What is a PAPR?

1.The equipment is battery operated, consists of a half or full facepiece, breathing tube, battery-operated blower, and particulate filters (HEPA only).

2.A PAPR uses a blower to pass contaminated air through a HEPA filter, which removes the contaminant and supplies purified air to a facepiece.

3.A PAPR is not a true positive-pressure device because it can be over-breathed when inhaling.

4. A face shield may also be used in conjunction with a half-mask PAPR respirator for protection against body fluids.

Use of PAPRs
Employees must be instructed how to put on, position, adjust, and remove respirators.
Before PAPR use, a medical evaluation is required.Use of PAPRs does not require fit testing.Proper Respirator Use: Public Health Respiratory Protection Program Template
Portion of the Respiratory Protection Template related to respirator use.

Cleaning and disinfecting
Recommendation on cleaning and disinfection differ among manufacturers.
PAPRs should be cleaned according to manufacturers recommendations.
NIOSH recommends to clean loose-fitting PAPRS
Remove the hood or helmet from the respirator and clean with a detergent solution.
Clean the suspension inside the head gear in a similar fashion.
Clean and sanitize the protective face shield.