This respirator maintains a continuous flow of air through the face piece and prevents leakage into the face piece.
This type of respirator allows the user complete independence from a fixed source of air and offers the greatest degree of protection but is also the most complex. Training and practice in its use and maintenance is essential. This type of device will be used in emergency situations only.
Respirator cartridges and canisters are designed to protect against individual or a combination of potentially hazardous atmospheric contaminants, and are specifically labeled and color coded to indicate the type and nature of protection they provide.
An approved label on the respirator will also specify the maximum concentration of contaminant(s) for which the cartridge or canister is approved. For example, a label may read:
“DO NOT WEAR IN ATMOSPHERES IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE MUST BE USED IN AREAS CONTAINING AT LEAST 20 PERCENT OXYGEN. DO NOT WEAR IN ATMOSPHERES CONTAINING MORE THAN ONE-TENTH PERCENT ORGANIC VAPORS BY VOLUME. REFER TO COMPLETE LABEL ON RESPIRATOR OR CARTRIDGE CONTAINER FOR ASSEMBLY, MAINTENANCE, AND USE.”
Warning Signs of Respirator Failure:
When breathing difficulty is encountered with a filter respirator (due to partial clogging with increased resistance), the filter(s) must be replaced. Disposable filter respirators must be discarded.
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