Respirators
The hospital environment contains respiratory hazards such as bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that may be inhaled by healthcare workers and patients and cause injury or illness.
A respirator is used to reduce the wearer's risk of inhaling hazardous airborne particles.
A respirator is a personal protective device that is worn on the face, covers at least the nose and mouth, and is used to reduce the wearer's risk of inhaling hazardous airborne particles (including dust particles and infectious agents), gases, or vapors.
Your employer should have a respiratory program that identifies hazards and determines PPE requirements.
Respirator Program Considerations
- Complete annual training and fit testing.
- Know the fit-tested model and size of your respirator.
- Follow manufacturer recommended procedures for donning and doffing.
- Perform the manufacturer recommended seal check method for respirator model.
- Know your respirator program administrator contact.
- Consult Infection Control and Safety Officer.
- Ensure needed PPE is available and located near point of use.
- Know how to identify NIOSH-approved respirator.
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1-7. What does a respirator help reduce employee exposure to?
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