What Gas Mask Is Right For Me?

There are two main types of gas masks or respirators that you can use in the workplace, each of which has a proper use and situation. Disposable masks are designed for dust protection and are generally single-use. They are put on when needed for a short time and then thrown out. Reusable gas masks use disposable filters and cartridges, depending on the job you are doing, and can be reused as long as they are in proper working order.

When should I use a Dust Mask?

Dust masks are a light-use and disposable option. They fit around your nose and mouth to protect you from dust, airborne particles, and non-hazardous materials. These masks will not protect you from toxic or hazardous gases, vapours, or materials, and they should not be used as primary PPE in these circumstances. Typical uses for dust masks are sweeping, dusting, cleaning, mowing lawns, or sanding wood. A respirator should be used with the appropriate filter or cartridge when dealing with any dangerous substance

What is a respirator used for?

Respirators are reusable masks that you can put specific filters and cartridges on to protect yourself from harmful toxins, vapours, or gases. These gas masks can be half-faces and cover your mouth and nose, or full-faces and cover your eyes as well. These respirators provide respiratory protection by creating a tight seal around your face. This makes your breath go through the attached filters, which will catch the harmful toxins in the air.

Filter vs Cartridge

Filters and cartridges each have specific purposes, and should each be used for the proper job and situation.

Filters have the same basic function as dust masks, but can be attached to reusable respirators. The filters can also remove nuisance levels of toxic or harmful gases and vapours, but note that they will only remove very small amounts of these gases and vapours for short periods.

Cartridges provide higher levels of protection against gases and vapours and can be used in situations with higher levels of toxic or harmful gases and vapours. There is also a wide variety of cartridges for every possible situation or industry, from acid gas, organic vapour, or even mercury exposure.

Another note to keep in mind is the use of particle prefilters that can be placed on top of cartridge filters, which will extend the service life of the cartridge filters. Each filter and cartridge should be used in the appropriate situation and changed as needed.

How long do Gas Masks last?

Disposable gas masks are one-time-use products and should be disposed of after you finish the job you put them on for, or as soon as you can smell the material you are trying to keep out.

Filters are designed for particle filtration on a reusable gas mask and should be changed once you can smell the material you are trying to keep out, if you notice it is becoming more difficult to breathe, the filter is visibly dirty, after 40 hours of use, or every thirty days. Whichever comes first.

Cartridges are designed to capture smaller particles, down to the gas and vapour level. The cartridge should be disposed of after the maximum use time of 6 months, if you notice it has become hard to breathe, or if the shelf life has passed. If you can smell or taste the material through the mask, stop use immediately.

How to Properly Fit a Gas Mask?

Disposable masks are usually one-size-fits-all, but reusable gas masks come in various sizes and can vary by brand. A certified Fit Testing session should be conducted with the mask you plan to use. This will ensure a proper seal around your face, providing full coverage and protection from the harmful gases and vapours you are working around.

To receive a certificate, the participant must pass the administered taste test, which requires the candidate to demonstrate how to properly don/doff the mask, perform seal checks, and complete general care and maintenance of the respirator.

A candidate is fit tested to a particular make and model of respirator. If the employer changes respirators, a new fit test must be done. The Ontario Ministry of Labour also requires that you be recertified for respirator mask fit testing every 2 years.