NIOSH: Check on the condition of PAPR batteries

Cincinnati – The condition of the battery used in a powered air-purifying respirator influences the respirator’s performance, a new NIOSH fact sheet stresses.

It is important to know how to store, use, care for and dispose of a PAPR’s battery to ensure the battery will be able to supply the respirator with a sufficient charge to perform properly. Otherwise, the PAPR wearer could be at risk of injury or death, according to the fact sheet, which was published in September.

Tips from the fact sheet include:

• Inspect the battery before use, and do not use if it has been damaged.
• Store the battery in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Use only the battery or the battery chargers specified by the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check the PAPR’s airflow level or battery status before every use, and after four hours, then every two hours.
• Be aware of a battery’s safety features, as they can affect a PAPR’s performance.