Respiratory Care for your Advantage Mask
Proper inspection, maintenance, and repair of respiratory protective equipment are mandatory to ensure the success of any respiratory protection program. The goal is to maintain the equipment in a condition that provides the same effectiveness as it had when it was first manufactured.
To extend the life of your respiratory equipment and ensure its optimal performance, a comprehensive inspection, maintenance, and repair routine is crucial. Here are some essential steps to follow:
1. Inspection & Record Keeping
All equipment must be inspected before and after each use. A record of all inspections by date must be kept, with the results tabulated. It is important to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer precisely.
Regular maintenance schedules should be established to ensure optimal performance and safety. Staff should be trained to identify potential issues and report them immediately. Additionally, conducting periodic reviews of the inspection process can help identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with industry standard and the lifespan of their equipment.
2. Cleaning & Disposal
All non-disposable respiratory protective gear must be cleaned and decontaminated following each use. Disposable respirators and their accessories should be thrown away after use and replaced with identical new ones.
Replacement of other than disposable parts must be done only by personnel with adequate training to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly after the work is accomplished. Only parts supplied by the manufacturer for the product being repaired must be used.
3. Respiratory Mask Care
Respiratory Care of the Advantage 200LS Half Mask.
Headband/Neck Strap
- Check to see that the headband and neck strap still have their elasticity.
- Inspect for breaks or tears and make sure all adjusters are in place and working properly.
Facepiece
- Check facepiece for dirt, cracks, tears or holes.
- Inspect shape of facepiece for possible distortion.
- Make sure rubber is flexible.
- Check the yoke for cracks
Cartridge Connectors
- Check to make sure, connectors are in place and check for cracks and damage.
Inhalation & exhalation valves
- Check for cracks, tears, distortion, dirt, build-up of material between valve and valve seat.
Respiratory Care for the Advantage 3200 Full Face Mask.
Headband/Neck Strap
- Check to see that the headband and neck strap still have their elasticity.
- Inspect for breaks or tears and make sure all adjusters are in place and working properly.
Facepiece
- Check facepiece for dirt, cracks, tears or holes.
- Inspect shape of facepiece for possible distortion.
- Make sure rubber is flexible.
- Check the yoke for cracks
Filters & Cartridges
- Make sure cartridges & filters are clean.
- Never try to clean a cartridge or filter by washing it or using compressed air.
- Inspect cartridges for scratches cracks or other damage.
Cartridge Connectors
- Check to make sure, connectors are in place and check for cracks and damage.
Inhalation & exhalation valves
- Check for cracks, tears, distortion, dirt, build-up of material between valve and valve seat.
Conclusion
Respiratory care plays a crucial role in maintaining safety within the workplace and ensuring that equipment functions as effectively as it did when it was first manufactured. From record-keeping and inspection to maintenance, cleaning, and disposal, we have highlighted the key aspects of respiratory care to enhance the performance of your masks.
For more information and news on Respiratory Care, visit PSA Africa.
