Respiratory protection guidelines Proper use and maintenance of respiratory devices. Please use the following information on fit testing and the maintenance of respiratory protective equipment to ensure safety in hazardous environments.
Filtering facepiece Negative pressure respirator respirators N95 Half or full face
Positive pressure respirator PAPR or CAPR
N95 respirators provide negative pressure filtration to the user, achieved by forming a seal on the face.
Negative pressure respirators provide negative pressure filtered air to the user via attached cartridges if the appropriate cartridges, canisters or filters are used.
Positive pressure respirators provide filtered air to the user. They do not provide supplemental oxygen and cannot be used in an oxygendeficient environment or an environment with the potential for toxic gases.
Who should use it?
ASU employees exposed to biological agents and other respiratory hazards with published exposure limits when engineering controls or work practices do not reduce an employee’s exposure below the published regulatory exposure limit.
ASU employees exposed to biological agents and other respiratory hazards with published exposure limits when engineering controls or work practices do not reduce an employee’s exposure below the published regulatory exposure limit.
ASU employees exposed to biological agents and other respiratory hazards with published exposure limits when engineering controls or work practices do not reduce an employee’s exposure below the published regulatory exposure limit.
Is fit testing required?
Medical clearance, training and fit testing are required for mandatory use.
Medical clearance, training and fit testing are required for mandatory use.
Medical clearance and training are required for mandatory use.
May not be used by those with facial hair that interferes with the seal of the mask.
May not be used by those with facial hair that interferes with the mask’s seal.
The respirators can be used to protect against particles, gases or vapors if equipped with the appropriate filter, cartridge or canister. They can also be used with facial hair and are reserved for high-risk environments.
How does it work?
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Full-face considerations: Full-face respirators provide face and eye protection and are used when exposures exceed a half-face respirator’s assigned protection factor.
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Half-face considerations: Covers the nose and mouth to protect from irritation caused by gases, vapors and airborne particles.
Other considerations
Is the device reusable?
In the event of a pandemic or other emergencies, reuse may be permitted if necessary and directed by a health and safety agency to preserve medical supplies. A written reuse protocol is required.
Yes, but it requires specific disinfection and maintenance protocols.
Yes, but it requires specific disinfection and maintenance protocols.
Questions? Contact Environment Health and Safety at asuehs@asu.edu