What is a gas mask - everyone knows. Why it is needed is also not a secret. And, despite the fact that at present, relatively peaceful time, the population is not subject to mass infections and attacks of chemical and bacteriological weapons, gas masks are in great demand - the risk of getting into an emergency always remains. And if people whose profession involves at least the skills to work with this personal protective equipment, easily cope with its use, then the simple civilian population very often raises a number of, including naive, questions about gas masks.
In order to expand the understanding of the general population about what a gas mask is and how to handle it, representatives of one of the largest respiratory protective equipment manufacturers gave answers to a number of popular questions asked not only by their customers, but also by people who have never seen a gas mask live.
1. Is there a universal gas mask?
This is probably one of the most popular questions of people who have never used a gas mask. There are even cases when, without a clear idea of the scope of its application, people ask themselves: “What gas mask will always help?” and stubbornly looking for universal gas masks. Universal in their understanding - a gas mask that suits anyone and protects against everything.
For civilians only which are quite simple to use and affordable. Such devices are equipped with a filter element aimed at protecting only from a specific type of substance. In addition, this device only cleans the air entering the body, so another limitation when using it is the presence of the necessary fraction of oxygen in the infected atmosphere. It is clear that choosing this type of gas mask is necessary exclusively within the scope of the purpose of the filter element.
To a more or less universal type include gas masks that do not interact with the environment and work with any composition and concentration of hazardous substances in the air. However, such devices are not intended for civilians, as require special training before their use and in case of a sudden accident or in the process of emergency evacuation, an unprepared person simply will not be able to use it.
2. What does the gas mask NOT protect against?
A filter gas mask that cannot enrich the air with oxygen will be absolutely useless in conditions of insufficient oxygen for the human body (less than 17%). Also, the composition of standard filters does not provide protection against organic gases, including carbon monoxide. Therefore, it is always important to pay special attention to the composition of the filter elements and, if necessary, purchase additional filters aimed at more extensive protection.
In addition, you should be very careful about the competent use of a gas mask. Since any mistake in its application - for example, a violation of the tightness of the front part, the use of a gas mask with a fallen filter or any other element can lead to disastrous consequences.
3. Will a gas mask help in case of fire?
The emission of carbon monoxide in a fire is a greater danger than the danger of open fire. The standard filtering gas mask is equipped with filters that protect against many types of toxic substances, but is not able to filter air from carbon monoxide, so it is useless in case of fire.
To protect against carbon monoxide, there are additional filter elements that are purchased separately. But since most often their action is aimed at filtering air only from carbon monoxide, and they do not protect against other combustion products, it is worth using this kind of filters in conjunction with standard filters included in the basic gas mask kit.
4. Is it possible to suffocate in a gas mask?
You can suffocate without a gas mask. The device itself does not pose a direct threat, but there are very important nuances that should be taken into account before you start using a gas mask.
Firstly, if the rules for its use are not observed, a fatal outcome is likely due to the penetration of poisonous substances into the mask space. For example, if the rubber mask is damaged or if it does not fit snugly to the face, whether it is a filtering or insulating gas mask, the action of its protective elements becomes useless.
Secondly, in filtering gas masks, the duration of the filters is always limited, and their use after the declared operating time or after their complete working out also leads to undesirable consequences. Do not forget about the purpose of the filters - if the filter element is incorrectly selected, the gas mask will also be ineffective.
As for the insulating gas masks, the work in them can begin strictly after the activation of the starting device that releases the first portions of clean air.
In addition, it should be remembered that while working in a gas mask, breathing resistance and pressure on the front are noticeably felt, which significantly affects the performance and functioning of the whole organism. Therefore, you should study all contraindications to the use of this type of device.
5. Is it possible to clean filters in gas masks or to refill oxygen cylinders at home?
All gas mask filters are disposable, as contain an absorbent layer of activated carbon and paper membranes that cannot be cleaned. Therefore, after working out, the filter elements must be replaced with new ones.
As for the filling of oxygen cylinders, such work can only be carried out in specially equipped laboratories, as refueling with oxygen takes place under pressure, and it is impossible to do this at home.