Introduction

If you have any questions about the appropriate type of respiratory protection equipment required for your work activity, contact your Supervisor or the Facility Support Representative, Industrial Hygiene (IH) Representative, or HSE Coordinator assigned to your organization.

Types of Respiratory Protection Equipment:

Disposable Dust Masks

The filtering media forms the facepiece to face seal.

Used for nonhazardous dusts or worker convenience and comfort.

Minimal Use Dust Filtering Mask

Used for nonhazardous dusts or worker convenience and comfort.

Polymer sealing surface fits user face.

APR – half face

Air Purifying Respirator (APR) – Minimum level of protection for hazardous situations.

Relies on cartridge media to clean the air that will be breathed.

APR – full face

Air Purifying Respirator (APR) – Moderate level of protection for hazardous situations.

Relies on cartridge media to clean the air that will be breathed.

PAPR – full face

Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) – higher level of protection than APR.

Relies on cartridge media to clean the air that will be breathed.

Air is pressurized by a blower into the mask.

Selection of accompanying cartridge is made only by Authorized Issuer.

Welding Helmet

Combines air purification with eye protection from the shaded lenses.

Military Mask

This mask is only for use by the Safeguards and Security services.

Gas Mask

APR with high volume canister instead of a cartridge(s).

PAPR Helmet

Provides the minimum level of protection, only for particulates.

Does not require a fit test.

Supplied Air Hood

Provides clean air from a compressed air source– either a bottle of Grade D breathing air or a compressor tested to provide Grade D breathing air.

Does not require a fit test.

Supplied Air – full face

Provides clean air from a compressed air source– either a bottle of Grade D breathing air or a compressor tested to provide Grade D breathing air.

SCBA

Provides clean air from a compressed air bottle worn by the user.

Permitted for use in situations in which an emergency device is needed.

Use is limited to Emergency Services Division Fire Rescue Personnel and other allied organization in emergency response.

Escape – bottled air pack

Provides a minimal amount of clean air from a compressed air bottle worn by the user.

Used for escape only.

Can be used for escape from oxygen-deficient areas.