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- How long can a respirator filter be used?
- All respiratory filters contain manufacturer's instructions about the maximum length of time for use. However, this information refers to the maximum storage period and not the duration of use. A particle protection filter should be replaced when the breathing resistance becomes high. This occurs when there is excessive particulate build-up. For reasons of hygiene, disposable filtering facepieces should be used one time and be replaced with a new one at least once a day. Gas filters should be replaced as soon as the user detects any conspicuous odors or alteration in flavor. This is an indication of “Breakthrough” from hazardous substance. Both of these issues breathin resistance and breakthrough should be considered when using combination filters. Storage time is, if not determined otherwise, 6 years. However, opend filters should be used generally only for a week.
- How do I know when a filter is no longer good?
- You can determine when a filter is no longer suitable for use based on two different criteria. A particle protection filter should definitely be replaced when the breathing resistance becomes too high due, for example, to excessive particulate build-up. For reasons of hygiene, disposable half masks should be used one time only and be replaced with a new one at least once a day. Gas filters should be replaced as soon as the user detects any conspicuous odors or alteration in flavor. Both of these issues should be considered when using combination filters.
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- Do fit tests have to be performed in Europe, too?
- In countries, like the U.K. Yes, fit testing is required. But keep in mind that there are no uniform European regulations in force requiring fit testing. Some companies based in countries where fit tests are required by national regulations also require fit testing to be performed in their European subsidiaries.
- Do employees have to pay for the costs of their personal protection equipment?
- Based on § 3.3 of the Respiratory Protection Act, an employer is not allowed to charge employees for the costs of required respiratory protection.
- How often must the G26 preliminary medical examination be repeated?
- Preliminary medical examinations are required based on national regulations. The G26 preliminary medical examination is mandated by the BGR 190 guideline. An examination based on G26 must be carried out prior to using a respiratory protection device and be repeated every 36 months for users wearing such devices up to the age of 50 or for those aged 50 or more who wear devices up to 5 kg, every 24 months, and those wearing devices weighing 5 kg or more, every 12 months.
- Are training courses mandatory for the use of filtering respiratory protection devices?
- As specified in § 1 of the German Occupational Safety and Health Act (Arbeitsschutzgesetz), all employers requiring the use of filtering respiratory protection devices in their company must also ensure that their employees are given proper instruction. Please refer to your national regulations for further information.
- Who is allowed to give training on the use of filtering respiratory protective devices?
- Training courses on the use of filtering respiratory protective devices may only be given by expert individuals who, for example, have been trained at the headquarters of the Mining Rescue association (Grubenrettungswesen), fire-fighting schools or at the manufacturer of the respiratory protection devices and regularly received further training (at least every 5 years). The training course and further education must be documented in written form.
- How do I train my employees on the correct use of filtering respiratory protection devices?
- For more information and advice on training courses in your company, please contact your employer's liability insurance association. Our APR online training platform offers you all the information you need for detailed employee training.
- What areas must the training of my employees cover?
- Safety instructions on the use of filtering respiratory protective devices should be covered in a time frame of 1-2 hours. In addition, this training should be repeated once a year.
- How long may a disposable filtering facepiece be used?
- A disposable filtering facepiece can be used for several hours. However, it should be replaced as soon as the breathing resistance becomes too high, due for example to contamination. For reasons of hygiene, we recommend using disposable filtering facepieces one time only and replacing them at least once a day.
- Is a medical examination necessary for the use of filtering escape devices?
- According to the BGR 190, Annex 4, there is no medical examination required for the use of filtering escape equipment.
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"The following links will assist you in choosing the correct respiratory protection and guide you on proper use:"
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