How do I Select a Cartridge for an Air Purifying Respirator?

A respirator filters out vapors, fumes, mists and dusts in environments that pose a health risk. Most models feature dual cartridges on the mask which are of the same kind and serve the same purpose. There is a standard for which cartridges are appropriate for the environment, depending upon the toxins the wearer could encounter. A color coding system makes this selection process easier to match the known toxins or cartridge recommendation to the corresponding cartridge color.

Things You'll Need

• List of known toxins
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any products used
• Cartridge selection guide

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Instructions

• 1

  Know what toxins are likely present. Materials being abated, such as asbestos, or chemical products in use will help to quickly narrow down which cartridge you should select from the cartridge selection guide. This information can come from a list prepared by somebody familiar with the job or through product information. Consult any Material Safety Data Sheets that have been included with any chemical or substance that you might use. You may also check the label on the product container for any information regarding proper respiratory protection.

• 2

  Consult a cartridge selection guide. This should be one that is provided by the manufacturer of the respirator you are using. Based upon the knowledge of toxins, look up the appropriate cartridge. For example, if an MSDS or product label specifies organic vapor cartridges, then locate which cartridge or cartridges would best suit the application. Also, double check for any other hazards that might be present before finalizing a choice.

• 3

  Select the best cartridge for the application. Based upon the information of known hazards and appropriate respiratory protection, look up the proper cartridge. These are typically color coded for easy recognition. Black is common for organic vapors, and purple or pink is typical for the HEPA filters that are often used when abating asbestos. Since most respirators are dual cartridge, be sure to order at least one pair of that cartridge type.