Respirators
Respirators are used to protect your employees from exposure to air
contaminants. Though you may have other air-quality control mechanisms, your
employees may still be exposed to dangers such as dust particles or chemical
fumes. Do not rely solely on respirators to provide your employees with fresh,
breathable air.
Evaluate Workplace Airflow
As a backup mechanism, respiration devices are commonly found in environments
that are deficient of oxygen. Most newer workplaces are built with air flow in
mind, which eliminates the potential hazards of poor air quality. If you have
any doubt about the existing processes and procedures in your workplace use the
information below as a guide to maintaining proper air conditions.
Some form of mechanical ventilation should be used in work areas that are
heavy in dust, gases or fumes. Those processes should be closed off to the rest
of the working environment which will contain the air quality issue. To ensure
your employees are adequately trained, post signage in visible places and
repeatedly review equipment instructions. This will help to minimize
contaminants.
Types of Respirators
To reinforce the safety of your employees, invest in portable respirator
devices. Mouth-bit, mask and full face respiration devices are popular backup
tools to have on hand. For less severe contaminants, a simple dust mask may do.
Helpful Articles:
Safety Products and Safety
Equipment Are Necessary ,
Industrial
Safety Equipment Is Making a Difference ,
Are Your
Spill Control Procedures Visible? ,
Handling
Hazardous Materials ,
EyeWash
,
Skin
protection cream ,
Appropriate
Head Protection ,
Preventing
Injury with Supplied Air Systems ,
Fall
Protection Requirements ,
Hearing
protection devices ,
Respirators
,
Safety
training videos ,
First aid
kits ,
Protective
footwear ,
Protective
eyewear ,
Safety
vests ,
Are Back
Supports Effective or Not? ,
OSHA's Many
Standards and Regulations ,
Confined
Space Equipment ,
Chemical
Protective Clothing and
Choosing the
Right Filter