PPE : Respirators Protection

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Chapter : Personal Protective Equipment 

Dust Mask / Respirators

Dust masks are often used in areas with nuisance dusts and other particulates. When properly worn, rated masks (such as N95) work well for particulates. There are other special ratings that are effective for certain levels of welding fumes or oil mists.

Hazards to watch for:

• While dust masks can be very effective, they are not appropriate in all cases. Check with your supervisor before using one in new situations.
• Do not use in areas with low oxygen or high carbon monoxide levels.
• Dust masks do not work well for organic compounds such as paints and solvents.
• They are not effective without a good seal.
• They won’t work with beards or goatees, and mustaches must be neatly trimmed in order to get a good seal. Safe procedures:
• Make sure a dust mask is appropriate for the hazard. If unsure, talk to your supervisor.
• Place both straps over your head, one below your ears, and the other above your ears.
• Pull the straps tight, and adjust the nose piece, if adjustable. Make sure there are no leaks.
• Store away from contaminants. A good container or zip lock bags work well for storage.
• Replace when damaged, visibly dirty, or if breathing becomes difficult.

 A dust mask can help keep you healthy and more comfortable in your job, but only if properly
used. Key things to remember:

1. Make sure the hazard can be controlled by a dust mask.
2. Select the right dust mask for the task.
3. Minimize leaks around the mask.

Generally: No respiratory program is required when filtering - face piece respirators are the only respirator used and they are used voluntarily.

• Respirators will be worn when the employee is exposed to hazards such as fumes, gases, mists, vapors and sprays
• Fit testing shall occur prior to allowing an employee to wear the respirator.
• Employees should be fit tested at minimum of annually to ensure the employee is putting on the respirator properly.
• Respirators shall be kept in a sanitary condition, covered at all times when not in use.
•  Respirator training should be conducted prior to wearing the respirator for the first time.

Company Specific: We want all our line employees to:

• Inspect the respirator before each use.
• Know how to properly don/fit their respirator.
• Conduct a positive pressure or negative pressure check with each use.
• Report any and all problems to your supervisor.
• Take proper care of the respirator.
• Never hang respirator on a nail or leave exposed to dust.

The reason we wear respirator is to protect our lungs and bodies against hazardous fumes, gases, mists, vapors or sprays.

                            Let’s talk about how dust masks should be used here at work.