Most people are required to wear respirators in their workplace, and it is vital to keep the respirator in proper and clean condition.

Respirators need cleaning and disinfection after each use. Proper cleaning and storage of respirators are also necessary to make them effective and extend their lives. Many elements can damage respirators. They include:

• Dust
• Sunlight
• Extreme Temperatures
• Excess moisture
• Damaging chemicals

Steps for Cleaning Your Respirator

It is essential to clean your hands before cleaning your respirator because your hands could have dangerous chemicals. Also, avoid washing your respirator with solvents, as they can damage your respirator’s rubber or plastic parts. Here are some steps to follow when cleaning your respirator:

• Disassemble the different parts of your respirator. Set aside the cartridges and filters.
• Clean the components with pre-packed respirator cleaning wipes or wash with warm water and a mild detergent. Use a soft brush when cleaning.
• Disinfect the respirator parts by soaking them in a disinfectant solution like sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) solution.
• Rinse with clean water to remove excess soap to avoid skin irritation.
• Air dry on a clean surface or a drying rack.
• Reassemble your respirator and properly store it.

Respirator Storage

Store your respirators as soon as they dry to keep them from dust. Follow these guidelines:

• Store your clean respirator in a clean, airtight container or large disposable bag, separate from the cartridge and filters.
• Store in a dry and cool place. You can use a wall case for storing respirators. Position them in their natural shape to avoid deforming rubber or plastic.

It’s important to note that cartridges and filters should be disposed of when they are no longer safe to use. Some cartridges absorb chemicals when exposed to them. Change them if:

• You begin to smell and taste contaminants.
• You experience irritation of the eyes (full face mask), nose, or throat.
• They show signs of damage.

Respirators are essential for workplace safety. Proper cleaning and storage are necessary, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about respirators, contact us, or visit our website.

The Effect of COVID-19 on Safety Products

During the first two months of the pandemic, hospitals in numerous states became overwhelmed with cases of critically ill COVID-19 patients. There was a huge surge in demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), but supply chains were disrupted and stockpiles were quickly depleted. The situation became dire. Medical isolation PPE was in such short supply that healthcare professionals were re-using these single-use items for days or even weeks at a time, putting themselves at increased risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Driven by a common desire to do whatever it would take to supply the necessary PPE to protect frontline workers exposed to this deadly virus, many companies quickly acted to find solutions. Some of the companies had no prior experience supplying PPE while others safety product manufacturers, like Allegro Industries, expanded our product line to help meet the critical need of supplying PPE in record time. We knew this would be a daunting task, but as a trusted name in the safety product industry for over 34 years, we felt it was our responsibility to help and we were up for the challenge.

Allegro’s PPE Options

We offer a wide-ranging line of safety products that many markets, including newly introduced healthcare and dental, can use to help keep their facilities and workers safe:

Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs)

• PN 9933 EZ Air Tyvek® Hood PAPR
• PN 9933-S EZ Air Saran Hood PAPR

Respirator Wipes

• PN 1001 Alcohol Respirator Cleaning Pads
• PN 1001-05 Alcohol Respirator Cleaning Pads (The Big Ones)
• PN 1001-20PP Alcohol Respirator Cleaning Wipes Pocket Pak
• PN 1001-20PPD Alcohol Respirator Cleaning Wipes Pocket Pak Dispenser Box
• PN 1001-200PU Alcohol Respirator Cleaning Wipes Pop-Up Pak

Face Protection

• PN 06BG Browguard
• PN 1410 Spray Sock
• PN 1415 Tri-Layer Washable Cloth Mask
• PN 1420 Lightweight Gaiter

Fit Test Kits

• PN 2040 Sweet (Saccharin) Fit Test Kit
• PN 2041 Bitter (Denatonium Benzoate) Fit Test Kit

Respirator Storage

• PN 2000 Large Plastic Storage Bag
• PN 2025 Large Cloth Storage Bag
• PN 4001-05 Large Disposable Plastic Storage Bag
• PN 4001-06 Extra Large Disposable Plastic Storage Bag

Lens Cleaning

• PN 0350 Eyewear Cleaning Wipes
• PN 0350-20PP Eyewear Cleaning Wipes Pocket Pak
• PN 0350-20PPD Eyewear Cleaning Wipes Pocket Pak Dispenser Box
• PN 0350-200PU Eyewear Cleaning Wipes Pop-Up Pak
• PN 0353 Eyewear Cleaning Wipes Canister

To view a complete list of all of our Healthcare and Dental-related products, click here!

Contact us for more information regarding any of our safety products that can help keep you safe!