What You Need to Know About Air Purifying Respirators

by Jim Hingst

Identifying Airborne Health Hazards

Depending on the type of products that you manufacture, you and your employees can encounter a variety of airborne hazards. Most of us know that we should wear some type of air respirator in many of our work environments. What can be difficult  is identifying the particular hazards and determining what protective equipment. 

Here are some of those hazards that are commonly encountered in many shops:

Dust from Power Equipment. If your employees use power equipment, such as an angle grinder, router or jig saw, they can generate a cloud of dust. Long-term exposure to dust from sawing and sanding wood can cause a range of health issues, including allergic respiratory reactions and lung cancer.

Welding Fumes. Welding not only generates particulates but can give off harmful fumes which can lead to a variety of ailments, including cancer.

Adhesive Removers. Vapors from some types of adhesive removers can affect your nervous system and make you sick.

Solvent Fumes. Breathing solvent fumes from airbrushing and spray painting not only can make you dizzy but what’s worse is that protracted exposure can result in liver damage.

Breathing Problems. The most severe breathing problems, such as COPD, may not surface until many years after a worker has been subjected to the hazard. (It may interest you to learn that one of the major causes of COPD for those who have never smoked is occupational exposure to dust and chemicals.) While medical treatments have improved for some patients experiencing chronic respiratory disease, these are the type of problems that will usually last your lifetime.  

If you are exposed to airborne health hazards, you should wear an air respirator. Some of the most popular types are air purifying respirators, which filter contaminants from the air. Other types of respirators provide the wearer with fresh air. Three types of air purifying respirators are dust masks, half mask respirators and full face respirators.

Developing a Respiratory Protection Program 

In light of the potential risks to your employees, you may require your employees to wear an air respirator on the job. If you do, OSHA demands that you establish a respiratory protection program for your shop. Other federal and state agencies have issued very specific regulations covering the selection, use and maintenance of the appropriate air respirator for the work that your employees are performing.

If you run a shop and require that employees wear an air respirator, OSHA demands that you follow a number of procedures. Many of their regulations are common sense. The OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard includes the following requirements:

Step One: Develop a Program. Establish a written respiratory protection program. You should update your written program as conditions change in your shop. These conditions could include the use of new materials, such as solvents or adhesive removers, the addition of new equipment or the introduction of new manufacturing processes.

Step Two: Assign an Program Administrator. Assign management of your program to a qualified employee trained in respiratory hazards. While this does not mean that you personally need to conduct the training sessions, as a shop owner you just need to provide the training. To aid training, OSHA has developed several training videos, which you can use.

Step Three: Identify the Hazards. Airborne hazards will vary from one type of shop to another. Your responsibility is to identify and evaluate the hazards in your shop. When using raw materials, such as paints or solvents, you should read the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and product labels to learn about any health hazards associated with product use. In some cases, these SDS bulletins may include air respirator recommendations. You can also call the manufacturer, when you have questions.

Step Four: Select Appropriate Respirators. After identifying any hazards related to specific applications, you need to select the appropriate respirators and filter cartridges for your employees. As an employer, you will also need to establish a schedule for changing cartridges.

Step Five: Provide Training. Provide employees with respiratoryprotection training covering how to put on and remove a respirator and how to clean and maintain their respirators. This training should be outlined in your written program.

Step Six: Maintain Respirators. To work properly, you and your employees must maintain your respirators according to the manufacturer’s product bulletins. Maintenance procedures, which should be explained in your written respiratory protection program, should cover inspection, cleaning and storage of equipment.

You should clean and inspect respirators at the end of every shift and store them in enclosed containers or plastic bags. Damaged respirators, such as those exhibiting cracks, must be replaced.

Over time, filter cartridges will become clogged with contaminants. When this happens, breathing through the respirator mask will become difficult. This is a sure sign that you should change the filter cartridge. Another clue that a filter cartridge is not working is when you can smell or taste a vapor or when you become nauseous or dizzy. Irritation of your nose or throat also indicates that you should change the cartridge.

Step Seven: Access to Records. Provide your employees with access to all records pertaining to your written program.

Step Eight: Conduct Worksite Specific Training. In directing employees, it usually is a good practice to explain what jobs need to be done that day and what personal protection equipment is required to do that job. Then it is up to you, if you are the supervisor, to make sure that your employees follow the safety guidelines. When they don’t follow the rules, then you need to take corrective action.

