NIOSH Releases Data Suggesting Battery Use is Critical for Optimal Respirator Performance
The fact sheet suggests that when the battery is not stored properly, the respirator may not perform correctly.
According to a news release from NIOSH, powered air-purifying respirators may not work correctly if batteries aren’t stored properly. The faulty batteries could lead to a faulty respirator, which leads to a higher risk for injury or death.
The fact sheet released from NIOSH suggests that in order to get optimal performance from a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) one must properly charge and store the battery. Administrators, managers and wearers can consult the fact sheet for optimal usage.
Key points the fact sheet addresses include that users should: inspect batteries for damage before use, assure the battery is stored in the proper temperature and humidity requirements, keep the batteries away from heating sources such as furnaces and sunlight, keeping non-rechargeable batteries in their initial packaging until usage and more.
For more details, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/NIOSH/docs/2013-146/pdfs/2013-146.pdf