3M filter #5N11 for use with 3M respirator models #5000, 6000 and 7000 series respirators.  N95 Pre filters  help prolonge the life of the respirator by trapping dust, mists and particles. N95 filter approved for non oily environments. 10 filters per package. These prefilters must be used with 3M #501 filter retainer, which is sold separately.

63

SAFETY PRODUCTS : Respirators

Yes

22

SAFETY PRODUCTS : Respirators

Yes

24

SAFETY PRODUCTS : Respirators

Yes

3M model #8233 N100 disposable respirator is 99.97% efficient in non-oily environments. Filtering disposable respirator is suggested for use in Lead, MDA, Arsenic, Cadmium, Welding and pharmacetical manufacturing environments. Premium respirator has adjustable buckle straps, adjustable noseclip, faceseal for a soft, secure conforming fit and 3M Cool Flow Exhalation Valve for easy exhalation and cooler comfort. Sold each.

29

SAFETY PRODUCTS : Respirators

Yes

Certified under NIOSH 42CFR84 to provide at least 95% filter efficiency against particulate aerosols free of oil. Suggested applications include hot/ humid/dusty environments, welding, soldering, brazing, grinding, sanding, sweeping, bagging, cement, stone quarrying, torch cutting, metal pouring, polishing, buffing, poultry, metal machining, underground mining, textiles. Moldex exclusive Dura-Mesh shell stands up to most hot/humid conditions without collapsing. Flame-retardants added to shell to help decrease flammability. Exhalation valve reduces hot-air build up, making it cooler and more comfortable to wear. Contoured nose bridge seals easily without a metal noseband. 10 per box.

44

SAFETY PRODUCTS : Respirators

Yes

Certified by NIOSH to provide at least 95% filter efficiency against particulate aerosols free of oil. Suggested applications include dusty environments, grinding, sanding, sweeping, bagging, stone quarrying, metal machining, cement, underground mining, polishing, buffing, lime, poultry, textiles. Collapse resistant, Dura-Mesh shell lasts longer so workers use fewer masks. Flame-retardants added to shell to help decrease flammability, contoured nose bridge. 20 per box.

72

SAFETY PRODUCTS : Respirators

Yes

NIOSH certified to provide at least 95% filter efficiency against particulate contaminants free of oil. 3m #8214 respirator  is specifically designed for welding and other metal fume applications involving ozone or nuisance level odors. Well suited to maintenance welding operations, torch cutting, brazing, soldering, and the pouring of metal. 3M Cool Flow exhalation valve creates easy breathing. Adjustable straps and a conformable face-seal provide a secure fit across a broad range of face sizes. Cake resistant filter material enables the worker to breathe easier over long periods of wear. Layers of carbon trap nuisance level odors and ozone up to 10 times the OSHA PEL. 10 per package.

16

SAFETY PRODUCTS : Respirators

Yes

Different Types of Respirators

Millions of people around the world wear different types of respirators to filter the air they breathe and protecting their lungs. In heavily populated areas, pollution is a concern. Some work applications require respiratory protection by law. Even at home, people wear filtering face-pieces to protect their lungs from allergies, common sickness like the cold or other health reasons. Depending on the application, specific types of filtering protection will be required. Lets take a closer look at the different types of Respirators and their purpose. 

OSHA, the governing agency created to protect workers safety, requires workers wear respiratory protection anytime air quality conditions are hazardous. Part of a proper respiratory safety program includes identifying the potential hazards within the work environment.  A risk assessment should be made to determine if respiratory protection is required.  Training and education will follow which includes the proper use, maintenance and fitting of these respirator devices. All respirators must be approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).  The appropriate markings should be displayed on the respiratory device.  NIOSH creates performance guidelines for the different types of respiratory devices and OSHA enforces them. 

Below is a basic list of the different types of respirators commonly used in by consumers and workforce alike: 

Single Strap Masks - These are not officially considered respirators and not approved by NIOSH. They are classified as "Comfort Masks" because they are not rated to protect you. These are disposable. 

Approved filtering Dust Masks - These are NIOSH approved and display the approval markings. They are designed for particles, some mists and even some fumes depending on the type of approved dust mask. These are disposable.

Half-face masks - These usually include some type of respirator cartridge filtering system that is designed to protect the worker from specific types of contaminants ranging from acid, gas fumes or other chemicals. Particulate media or cartridges can also be used with many of these masks to protect against various types of particles. Some half-mask respirators are disposable but many of the face-pieces are reusable and offer replaceable cartridges. These types of face-pieces require maintenance. 

