ABOUT HALF MASK RESPIRATORS
Half masks are respiratory protection masks that can be used in combination with gas and particulate filters. Depending on your choice of filter, they can offer protection against harmful substances such as dust, aerosols, gases and/or vapours. The masks cover the mouth and nose. In comparison to full masks, half mask respirators are relatively lightweight and compact. They can be used for a range of applications requiring gas and particulate filters.
WEARING COMFORT OF FILTER MASKS
In order that masks are worn consistently and willingly by users, it is important to choose models with a high degree of wearing comfort. Like all Moldex filter masks, our half masks are designed to maintain a secure, comfortable fit for the duration of use, even over lengthy periods. The fit is ensured, among other things, by an anatomically designed sealing lip made from soft, skin-friendly material
PUTTING ON A HALF MASK
In order for half masks to offer reliable protection, they must fit well and be worn properly. Thanks to a special, adaptable sealing lip, some models are one-size-fits-all. Others are available in S, M and L. Respiratory protection masks should be held in position by one hand while being placed over the mouth and nose, while the other hand adjusts the straps over the head and neck. All models have length-adjustable straps. Since facial hair such as beards can impair the fit of filter masks, users must always be clean-shaven. If the user wishes to test the fit of the mask, they may place the palm of their hand over the exhalation valve and breathe out slowly. If no air leaks out between the respirator and the face, the mask is positioned securely.
As an alternative to the above, they may also use their palms to cover both filter. If the body of the mask contracts slightly upon a long inward breath and there is no influx of air from other parts of the mask, the half mask respirator is correctly fitted.
CLEANING OF HALF MASK RESPIRATORS
To ensure the functionality and cleanliness of half masks, they should ideally be cleaned after every use. A Moldex disinfecting cloth or similar can be used to do this. Once this has been carried out, the filter masks should be stored in a sealed container with as high a degree of airtightness as possible. A Moldex storage bucket is ideal for this purpose. The name and the date of the last filter change can be recorded on the outside of the bucket for convenience.
Half Mask
What Does Half Mask Mean?
A half-mask is a type of respirator that covers only part of the face. It is an item of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect the respiratory tract from potentially harmful noxious substances. As a half mask, it does not cover the upper part of the face and therefore does not protect the eyes. It does not protect from head injuries of any kind to other parts of the head such as impact from falling objects.
Half Mask
For eye protection, noise protection or head protection other safety equipment must be used in conjunction with a half mask. For eyes to be protected from noxious substances in the air a full mask, which covers the whole face, can be used. This has a transparent cover that engulfs the upper part of the face. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health provides regulations for testing and certifying powered and non powered respirators. Before choosing a respirator, it is important for business owners to perform a risk assessment and safety plan and consult regulatory standards to help choose the appropriate PPE for a task.
Respirator Selection
Employers must select, and provide to employees, the appropriate respirators specified in paragraph They must provide employees with a full-face piece respirator instead of a half-mask respirator for protection against lead aerosols that may cause eye or skin irritation at the use concentrations. filters for powered and non powered air-purifying respirators must also be provided.
See Figure 4.3 for different types of respirators used in residential lead hazard control work. Figure 4.4 shows a worker in protective clothing while cleaning. It is important to vacuum all surfaces in the work area, including those that have been covered with plastic. The employer must provide a powered air-purifying respirator when an employee chooses to use such a respirator and it will provide adequate protection to the employee.
The disposable facepiece or the half-mask respirator fits over the nose but does not cover the whole face. A full face mask respirator does cover the whole face; the wartime ‘gas mask’ is of this type. A powered respirator has a fan to assist the flow of air through the filter.
The filters available for respirators are of three types: (1) filters for particular gases and vapors only, (2) filters for dusts and other particulate materials, and (3) combination filters for particular gases and vapors and for dusts and other particulates.
As already stated, the air-purifying respirator differs fundamentally from the air-supplied RPE in that it is not itself a source of air and is therefore of little use unless breathable air can be drawn through it from the surrounding atmosphere. It will not sustain breathing in an asphyxiating atmosphere.
Respirator Selection: Where there is potential exists for exposures over ppm; Use an or European Standard EN 149-approved respirator with an organic vapor cartridge/canister and a dust/mist/fume . More protection is provided by a full face piece respirator than by a half-mask respirator, and even greater protection is provided by a powered-air purifying respirator. Where there is potential for high exposures exists, use an or European Standard EN 149-approved supplied-air respirator with a full face piece operated in the positive pressure mode, or with a full face piece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode; or use an or European Standard EN 149-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with a full face piece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode.