Types of respirators
Respirators differ in two main ways:
- How they clean the air
- Whether or not they need to seal against the face
Different rules apply to different types of respirators. Respirators must meet a standard acceptable to WorkSafeBC, such as those of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Single-strap dust masks and surgical masks are not respirators.
Respirators that clean the air
- Air-purifying respirators use filters or cartridges to clean the air as the wearer breathes. There are two types:
- Non-powered. The wearer’s breathing pulls the air through.
- Powered. Called air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), these use a battery-powered fan to blow cleaned air to the wearer.
Air-purifying respirators don’t add oxygen. Never use them in air that’s low in oxygen or immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).
- Air-supplying respirators give the wearer clean air from another source. Also called an airline respirator, this type brings air through a hose. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) supplies air from a tank the wearer carries.
- Escape respirators are only for getting out of an area fast in an emergency. An escape respirator may need a fit test, depending on its type. Check the manufacturer’s instructions. A user seal check isn’t required to use an escape respirator.
Never use an escape respirator to go into a contaminated area, rescue someone, or do work.
Tight-fitting respirators
Tight-fitting respirators only work when they form a tight seal against the face. Even small gaps can allow contaminated air to leak in and reduce protection.
A tight-fitting respirator must be fit tested before a worker first uses it. The worker must do a user seal check before each use. Nothing can be allowed to interfere with the seal.
Common types of tight-fitting respirators, and how they give clean air:
- Filtering facepiece (for example, an N95). Cleans the air (non-powered).
- Half facepiece (rubber or silicone, with filters or cartridges). Cleans the air (non-powered).
- Full facepiece (with filters or cartridges). Cleans the air (non-powered).
- PAPR with a half or full facepiece. Cleans the air (powered).
- Supplied-air (airline) respirator with a half or full facepiece. Supplies air through a hose.
- SCBA. Supplies air from a tank the wearer carries.
If you’re not sure whether a respirator counts as tight-fitting, check the manufacturer’s instructions or ask your supervisor or employer.
For more information about how to fit and use tight-fitting respirators, refer to:
- Fit testing for respirators
- Wear & care for a respirator
- Prevent interference with a respirator seal
Loose-fitting respirators
Loose-fitting respirators don’t seal against the face. They cover the face or head. Then air is blown in to keep contaminants out. Examples include hoods, helmets, and loose-fitting visors. They don’t need a fit test or a user seal check. They can be worn with some facial hair and glasses.
Common types of loose-fitting respirators, and how they give clean air:
- PAPR with a hood, helmet, or loose-fitting visor. Cleans the air (powered).
- Supplied-air (airline) respirator with a hood, helmet, or loose-fitting visor. Supplies air through a hose.
A loose-fitting respirator still must be the right type for the hazard and the level of exposure. Some give much less protection than tight-fitting types. They aren’t right for every job.
Conditions respirators won’t protect against
- Levels higher than respirators are rated for. Each type of respirator can only protect against a contaminant up to a certain level.
- Low oxygen. Air-purifying respirators clean the air, but they don’t add oxygen. Never use them where oxygen is low or the air is IDLH.
- Contaminants that respirators aren’t designed for. Filters for gases and vapours may not protect against dusts. Filters for dust don’t stop gases or vapours. And some gases can’t effectively be removed using filters at all. They require an air-supplying respirator.
- Contact with skin or eyes, or ingestion. A respirator only protects the lungs. Some contaminants can get in through the skin or be accidentally ingested. Wear any other personal protective equipment (PPE) needed, and wash your hands and face before breaks.
For more information, refer to Choose a respirator.
Related resources
Breathe Safer: How to Use Respirators Safely and Start a Respirator Program
This book provides information on how to use respirators to protect workers from breathing hazards. Written for employers, supervisors, and workers, the book covers:
- Types of breathing...
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Please note: The content on this page is intended to help you understand and meet the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. More detailed information can be found in the OHS Guidelines and/or OHS Regulation.