Full-face masks - The entire face is protected from the contaminants.  Filtering cartridges are generally used to protect the worker from acids, gas fumes or chemicals that are hazardous.  The cartridge systems are often similar to half-mask respirators.  These types of face-pieces require maintenance.

Powered Air Purifying Systems - These blow filtered air into a hood or helmet system and the positive pressure blows out the openings below the face. The filtering system is worn by the user.

Self contained Supplied Air - These systems supply air through tanks worn by the user. Commonly seen worn by firemen, these are designed to supply life saving air because the environment lacks the necessary air to breathe safely.

As with any safety device, it is important you know your risks and the hazards within your work environment.  3M recommends these 6 elements are included in every respiratory protection program:

• Exposure Assessment
• Written Program
• Respirator Selection
• Medical Evaluation
• Fir Testing
• Training & Maintenance

3M is the leader in respiratory protection.  Contact them with your technical questions or training needs.
 

MFASCO Resources for Respirators & PPE Mask Protection:

Protecting yourself against foreign contaminants & bio-hazardous materials with personal protection masks & clothing is essential for healthcare workers, first responders, and emergency personnel. Here are a number of our resources, to help you select the right respirator & PPE mask protection:

Respirator (PPE) Products & Accessories: 

• Bodily Fluid & Biohazard PPE Kits
• Biohazard Protection
• PPE Masks & Clothing
• Latex, Vinyl, & Nitrile Medical Gloves
• Hand Sanitizers
• Hand Soaps 

Additional Resources for Workplace Head Protection:

• Understanding the Importance of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
• How do Safety Glasses Protect Your Eyes
• 5 Tips for Workplace Safety
• How to Select the Right PPE Gear
• How to Sanitize a Work Surface - Video

0

No

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, approximately 5 million workers in the U.S. are required to wear respirators. In more than a million workplaces across the country, this essential safety gear protects workers in environments where it would be unsafe to breathe without one. However, even though respirators are mandated, OSHA notes that thousands fall ill each year and hundreds die due to respiratory issues. To ensure that your workplace exemplifies the highest standard of safety, consider these five tips for promoting respiratory safety in the workplace: 

 1. Have a written program in place (it's the law)  
 In workplaces where respiratory protection is mandatory, it is legally required for the company to have written respiratory protection program in place. Even if respiratory protection is simply a recommendation, writing out an official policy ensures that workers have a resource to promote their safety and managers have a document to refer to for suggested protocols and procedures. Keep in mind that finding ways to create safer workplaces should be of the utmost importance. By writing out a protection program, you may find efficient means of making a workplace cleaner besides relying on respirators. 

 2. Choose the appropriate type of respirator  
 OSHA mandates that a company must do an exposure assessment before choosing a particular type of respirator. This step requires identifying what type of airborne contaminants pose a risk (particulate, biological or chemical), as well as how much of these contaminants a worker may be exposed to. By quantifying these risk factors, employers can then choose the appropriate type of respirator for specific jobs and environments. OSHA notes taking into account the comfort of your workers, because mandatory respirators will have to be worn for long durations of time. Also, be cognizant of medical conditions that may prevent workers from effectively wearing respiratory masks. 

3. Make sure workers are using respirators appropriately   
 If your employees don't wear respirators correctly or take them off in hazardous environments, then these devices can do little to protect them. For example, EHS Today, a leading health and safety publication points out that a full beard or excess facial hair can limit the seal a respirator has on a person's face. Train workers on when respirators should be worn and how to adjust them so that they fit effectively and comfortably. Fit testing is required by OSHA when respirators are worn. Have workers read the instructions on new types of respirators to ensure that they are wearing them properly. Also, make sure that respirators aren't inhibited by other safety gear such as eyewear or hearing protection.

4. Make maintenance a priority  
 Disposable respirators should be discarded after one use and reusable ones require that the filter be changed out regularly. Employers are also responsible for ensuring that reusable respirators are properly cleaned, sanitized, stored and repaired. Respirators should be stored in a clean area in which they will not be exposed to environmental damage. When replacing filters, make sure that excess packaging is removed and that the filter is inserted properly. 

 5. Have ample replacements available  If your workers rely on reusable respirators, make a point of having plenty of replacement filters available. Besides having ample supply of filters, cartridges and replacement parts, take the time to organize all of your supplies so that they can be accessed efficiently. The same goes for disposable mask respirators if that is your company's preferred method of protection. In case you run short on supplies, have a reliable means of replenishing the safety items you use most often.

