North 5500 series elastomeric half mask respirator, NIOSH certified, compatible with North N series filters & cartridges.

North 5500 series elastomeric half mask respirator, NIOSH-certified, for respiratory protection. Respirator sold individually. 12 units/case. Compatible with North N series filters, cartridges and cartridge/filter combos (filters and cartridges sold separately).

Available in 3 sizes. Please select the respirator size from the drop-down menu above.

North (Honeywell) manufacturer item numbers: 550030S, 550030M, 550030L.

This economical half mask respirator features a thermoplastic elastomer rubber facepiece, a nylon head harness, and adjustable woven elastic straps on the sides. The contoured facepiece has a low dead-air space for better air exchange with each breath. The facepiece is softer around the nose for better comfort, and thicker around the chin for better support. The respirator is comfortable, lightweight, and can be worn with safety glasses. All components are latex-free.

Recommended use:
Half mask respirators are recommended for protection during tasks that release solid or liquid airborne particles (aerosols), and for working in areas where the air is contaminated or contains biological particles.

When worn with filters, this respirator protects against solid, liquid and biological particles (smoke, dust, metals, spores, etc). When worn with cartridges, this respirator protects against vapors and odors (toxic gases, paint fumes, mold odor, etc.)

In order for the wearer to be properly protected, the respirator must be fitted through a fit test, and worn with the appropriate filtering elements.

Counterindications:
Half mask respirators alone do not supply oxygen. Never use this respirator in an oxygen-deprived environment (oxygen concentration below 19.5%).

Half mask respirators have an assigned protection factor (APF) of 10, meaning they protect against concentrations of contaminants up to 10 times higher than the permissible exposure limit (PEL) set by the relevant federal or provincial regulatory body. Do not use a half mask respirator if the concentration of contaminants exceeds 10 times the PEL.

Half mask respirators do not provide sufficient protection for sandblasting. Sandblasting requires a more powerful respiratory protection system, such as a supplied-air respirator.

Do not use if the wearer has a beard, facial hair or any other condition that might create leaks around the facepiece, as it may compromise the wearer's health. The use of respirators is not recommended for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, etc.

Maintenance and service life:
This respirator is reusable and has a service life of several years, provided it is maintained and stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

North recommends:
- Inspecting the respirator before each use;
- Washing the respirator after each use (use warm water and a gentle detergent such as dish soap);
- Storing the respirator in its original packaging.

Always remove the filters or cartridges from the respirator before storage. Never use harsh detergents, solvents or bleach to clean the respirator, as they can chemically weaken the respirator's components, which can ultimately lower the respirator's efficiency.