Norsemen Safety has released a whole range of respiratory protection to ensure clients have the correct protection against hazardous materials, chemicals, and droplets. Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, Norsemen Safety is now stocking professional face masks that can aid customers throughout the government guidelines of social distancing. Norsemen Safety has provided an entire range of masks to assist with professional settings as well as for personal protective equipment for you and your family.
Surgical Masks and Respirators: What’s The Difference?
While both surgical masks and respirators act as a barrier to prevent hazardous chemicals or materials entering a person’s mouth or nose, they are two very different pieces of equipment. Depending on the situation and role, a face mask or respirator will be used to protect.
A surgical mask is a piece of filter fabric that is able to hook over a person’s ears and protect their nose and mouth. They’re loose-fitting and fairly comfortable and can be used to prevent a healthy person coming in contact with fluids from someone who may be infected with an infection or disease. There are a variety of protection levels with these, but they are nearly all effective at preventing the transmission of larger droplets of fluid like saliva or even blood from touching someone. The negative to these types of mask is that, even if they are worn correctly, air can still escape along the sides of the mask as they are designed to be loose.
Professional respiratory masks are a more protective device that forms a tight seal around the wearer’s face. They work by pulling inhaled air through the respirator’s filtration material which is within the mask. Depending on what mask you are wearing, some respirators are able to filter out materials smaller than human blood cells. Due to the intensity of the filtration and the tightness of the masks, if you have cardiac or respiratory issues, consulting a doctor before choosing one of these is advised.
How Do Respirators Work?
Respirators all come equipped with filtration technology and rely on a melt-blowing which creates a microscopic plastic mesh. This mesh makes up the inner layer of the PPE filter.
The more layers that a single PPE unit has the more effective and protective it will be against particles and droplets. The more common face mask has around four thin layers and a respiratory mask will have five to six layers that will have a variety of density. This, and the way they are fitted, ensure that respirators offer more protection than face masks.
Why Should I Invest in Respiratory PPE?
Now not only effective when working with harsh chemicals and materials, but scientists have also found that COVID-19 can be spread through direct contact with respiratory fluids that may have been exposed to the virus. Using respirators or devices gives some protection against tiny, aerosolized droplets that people may release when sneezing or coughing, so being readily equipped to avoid exposure is crucial.
Norsemen Safety’s Dust Masks
With respiratory PPE being a necessity for those who work in industries dealing with dust, chemicals, or other hazardous materials Norsemen Safety has an array of options to help make an informed decision on the PPE that workers may need.
For those who are working in workshops or even in construction sites, dust masks are key to helping with respiratory protection. Norsemen Safety has a plethora of brands with different options to suit your business needs.
For those who require protection on site, the FP3 reusable face mask or the Moldex 3408 Valved Air Plus Pro FFP3 Reusable face mask, as it is professionally known, is a great protective option for those who require a functioning and comfortable mask. Giving very low breathing resistance, it uses an AirWave Filter to ensure comfortable breathing for the user. With a built-in ProValve, it has reduced moisture in the mask making for a more pleasant experience overall. The Moldex 3408 uses an anatomically shaped TPE full-face seal to ensure maximum protection for the user as well. Due to its DuraMesh structure, the mask is durable and uses ActivForm technology to mean no nose clip is required for the wearer. Sold in a box of 5, it is a great option for those wanting comfort and security.
Norsemen Safety Full Face Mask
For those who require full face protection, Norsemen Safety has some of the best options available for physical protection. The Moldex Full Face Mask 9000 is one of the most popular respiratory masks in this range and offers the highest quality and comfort available.
One mask that is particularly popular is the Moldex Full Face Mask with filters 9432. An extremely lightweight mask, it weighs only 360 grams – you won’t even feel it on your face. It has a frameless, panoramic lens’ and is easy to wear. Made up of a soft TPE material, the Moldex Full Face Mask is gentle on the skin and a great option for those who find masks uncomfortable. Using an EasyLock filter system, it requires no additional adapters to use and is incredibly functional for the user. Due to this, it is easy to maintain and can be cleaned without any additional tools. Filters can be purchased separately but when first bought the mask comes with A1B1E1K1P3 R Filters fitted to it. The mask can also be fitted as small, medium, or large.
Face Masks Against Coronavirus
Norsemen Safety’s Surgical Mask 3 Ply Medical Mask Type IIR is a Class 1 Medical Device that is perfect for those who want extra protection when running errands. It performs at a bacterial filtration efficiency of greater than 98%, and it is also blood and fluid resistant. It is highly comfortable and breathable and is ideal for those operating in chemical or biological environments. With each box containing 50 masks, they are also equipped with soft ear loops and an adjustable nose-bar to ensure fit. Each mask is individually packed and suitable for single-use only.
Norsemen Safety & Industrial Supplies Ltd. are the United Kingdom’s largest supplier of PPE, safety equipment and welding equipment. With an extensive range of products, Norsemen Safety stocks brands like MSA Safety, Moldex, Cofra, Roots, 3M, and Portwest. For expert advice, technical knowledge, and great value on products, visit us in Norsemen Safety.





