What type of respirator has an OSHA protection factor of 10?

A half face respirator provides a protection factor of 10 according to OSHA standards. This means that when using a half face respirator, the concentration of hazardous substances in the atmosphere can be reduced to one-tenth of the actual concentration. This level of protection is suitable for certain environments where airborne contaminants may not exceed specific limits.

Half face respirators typically cover the nose and mouth, providing effective filtration against various particulate contaminants, depending on the type of filter used. It is important for users to ensure a proper fit to achieve the rated protection factor, as improper sealing can greatly reduce the effectiveness of the respirator.

In contexts where higher levels of protection are required, such as with significantly hazardous environments, other types of respirators, like full face respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), are more suitable, providing greater coverage and protection factors. A full face powered air purifying respirator also offers an increased level of protection but operates differently, supplying clean air through a powered mechanism.