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.

Two Types of Respirators

There are two basic types of respirators:

1. Supplied-Air Respirators (SAR), and
2. Air-Purifying Respirators (APR)

The type of respirator a worker needs depends on the hazards they face on the job site. Please note that respirators should only be used when these hazards cannot be mitigated through elimination, substitution, or engineering contaminants out of the workplace.

Supplied Air Respirators

Supplied air respirators provide air either through an airline hose fed from an uncontaminated air source located away from the hazards; or through a compressed air tank (i.e., Self Contained Breathing Apparatus or SCBA).

SAR systems either come as tight-fitting full- or half-face respirators. If you are working in a confined space with a lack of oxygen or hazardous contaminants (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)), you will need a tight-fitting sealed full-face supplied air respirator designed with an emergency escape cylinder. An SCBA is another acceptable means of protection in IDLH environments. However, if you’re working in a non-IDLH environment, you can use a loose-fitting hood that covers the head and neck and provides a constant supply of positive pressure air to keep contaminants out of your breathing zone.

Air Purifying Respirators

Air-purifying respirators don’t supply air; instead, they remove contaminants like dust, mists, and organic vapors by filtering out particulates through an appropriate filtration or absorbent cartridge or filter. Because of that, these types of respirators CAN NOT be used in atmospheres where there is a lack of oxygen or classified as IDLH.

APRs are available in non-powered and powered configurations. In addition, Allegro offers a variety of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) as standalone headtops or complete particulate systems intended for both the industrial and healthcare markets.

Industrial

• PN 9935 EZ Air Economy PAPR
• PN 9935-DLX EZ Air Deluxe PAPR
• PN 9936 EZ Air Max PAPR
• PN 9937-G EZ Air Flex Shield PAPR

Healthcare

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

Selecting the Right Type of Respirator for Your Workplace

Asses the Types of Hazard Workers May Be Exposed To

In environments that have a lack of oxygen, a supplied air system will be required. In situations where there are particulate hazards, such as dust, you will likely use a filter air-purifying respirator or powered air-purifying respirator.

An exposure assessment conducted by an industrial hygienist or an experienced and trained safety professional will determine exposure levels for the types of contaminants you’re testing for and select the proper respirator based on OSHA regulations that are right for your application.

Elements of Respiratory Protection in the Workplace

Of course, selecting the right PPE is just one part of ensuring workers’ respiratory safety. Other things employers and safety professionals need to do include:

• Assess the hazards and evaluating other methods of controlling them
• Conduct an exposure assessment
• Develop a written respiratory protection program
• Conduct medical evaluations
• Perform qualitative or quantitative fit tests
• Provide the appropriate level of training to workers who will use respirators

Respirator Maintenance

To ensure optimal functionality, respirators must be used and maintained properly.

• Ensure that all employees who wear respirators are cleanly shaved
• Encourage employees to perform seal checks whenever they wear a respirator
• Store respirators away from dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, damaging chemicals, and excessive moisture using proper respirator storage products
• Clean and disinfect the respirator according to the manufacturer’s specifications
• Inspect respirators for function, fit, the pliability of elastomeric part, and the overall condition of the facepiece

Respirator Storage

In accordance with OSHA regulation 1910.134(h)(2)(i) “All respirators shall be stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals, and they shall be packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve,” we offer numerous storage products that ensure the safety of your respirators.

Storage Bags

• PN 2000 Respirator Storage Bag
• PN 2010 Half Mask Respirator Carry Bag
• PN 2020 Full Mask Respirator Carry Bag
• PN 2025 Full Mask Storage Bag
• PN 2025-01 Deluxe Full Mask Storage Bag
• PN 4001-05 Large Disposable Respirator Storage Bag
• PN 4001-06 Extra Large Disposable Respirator Storage Bag

Wall Cases

• PN 4100-P PAPR Wall Case
• PN 4200 One-Door Storage Cabinet
• PN 4205 Two-Door Storage Cabinet
• PN 4400 Respirator Storage Wall Case
• PN 4500 Emergency Respirator Wall Case
• PN 4550 Hi-Viz Heavy Duty Emergency Respirator Wall Case

Allegro’s products are designed with safety in mind. Contact us for your all of your respiratory product needs!

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) systems are essential for meeting the operational needs of emergency response agencies and various industrial manufacturers. The effectiveness of your SCBA systems can be preserved by proper and timely equipment maintenance and service, including equipment storage. According to OSHA and NIOSH, all SCBA systems should be maintained and stored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and free from dirt, grime, and the elements. This will help to ensure that all certifications remain valid and prevent potentially exposing a user to harm.

SCBA are typically comprised of pressurized air canisters, a face piece, breathing hoses, and regulator components, all of which are susceptible to damage if not stored properly. Allegro Industries now offers the All-Weather SCBA Wall Case to help you maintain the efficiency of your equipment while providing ease of access.

Brand New, Heavy-Duty, Built Tough

The highly visible, yellow case will help your employees locate equipment in their time of need. Made of high-quality, injection-molded polypropylene, the PN 4600 Series All-Weather SCBA Wall Case is watertight, crushproof, and dustproof; and possesses a strong resistance to fatigue and chemical corrosion. The case design incorporates a large window that allows for viewing gauges and inspection tags. Additionally, these cases are available with three different size brackets for various size cylinders used for SCBAs.

For over thirty-four years, Allegro has been meeting the safety demands of various industries, including chemical, manufacturing, steel and metals, and municipal services. Our commitment to safety is demonstrated in our high-quality product lines and our continuous efforts to innovate our designs and production methods. SCBA can offer a high level of protection from various respiratory hazards—our SCBA Wall Case can help you maintain that high level of protection.

Learn more about our PN 4600 series All-Weather SCBA Wall Cases, or contact a regional sales representative.

The high visibility yellow color makes these units visible from a distance and durable nylon black graphics can hold up to the harshest of conditions. They feature molded-in hinges allowing easy open and close with stainless steel hinge pins, padlock protectors, an O-ring seal, and an automatic pressure equalization valve. The Allegro All-Weather SCBA Wall Cases are designed for simple, fast installation, and are all recyclable and made in USA.

Follow Allegro on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to keep up to date with the latest literature, product updates and introductions, updates in the industry, and training videos made available.

With thirty-four years in the safety industry, Allegro designs and manufactures their products for maximum convenience and ease of use in the field. All their products are backed by outstanding customer service, technical support and fast delivery. For more information, please contact customer service or call 800.622.3530.

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