Definition & Operational Usage
An Air Purifying Respirator (APR) is a respiratory protective device that utilizes filters to remove specific airborne contaminants from the ambient air prior to inhalation. Not to be confused with a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), which provides a separate air supply, APRs depend on the quality of the surrounding air and are unsuitable for use in oxygen-deficient or immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments. APRs are frequently employed in hazardous materials operations, particularly in designated warm zones where airborne pollutants are present but oxygen levels are adequate.
Category context: Hazardous materials, decon, isolation zones, UN/ERG concepts, and CBRN terminology.
In this category