Respiratory Protection
Respirators protect workers against insufficient oxygen environments, harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays.
Respirators protect workers against insufficient oxygen environments, harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists,
gases, vapors, and sprays.
When working in confined spaces, you may be exposed to hazardous atmospheres that result in:
- being overcome by lack of oxygen
- occupational illness due to long-term low-level exposures (for example asbestos, silica, lead)
- acute or systemic illness from exposure to solvents, paints, and cleaners
- acute respiratory damage due to exposure to corrosives (such as acids, gases, mists)
- severe illness or even death from inhaling toxic materials (such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide)
These hazards may cause cancer, lung impairment, diseases, or death.
Respiratory protection is needed in confined spaces whenever:
- An emergency exists, and entry cannot be delayed. Assume that an IDLH atmosphere exists.
- There is an inert atmosphere, or testing shows that an IDLH exists and additional ventilation cannot reduce concentrations to safe levels.
- Current testing indicates atmosphere to be safe, but unsafe conditions could reasonably be expected to develop at any time.
Respirators protect the user in two basic ways.
- Removal of contaminants from the air: Respirators of this type include particulate respirators, which filter out airborne particles, and air-purifying respirators with cartridges/canisters which filter out chemicals and gases.
- Supplying clean respirable air from another source: Respirators that fall into this category include airline respirators, which use compressed air from a remote source, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which include their own air supply.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-6. Which type of respirator uses cartridges/canisters to filter out chemicals and gases?
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