Which respirator has the highest protection factor according to the types listed?

The Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) offers the highest level of respiratory protection among the options listed. This is primarily because SCBAs are designed to provide breathable air in environments that are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH), such as surroundings with high concentrations of asbestos. The SCBA achieves this by using a cylinder of compressed air that the wearer carries, allowing it to effectively protect against contaminants that could be harmful to the respiratory system.

In contrast, other respirators like full face respirators, PAPRs, and Type C airline respirators, while providing significant protection, rely on filtering or purifying air from the environment. In scenarios where the air quality is severely compromised, their reliance on ambient air could lead to exposure to harmful substances. Thus, while each of these respirators has its own specific application, SCBAs stand out for their ability to provide a clean air supply regardless of the surrounding atmospheric conditions, making them the ideal choice for maximum protection in high-risk workplaces.