|
| Respiratory Protection |  |
| |
Introduction
- Harmful chemicals, dusts, biological contaminants can be released
into the air while people are doing their jobs.
- These hazards can be controlled using exhaust ventilation or some
other type of control such as substituting one toxic compound with
a less toxic one.
- If the controls don't work completely or while these controls
are being installed or implemented, it may be necessary to wear
respirators.
- Respirators are the last line of defense and worker knowledge
and proper use are critical.
- Respirator use requires constant supervision to make sure they
are being used properly. When respirators are not used correctly,
workers may become ill from exposure to the air contaminants or
even die from a lack of oxygen.
Regulatory Information
Using respirators
- Before relying on respirators for protection you must reduce exposures
using engineering controls such as exhaust ventilation or administrative
controls such as standard operating procedures. You may rely on
respirators while you are installing or implementing these controls.
- Not all respirators will work in every situation. You need to
understand the nature of the air contaminant including such things
as the concentration, any legal limit, oxygen-level, among others.
- Respirators must be maintained in order to work properly and the
respirator itself may harm some individuals.
- It is necessary to develop a complete respiratory protection program
to make sure that the respirators will protect workers and that
wearing them does not harm the workers.
- A complete respiratory protection program includes information
and specific actions covering
- Selecting respirators
- Medical evaluations
- Fit testing respirators
(applies if tight fitting respirators are required)
- Maintaining and caring
for respirators
- Using respirators including
routine and emergency use procedures
- Supplied Air quality
(applies if airline or SCBAs will be used)
- Training users and supervisors
- Evaluating the Respirator
Program
- When respirators are voluntarily used, limited
program requirements may apply.
Resources
Additional resources will become available in the near future.
Additional Links
Additional information on respiratory protection can be found at
the following sites.
Ask an Expert