Step Nine: Fit Testing. Provide employee to be fit tested with any tight fitting respirator selected for their use. This is important, because if the mask does not fit tightly contaminants can leak past the seal. A number of factors can affect how well a respirator mask fits on your face. The most obvious variable is the shape of the wearer’s face.  If one type of mask does not fit an employee properly, you need to find one that does work. Other factors can compromise a tight seal including facial hair, piercings, scars, glasses and jewelry. Fitting, which includes qualitative and quantitative (measurable) testing, should ensure a proper fit.

When you perform fit testing, you must conduct the test under the exact conditions in which the mask will be worn. That means that you must conduct the test using the same make and model that your employee will use. What’s more, if your employee wears glasses or jewelry, you must conduct the test as he or she is wearing these items.  Employees must be retested every 12 months. NOTE: The loose fitting type of respirator, such as a respirator hood or helmet, does not need to be fit tested.

Step Ten: Annual Medical Evaluation. Air-purifying respirators, which utilize filtering cartridges or canisters, can make breathing more difficult. This added stress creates an increased risk for any employee dealing with an existing health issue, such as heart problems. For this reason, if you require an employee to wear a respirator, OSHA regulations oblige you to provide him or her with an annual medical evaluation. 

Respiratory Protection Handbook

● Explains how to establish and implement an effective respiratory protection program.

● Reviews the development of respiratory protection devices.

● Describes how to select appropriate filters.

● Explains fit testing methods.

Dust Masks

When you are sawing, grinding or sanding, you can generate a dust storm. The tiniest of these airborne contaminants are the most hazardous, because they settle in the bottom of your lungs and do the most damage.

The simplest type of air purifying respirator is a disposable cloth dust mask that fits over your mouth and nose. A NIOSH-certified N95 respirator is acceptable for many applications. These masks are only designed for one use and should be discarded at the end of a work shift. A much better choice is to wear either a half mask respirator or full face mask with a particulate filter, which provide a better seal so there is a lower risk of contaminant leakage.

3M 8511PB1-A-PS Particulate N95 Respirator with Valve

● Two-strap design provides a secure seal.

● The adjustable metal nosepiece allows for a tight fit.

● Better fitting mask than other disposable masks.

● Breather valve reduces breathing effort.

● Pliable construction fits tightly around the face preventing contaminant leakage to your nose and mouth.

● Thick, two part construction traps 95% of non-oil particulates. 

Half Facepiece Reusable Respirators

Half-facepiece respirators provide many advantages over a dust mask. It fits tighter onto your face so the risk of contaminants is reduced. It accepts a variety of filter cartridges, so you can use it to filter dust as well as gases and vapors. Half masks can also be reused after cleaning.

The 3M 6000 Series and 7500 Series Half Facepiece Reusable Respirators are popular choices. Here’s why:

● Soft hypoallergenic face piece is very comfortable even for extended use.

● Snug fitting for secure protection compared to cheap dust masks.

● Lightweight. 

● Easy-to-adjust head straps.

● Versatile. Great for sanding, grinding or painting applications when used with approved cartridges and filters.

● Affordably priced for any budget.

The 3M 7500 Series Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator is 3M’s top-of-the-line half face mask, which features a softer silicone plastic construction for extended wear. This mask is also preferred by painters, because paint is less likely to adhere to its slick does silicone surface. 

Full-Facepiece Spray Paint Respirator

Many painters select a full face mask because it provides both eye and respiratory protection. The 3M 7162 Full-Facepiece Spray Paint Respirator is recommended for spray painting lacquer and enamel paints. Its design accepts a variety of changeable filter cartridges. Here are some of the features of this full face respirator:

● Provides both eye and respiratory protection.

● Accepts a variety of bayonet type filter cartridges.

● Replaceable film covers protect the clear plastic facepiece from overspray.

● Fits securely to  many wearers with facial hair.

3M 7162 Full-Facepiece Spray Paint Respirator

Filter Cartridges for Particulates

There are two different types of filters. One type filters solid particles. The other type is a chemical cartridge, which filters gases. Cartridges are labeled and color-coded for easy identification. Some cartridges can be stacked one on top of another to filter multiple types of contaminants.

If you purchase a reusable face mask, a wide variety of filter cartridges are available. You must use the appropriate cartridge for specific applications, such as grinding, welding or spray painting. Cartridges for particulates will filter dust, but they will not protect you from vapors, when you are spraying paint or cleaning with solvents.  By conducting a thorough hazard assessment of your shop environment, you can determine which types of cartridges should be used.

There are different types of particulate filters. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed a rating system for particulate filters. This rating is comprised of a number and a letter. The number indicates how much of particulates the cartridge or dust mask filters. The number 95 means that the cartridge filters 95% of the particulates in the air. 100 indicates that virtually 100% of the particulates are filtered. The letter in front of the number tells you what type of particulate is filtered. N means non-oil proof. R indicates that the filter is oil resistant up to 8 hours. P is for oil proof past 8 hours.

