There are so many people working in industries such as asbestos abatement, buffing, and chemical processing who need training about maintaining their respiratory safety.
The reality is one can never have too much information about staying safe. It can save your life. Here are 12 tips to help everyone breathe easier on the job.
Make sure your work environment has sufficient ventilation.
- Make sure your respirator has the proper NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) designation (i.e. N95).
- Always inspect the respirator before using it. Discard if there are cracks, damaged pieces, or other defects.
- Time-use limitations may apply. Change cartridges and filters frequently or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Check with local authorities for proper disposal of used respirators.
- Respirators must be worn at all times of exposure to hazardous environments.
- Respirators are not to be used by children or anyone with a respiratory condition that may prevent safe use of the device, such as asthma, emphysema, or a history of heart disease. People with these conditions should consult a doctor before use.
- Respirator filters are functioning any time they are exposed to air. To prolong the life of a respirator keep it in the manufacturer provided resalable bag.
- Respirators offer protection only when they fit properly. Make sure to have the mask fitted before use.
- Make sure there is not any facial hair preventing direct contact with the edge of the respirator and wearer’s face. Anything preventing direct between wearer’s face and respirator for a tight seal will reduce the effectiveness of the device.
- If the respirator becomes difficult to breathe through or damaged, immediately go to a non-contaminated area and replace the cartridge/filter.
- Respirators are not designed to prevent contaminants from entering the body through other routes such as the skin. Make sure to wear adequate safety gear such as protective clothing or safety work gloves.
Keep in mind that respirators will not eliminate the inhalation of all particles, nor will it eliminate the risk of disease, illness, or death. Therefore, remember these tips for easy breathing at work.
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