N95 Respirator Mask Types: Fundamental Information

The N95 is the preferred series of particulate respirator masks that meet United States government standards. The face masks are tested to reduce exposure to airborne contaminates by NIOSH – the National Institiute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH has 9 total approval classes, N95, N99, N100, R95, R99, R100, P95, P99, P100 organized by oil compatibility and filter efficiency.

The letter signifies how the filter tests in environments exposed to grease aerosols:

N95, N99, & N100. These filters aren’t to be used with oil aerosols. These needs to be utilized in environments uncovered to particulates which don’t contain oil. In many cases, the n- respirators could be reused multiple times.

R95, R99, & R100. These filters are oil resistant. The r- respirators can be used in atmospheres containing particulates any stable or liquid hazard together with oil-primarily based hazards. These are one-time use masks.

P95, P99, & P100. These filters are oil proof. These respirators can be used in any setting exposed to hazardous particulates. The p- respirators are subject to time of use limitations.

The filter effectivity number refers back to the percentage of airborne particulates that were removed in testing: ninety five%, ninety nine%, and a hundred%. If a mask is NIOSH approved then it will have a stamp of approval class printed on the respirator.

NIOSH approved masks additionally come in different sizes, and a well fitting mask is vitally important. When test-fitting an N95 mask or different particulate respirator mask, follow these straightforward steps:

1. Press the mask (respirator ) firmly in opposition to the face with the outside nosepiece on the bridge of your nose.

2. Stretch and position the top headband on the back of your head above your ears. Stretch the underside headband over the head and position below your ears.

3. With each fingers, mold the metal nosepiece to the form of your nose.

4. To test fit, cup both arms over the respirator and exhale vigorously. If air flows round your nostril, tighten the nosepiece: if air flows around the edges of the respirator, reposition the headbands to fit better and test once more until there isn’t any air leakage.

Earlier than selecting the best mask, it is also advised that you simply speak with skilled industrial safety personnel about an evaluation of your particular environment.

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