Choosing the right respiratory protection mask How to do it?

The mask, personal protective equipment (PPE)

The respiratory protection masks concern a wide range. Indeed, it is necessary protective equipment in many trades such as painting, welding, medical or even for handymen and firefighters. For each use, there is an adequate protective mask. Your respiratory tract needs to be protected from your work environment, whether it is dusty, in the presence of gas, smoke, or even toxic substances, to avoid any health hazard.

Different types of masks:

• Disposable
• Half-mask
• Integral

Remember to check that they meet the CE standard (European standard).

A few examples of brands selling these types of masks to make your choice:

Dickies, Portwest, Sup Air

Duration of a disposable mask

Disposable protective masks have an expiry date, they should only be used once, they are for single use! The effectiveness of a disposable protective mask lasts more or less long depending on its use, it depends on the humidity exhaled by the wearer. Once the filter is saturated, it is more difficult to breathe.

In addition, a protective mask that has collected dust, even without being used, loses all its effectiveness. Likewise if it is damaged or torn.

However, there are reusable disposable protective masks.

Which mask to wear?

There are various types of protective mask, to make the most suitable choice, here are some important characteristics to choose your mask according to your needs.

• If the oxygen level is low (<15%), the contaminant is unknown and odourless, and you are working in a confined space: Choose a full insulated protective mask with supplied air system.
• If the oxygen level is reasonable (>15%), the contaminant is either dust, particles or viruses: Choose a disposable filtering protective mask.
• If the oxygen level is reasonable (>15%), but the contaminant is gas or vapours: Choose a filtering protective half mask or a full protective mask.

It is important to choose a filter of the same brand as the mask, because the attachment is not done in the same way. Different filters exist, particulate, gas or combined filters.

Half masks cover the chin, mouth and nose. It does not compromise the field of vision.

Full face masks are generally used when the risk threatens the eye area, so they cover the same limbs as half masks, but also the eyes.

Work safely, choose the mask that meets the needs of your job!

Where to find respiratory masks: anti-dust, surgical?

In the workplace, it is up to your employer to provide this personal respiratory protective equipment. Beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, the mask is essential protection for DIYers like those in the know, which is why Oxwork concerned about everyone's health, offers a wide choice of quality masks, standardized and at the best price, to the general public.