Respiratory Protection
Date Posted: 04/24/2023
It is estimated that more than 5 million workers use respiratory protection regularly as part of their work. Respirators protect the user from various airborne contaminants, including harmful dust, fog, smoke, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays. Air-supplied respirators protect workers from oxygen-deficient environments also.
Before Using or Selecting a Respirator?
Respirators should only be used when engineering control systems are not feasible or insufficient in removing airborne contaminants. Respirators protect workers from breathing air contaminated with toxic chemicals, fibers, or dust. Before deciding what type of respiratory to use, investigate and understand what makes the environment hazardous. Determine if there are ways to make the environment safe through elimination, substitution (substitute with less toxic chemicals), engineering means (e.g., ventilation), or process change.
Who Can Wear a Respirator?
Respirator users must be approved and qualified to wear a respirator. This two-step process includes a medical evaluation and a fit test. The medical review is a health assessment determining whether a worker is medically qualified to wear a respirator. The fit test determines if a tight-fitting respirator fits the user correctly and seals to keep potential contaminants out. A respirator fit test is required for all tight-fitting respirators other than for voluntary use. There is an exemption for fit testing for voluntary use under WAC 296-842-15005. Employees must complete the fit test using a respirator that’s the same make, model, and size as one they will wear on the job while also wearing any other required equipment (e.g., safety glasses).
How Do Respirators Protect Users?
Respirators protect users in two primary ways. The first is by removing contaminants from the air. Respirators of this type include particulate respirators, which filter out airborne particles, and "gas masks," which filter out chemicals and gases. Other respirators protect by supplying clean respirable air from another source. Respirators in this category include airline respirators, which use compressed air from a remote source, and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), which have their air supply.
Types of Respirators
Several types of respirators exist and provide various types of protection depending on the respirator selected. These include both disposable type respirators and elastomeric (reusable) type respirators:
Filtering facepiece respirators are disposable half-facepiece respirators that filter out particles such as dust, mists, and fumes. They do NOT protect against gases and vapors.
Elastomeric Half-face filtering facepiece respirators are reusable and have replaceable cartridges or filters. They cover the nose and mouth and protect against gases, vapors, or particles when equipped with the correct cartridge or filter.
Elastomeric Full-face Respirators are reusable and have replaceable canisters, cartridges, or filters. The facepiece covers the face and eyes, which offers eye protection.
Full-face filtering respirators are reusable and have replaceable canisters, cartridges, or filters. The facepiece covers the face and eyes, which offers eye protection.
Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) have a battery-powered blower that pulls air through attached filters, canisters, or cartridges. They protect against gases, vapors, or particles when equipped with the correct cartridge, canister, or filter. Loose-fitting PAPRs do not require fit testing and can be used with facial hair.
Supplied-air respirators are connected to a separate source that supplies clean, compressed air through a hose. They can be lightweight and used for long hours in environments not immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).
Self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) are used to enter or escape from environments considered to be IDLH. They contain their breathing air supply.
Respirator Inspection
Inspect your respirators before and after use. Inspection should include the following:
The sealing surfaces are clean and free of cracks and holes.
Rubber and elastic parts have good flexibility and no signs of deterioration.
Inhalation and exhalation valves are sanitary and seated correctly.
Straps are sufficiently adjustable and free of worn areas.
If full face, a face shield is cleaned and clear (no smudges, scratches, or other damage that may impede visibility).
Limitations of Respirators
Not all respirators protect against all airborne hazards/contaminants.
They can fail (like any PPE). The best option is removing the hazard through engineering solutions so that PPE is unnecessary.
They may be worn incorrectly.
They may not be the best choice for the contaminant or environment.
They need to be maintained and kept in working order.
Filters (if equipped with filters) may need to be changed regularly to remain effective.
They can be uncomfortable, limit visibility, and make communication difficult.
Note: Asbestos, lead, and mold abatement are common air contaminants in construction that may require respiratory protection. Additionally, concrete demolition, grinding, chipping, and concrete / mortar mixing can create silica dust exposure which may require respiratory protection.
Note: Elastomeric Respirators are reusable, have replaceable cartridges and filters, and can come in half or full-face versions. They protect against gases, vapors, or particles when equipped with the correct cartridge or filter. According to NIOSH, Elastomeric respirators are a type of air-purifying respirator and are reusable devices with exchangeable filter elements (cartridges or filters) that may be selected to provide the needed level of filtration. The facepieces are made of synthetic or natural rubber material that allows repeated cleaning, disinfection, storage, and reuse. EHMRs can be used to protect against gases, vapors, and particles if equipped with the appropriate filters or cartridges. Because the facepiece must form a tight seal against the user’s face, EHMRs require fit testing at least annually.
