Respiratory Protection and Why it is Important

Business Articles | November 27, 2010

Respiratory protection is imperative in workplaces that contain solvents or other chemicals that have fumes. In addition, low oxygen areas require protection as well. It's of upmost importance that all employees who work in these environments are training in respiratory protection.

Many kinds of workplace environments may call for wearing respirators. There may be strong fumes emitting from solvents or other kinds of chemicals. There might be spaces that are oxygen deficient that would require a mask for being able to breathe. If you or your employees are working around things that would require respiratory protection, then there are a few things that you should know.

As an employer, you should consider the ways you could eliminate the need for your employees to have to wear a respirator. Are there any kinds of alternative materials that you could use to replace dangerous ones with? Can you get by without using certain chemicals for cleaning? There may be some substances that would work fine instead of some more dangerous chemicals. Do your research and find out if these are options for you.

If you must ask your employees to use respirators, then you are going to need to make sure each employee is fitted with the right mask. There have been many reported deaths from exposure to deadly fumes when that persons mask did not fit right. You can have OSHA experts come to your workplace to help you with this.

Written respiratory use, care, and maintenance will need to be provided for all employees that are required to wear respirators. