There are countless different respiratory protection devices on the market, each with specific properties and advantages. When selecting respiratory protection it is therefore important to look at which properties best match the situation and the type of air pollution involved. A first step is to choose between dependent and independent respiratory protection — these two approaches are fundamentally different.
Dependent respiratory protection
All respiratory protective equipment can be divided into two categories: dependent respiratory protection on the one hand and independent respiratory protection on the other. With dependent respiratory protection — as the name suggests — the user is dependent on the ambient air around them. The user draws in the direct surrounding air, which is purified into clean breathable air through filters. Filtered ambient air is therefore inhaled. This contrasts with independent respiratory protection, where clean air is supplied from outside through air hoses.
Advantages of dependent respiratory protection
Although the level of protection offered by independent respiratory protection is often higher than that of dependent respiratory protection, dependent respiratory protection is still chosen in many cases. The main reason is its high ease of use. Independent respiratory protection is generally only chosen for critical applications or in cases of very heavy (dangerous) air pollution. With filter systems, the user enjoys great freedom of movement and is not hindered by, for example, compressed-air hoses or heavy oxygen cylinders on the back. The equipment is very easy to use: it is enough to put the mask or hood on the head and the user can get straight to work. The exchangeable filters are also designed to be replaced quickly and easily. In many cases filter systems offer sufficient protection, making dependent respiratory protection the obvious choice in such situations.
Different types of dependent respiratory protection
Within the category of dependent respiratory protection a further distinction can be made, ranging from simple disposable dust masks to powered air hoods. The Arbin Kite air hoods belong to the latter group. The built-in motor creates a positive pressure of clean air inside the hood and thus provides a high level of protection. See our comparison of respiratory protection devices for a complete overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the different options.
Conditions for dependent respiratory protection
Important: a number of conditions must be met before dependent respiratory protective equipment can be chosen:
- The oxygen level in the ambient air must be at least 19% by volume (the exact percentage depends on local regulations).
- The air pollution present is known and the filter material is suitable for it.
- The concentration of the harmful substance lies within the permissible range of the chosen filter system.