As a type of personal protective wear, there are face masks made to protect you from dust, chemicals, and disease-causing viruses. Choosing the right one is dependent on the nature of work and environmental factors. To help you out, here are the different types of face masks and their uses. Keep on reading!
Cloth masks are used for protection against dust, water droplets, and extreme temperatures. Some are designed to fit the nose and mouth, while others extend to the neck to offer sunburn protection.
While these provide some degree of barrier against pollutants, you might need more than one layer to achieve ample protection. It should also be immediately washed after every use with laundry detergent and warm water.
A surgical mask is a mouth and nose cover used for surgery, dental procedures, and many other medical purposes. Made with water-resistant materials, these can protect the wearer from large droplets coming from body fluids, hazardous liquids, and respiratory discharge.
In the operating room, it is used as a barrier to prevent the transmission of bacteria from the mouth, nose, and open wounds. Surgical masks are effective against water droplets but not smaller airborne particles. It is recommended to discard the mask after a single use or when it becomes damp.
Similar to the surgical mask, an N95 mask is also disposable. Due to its inward curving shape, it has a tight-fitting design that can cover your nose and mouth. It is tested for 95% efficiency in filtering non-oily particles. This makes it the recommended option when it comes to reducing exposure to droplets and aerosols.
An N95 mask can also be used in sites that contain airborne hazards such as dust, mist, and fumes. Valved N95 masks are especially helpful in construction industries, protecting the wearer from inhaling harmful particles as a result of sanding, drilling, and painting.
Intended to protect the face from incoming hazards, there are a few types of face shields available in the market. These are typically worn along with certified masks and eye goggles to offer complete protection from liquids, gases, and solid objects. These are often used in healthcare as a secondary barrier.
For people who work directly with construction hazards, welding shields could be an option. Because these are made with fiberglass or vulcanized fiber, it makes the mask strong enough to receive impact from metal spatter and wood chips. It also has filtered lenses to protect the eyes from infrared light.
Compared to an N95 mask, elastomeric respirators are reusable. It consists of a replaceable cartridge and filter which protects the wearer from gases, vapor, and particles. The full facepiece variant protects the eyes from hazards in the environment.
Another variation of this mask is the Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PARF), which uses a fan to draw air.
For firefighters, not just any respirator will do the job. Because they expose themselves to higher concentrations of hazardous chemicals, they need a portable air tank to provide them with clean air. These last depending on the breathing rate of the wearer but typically become empty after an hour.
Additional training is required to use it properly. Apart from fire protection, it is also used in chemical plants and nuclear facilities.
Make sure you are informed about the different types of face masks available. Personal protective equipment is not a one-size-fits-all. That is why it is recommended to consult your supplier for the appropriate mask for your establishment.
If you’re in need of face masks, you’ve come to the right place. Dels Apparel is partnered with Delta Philippines to bring you high-quality safety gear for different applications. Click here to contact us!
