Questions and answers before using gas masks

While often providing customers with technical support for gas mask products, customers will also repeatedly ask questions about gas mask knowledge and make some suggestions for you.

In the form of question and answer, the following provides information on the relevant help that users need to know when selecting gas masks and escape masks.

Q: Can anyone wear gas mask respirators?

A: Breathing through respiratory protection products is more difficult than in open spaces. People with lung diseases, such as emphysema, asthma, or the elderly, will have some difficulties. Some people with claustrophobia can't wear masks or hoods. People with vision problems will suffer from vision problems when they wear masks or hoods (some masks can be used by people who wear glasses).

Q: Can you expect to protect yourself from any possible danger by purchasing gas masks or escape masks?

A: These respiratory protection products can only be used for protection against specific threats. Care must be taken to comply with the precautions, limits of use, and restrictive requirements provided with respiratory protective equipment. If the mask does not form a close fit with your face, there will be leaking contaminants in the inhaled air. Any situation that affects the closeness of the face and mask, such as beard or horn, can cause leakage. Face masks come in different styles, different sizes, and different suitability from people with various facial types. When you receive training, you need to know exactly how to wear and use gas masks.

Q: Can gas masks protect children?

A: There are many problems with children's use of respiratory protective equipment, especially infants and young children. For example, existing masks are not suitable for infants and young children. Anyone who uses respiratory protection needs a mask suitability test and is trained to use and maintain it properly.

Q: Corresponding to a specific hazard, if I have suitable filter elements, gas masks are also suitable for me. Can they protect me permanently from the environment?

A: Gas masks and escape masks are filtered to reduce the exposure of harmful substances, but if the concentration of harmful substances is high and exceeds the capacity of the filter element (this may be because the amount of harmful gas or particulate matter exceeds the design of the filter element). Capacity may also be due to your stay in a hazardous environment for more than the designed use time. In these cases, they do not provide the required protection. In addition, even if the test can prove that the mask is suitable for your face, it does not mean that there is absolutely no leakage. When the concentration of harmful substances is extremely high, even a small amount of leakage may be fatal.

Q: Can cartridges and masks last a lifetime?

A: Filters, filters, masks, etc. will age. The life of the filter cartridge is limited. If the filter elements on the mask have expired or have been opened or damaged, you will not be protected. Filter cartridges and canisters containing activated carbon and chemical reagents must be stored under sealed conditions and should not be used if they have been opened or have not been stored in airtight conditions. Even if you have the original package, you must verify the validity of the package before purchase. In addition, the mask will age as time goes on. Respiratory protection must be stored in a clean, dry environment. Avoid overcooling and overheating. Inspect according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Q: If the use of gas masks is correct, will I be 100% safe?

A: The filter element can only filter certain substances inhaled into the air. Some harmful substances can also enter the body through the skin. For such harmful substances, gas masks or escape masks must be used in combination with personal protective equipment such as protective clothing and protective gloves. Protection is effective.

Q: Can a gas mask protect me if there is a lack of oxygen in the air?

A: Gas masks do not produce oxygen. In an environment with insufficient oxygen concentration, such as fires, tankers and other confined spaces, there is a danger of suffocation.

Q: Can a gas mask protect me if there is a fire?

A: If your main concern is how to escape from a smoke-filled building, it is very important to read the manufacturer's information carefully. Smoke particles may quickly clog the cartridges on the gas mask. In addition, the cartridges used need to be protected against carbon monoxide and special chemical substances on the fire scene. Not all escape masks provide these protections. There are many gas masks and escape masks. Some of the above components, including hoods and masks, will melt in the fire.

Q: How much time can I use once I wear a gas mask or escape mask?

A: It depends on the capacity of the filter element and the amount of harmful substances in the air. The higher the concentration of harmful substances in the air, the shorter the service life of the filter element. Therefore, there is no absolute time limit. This will come with each type of respiratory protection product. The capacity varies. This is why in the emergency escape plan, how to reach the safe area before the failure of the filter element should be considered.

Q: Can respiratory protection products really protect my safety as described by the manufacturer?

A: In the United States, NIOSH will be responsible for the inspection and certification of respiratory protective equipment used by workers to protect harmful substances in the workplace. NIOSH-approved respiratory protection products are labeled "NIOSH certified" and NIOSH certification numbers are also provided. However, NIOSH certification is only for certain specific hazards, so even if it is certified, it does not mean that it is suitable for all hazards. NIOSH-certified products are provided with a "certification label" that describes the applicable protective objects that are certified. When purchasing respirators, check the certification label to make sure that the certification protection it gets is what you need.

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