Respiratory Protection
When should you select to use a respirator?
- When the material safety data sheet (MSDS) states that there could be a risk of harm to your respiratory system AND
- You are working with a sufficient quantity/volume to pose a risk AND
- You are working in a manner that could generate fumes/dusts/vapours/mists/gases that could be breathed in by anyone working with or in the vicinity of the activity involving the substance/material.
- OR you are working in an environment where there could be a depletion of oxygen
If the above three apply then the first things you should be asking yourself are:
- Can I remove the hazard?
- Can I work with an alternative less harmful substance?
- Can I conduct the work in a fume cabinet, glove box or enclosed process or use a portable exhaust system to remove the fumes/dusts/vapours/mists generated?
- Can I carry out the work in a manner which will not generate sufficient quantities of fumes/dusts/vapours/mists/gases to cause harm?
It is recognised that this isn’t always possible, so when doing for example dusty work, you might need to wear respiratory protective equipment (RPE) as well as enclosing and extracting the dust and using good work practices to reduce the health risks.
See 'Protection against Dusts/Particles'
If it leaks it doesn’t protect
Finding a suitable respirator is not simply a matter of choosing a model you like the look of, or the cheapest. Not all faces are the same and neither are disposable respirators. You might need to try different makes or sizes to find one that fits without leaking around the seal and letting dust in. A respirator that depends on face fit is useless if you have a beard or thick beard stubble. The only way you can know if the seal is good enough is by having a proper respirator fit test. At present this is also the only way of meeting legal requirements. The respirator manufacturer’s helpline, testing companies and reputable suppliers will be able to advise you.
You should carry out a pre-use check every time you put on your respirator. Always check that it is fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions, eg ensure that the straps and strip for moulding the respirator around your nose are correctly adjusted, then hold the mask in place and breathe in or out sharply. You should re-adjust the respirator if you detect any leakage around your face or your glasses steam up when you breathe out.
A video to demonstrate how to fit a respirator is available
