A gas mask is worn on the head to protect the respiratory organs, eyes, and face, and prevent personal injury from toxic substances such as poisons, biological weapons, bacteria, and radioactive dust. How to use a gas mask?
Components of a Gas Mask
It is mainly composed of filtering elements, mask body, eyepiece, exhalation communication device, headband breathing tube, and filter box (filter canister), each of which has its own responsibilities and can cooperate effectively.
Pre-use Inspection
1. Before use, check if the mask has cracks or openings to ensure a tight seal with the face.
2. Check the exhalation valve for deformations, cracks, and fissures.
3. Check if the headband has elasticity.
4. Check if the sealing ring of the filter box seat is intact.
5. Check if the filter box is within the expiration date.
6. Check the appearance of the mask and breathing tube for any damage.
7. Check if the filter canister is not expired, not damp, and not corroded.
8. Check the airtightness of the complete set of masks. Connect the mask and filter canister, put on the mask, and block the inlet of the filter canister with your hand or a rubber stopper. Take a deep breath. If no air enters, the mask is airtight and can be used. Otherwise, it should be repaired or replaced.
Correct Use Method
Mask the mouth and nose
Relax the headband from the four nodes around the nose, use one hand to hold the hair on the forehead backward, and hold the mask with the other hand towards your face, covering the mouth and nose.
Pull the headband towards the back of the head
Put the mask on your face, pull the headband up first, then pull it down to the back of the head after passing over the top of the head, so that the head is in the space formed by the 4 headbands and the mask.
Fix the mask
After pulling the headband to the back of the head, tighten the lower two headbands first, and then tighten the upper two headbands to fix the mask on the face.
Testing and adjustment
Test method 1: Cover the exhalation valve with your palm and exhale slowly. If you feel pressure on your face but no air leakage between the face and the mask, it indicates a good fit. If there is leakage, readjust the headband and mask to eliminate air leakage.
Test method 2: Cover the connection port of the filter canister seat with your palm, and inhale slowly. If you feel difficulty in breathing, it indicates a good seal. If you can inhale air, readjust the mask position and tighten or loosen the headband to eliminate air leakage.
Precautions for Using a Gas Mask
1. Filtering gas masks can only be used when the concentration of toxic gases in the air is <2% and the oxygen concentration is >18%.
2. Various types of filtering gas masks can only be used for their specified purposes. Different models of filter canisters can only protect against corresponding toxic gases to prevent misuse.
3. When using a filtering gas mask, the "one open, two check, three wear" rule must be strictly followed. One open: open the bottom plug of the filter canister; Two check: check the filter canister and mask for any defects; Three wear: put on the mask, ensure unobstructed breathing, and confirm that it is in good condition before use.
4. If you feel difficulty in breathing or discomfort during use, immediately leave the contaminated area and replace the mask. It is strictly prohibited to remove the mask within the contaminated area.
