When you are working in a workplace where you depend on the right PPE to keep you protected from air pollution, then it’s essential that you can fully depend on your safety gear, so thus, you need the right mask.
When it comes to masks and respirators, there are so many different varieties and standards available on the market.
You may have spotted marks like P100 and N100 on your chosen mask, but what do these markings mean?
We take a closer look at face masks and find out more about the differences between N100, P100 and other mask classifications.
What Is The Difference Between The Two Types Of Mask?
N100 and P100 masks can often be similar in design but they are used in slightly different situations and workplaces, such as disease control to make sure that the disease does not spread.
In the US, masks and respirators have to be approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Thus, you will definitely want a mask that the NIOSH recommends.
The different tests and approval trials that a mask has to go through will determine its use, and also its rating, this helps to identify surgical masks.
This means that wearers and employers can choose a mask or respirator based on its rating and approved classification.
NIOSH-approved masks and respirators indicate their status and features with a marking. All marked masks have been tested for based on certain performance criteria
The different numbers, such as 95, 97 and 100, indicate the filter properties of the filtering material or cartridge inside the mask.
When a mask has a marking with 100, then this means that almost 100% of the airborne particles are filtered out by respirators.
Therefore, both P100 and N100 masks filter the majority of gases, dust, fumes, vapors and other hazardous particles out of the air, and help to prevent a nasty cough. They have been tested with NIOSH testing to ensure this.
In addition, the letter in front of the number indicates the oil and spill resistance of the respirator.
P masks are oil proof, whereas N masks are not oil resistant. There is also a third rating, R. This indicates that the respirator is just oil resistant up to eight hours.
Ratings Of Face Masks And Respirators
The NIOSH tests a range of different performance standards on masks and respirators. Both the tight fit and the filter material of the mask are taken into account during the tests.
The trials for the individual filter material of the mask are carried out using smoke. This will test how tightly any seals fit and how much of the particles are filtered when breathing through the mask.
When it comes to the best personal respiratory protection, then a P100 mask is the most efficient you can get on the market.
This type of respiratory mask filters around 99.9% of particles which are larger than .3 microns. This particle size is extremely small, so a P100 is almost impenetrable.
The same applies to N100 masks. They equally filter out extremely small particles from the air, so that you can do your job safely.
In addition, P100 masks are also resistant to oil which means that the wearer is protected against liquid oil-based particles and any type of liquids in the atmosphere.
In comparison, an N100 is not oil resistant, so it will only prevent airborne particles, and not liquids in the air.
While both P100 and N100 are extremely well suited for the majority of workplaces, not every masks matches with every hazard.
Generally, it’s important to choose based on the hazards you encounter at your job site.
For example, when you work with things like organic vapors, then you will need a mask which contains a gas filter.
Selecting Respirators For Your Workplace
Finding the right respiratory mask is essential for a safe and healthy work environment, so here are some tips on how you select the right respirators or face masks for your business that have a good seal and are properly fitted, while providing adequate insulation, whether you need them to be oil proof or ot resistant.
Some are equally effective as one another, while some you can wash for reuse.
Exposure Assessment And Identification Of The Hazard Type
First, you will need to do an exposure assessment. This will show you what hazards and different hazard type you and your employees are exposed to regularly, so that you can work on exposure prevention by taking note of the debris that poses the highest risk, to then make note of the best materials and filters to choose.
This can be gases, dusty and oily applications, vapor hazards, oil based particulates (including chlorine gas or solvent vapors) as well as particulate hazards, such as fibers and hazardous dust). Masks can then be tested, to see which provide the best protection.
As a rule of thumb, you can protect against any particulate hazards or any virus with a mask that contains an air filter and appropriate materials.
For vapors and gas, you should use a mask with a filter cartridge. If you have both particulate and vapor hazards such as a virus, then the best choice is a combination cartridge mask that can keep out both gas and particles, to keep them from reaching your lungs.
Do Your Workers Need Respiratory Protection?
The exposure assessment will give you a lot of insights and information on the exposure levels of certain substances.
Exposure level is usually measure in parts per million over an average shift of eight hours.
Take this measurement and compare your occupational exposure level (OEL) with the standard level set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (NOSHA).
If your exposure level is too high, then the law says that you will need to make a point of masks and respirators, whether they are disposable or not.
You may also be able to look for other solutions to bring the exposure level in your business down for every wearer. This can be through administrative or engineering controls.
If your OEL is below the recommended level, then you don’t need respirators legally, but it’s still a good idea to offer respiratory protection on a voluntary basis.
Understand The Needed Level Of Protection
The only masks and respirators that OSHA allows for the different uses in the workplace need to be approved by the NIOSH.
All these type of respirators have a specific assigned protection factor (APF). This number can range between 10 and 10,000.
The assigned protection factor is a range which indicates how well the respirator protects a wearer's mouth and nose in the workplace. This correlates with the occupational exposure level.
For instance, one with an APF of 15 means that this respirator can protect 15 times the OEL for a specific hazard.
You can easily calculate the APF level for your business by dividing the exposure level 500 ppm with your occupational exposure level from the exposure assessment.
This number is then called the hazard ratio.
Choose The Suitable Respiratory Type
Once you calculated the APF you need, you can choose your respiratory type. For example, many half-mask respiratory protectors with filters and cartridges have a general APF of 10.
But it isn’t just about choosing the right respiratory protection. Your chosen mask should also match with any other required protective equipment, including hard hats and safety glasses.
This protects the health of employees, which can lead to a happier workplace.
You need to make sure that the mask sits tightly while wearing a hat, glasses, or other equipment, to protect the one wearing it. It should make close contact to, and create a seal on the face.
The mask should touch the skin constantly. However, you will also want to make sure that the wearer can comfortably breathe.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to safety equipment, it’s essential that you choose the right gear to ensure that it is absolutely safe and healthy to work in a certain hazardous environment.
You definitely want those in the area to wear one that has a strong seal. Masks that make tight contact with the face also protect against viruses which creates better safety.
P100 and N100 masks keep out nearly 100% of airborne particles but they differ in how much oil and liquid exposure they can withstand.
If you work with oily substances or aerosols, then you will want to be purchasing a mask that is resistant to oil, while still making it easy to breathe.
Make sure that you choose your mask based on the suitable hazard type that you will encounter in your workplace or at a job site, in order to prioritize safety.
This is especially important when working in proximity to viruses. You will want to wear the right kind of mask to ensure that safety is paramount.
The mask should also fit tightly and seal sufficiently when you are wearing all your other protective gear for maximum safety.