The N95 is the most popular sequence of particulate respirator masks that meet United States government standards. The face masks are tested to reduce publicity to airborne contaminates by NIOSH – the National Institiute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH has 9 total approval lessons, N95, N99, N100, R95, R99, R100, P95, P99, P100 organized by oil compatibility and filter efficiency.
The letter signifies how the filter tests in environments uncovered to grease aerosols:
N95, N99, & N100. These filters aren’t to be used with oil aerosols. These ought to be used in environments exposed to particulates which don’t contain oil. In lots of cases, the n- respirators can be reused a number of times.
R95, R99, & R100. These filters are oil resistant. The r- respirators can be utilized in atmospheres containing particulates any solid or liquid hazard together with oil-based hazards. These are one-time use masks.
P95, P99, & P100. These filters are oil proof. These respirators can be utilized in any surroundings uncovered to hazardous particulates. The p- respirators are topic to time of use limitations.
The filter efficiency number refers back to the proportion of airborne particulates that had been removed in testing: 95%, 99%, and 100%. If a mask is NIOSH approved then it would have a stamp of approval class printed on the respirator.
NIOSH approved masks also come in several sizes, and a well fitting masks is vitally important. When test-fitting an N95 masks or other particulate respirator masks, comply with these easy steps:
1. Press the mask (respirator ) firmly against the face with the outside nosepiece on the bridge of your nose.
2. Stretch and position the highest headband on the back of your head above your ears. Stretch the bottom headband over the head and position beneath your ears.
3. With each arms, mold the metal nosepiece to the shape of your nose.
4. To test match, cup both hands over the respirator and exhale vigorously. If air flows around your nostril, tighten the nosepiece: if air flows around the edges of the respirator, reposition the headbands to fit better and test again until there is no air leakage.
Before selecting the best mask, it is usually suggested that you simply communicate with experienced industrial safety personnel about an assessment of your specific environment.