What are the different types of respirators?
• There are many types. The kind you should use depends on the particular chemical you’re exposed to, how much you’re exposed to, and how long you’ll be exposed. • Air purifying respirators (APRs) filter chemicals from the air before you breathe it. They remove toxic fumes, vapors, and dust particles so small that they could go through a dust mask. APRs use disposable filter cartridges. (Show the crew the APR you brought to the meeting.) • Air supplied respirators (“airline” respirators or “SCBAs”) have their own supply of air. You need them where an APR can’t give you enough protection, or where there isn’t enough oxygen. (If applicable, show the crew an air supplied respirator.) 2. How do you find out if you need to wear a respirator, and which kind you need? • You can’t always tell if you need a respirator from the odor, taste, or physical symptoms that a chemical causes. A chemical that doesn’t smell bad, make your eyes water, or irritate your throat might still be dangerous. Some
