Selecting between supplied air and powered air

The process of selecting appropriate respiratory protection can be as important and difficult as the decision about whether respiratory protection is needed in the first place. Supplied Air Respirators (SAR) and Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) are the two most common classes of positive pressure respiratory protection employed in workplaces today. Most personal protective equipment manufacturers and distributors offer recommendations on choosing respirators. These recommendations may be available as an online or published guide or may even take the form of an on-site analysis of the workplace. Regardless of these recommendations, ultimately it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure the proper respirators are being used for worker protection and that they meet all local, state, and federal regulations. Many distinguishing factors influence the appropriateness of an SAR or PAPR for a given work application. Each type of respirator has a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages that must be considered as they relate to workers' comfort, productivity, and protection.