How to Use Respiratory Masks

∴ Important points in using respiratory masks

Respiratory protection devices, or respiratory masks, are used to protect you against the chemical pollutants of the workplace. However, if masks are not used correctly, are not fully positioned on the face, or are not properly maintained and stored, they can allow the pollutant to penetrate into the mask and consequently cause you to come into contact with it.

One type of protective mask is the half-face mask, and below, some important points to observe when using these masks are mentioned.

1/ Make sure that the mask you are using is suitable for the work conditions and the type of pollutant you are in contact with. For this, you can consult HSE experts.

2/ Masks should be put on before other protective equipment and should be the last item taken off.

3/ It is better to shave your facial hair every day so that the mask fits fully on your face.

4/ Mark your respiratory mask so that you do not mistakenly use someone else's protective equipment.

5/ Adjust the mask straps to the needed size.

6/ Place the mask over your mouth and nose and pull its upper strap over your head.

7/ Pull the lower straps of the mask from behind your neck and connect them together.

8/ Pull the upper straps of the mask so that the mask fits fully on your face while remaining comfortable.

9/ Then perform the positive-pressure and negative-pressure tests as follows to make sure that the mask is correctly positioned on the face.

∴ Positive-pressure test:

Place your palm over the mask's exhalation valve (exhale valve) and gently exhale. If the facepiece of the mask bulges and air is trapped between it and the face. If there is an air leak, reposition the mask on the face and readjust it using the mask straps until the leak is eliminated.

∴ Negative-pressure test:

Place your palm over the mask's filters (the intake valves) and gently inhale (perform an inhalation) and hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds; if the facepiece of the mask collapses inward, the mask is correctly positioned on the face; otherwise, readjust the mask.

 

∴ Cleaning the mask:

The inside of masks should be cleaned with a damp cloth after each use. If necessary, and provided it does not cause an allergic reaction, you can also use cleaning agents.

 

∴ Periodic cleaning:

All parts of the mask should be cleaned thoroughly once a month, and doing so is very important.

 

∴ To do this:

• Detach the mask's parts, including the filters, straps, and other components.

• Immerse them in lukewarm water mixed with detergent liquid and wash them with a soft brush.

• The mask can also be immersed for a short time in a suitable disinfectant liquid.

• Rinse all parts of the mask with clean, lukewarm water and let them dry in clean air.

• Then reassemble the mask's parts and test it to make sure it functions correctly.

• For more information, consult the industrial health expert of the HSE units.

 

∴ Replacing the filters:

If a pollutant leaks into the mask, or resistance arises in your breathing, or upon the recommendation of HSE specialists, the mask's filters should be replaced.

∴ Maintenance of masks:

The mask's parts, especially the intake and exhaust valves, gaskets, filters, etc., should be inspected regularly (once a month) and replaced if damaged. They should also be replaced at specified intervals (usually once every 2 years).

Masks should be kept in a clean container away from contamination, sunlight, and heat sources.

The container in which the mask is kept should be washed and disinfected once a month.

The location for storing the mask containers as well as the spare filters should be in an uncontaminated area (outside the workplace).