Many jobs across diverse industries require Respiratory Protection to safeguard workers from certain hazardous particulates, vapors, gases, fumes and other contaminants. Examples of these protective products include disposable respirators, reusable respirators, and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR).
Specifically, a PAPR is a powered air-purifying respirator that uses a blower to force ambient air through air-purifying elements in the filters. The simplest way to understand a PAPR is to contrast it with a typical disposable or half-mask respirator.
A PAPR uses a fan to draw air through the filter; whereas, lung power is required to draw air through the filter of a disposable or half-mask respirator. While there are various kinds of PAPRs, here are the four primary components they have in common:
A hood, helmet or facepiece
A powered fan to force air in
A filter to purify incoming air
A power source for the fan
Some of the advantages of a PAPR and instances where they're preferred:
Easier and More Convenient Breathing
Since air is drawn into the PAPR headgear via the fan, lung power isn't required. Therefore, the wearer of a PAPR can breathe more naturally. Furthermore, the incoming air also ensures that the interior is cool, thereby preventing sweat that may arise in a hot work environment. All of this makes a PAPR very comfortable.
Suitable For Those With Facial Hair
Workers may want to keep facial hair for style, religious or medical reasons. However, with some respiratory protection, a beard and other facial hair may compromise the seal of tight-fitting facepieces. On the other hand, PAPR systems with loose-fitting headgear are suitable for those with facial hair.
No Fit Test Required
Tight-fitting respirators require a fit test to ascertain their effectiveness for individuals. Since PAPR systems are loose-fitting, no fit test is required.
Creates Positive Pressure
Since the fan pushes air into the helmet or hood, it creates positive pressure. On the other hand, in a non-powered respirator, negative pressure is created as the lung is used to suck air in. What this means is that if the respirator isn't fitted properly, contaminants could be inhaled into the lungs.
Integrated PPE from the Neck Up
Non-integrated PPE worn by workers is not designed to function cohesively since the hard hats, eyewear, respirators, and earmuffs might be made by multiple manufacturers. As a result, a respirator may push against the worker's glasses or earmuffs. However, PAPR systems can be designed to integrate multiple layers of protection in the head and face area.
Elevated Level of Protection
Because it is air-powered and it creates positive pressure, a PAPR can have an assigned protection factor (APF) of up to 1000. The APF is used to define the class of respirators required for a specific workplace environment based on the level of hazardous contaminants. For instance, in a work environment with a manganese concentration of 10mg/m3, employers are required to provide an APF of 10. But if the concentration level is as high as 500mg/m3, then an APF of 1,000 is required. To put things in perspective, a non-powered full-face respirator has an APF of 50. As a result, certain biological, chemical and radiological facilities, as well as other job conditions with high contaminant levels, need PAPRs to protect employees.
