When respirator use is an OPTION

If the jobsite exposures do not warrant mandated respiratory use, some workers would still prefer to wear one for protection. Making respirators available in these situations provides an additional level of comfort and protection for workers.

However, if a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean, the respirator itself can become a hazard to the worker. To address this concern, OSHA has issued some good advice under 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix D.

If your employer provides respirators for your voluntary use, of if you provide your own respirator, you need to take certain precautions to be sure that the respirator does not present a hazard by following these suggestions:

1. Read and heed all instructions provided by the manufacturer on use, maintenance, cleaning and care, and warnings regarding the respirators limitations.

2. Choose respirators certified for use to protect against the contaminant of concern. NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services certifies respirators and a label or statement of certification should appear on the respirator or respirator packaging. It will tell you what the respirator is designed for and how much it will protect you.

3. Do not wear your respirator in atmospheres containing contaminants for which your respirator is not designed to protect against. For example, a respirator designed to filter dust particles will not protect you against gases, vapors, or very small solid particles of fumes or smoke.

4. Keep track of your respirator so that you do not mistakenly use someone else's respirator.

This article was published in the November/December 2002 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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