Safety Knowledge

How to Choose Your Respiratory Filter Correctly

Posted on by Kai Quan Chew
29
May

Selecting the right respiratory filter is critical for protection against airborne hazards. Follow these steps to ensure optimal safety and compliance:

SAFETYWARE Respirator
SAFETYWARE Respirator

First Step : Identify the Hazard

A. Particulates (Dust, Mists, Fibers)

  • Filter Types:
    • N-Series: For non-oil particulates (e.g., wood dust, pollen).
    • R/P-Series: For oil resistant (R) or oil proof (P) protection
  • Efficiency Ratings:
    • 95% (e.g., N95), 99% (N99), or 99.97% (P100/HEPA).

B. Gases & Vapors (Solvents, Acids, Ammonia)

  • Cartridge Color Codes:
    • Black: Organic vapors (paints, solvents).
    • White: Acid gases (chlorine, sulfur dioxide).
    • Green: Ammonia/methylamine.
    • Yellow: Multi-gas (organic vapors + acid gases).
    • Olive: Broad-spectrum

C. Combined Hazards

  • Use dual purpose cartridges 

Second Step : Determine Protection Level

  • Calculate Assigned Protection Factor (APF):
    • Formula: (Exposure Level) ÷ (Permissible Exposure Limit).
    • Example: 500 ppm exposure ÷ 50 ppm PEL = APF 10 required.
  • Match Respirator Type:
    • Half-mask (APF 10): Low-risk tasks.
    • Full-face (APF 50): High exposure or eye hazards.
    • PAPR/SCBA (APF 25–10,000): Oxygen-deficient or IDLH environments.

Third Step : Ensure Compatibility & Fit

  • Brand Consistency: Use filter designed for your respirator model.
  • Fit Testing:
    • Annual qualitative/quantitative tests.
    • Perform seal checks before each use.
  • Medical Evaluation: Mandatory for users with respiratory/cardiac conditions.

Last Step : Maintain & Replace Cartridges

  • Service Life:
    • Particulate Filters: Replace when breathing resistance increases.
    • Gas Cartridges: Follow OSHA schedules; store sealed when unused.
  • Cleaning:
    • Wash with mild detergent; disinfect with diluted bleach.

Safetyware Solutions

  • Specialized Cartridges:
    • OV/P100 combo for oil based pesticides.
    • Multi-gas olive cartridges for industrial chemicals.
  • Compliance: Meets SIRIM and EU standards.
  • Support Tools:
    • Respiratory selector software for cartridge recommendations.
    • Fit test kits for annual validation.

Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using N-series filters with oil based hazards.
  2. Exceeding 8-hour use for R-series filters.
  3. Mixing incompatible filter and respirator brands.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct Respiratory Filter hinges on precise hazard identification, APF calculations, and strict maintenance. Safetyware’s NIOSH-certified cartridges—color-coded for quick selection—deliver reliable protection for industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Explore Safetyware’s Respiratory Catalogue:
🔗 Download 2024 Catalog
📞 Contact: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.safetyware.com