Have you ever imagined wearing a mask that is not only uncomfortable but also harbours bacteria, mould, and other hazardous contaminants? Our respiratory system is highly sensitive and susceptible to damage, especially when exposed to such hazardous substances over time.
In fact, it is estimated that 13,000 deaths occur every year due to past exposure at work, primarily to dust and chemicals. While using Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) can help you avoid adverse health effects, focusing on proper inspection, maintenance, and care will help you ensure your RPE works correctly and provides the appropriate level of protection.
As an employee or staff who relies on respiratory protective equipment, it is essential for you to familiarize yourself with the proper care and maintenance of the masks.
Why is it Important to Clean and Maintain RPE?
Respiratory protective equipment is usually worn for a long period. It means when the wearer breathes into the dust mask or half mask, it leads to the accumulation of bacteria due to sweat and humid conditions inside the mask.
Consistent usage leads to wear and tear. It increases the chances of a broken seal in the mask or the build-up of dust or material residing on the inside. The goal of maintaining RPE is to ensure the same effectiveness it had when it was initially manufactured. It helps improve the longevity of the mask and prevents the build-up of dust, dirt, or bacteria. Also, regular maintenance helps in the detection of issues that could impact the functioning of the mask in the long run.
Maintenance, whether we are talking about powered respirators or dust or full-face masks, includes cleaning, examination, replacement, repair and testing. Usually, a maintenance guide is provided by the manufacturer, and the provided maintenance schedule should be followed as per instructions. Simple cleaning of the mask can be carried out by the wear, but intricate repairing should always be carried out by a professional.
Before Beginning with Maintenance: Understand How Frequently Your Masks Need Maintenance Service
Before you delve into the maintenance checklist for your reusable respirators, be sure to check what type of respiratory protective masks you have and how frequently they need maintenance or cleaning service. For instance, a half-face mask covers your mouth and nose. The filters can be particles or gas/vapour, and they need to be changed periodically.
There are disposable half-face masks and reusable ones (Sundstrom SR100) as well, so the maintenance for each of them changes from one another. Reusable ones come with a service kit to maintain them.
Similarly, full-face masks, like 3M 6000 series, are reusable masks that cover your mouth, nose, and eyes. Similar to half-face type, filters can be either particulate or gas/vapour and need periodic replacement. Then, powered respirators are reusable masks with hoods/masks that cover your mouth, nose, eyes, and head. The equipment attached to the motor power pack and the filters have to be changed once in a while. The maintenance for all these three categories of masks differs.
Proper Care and Maintenance of Reusable Respirators: A Brief Overview
Whether you have non-powered or powered air respiratory, the appropriate storage, cleaning, and maintenance of RPE will prolong its service life and preserve its ability to protect you while making the most out of your investment in the equipment. Here’s the step-by-step guide to ensure appropriate maintenance of reusable respirators.
1. Keep it Clean
Before you clean the mask, dismantle it and remove any filters and covers from the inhalation values, inhalation membranes, and harnesses. There are different ways of clearing your mask, depending on how frequently or dirty it is. Nonetheless, make sure to check the manufacturers’ guidance or recommendations. Here’s a brief tip on caring for the RPE at different interval periods.
- Wipe down the equipment with a moist cloth or mild cleaning solution or use a respiratory clearing wipe every day. If you are using wipes, pay close attention to seals, valves, and other nooks and crevices. It is stable for daily use and lightly soiled equipment.
- Disassemble the respiratory masks every two weeks and immerse the facepiece in warm, soapy water or another mild cleaning solution. Use a soft brush to rinse thoroughly, and allow the air to dry at room temperature. This procedure is suitable for a heavily solid RPE.
2. Inspecting the Parts of the Respirator
Once you have cleaned all the mask parts and have dried them properly, use this opportunity to inspect all the parts and replace any that look worn or damaged. Such an intricate inception will make sure that your respiratory remains safe to use and provides better protection. Knowing when to replace your filter depending on several factors, including:
- Class of the filter, for instance, class 1 type absorbs fewer contaminants than class 3. So, class 3 filters need to be replaced more frequently as compared to class 1.
- The level of contamination in your workplace, for example, airborne contaminants, will be higher in the chemical industry than in construction.
- If the work intensity of the wearer is high, then it is best to replace the filters.
- The higher the temperature and humidity in the workplace, the more frequently the filters need to be changed.
3. Storing RPE in an Appropriate Place
Once the equipment has been cleaned and reassembled, it is recommended to store it in a clean and dry place until you are ready to use it again. Ideally, store it in a storage bag or box to protect it from light, humidity, damage, or other chemicals.
4. Monthly Respiratory Mask Maintenance
Carrying out monthly inspections along with maintenance is highly recommended, especially if you are frequently using the RPE. Maintenance should include a visual inspection of the facepiece and harness for any wear and tear or damage. It would impact the performance level of protection the equipment provides. The maintenance checklist of powered respirators or half-face/full-face masks includes:
- Changing replaceable filters and cartridges
- Full cleaning of the mask
- Valve ambiance
- Checking the battery charge level
- Testing the flow rate for powered respirators’ rate.
The Bottom Line,
Health and safety in the workplace are becoming more important than ever. This includes controlling workplace hazards and using personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed. RPE will protect you from inhaling hazardous substances and prevent the occurrence of health issues later in life. Proper cleaning and maintenance of this equipment will help you achieve optimum performance and maximum lifespan.
Now, where do you get reusable respirators? Look no further! At Respirator Shop, they have respiratory protective equipment, whether non-powered or powered respirators, of all types and from all brands. They have personal protective equipment—from head to toe—be it protective helmets or safety shoes—to protect people and prioritize safety at work. Besides, you can also get service kits for the respective masks. So, visit the website and look for a service kit if it is available.
