Finding the right
Respiratory Protection
Reliably filter hazardous substances from ambient air with different types of respirators.
What do a varnisher, a technical assistant at a pharmaceutical company, an industrial cleaner and workers on an oil rig all have in common? They all need respiratory protection to do their jobs. Yet each industry is different and has its own specific needs in terms of respiratory protection.
So, how can you find the right type of respiratory protection for your needs? There are many factors to take into account when choosing the right type of protection, such as oxygen levels in the ambient air, concentration levels of harmful substances and the duration of use.
We also offer expert tips to calculate the assigned protection factors for choosing respiratory protection equipment.
The Dräger respiratory selection guide explains the three main types of respiratory protection and gives tips when to choose for what.
Light respiratory protection: Filtering devices
Light respiratory protection can help prevent the inhalation of many types of hazardous substances. In our selection guide, you can see which type of filtering masks can protect you from particles, gases, and vapours.
The basic preconditions for purifying respirator that must be met …
- oxygen level in the ambient air is at least 17 vol.-% (for CO filters: at least 19 vol.-%),
- the type of hazardous substances is known and there is a suitable filtering material available,
- the concentration level of the hazardous substance is not immediately life-threatening or hazardous to health,
- the concentration lies within the accepted limits for using filtering devices.
Types of respirators: What substances are you protecting against?
PARTICLES
The term “particles” generally refers to solid or liquid components of aerosols. These are categorized according to their size. Particle size varies greatly depending on the origin of the particles. This also determines how dangerous the particles are and which protective measures can be used.
Particle-filtering masks provide protection during tasks in which heavy concentrations of dust are produced, such as grinding, sweeping or drilling.
In the following you´ll find an overview about the different types of respirators and masks:
Single-use half-face masks
Reliable and comfortable: Our dust masks protect you against harmful particles and are designed for one-time use.
Reusable half-face masks
Reliable, comfortable and reusable: In combination with a particle filter, our reusable half-face masks also offer protection in dust-loaded working conditions.
Powered-air purifying respirators (PAPR)
Breathing without resistance: Ambient air is pumped into the device and purified by a filter. Powered-air purifying respirators protect against dust, gases and/or vapours, without any breathing resistance. In addition, there are various headpieces such as hoods, visors and masks to protect the eyes.
PARTICLES, GASES & VAPOURS
If you are exposed at work to hazardous gases and/or vapours, you can rely on gas filters, in combination with respiratory protection masks, for protection. If there are not only gases but also hazardous particles in the air, you can protect yourself with a combination of gas and particle filter.
In the following you´ll find an overview about the different types of respirators and masks:
Half-face masks
Reliable respiratory protection: Half masks can be used with different filters, making them highly versatile. They protect against dust, gases and/or vapours during tasks such as cleaning or refilling.
Full-face masks
Reliable respiratory and eye protection: Full-face masks can be used with various filters. They protect the respiratory tract as well as the eyes from dust, gases and/or vapours, such as when handling chemicals.
Powered-air purifying respirators (PAPR)
Breathing without resistance: Ambient air is pumped into the device and purified by a particle filter. You can breathe safely, without any resistance. In addition, various headpieces such as hoods, visors and masks protect the eyes.