A powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) uses a battery-powered blower to pull air through filters or cartridges and deliver it to a hood, helmet or facepiece. We stock complete PAPR systems and kits from 3M™ Versaflo™ (TR-300N+, TR-600 and TR-800) and MSA (OptimAir TL and the Optrel Helix welding PAPR), plus PAPR hoods, breathing tubes and accessories.
Assigned Protection Factors
OSHA's respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134, Table 1) gives PAPRs with a loose-fitting facepiece an assigned protection factor (APF) of 25. Helmet and hood PAPRs receive an APF of 1,000 only when the manufacturer provides test evidence of that performance. Without it, they are treated as loose-fitting at APF 25. Tight-fitting PAPRs are rated 50 with a half mask and 1,000 with a full facepiece.
Fit Testing
OSHA's fit-testing requirement applies to tight-fitting facepieces, so loose-fitting hoods and helmets aren't fit tested. That makes them a common choice for workers with facial hair. A written respiratory protection program, medical evaluation and training still apply. See When Should You Wear Respiratory Protection?
