Learn how to do a respirator seal check, folks
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I'm coming at this from an entire career having to use gas masks as well as from the BLM protests, and I've worked around compounds that can genuinely kill you with <100 PPM so I've had some pretty hardcore training. With all the interest in "gas masks" out there these days I'm really frustrated that 2 very important components to respirator safety aren't being addressed as often as they could be in all the advice, which is why I'm offering it here:
1) Learn how to do a respirator seal check, both positive and negative. Practice doing so quickly. Also, and this comes from experience - unless you genuinely have to run as quickly as you can - taking that moment to do a seal check once you have your respirator on can be a calming and grounding moment to help you keep a clear head in most situations.
and 2) Practice, practice, and practice putting it on. A good way is to wear it around your neck around the house and have a friend or partner shout "gas" at random intervals. You'll be surprised at how much time you can reduce by doing so, which means in a real world situation you'll be available to help others or film or whatever else needs to be doing. (Once you're good at it, this also means that you can have it on you instead of wearing it the whole time you're out there, which can get tiring quickly as well as affect filter and strap life.)
And for some of what they're using out there folks, YOU MUST HAVE THE RIGHT FILTERS. And let's just say they're starting to use more and more hardcore substances.
Not having a correct seal and/or the right filters will make things WORSE for you by trapping substances/particulates against your skin and inside the mask, causing you to inhale them. (And I hate to say it, but this means that you have to shave, guys. Or else you're just wasting your money.)
Shortcut to the seal test if it's starting the whole video: https://youtu.be/Tzpz5fko...
1) Learn how to do a respirator seal check, both positive and negative. Practice doing so quickly. Also, and this comes from experience - unless you genuinely have to run as quickly as you can - taking that moment to do a seal check once you have your respirator on can be a calming and grounding moment to help you keep a clear head in most situations.
and 2) Practice, practice, and practice putting it on. A good way is to wear it around your neck around the house and have a friend or partner shout "gas" at random intervals. You'll be surprised at how much time you can reduce by doing so, which means in a real world situation you'll be available to help others or film or whatever else needs to be doing. (Once you're good at it, this also means that you can have it on you instead of wearing it the whole time you're out there, which can get tiring quickly as well as affect filter and strap life.)
And for some of what they're using out there folks, YOU MUST HAVE THE RIGHT FILTERS. And let's just say they're starting to use more and more hardcore substances.
Not having a correct seal and/or the right filters will make things WORSE for you by trapping substances/particulates against your skin and inside the mask, causing you to inhale them. (And I hate to say it, but this means that you have to shave, guys. Or else you're just wasting your money.)
Shortcut to the seal test if it's starting the whole video: https://youtu.be/Tzpz5fko...