MFASCO Health & Safety Keeps Safety and Compliance Simple

Whether you’re starting or maintaining a new respirator safety plan, we want to make it a quick but effective process. If you’re restocking, check out the product list for top respirators and accessories. If you have any other questions, the following are articles that answer common questions. It’s worth it to take an extra 5 minutes now to verify your procedures are up to date and your team is safe.

Respiratory Safety Products & Accessories

Safety Respirator Masks
Disposable Respirator Masks
PPE Masks & Protective Clothing
Workplace Safety Equipment

Additional Resources for Respirator and PPE Safety

How to select the right PPE
A Basic Video Guide to PPE
What are the difference types of protective respirators
4 strategies for promoting workplace health & safety

0

No

Warm weather means more people are working outside. Seasonal projects, such as gardening, farming, roofing, painting and other tasks that require an employee to work out in nature can create unique health hazards. During warm months, people will be working side-by-side with flora that prospers during the spring and summer.

Certain vegetation can have an adverse effect on human beings. In order to prepare for this kind of toxic environment, a company or individual needs to take steps to prevent and be ready to treat possible exposure.

Identification
Poisonous plants emit a sap oil causing irritation and allergic reaction when it contacts bare skin. The CDC identifies poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac as the three most common types of poisonous plants workers are exposed to.

Poison ivy - Poison ivy is identifiable by its three shiny leaves. Typically it is green in color, but it may grow yellow flowers and white berries. In the U.S., it usually grows in hairy rope-like vine in the East, Midwest and South. It can found as shrubs in the North, West and parts of Canada.

Poison oak - Very similar in appearance to poison ivy, poison oak also grows in shrubs or vines with a three-leaf pattern. Its leaves, however, are more rounded as opposed to the pointy poison ivy ones. 

Poison sumac - Poison sumac has multiple leaves, usually seven to 13, that grow in pairs with an odd one at the end. The leaves can be identified by the black or brownish-black splotches that cover them. You will usually encounter this plant as a tall shrub or short tree.

Other plants can be poisonous if eaten. While this might not be as great a risk to your human workers, farms may have livestock and camps could have horses and dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a visual guide to identify plants animals should not ingest.

Prevention and personal protective equipment
There are certain procedures and equipment that should be in place when working in areas that could lead to poisonous plant exposure. Make sure employees have the proper PPE for outdoor projects.

Cover up - Exposed skin reacts to plants, so wear long sleeve shirts and long pants. Workers should make use of boots and work gloves - thick strong gloves that won't develop holes from consistent labor.

Use a barrier cream - When working around vegetation, it is a good practice to apply a barrier cream first. Barrier creams contain bentoquatam​, which prevents the plant's oil from being absorbed by the skin.

Clean tools - Always thoroughly clean tools that may have had contact with poisonous plants by using rubbing alcohol or soap. The CDC warns rash-causing oils can stay active for five years on a surface. Use disposable gloves during the cleaning process.

Do not burn plants - If you are looking to remove vegetation, do not burn it. Breathing in the smoke from poisonous plants can be much more dangerous than skin contact.

If, for some reason, you have no choice but to burn poisonous plants, make sure your workers are outfitted correctly. They need to wear gloves and goggles. Workers should be provided with a particulate respirator to prevent breathing in the fumes.

Treatment
If anyone is exposed to a poisonous plant, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests the following procedure:

• Clean - Immediately clean the exposed area to remove sap oil. Use alcohol, degreasing soap or a poison plant wash. Wash all possible areas that might have made contact (don't forget under your fingernails). Clean clothing and other items that could have been exposed to avoid spreading irritation.
• Apply care - You may treat the infected area with cold compresses, calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream. These products should be available on-site. In the event of severe rash or allergic reaction, call 911 and seek medical attention.
• Further treatment - Do not scratch the infected area and leave blisters alone. To relieve itching, you can take short lukewarm baths. You may add baking soda or colloidal oatmeal, available at drugstores, to the bath for further relief. An antihistamine pill could also be taken to relieve itching. If the rash does not improve after 10 days, contact a dermatologist.

If you take every available precaution, you may limit injuries to your workers. When it comes to poisonous plants, you need to be able to identify potential problems, safeguard against threats and be ready to manage exposure.

0

No