by M. Legault, P.D. Ayers and S.K. McDonald1 (3/07) Many harmful air-borne contaminants exist on farms and ranches, e.g., pesticides, dusts,Protection from air-borne contaminants can be achieved in several ways. In some work situations, less toxic materials, or engineering and administrative controlsIn these instances, personal protection is the best line of defense. Several types of personal protective equipment (PPE) are available. These include respirators, goggles, headgear, boots or shoes, aprons, gloves and clothing. To be effective and protect you against the specific contaminant, the PPE must be clean, fit properly and be in good working order. Air-purifying respirators function by filtering contaminants from the air. They do not supply oxygen to the wearer. Air-purifying respirators can only protect at or below specific concentrations of contaminants. Labeling on each air-purifying respirator carton or package contains specific information about maximum concentrations and types of contaminants protected by the respirator.

If the labeling does not give information about maximum concentration protection levels, contact the manufacturer or do not exceed five times the threshold limit value (TLV)2 for that  contaminant. kleen air grain cleanerBecause this is only a rule of thumb, you need to know the actual safe exposure limit for specific hazards.air purifier for basement smell There are two basic types of air-purifying respirators: disposable and reusable.air duct cleaning rockford il The disposable respirator comes in two types. The most common disposable respirator is the dust filter mask. Use a dust filter mask whenever suspended dust particles are in the air: during haying, combining, cultivating dusty fields, cleaning dusty barns, applying lime and fertilizers.

The only recommended dust filter mask has two straps and a tested and certified number (TC#). Two straps give a better fit. Masks with only one strap typically do not provide a seal. Fibrous material used in the dust filter mask physically traps particles. This type of respirator does not protect against chemical vapors, gases, toxic pesticide sprays or lack of oxygen. The other type of disposable respirator looks similar to half-mask (covers the nose and the mouth), cartridge type, reusable respirators, but the cartridge cannot be replaced. Reusable air-purifying respirators have replaceable filter cartridges. The most common facial types are the half and full face masks. A full face mask covers the nose, mouth and the eyes. If the hazard irritates the skin or eyes, use a full face respirator. Respirator cartridges can be changed with other hazard cartridge types to fit the hazard (e.g., a particulate cartridge to a gases and vapors cartridge). Some cartridges come with pre-filters to use with the respirator cartridge.

not forget to use them. If you do not use them, you reduce the amount of protection available to you. Cartridges or respirators from one manufacturer cannot be used with cartridges and respirators from another manufacturer. Reusable air-purifying respirators protect from chemical vapors, dusts and mists. They do not protect from lack of oxygen. Be sure to follow all label requirements. Air-purifying respirators offer adequate protection against many common agriculturalSpecific limitations that govern the use of these respirators are prior knowledge of the contaminant, the general air quality and the physical surroundings. There are many considerations for evaluation, selection and use of air-purifying respirators: correct respirator selection, proper fit, regular maintenance, and an assessment of the situation where the respirators will be used. Disregarding any of these items may result in danger for the wearer due to a false confidence in the respirator’s ability to protect.

The user must understand its limitations and recognize situations that require more extensive protection. Respirators work by using either a chemical or mechanical filtration system. Chemical cartridges use specially treated activated charcoal or other substances that have a high absorption capacity. Mechanical filter elements provide protection against particulate matter such as dust, mists or metal fumes. Mechanical filters work by physically trapping particulate matter. Unlike chemical filters, mechanical filters become more efficient with use, but make it harder to breathe. Therefore, change them when breathing becomes difficult. Change chemical filters periodically or when the odor of the contaminant is detected or as directed by the manufacturer. The time to change filters depends on contaminant concentration and breathing rate of the user. With those limitations in mind, evaluate each work situation before choosing a respirator. Select a specific respirator designed to function safely within the boundaries you determine.

there is no respirator that fits the limits you select, re-evaluate your selection. your life may depend on it. Improper facial fit negates respirator effectiveness. More than one brand and size of a particular type of face piece are available. Therefore, the first task is to understand what a properly fitting face piece is. A properly fitting face piece can be determined with a fitting test. The fitting test uses banana oil, a pungent but non-hazardous oil or irritant smoke, etc. correct cartridge for the contaminant. If you can smell the test substance with the respirator on, then the face piece does not fit properly. Select the brand that fits properly. Test different brands of respirators to ensure the best possible fit before purchasing. This is the only way to protect yourself and your employees. Make sure the respirator is not deformed. Avoid excessive facial hair that may prevent a proper seal. Any odor, skin or eye irritation can be an indication of possible leakage.

Weight gain or loss will require refitting. The following can be used to compare the features, advantages and limitations of air-purifying respirators. All chemical cartridges and filters are color-coded to reference cartridges to specificAlthough all manufacturers use color coding, cartridges from one manufacturer are not interchangeable with cartridges from another manufacturer. The following are the color codes: 2TLV is the time-weighted average concentration for a normal eight-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek, to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without adverse effect. 3Acid gases include sulfur dioxide (SO2), chlorine gas (Cl2) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). 4Pesticides are classified as organic vapors. 5HEPA= high efficiency particulate attenuation. 1 M. Legault, former Colorado State University Extension agricultural safety coordinator and research associate; P.D. Ayers, former agricultural engineer and professor, chemical and bioresource engineering;