How do I clean my respirator after use?
Disposable respirators should not be cleaned;
dispose of the respirator immediately after use according
to facility policy. Reusable respirators may be disinfected
using a mild bleach and water solution (0.1% sodium hypochlorite).
Can disposable respirators be shared between people?
No. disposable respirators should never be shared.
Can respirators protect you from biological agents such as
Bacteria or Viruses?
Biological agents, such as viruses, are particles and can be
filtered by particulate filters with the same efficiency as non-biological
particles having the same physical characteristics (size, shape,
etc.). However, unlike most industrial particles there are no
exposure limits established for biological agents. Therefore,
while respirators will help reduce exposure to avian influenza
viruses, there is no guarantee that the user will not contact
avian flu.
What is the difference between an approved respirator and
a surgical mask?
Respirators are designed to help reduce the wearer's exposure to
airborne particles. The primary purpose of a surgical facemask is
to help prevent biological particles from being expelled by the
wearer into the environment. Some surgical masks are also designed
to be fluid resistant to splash and splatter of blood and other
infectious materials. Surgical facemasks are not necessarily designed
to seal tightly to the face and therefore air leakage around the
edges is likely. However, some respirators are designed to have
the characteristics of both an approved respirator and a surgical
mask.
Information
on the proper use of respirators:
Proper
use of respirators is not a guarantee that the user will not contract
Avian Influenza. There are several considerations which individuals
should be aware of when using respirators, such as:
- Respirators
may help reduce exposure to airborne biological
contaminants, but they don't eliminate the risk of exposure,
infection,
illness, or death.
- For
greatest effectiveness respirators need to be worn before
and during the entire exposure period.
- Respirators
may help protect your lungs, however, some biological
contaminants
may be absorbed through the skin or eyes and other protective equipment
may be required to protect these areas.
- Fit
of the respirator to the face is very important. If it
does not fit properly,
airborne contaminates will penetrate (by entering underneath)
the face
piece seal.
- Our
respirator masks are NOT designed for children. Respirators
are designed for occupational / professional
use by adults who are properly trained in their
use and limitations.
- The
wearer must be clean-shaven to wear respirators that seal
tightly to the face. Beard, stubble
or long moustaches may cause large leaks into the
respirator.
- Training
on proper use and limitations, including practice putting
the respirator on and wearing it is recommended.
- Individuals
with a compromised respiratory system, such as those
with asthma or emphysema, or those with a history of heart
disease,
should consult a physician before wearing a respirator.
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