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How to Use a Powered Air Purifying Respirator

A Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) is a motorized air filter system that produces ambient air for the user. The apparatus consists of a blower, a battery pack, a head mask and a breathing tube. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has developed Respiratory Protection Standards for respirators used in work areas. In order to meet OSHA standards, employers should provide educational training on how to maintain, clean and safely store the PAPR. It is important to know the job function of the person who will be using the device. All PAPRs need to be compatible with the persons other safety equipment such as goggles, hard hats, glasses and welding masks.

Things You'll Need

  • Hospital grade disinfectant solution
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lift the PAPR off the battery charger. Look for cracks in the airflow tube, paying close attention to each end of the tube. Insert the airflow tube into the PAPR.

    • 2

      Turn the PAPR face mask so you can remove the tissue paper inside the mask. Push the black rubber button on the PAPR motor to turn the air filtration system on.

    • 3

      Check the amount of air flowing from the tube by placing an "egg float" into the end of the tube. Look to see if the lower band on the egg float rises above the edge of the tube. The airflow is adequate if it does rise over the edge.

    • 4

      Insert the airflow tube into the back of the face mask that covers the wearer's head. Keep the airflow tube tight to your back by using a belt.

    • 5

      Slide the face mask over your head. Center the airflow tube to the back of your head. Adjust the headbands in the face mask so that the mask fits snugly and the elasticized chin strap seals the mask to your face. With the face mask sealed around your face it is safe to leave the isolation room and walk into the contaminated area.

    • 6

      Stand in a non-contaminated area when it is time to take off the PAPR. Disconnect the airflow tube from the back of the face mask, unhook the belt and lift the face mask off your head. Set the PAPR motor back onto the battery charge.

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