
			Choosing the right respirator is crucial to your health and safety on the job. Use the easy guide below to learn more about the types of respirators available. If you are not sure which respirator you need, contact our Technical Product Support Dept. at 1-800-874-4755.
				Please Note: Air-Purifying Respirator Types are NOT to be used in conditions which are immediately dangerous to life or health. However, SCBA at the bottom is appropriate for these conditions.
		Types of Respirators
	Half-Mask, Particulate, Disposable Respirators NIOSH prefix TC-21C/TC-84A. Use for dust, pollen, mists, welding fumes and certain pesticides applied in solid form. Range: 10 x PEL*

	Maintenance-free Dual Cartridge Half-Mask, Disposable Respirator NIOSH prefix TC-23C. Use for pesticides or ammonia; no cartridge inventory to maintain. Range: 10 x PEL*

	Dual Cartridge, Half-Mask Reusable Respirator NIOSH prefix TC-23C or TC-21C/TC-84A. Cartridges/filters can be changed to match contaminant. Can be used for protection against pesticides, anhydrous ammonia, acid gases, dust or welding fumes. Range: 10 x PEL*

	Full-Face Dual Cartridge, Reusable Respirator NIOSH prefix TC-23C or TC-21C/TC-84A. Protects face, eyes, nose and respiratory system from irritants and contaminants. Full-face is more protective than a half-mask. Range: 50 x PEL*

	Powered Air-Purifying Respirator with Helmet NIOSH prefix TC-23C or TC-21C/TC-84A. Offers breathing comfort from battery-powered fan which pulls air through filters and circulates air throughout helmet. Range: 100 x PEL*

	Air-line Respirator with Hood or Full Face Mask NIOSH prefix TC-19C. Used for pesticides or paint spray, fresh air is delivered to the facepiece through an air hose that is connected to a compressor capable of providing Grade D breathing air. Air-line respirators cannot be used in oxygen deficient environments or atmospheres that are Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH). Range: varies depending on type of facepiece.

	SCBA - Supplied Air Respirator NIOSH prefix TC-13F. Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is used for entry and escape from all atmospheres that are Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) or oxygen deficient. Breathable air is supplied by cylinder on back of wearer. Applications: silos when silo gas is possible, manure pits, enclosed structures that are fumigated and other confined spaces.

NOTE: Most pesticides are classified as organic vapors and if sprayed, require a particulate filter in addition to an organic vapor cartridge.
NOTE: 10xPEL, 50xPEL, etc., refer to the assigned protection factors (APF) of the respirators. A respirator with an APF of 10 (10xPEL) that is properly selected, fitted and worn will protect the employee from exposure levels up to 10 times the permissible exposure level (PEL), which is the exposure level deemed to be dangerous by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).