How should respirators be stored to ensure their proper care?

Respirators should be stored in a dry area to protect them from moisture and contamination, which can compromise their effectiveness. Keeping them in a ziplock bag is particularly beneficial as it provides an additional barrier against dust, dirt, and moisture. This method also helps to maintain the integrity of the respirator’s materials, ensuring that the filters and sealing surfaces are preserved and ready for use when needed. Proper storage is essential for maintaining the equipment's functionality and longevity, ensuring that it provides reliable protection.

Storing respirators in damp conditions or under direct sunlight can lead to degradation of the materials, while placing them in a hot garage may cause warping or other forms of damage due to extreme temperatures. Therefore, the correct storage method emphasizes a controlled environment to protect the respirator from harmful conditions.