Quote Originally Posted by realist View Post
Izzy good post.
There are a lot of people that think that a gas mask will protect them in a fire. Remember a gas mask is a filter and does not supply oxygen, so if you are in an oxygen depleted environment then you will be toast.

Mitunnelrat if you are preparing for a chlorine leak make sure that your filters are designed to filter chlorine. Also be aware that chlorine filter break down relatively fast so don't stay in the environment any longer than you have to.

They do make a rubber goggle type glasses to wear under gas masks. If you plan on wearing these you need to be fit tested to make sure they work. I have found that several times I could not get a good seal. The inserts are the best route to go.

If you do decide to buy a mask or masks make sure that you purchase several filters. Do not open the filters unless you need to or are going to use them for training. Keep the others in reserve. I would recommend that you purchase the ones for NBC over others unless you might be exposed to a specific chemical. Filters for CS or CN (tear gas) are not as good as the NBC filters. If you are buying buy the best. Bacpacker you can use your hand to check the seal on your mask.

Izzy I like the remove plug before donning. You will only do it once then you will never forget, it is a rude awakening for some. One other thing regarding filters most commercial masks will take a military filter but the supplier will tell you that it is illegal to do this. It is only illegal for an agency to do this not a private person. I always figured that when the bugs were flying around I didn't think that there would be anyone around to check my mask.

Gas environments, LNG and Propane will displace oxygen, see above regarding oxygen depleted environments.

Shooting in a gas mask sucks, so if you plan on it you need to practice. If you are going to consider this you might consider testing out how they fit while holding something up to simulate a rifle or handgun when purchasing a mask.

For those that have a bunch of money you might consider a PAPR which stands for powered air purifying respirator. This is a battery powered unit that will suck in the air through filters giving you a positive air flow and will not be so taxing to your body. Some of these have dual filters that will give you a prolonged working time.

I use both the Dragger and MSA masks, they work very well. I have used them in actual chemical environments. They are the only ones that I would put my family in. I'm sure there are others but since I have personal experience with them I don't want to trust another company's tests if I have not personally used them.

Now if you are depressed that you purchased a POS mask from Abdul don't fret they still make good Halloween costumes for the kids.....

This also ties into needing chemical suits, as chlorine gas will also attack exposed skin and such... in fact, most chemicals you want to use a respirator for will...