Saturday, August 3, 2013

Learning More About N95 Respirators

By Lela Perkins


The N95 respirators are the plain white masks which are worn in areas where there is increase in dangers of pandemic diseases such as swine flu, avian, dengue, and then these masks are very popular. The respirator is a mask that is plain white cloth circle with elastic straps to fit around the ears and a metal to conform to the contours of the nose. The outside is made of rough cotton and paper that is porous while the middle is made up of latex.

The mask is made to filter airborne particles, which are 0.3 or larger. This object can be a hazard. This mask can be employed by people who are suspected to have a contagious disease to ensure that the particles are not transmitted to others hence endangering their lives. The kind of respirator is not a hundred percent efficient but it is effective in transmitting limiting transmission of the infection.

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.

When used effectively, reusable ones can be comfortable and an important part of the protective gear equipment. When a person is exposed to a workplace environment with gas or airborne material, then protection is very essential. It is necessary to understand which kind of respirator will provide the best protection. Essentially there is the Self-contained breathing apparatus, (SCBA) the Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) and the Escape breathing apparatus.

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.

There are various types that are designed for specific purposes, and they offer to vary levels of protection. Some of the masks have latex, which is an allergen to some people. It is advisable to ensure cleansing and sanitizing the respirators regularly. This is the case that applies when the respirator is use by many people. This is emphasized by the center of disease control and prevention before being used by a different person.

The earliest form of this mask was developed to protect miners, fire-fighters from dust, chemicals and smoke. Soon workplaces and industries began requiring the workers to wear so that the risk of inhaling harmful gases is reduced. Today, it is used in the health industry to filter the airborne particles, viruses and bacteria from reaching the lungs. The mask must fit your face to prevent the spreading of infections from one individual to another. They are part of the infection control strategy which also includes washing hands and quarantine or social distancing.

Add commercial disinfectant in the third bucket and dip the respirator in the solution. Alternatively, you can employ quaternary ammonia disinfectant in each of the 2 gallons. This solution is good for disinfecting the pieces. Lastly, rinse the N95 respirators before the disinfectant can dry. Allow the pieces to dry in a free circulating air. Do not keep the respirator in direct sunlight and heat.




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