 Respirators



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