Respiratory protection is an important part of workplace safety, especially in environments where workers may be exposed to dust, fumes, smoke, gases, vapours or other airborne contaminants. The right respiratory protection can help reduce exposure when other control measures cannot adequately control the hazard.
Different workplaces have different respiratory hazards. Construction sites may involve dust, while manufacturing and chemical environments can involve fumes, gases or vapours. This is why respiratory protection should be selected according to the specific workplace hazard rather than simply choosing any available mask.
Why Is Respiratory Protection Important?
Workers can be exposed to airborne substances during activities such as welding, grinding, painting, chemical handling, manufacturing and construction.
Respiratory protection can help protect workers from:
- Dust and airborne particles
- Fumes
- Mists
- Smoke
- Certain gases
- Chemical vapours
- Other airborne contaminants
OSHA recommends identifying and evaluating the respiratory hazard before selecting appropriate respiratory protection.
Types of Respiratory Protection
Dust Masks
Dust masks or particulate respirators are designed to filter particles from the air. They can be suitable for certain dust, fumes and mist exposures, depending on the product and hazard. They should not be assumed to protect against gases or vapours.
Gas Masks
Gas masks use appropriate cartridges or canisters to remove certain gases or vapours. The correct cartridge must be selected according to the particular contaminant because there is no single cartridge that protects against every substance.
Full Face Respirators
Full-face respiratory protection covers the face and can provide respiratory protection while also helping protect the eyes and face, depending on the design and approved use of the equipment.
How to Choose Respiratory Protection
Before selecting respiratory equipment, consider:
- What airborne hazard is present?
- Is it dust, fumes, gas or vapour?
- What is the level of exposure?
- What type of respirator is appropriate?
- Does the respirator fit the worker correctly?
- Is training required?
- How should the equipment be cleaned and maintained?
For tight-fitting respirators, proper fit is particularly important because gaps around the face seal can allow contaminated air to enter.
Respiratory Protection at the Workplace
Respirators should be part of a broader workplace safety approach. Engineering and work-practice controls are generally preferred for controlling airborne hazards, with respirators used when appropriate based on the hazard assessment and applicable requirements.