Respirator Selection
Properly selected and used, respirators protect workers from hazards but don't eliminate hazards.
Voluntary Use of Respirators
If the respirator fails or is inappropriate for a particular task, the user risks exposure. A respirator can stress a worker's heart and lungs and present other physical and psychological challenges such as:
- Breathing through a tight-fitting air-purifying respirator, for example, is harder than breathing ambient air.
- An atmosphere-supplying self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) can increase the user's heart rate because of its weight.
- Those with lung diseases or asthma or who have trouble breathing should never use a respirator without the approval of a professionally licensed-health care provider (PLHCP).
- Those who have vision problems or who are claustrophobic may also be unable to use some respirators.
Effective respiratory protection ensures that workers are medically able to use respirators, that their respirators fit properly, and that they know how to use and care for their respirators.
Care and Maintenance of Respirators
Maintenance and Care of Respirators]
Employees must clean and inspect their own respirators in accordance with the provisions of the respiratory protection program. Here are some important things to remember:
- Maintenance involves a thorough visual inspection for cleanliness and defects.
- Worn or deteriorated parts must be replaced prior to use.
- No components are to be replaced or repairs made beyond those recommended by the manufacturer.
- Repairs to regulators or alarms of atmosphere-supplying respirators are to be conducted by the manufacturer.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-9. A poorly selected respirator can stress a worker's _____.
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