Dust mask use error and selection method

The biggest mistake: Use gauze masks as dust masks. As early as 2000, the former State Economic and Trade Commission in the National Economic and Trade Security [2000] stated in plain language that gauze masks should not be used as dust masks. However, such erroneous choices will often be seen so far. Gauze masks are indeed commonly used for dust prevention in the era of lagging occupational protection technology in China, but in recent years, as China's progress in protection standards, detection technology, and manufacturing technology, as well as the general enhancement of social protection awareness, has clearly Recognize the inefficiency of gauze. During the SARS period in 2003, due to misguided orientation, medical staff used gauze masks to protect them, resulting in a large number of medical personnel being contagious due to improper protection. The cost is enormous and lessons are profound. Although standards and regulations are now inconclusive for gauze masks, long-term use of gauze masks has cultivated many erroneous protection concepts, such as “emphasis on cheaper, more sweat-absorbent, washable, and breathable” “advantages”. Sexual, effective filtration and other necessary protective effects.

Common misunderstandings: Compared with rubber dust-proof half masks, dust masks have a low protective effect and poor adhesion. Many people feel that the rubber material is more flexible, and it is believed that this is more likely to closely match their own face. In fact, it is not only the elasticity of the material that affects the effect of the seal, but also the design of the mask, the tightness and stretchability of the headband of the mask, and the matching of the weight of the mask and the headband, all of which affect the closeness of the seal. . Many years ago, a large number of field experiments had been conducted abroad to investigate the protective effect of these two kinds of masks in practical applications. Research has proved that dust masks have the same level of protection as rubber dust half masks. This mainly means close adhesion. Sex. Therefore, in the foreign and domestic standards (GB/T18664-2002), the designated protective factor of these two types of masks is 10, and both are suitable for the environment where the concentration of particulate matter does not exceed 10 times the occupational health standards.

There are a variety of dust masks that must be selected for different job requirements and working conditions. The first choice should be based on the concentration and toxicity of the dust. According to GB/T18664 "Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment," as a half mask, all dust masks are suitable for environments where the concentration of harmful substances does not exceed 10 times the occupational exposure limit, otherwise a full-face mask or degree of protection shall be used. Higher respirator. If particulate matter is highly toxic, carcinogenic, and radioactive, filter materials with the highest filtration efficiency should be selected. If particles are oily, be sure to select the appropriate filter material. If the particles are needle-shaped fibers, such as slag wool, asbestos, glass fiber, etc., because the dust mask can not be washed, the mask with tiny fibers stuck on the face can easily cause facial irritation and is not suitable for use.

For high-temperature, high-humidity environments, choosing a mask with an exhalation valve will be more comfortable. Selecting an ozone-removable mask for welding can provide additional protection. However, if the ozone concentration is higher than 10 times the occupational hygiene standard, the mask can be replaced, dust, Poison combination filter element. For environments where there is no particulate matter but only certain odors are present, choosing a dust mask with an activated carbon layer is much lighter than wearing a gas mask, as in some laboratory environments, but technical specifications for such masks are not required due to national standards. , The best choice is to try it out first to determine if it is truly effective in filtering odors.

Whether the dust mask really plays a protective role, in addition to the selection of protective functions, another important selection factor is suitability. There is no universal design that fits everyone's face. At present, the certification testing of dust masks does not guarantee that the masks are suitable for each specific user. If there is leakage, airborne pollutants will enter the breathing zone from the leak. The method of selecting a suitable mask is to use a suitability test, which utilizes the person's sense of taste, produces a bitter or sweet particulate matter with a special tool, and can still feel the taste if wearing a mask, indicating that there is a leak in the mask.

China Labor Insurance Network