P100 cartridges filter both oil and non-oil based particulates. These are ideal for woodworking and welding applications.

3M Particulate Filter 7093B,P100 Respiratory Protection

3M Particulate Filter 2097, P100

One of the more popular types of particulate cartridge filters among woodworkers and welders is the 3M 2097 cartridge. The filter provides respiratory protection against a number of airborne hazards, including lead, asbestos, cadmium and arsenic. In addition to trapping oil and non-oil based particles, this P100 magenta colored filter includes a very thin layer of charcoal to absorb odors and metal nuisance vapors created during welding. Although the 2097 filter absorbs low levels of organic vapors, it is not suitable for spray painting applications. Here are some of the 3M Particulate Filter 2097, P100 features:

● An excellent filter choice for welding applications.

● Filters oil and non-oil particulates.

● Reduces nuisance odors from organic vapors.

● Satisfies NIOSH P100 standards, providing 99.7% filter efficiency.

● Bayonet design is compatible with many 3M half and full facepiece designs.

3M Particulate Filter 2097, P100

Organic Vapor Filter Cartridges

For airbrushing or spray painting with some paints, you will need to buy an organic vapor (OV) cartridge. These cartridges include a layer of activated carbon, which absorb certain organic paint and solvent vapors. The OV cartridge should be used in conjunction with a particulate filter.

OV cartridges with a carbon filter have a limited life. This life expectancy varies on several factors, such as relative temperature and humidity, breathing rate, type of chemical vapor and the concentration of the chemical vapor.  For example, ambient humidity above 85% can cut the service life of an OV cartridge in half.  One rule of thumb is if you can smell a vapor while wearing your mask, it is time to change the cartridge. Typically an OV cartridge will last 30 to 40 hours or 30 days, whichever comes first.

As long as the OV filter is exposed to the atmosphere, it continues to absorb gases and vapors. For this reason, when you are not using your air respirator mask, always store the OV cartridges in either an airtight container or a zip-lock type of plastic bag.

For your shop, you should establish a change-out schedule for replacing OV cartridges. This schedule should be part of your written respiratory protection program.

As a word of caution, if you are spraying urethane paint, carbon filters will not protect you from the dangerous isocyanates in the paint. For this type of paint, you need a different type of respirator. Instead of filtering contaminated air, these respirator supply the wearer with clean air.

Spraying urethane paint generally requires a spray booth and an airline respirator that provides clean air from an air cylinder or pumps clean air from outside a paint booth through a hose to the wearer.  OV cartridges also do not provide protection from vapors and gasses, such as ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide gas and sulfur dioxide.

3M 6001 Organic Vapor Cartridges

Organic Vapor cartridges protect against gases and vapors, but will not filter particles. The solution is to use a pre-filter.  The 3M Paint Respirator Supply Kit includes replaceable pre-filters for particulates and retainers that  fit over the 6001 filter cartridges. 

This kit is a good selection for painters.  The 3M Paint Respirator Supply Kit consists of two 6001 OV cartridges, 2 pair of 5P71 particulate P95 filters along with a  pair of 501 retainers.

3M Paint Respirator Supply Kit

Organic Vapor Cartridge/Particulate Filter

Another option is to select a 3M Organic Vapor Cartridge/Particulate Filter, which combines an OV filter with a P100 particulate filter. The particulate filter cartridge strains any oil  and non-oil particulates. The Oganic Vapor cartridge filters certain solvent vapors. This type of combination filter is a good choice for spray painting or airbrushing applications.

3M Organic Vapor Cartridge/Filter 60921 Product Features:

● Protects against certain organic vapors and particulates.

● Covers several applications to reduce your inventory.

● Compatible with many 3M half and full facepiece respirator masks.

● Bayonet fitting allows for easy installation.

● NIOSH approved.

3M Organic Vapor Cartridge/Filter 60921, P100 Respiratory Protection

Vinyl Sign Techniques by Jim Hingst

Here is a comprehensive guide to the vinyl sign and graphics business. Compiled from 54 Vinyl Graphics columns in Signs of the Times, edited, updated and condensed here into 39 chapters, Vinyl Sign Techniques is an essential resource. The book is divided into four sections: sales & marketing, materials, fabrication, and vinyl application & removal. Every important aspect to running an efficient and profitable vinyl sign business is covered in detail, often including valuable charts, tables and photos for reference. 

About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.

Hingst began his career 45 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer.  Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.

Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for  publications, such as  Signs Canada, SignCraft,  Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and  Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 450 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published.  Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon. 

Slides of Jim's Artwork

© 2018 Jim Hingst