AWS Welding Inspection and Testing Certification Practice Test

What type of respirators uses a blower to force ambient air through air-purifying elements?

1. Powered air-purifying respirators

2. Disposable respirators

3. Half-mask respirators

4. Filtering facepiece respirators

The correct answer is: Powered air-purifying respirators

Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) incorporate a blower that actively draws ambient air through air-purifying elements, such as filters or chemical cartridges, enhancing the breathing capacity, particularly in environments where there are elevated levels of contaminants. This technology allows for a more consistent supply of clean air to the user and can greatly reduce the effort needed to breathe compared to non-powered options. PAPRs are particularly effective because they can provide a higher flow rate of purified air and can be used in situations when the contaminants are present at higher concentrations or when the user is subjected to prolonged exposure. In contrast, disposable respirators and filtering facepiece respirators rely on the user's inhalation to draw air through the filter material. Half-mask respirators cover only the lower half of the face and also depend on inhalation for air purification, without the assistance of a powered blower. Thus, the main distinguishing feature of the correct answer is the presence of powered assistance through a blower, which enhances the air supply.