A respirator is a special breathing device that keeps harmful particles and viruses out of the lungs. Respirator training programs are designed to teach people how to use and maintain different types of respirators properly. Respirator types, such as medical, industrial, and simple mask respirators, are typically organized into classes.
Air purifying respirators and atmosphere supplying respirators are the two main types of respirators. Specific training classes exist for each type of respirator. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States has established general respirator training requirements. These describe how a hooded respirator should function. The proper levels of oxygen and carbon monoxide in the mask, as well as minimum protection ratings for hazardous materials, are all spelled out in these regulations.
Hazmat respirator training is specialized instruction on how to use respirator equipment designed specifically for hazardous chemical spills. They’re part of suits that protect against chemicals, viruses in the air, and lethal radiation. Cleaning, testing, and validation of hazmat suits are all covered in hazmat training.
The air purifier respirator is the most common type of respirator today. This is a small mask that can be found in nearly every hospital. These temporary masks are taught to be used and disposed of in air purifier respirator training classes. This type of mask offers only rudimentary protection against airborne particles, but it is a good disposable option.
Small carbon filters in a cartridge respirator mask clean the air. This type of respirator is commonly used by people who work with hazardous chemicals. Learning how to clean and install an air cartridge respirator on a person’s head is part of air cartridge respirator training. This includes safety tests to ensure the filter is in good working order before it is used.
The atmosphere-supplying respirator is the most advanced respirator mask available. This is a unique respirator that comes with a full face mask and a separate oxygen hose. This type of mask is used by firefighters, hazardous material experts, and disease control professionals. This type of respirator usually necessitates advanced respirator training.
The use of respirators is covered in some workplace safety training. This is particularly critical for those who work with hazardous chemicals. This usually includes the steps required to clean and maintain this specialized machinery.