How To Maintain Respirators

How do you maintain respirators?

1. Inspect the respirator before and after use
2. Clean the respirator after each use
3. Replace filter and cartridges regularly
4. Store your respirator properly
5. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions

Respirators are personal protective devices designed to decrease the wearer’s exposure to hazardous airborne particles, vapors, and gases. Some of the popular types are disposable and for one-time use—such as FFP1 and FFP2 masks. There are also reusable half-mask and full face mask respirators with filters and cartridges that you can replace for long-term use. If you want to know how to maintain these respirators, keep on reading!

Inspect The Respirator Before And After Use

Whether you’re using a disposable or a reusable respirator, make sure to inspect all parts before you wear it. Worn-out and defective masks will not provide you with the protection you need, so this step is necessary. Replace the mask with a new one if you notice signs of damage.

Here is a simple checklist you can use when inspecting your respirator:

• Facepiece: Look for signs of holes, cracks, and tears. Make sure that all parts are in place, with no loose or missing components. Double-check if the metal nose clip in disposable masks is working properly.
• Straps: Inspect the straps for poor elasticity, fraying edges, and other damages. This way, you can ensure a good fit when using the respirator.

• Valves: Check for signs of dirt, contaminants, and cracks in the valves. This might make your respirator more inefficient. Make sure that all valve covers are in good condition.
• Filter: Make sure there are no holes and worn threads in the filter. Check for cracks and dents, and make sure that cartridge gaskets are in place.

Clean The Respirator After Each Use

After using a disposable respirator, make sure to dispose of it properly and wash your hands afterward. For reusable ones, remember to clean and sanitize them properly before storage. You can follow the steps below:

1. Disassemble the respirator according to the manual. Remove the filters, cartridges, canisters, and other components. Inspect all parts of your equipment for wear and damage.
2. Clean the reusable components using warm water, a soft brush, and mild detergent. After washing, rinse the parts in clean water. Avoid exposing the filter and cartridges to moisture because these are not meant to be washed. 
3. Depending on your manufacturer’s recommendations, you might use a suitable disinfectant.
4. Allow the components to air dry or wipe each one with a clean lint-free cloth.
5. Inspect all parts of the respirator again for signs of damage.
6. Reassemble your respirator and inspect the seals for tightness.

Replace Filters And Cartridges Regularly

Unlike the facepiece, the filters and cartridges on your respirator are not designed for washing. Instead, you need to replace them regularly according to your manufacturer’s recommendations. This component can start clogging up after some time, so always keep a backup ready. Even if you don’t use your respirator, the filter will continue to absorb contaminants from the environment. 

To ensure that workers get the most out of their respirators, some workplaces have a filter and cartridge change schedule. This will depend on the contaminants present in the environment, temperature, humidity, and shelf-life of the filter and cartridge.

Below are some signs that you might need to change the filters and cartridges:

• You notice signs of damage on the filters and cartridges
• You taste and smell the contaminants
• Your eyes, nose, or throat become irritated

Store Your Respirator Properly

After making sure that your respirator is in good condition, the only thing that’s left is to store it properly. This way, it will be protected from dust and other contaminants in the air. It also prevents sunlight, heat, cold, and moisture from damaging your respiratory equipment. This applies to both disposable and reusable respirators.

Choose a nonporous, airtight container for your respirator. Some safety equipment suppliers already provide a storage bag when you receive this PPE. You can also use a zip-lock bag or a sealed plastic box. Keep the cartridge in a separate container.

When storing your respirators, make sure that all components retain their natural shape. Don’t put heavy objects on top of the equipment. Protect your respirator from humidity and extreme temperature by placing it in a cool and dry place.

Refer To The Manufacturer’s Instructions

To ensure that your respirator is taken care of, always refer to the manufacturer’s manual regarding the cleaning, filter replacement, and maintenance recommendations. Not all respirators are made the same, so it’s best to read the instructions first to avoid damaging your equipment. 

Other than that, make sure that you’re only using manufacturer-approved cartridge filters specifically made for your respirator.

Key Takeaway

A respirator is personal protective equipment that can protect you from contaminants in the air. But to be effective, it must be in good condition—free from damage, dirt, and defects. Make sure that you inspect, clean, and store it according to your manufacturer’s guidelines so you can make full use of its features.

If you have additional questions on how to maintain respirators, Dels Apparel can help you. They offer different types of respiratory equipment and can provide specific advice regarding care and maintenance of your PPE. If you’re interested in disposable and reusable respirators, you can check our products here.