Respiratory Protection

Respiratory Protection: What They Are and How to Use Them Safely

Respiratory Protection are devices that help you breathe safely when you are exposed to harmful substances in the air, such as dust, fumes, gases, or germs. Respirators are among the most important pieces of protective equipment for working in dangerous environments¹.

There are different kinds of respirators, depending on the type and level of hazard you face. Some respirators clean the air you breathe by filtering out the contaminants, while others provide you with fresh air from a source outside of the polluted area². Some respirators cover only your nose and mouth, while others cover your whole face or head³.

To use a respirator correctly, you need to follow these steps:

• Choose the right respirator for your job, based on the assessment of the exposure and the criteria for selecting respirators⁴.
• Check the condition and expiry date of the respirator and its parts, and replace them if needed⁵.
• Fit the respirator to your face and adjust the straps and nose clip to make sure it is snug and comfortable.
• Check the seal of the respirator every time you put it on, by covering the inlet and breathing in or out sharply.
• Wear the respirator at all times when you are in the hazardous area, and do not take it off until you are in a safe place.
• Clean and store the respirator according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or throw it away if it is disposable.

Using a respirator properly can protect your health and safety, as well as your performance and productivity. However, respirators are not a substitute for other ways of controlling the hazards, such as ventilation, isolation, or elimination of the sources. You should always follow the safety rules and procedures of your workplace, and ask your supervisor or safety officer if you have any questions or concerns about respirators.