National standard, purchase and use of dust masks

Dust masks are indispensable protective equipment for workers engaged in and exposed to dust. There are many types of masks on the market, and their uses vary widely. There are paper masks, cotton masks, activated carbon masks, anti-bacterial masks for food processing, white gauze masks for doctors, and anti-welding for welders. Smoke masks, as well as dust masks, self-priming filter-type particle respirator, dust masks for poisonous gases, etc.

Therefore, when choosing a mask, it is necessary to address the needs of workers in different operating environments. Improper selection can result in waste, and severe cases can cause harm to workers' bodies and cause occupational diseases.

In the survey, we found that some units are trying to save costs, are willing to pay for the cheap, buy some bad quality, non-compliant dust masks, and even use some white cotton masks or other common masks as dust masks and send it to the operators. Workers who wear these masks that do not have the dustproof function for a long time may suffer from pneumoconiosis. Therefore, the personnel engaged in and contact with dust need to know the relevant knowledge, strengthen protection and prevent the occurrence of occupational diseases.

National standard for dust masks

The Occupational Disease Prevention Law stipulates that the employer’s personal protective equipment provided for individual workers must meet the requirements for the prevention and treatment of occupational diseases. Similarly, dust masks used by dust workers must meet the requirements. According to the GB2626-2006 standard for respiratory protection products issued by the National Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine Bureau and the National Standardization Administration, the units that manufacture dust masks must comply with the law. Obtaining a production and operating license, all technical specifications for the production of dust masks must comply with the relevant standards. The standard stipulates the production and technical specifications of respiratory protection products, and has strict requirements on the materials, structure, appearance, performance, filtration efficiency (dust blocking rate), respiratory resistance, detection methods, product identification, and packaging of dust masks. Dust mask material must be non-irritating to the skin, non-allergic, filter material harmless to the human body; dust mask structure should be easy to use; dust mask filter efficiency (dust blocking rate), particle diameter less than 5 microns resistance The dust rate must be greater than 90%, and the particle blocking diameter must be greater than 70% for particle sizes less than 2 microns, and so on.

The standard divides dust masks into oily dust masks P and non-oily dust masks N; it is divided into KN90, KN95, KN100, KP90, KP95 and KP100 according to the performance of the dust-blocking originals and the ratio of the dust blocking rate. class. KP type is suitable for anti-oily dust, such as paraffin wax and jade oil.

Type KN is suitable for preventing non-oily dust, such as salt and quarry. The larger the number in the model, the higher the dust blocking rate and the higher the dust safety factor. At the time of purchase, choose the mask that is appropriate for the dust concentration in different environments.

The GB2626-2006 standard also specifies the standard coefficients of suction resistance and expiratory resistance for dust masks. Workers wearing a dust mask should feel comfortable and can easily exhale and inhale without feeling uncomfortable to breathe, usually with a respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute. The constant coefficient of ventilation for breath and inspiratory resistance was 85 (±1) liters/min. The standard also stipulates that the product identification should be clear and concise, and that the logo should be marked - 1 name, trademark (if the name is "dust mask", trademark is "labor insurance", etc., which make people at a glance); 2 models (such as KN90, KN95, KP100, to facilitate the purchaser to know which mask oil-resistant or non-oily dust, high dust blocking rate; 3 implementation of the standard number and the year number, filter the original type, type of dust blocking rate, such as 2626-2006KP90. For packaging, The standard also specifies that: on the minimum sales package, it should be clearly and persistently marked in Chinese, or the following information can be seen through transparent packaging: name, trademark, mask type, model number, implementation standard number, product license No.; production date or production lot number, shelf life, etc. This helps to know if the product has expired.

These standards are very important. The production unit can be manufactured according to the unified requirements, and the products meet the quality standards before they can be sold. According to these standards, the purchaser selects the mask required for the type and concentration of dust in the operating environment so that the function of the dust mask can be fully utilized.

Buy dust masks

To purchase dust masks, in addition to the procurement of specialty stores that have government-issued sales protection products to buy, but also according to the GB2626-2006 standard for the type of work environment, dust concentration and dust particle diameter selection The type of dust mask required (such as oil/non-oil dust mask, required model, etc.). The above six types of dust masks are suitable for dust concentrations not exceeding 200mg/m3. If the dust concentration is higher than this standard, dust removal equipment such as ventilation, exhaust, etc. should be used to reduce the dust concentration in the operating environment. According to the research, particles with a diameter of 5 microns or less and usually more than 2 microns will directly enter the lungs through the respiratory system and cause harm to the lungs. Dust with a high dust-proof rate should be selected if the dust concentration is high and the dust particles are smaller than 5 microns. Masks, such as KN95, KP95 or KN100, KP100 models, can block fine dust and reduce lung damage to workers.

Dust prevention measures and use of masks

Dust in the operating environment is a fatal hazard to the contacts and operators. Employers should first take dust reduction and dust removal measures to protect the health of workers.

In addition to installing ventilation and ventilation equipment, maintaining ventilation in the working environment, using wet methods, and isolating dust, we must also provide operators with dust masks that meet national standards. Mask replacement depends on the actual situation. If it breaks, or if breathing resistance increases, it should be replaced. Workers must wear dust masks as required, and the mouth and nose must be completely in contact with the inner wall of the mask. No gaps can be formed to prevent dust from entering the lungs through the nose and mouth. Some workers may not be able to adapt to wearing masks, but they will adapt when they wear it everyday. If the weather is hot, wearing a mask is difficult and you may be required to replace the self-priming filter type dust respirator. This type of mask leaves a lot of space for the mouth and nose, and it feels much more comfortable to breathe. Dust masks must be kept clean, especially where they come into contact with the nose and mouth. Because the filter element and disposable mask of the dust mask can not be washed, it will be replaced if it is dirty.