Respirator Selection Guide

Certain jobs require wearing a respirator to prevent both inhaling hazardous materials and to protect oneself against dangerous airborne viruses. For that reason, it is important to select the proper respirator option to ensure optimal protection for your daily work tasks.

This guide will outline the differences between masks and respirators, while helping you choose the best possible respirator solution to keep you safe while you work or for everyday life.

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Masks

Masks are usually loose-fitting with ear loops to hold them in place and are classified as either reusable cloth or disposable non-medical protective items. The main purpose of a mask is to prevent droplets from the wearer to reach surrounding areas through coughing, sneezing or simply breathing out. They do not protect the wearer against foreign particles that can contaminate the face.

There are masks (often referred to as ″surgical masks″) classified at ASTM level 1, 2 and 3 that do provide superior protection to a regular mask and, depending on the level, can protect the wearer from liquids or large droplets. However, these masks are also loose fitting and may not be able to protect against smaller particles usually transmitted through coughs and sneezes.

Respirators

Unlike masks, respirators fit the wearer’s face to provide a tight seal around the nose and mouth. They usually have two straps that fit around the head and a metal nose-piece that provides stability. Respirators are capable of capturing and filtering particles of different sizes, even microscopic ones like viruses and bacteria. As a result, they provide two-way protection, protecting both the wearer and his or her surroundings.

Fit Testing

Although respirators can protect and filter better than masks, without a proper fit it will not be as effective as it should be. Workers who are required to wear respirators while working must ensure it properly fitted. There are two ways to test the fit of a respirator:

• Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT): This test uses a solution to see if the respirators fits. The tester will first determine the worker’s capacity to detect the solution WITHOUT the mask by spraying it in inside a hood the worker is wearing. Once that’s verified, the worker will wear the hood once more along with a respirator and the tester will spray the solution to see if the worker can detect it. If the solution is detected, the respirator is not a good fit. The test will also determine if the wearer can talk, breathe and move their head normally.
• Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT): This test requires a tester who uses a machine. During the test, the machine takes measurements of the level of particles inside the mask compared to the air outside of the mask. If there is high particle count inside the mask, it means that the fit is not adequate and the seal is not tight enough.

Typically, workers who are required to wear a respirator need to be re-tested every two years, or if their physical condition has changed. An example of a physical change is weight loss or gain, or a change in face shape.