Respiratory protective equipment, commonly denoted as RPE, is an important element when it comes to protecting your employees from inhaling lethal substances and putting down the risk of developing any long-term health issues. However, ignoring the adequate maintenance and cleaning of the protective equipment can severely hamper the protection levels a mast offers. With the help of regular cleaning and maintenance ensure optimal performance of the equipment and thus extend its lifespan. Here, we will discuss the best practices for cleaning and maintaining the RPE.
How to Clean the Respiratory Mask?
To clean a respiratory mask, you need to dismantle it first. Then, you have to remove all the filters, pre-filters, valves, inhalation devices, harnesses, and inhalation membranes. You need to pay extra attention to cleaning the harness, as it takes time to dry. Besides, there are different cleaning methods depending on how dirty the respiratory equipment is and how often it is used.
1. Day-to-day light cleaning
You can use disinfectant wipes to clean the mask. This is suitable for daily cleaning when the protective equipment is made of light, solid metal. Wipes are a convenient option, and they do not need any deep cleaning. Hence, proper cleaning around the components like valves, small crevices, and seals is important.
2. Deep cleaning
For thorough cleaning, the mask must be washed using warm water, using a soft brush and mild soap or any suitable detergent. Rinsing is important as it helps the mask dry even at room temperature. Lastly, avoid drying the mask, whether it’s a full or half mask, under direct sunlight, as it can damage certain materials.
To avoid damaging the mask, it is always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning the powered respirator. Also, it is best to use both methods, like daily cleaning and a thorough cleaning once a month, to maintain the longevity of your respiratory masks.
Tips For Taking Care of the Filters
One important tip for maintaining protective equipment is that filters should be cleaned and inspected at regular intervals to check for blockage. Clogged filters always compromise the equipment’s effectiveness. Damaged filters should be replaced immediately as they are not functional or fixed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
There are other tips as well that you can include in your maintenance regime:
1. Inspect the Powered Air Respirator Mask’s Components
Once you clean it, inspect each component for wear and tear. Inspecting allows you to check for signs of damage, like cracks in the valves. Any worn-out components should be replaced instantly.
Regular inspection will ensure the safety of protective equipment. As a manager or team lead, explain to your employees to check the masks for damage. Train them in these skills, as they will help them remain safe at the workplace.
2. Store the Respirator Mask in a Dry Place
Once it is cleaned and inspected, the RPE must be stored in a dry space. It is recommended that they be stored in a storage box to keep them away from moisture, light, and any potential exposure to chemicals. Lastly, proper storage is an important aspect of maintaining this protective equipment and ensuring its long lifespan.
3. Monthly Maintenance and Inspection
For industries where asbestos removal masks are often used, monthly inspection and maintenance become critical. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines, protective equipment should be regularly checked to keep it functional for longer durations.
However, if their use is seldom, a thorough inspection and testing are required. The maintenance should include the following:
Visual inspection for wear and tear
- Complete cleaning of the mask
- Replacing/repairing filters as needed
- Valve maintenance, repair, and replacement
- Testing the airflow rate for powered respirators
- Checking the battery charge levels for powered devices
4. Consider Face Fit Testing
During cleaning, if you come across dust in the mask, it is vital to check the filters. However, this may also indicate the mask is not fitting properly. This poor fit can hamper the ability of the masks only to secure the user and expose them to lethal materials.
All the factors like weight gain/loss can hamper the fit of the mask. At such junctures, it is important to carry out regular face fit testing. This helps in securing the protection ability of the masks.
Why is Cleaning and Maintaining RPE Important?
RPE, regardless of the type, including hood, half mask, and full mask, is employed for extended durations. As the user breathes into the mask, a process of condensation takes place, allowing the sweat to accumulate thus developing a breeding space for the bacteria.
Any dirty mask can be risky for the wearer and also damage the seal and other components of the mask. Thus, cleaning the protective equipment helps in checking the condition of the damaged components, if any only to get them replaced to ensure that the masks offer proper protection.
When it comes to cleaning the masks regularly, you get too many benefits, like:
- Cleaning makes your respiratory equipment well maintained giving optimum performance.
- Cleaning removes dust, dirt, and bacteria, keeping users free from the risk of respiratory infections.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance of the powered respirators increases the life of the mask.
- It helps to detect any wear or tear that can hamper the mask’s performance and safety.
Maintaining the Powered Respirator is the Only Way to Ensure Mask Effectiveness!
Cleaning and maintaining RPE remains an integral part of the safety of workers using protective equipment. Ignoring this step can not only compromise the quality of the equipment but also put the staff at risk.
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