Workplace air contamination can lead to a range of lung diseases which can be life-changing leading to substantial disability or even death.  Occupational lung disease is often long latency (workers will not know that they are affected as the disease takes a long time to develop after exposure) and can include cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which can be fatal.

RPE can be divided into two different classes, either ambient air dependent or ambient air independent, both include solutions and devices designed to provide adequate protection for different hazards, specific applications and work environments. The selection of appropriate RPE depends on various factors such as the contaminants, the hazard level, exposure duration, and other specific environmental conditions such as heat, humidity etc.

• Disposable particulate masks or dust masks are generally suitable for low-level contaminants.
• Half masks are light and compact respirators and provide reusable protection for wide range of hazardous in combination with separate filters.
• Full-face masks offer more comprehensive protection, including face and eye protection, for higher-risk environments.
• Powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) deliver filtered air to the user, reducing breathing resistance and making them suitable for long-duration tasks.
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are used in highly hazardous environments, such as firefighting, where an independent air supply is necessary.

The proper fit of the respirator is essential to provide adequate protection for the wearer. For safe use of respiratory masks, tight-fitting facepieces must fit to the wearer’s face and create a seal to be effective. Conducting a fit test before use will help to find and allocate the appropriate mask size for a user and indicate which type of respirator offers the best individual protection.

Prior to daily use the proper fit should always be checked by the user and if needed, the position and straps adjusted to ensure there are no gaps in the seal. It is recommended that Face Fit Testing is undertaken every two years or more regularly, especially if facial features change due to weight loss or gain, dental work etc.

For situations where the creation of a tight seal is not possible, i.e. where there is facial hair such as beards, or scars, wrinkles or piercings then consider the use of a powered air purifying respirator with a loose-fitting headpiece.

For more information please check Dräger Fit Testing

Dräger's respiratory protection equipment is designed for easy maintenance, featuring user-friendly components that simplify cleaning and assembly. Regular cleaning is essential to remove contaminants and ensure optimal performance. By following Dräger’s guidelines, the integrity and effectiveness of the equipment is maintained, ensuring it continues to provide reliable protection. Dräger's clear instructions and durable materials make upkeep straightforward, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of the equipment.

Have a look into some videos for Manual Cleaning and Disinfection of:

• Dräger Masks X-plore 3000, X-plore 4000, X-plore 5500 & X-plore 6000 Series
• Dräger FPS 7000 & Panorama Nova (P / ESA / PE / RA)
• Dräger PSS Lung Demand Valve (LDV) (P / ESA / AE / N)
• Dräger Bodyguard PASS
• Dräger PSS AirBoss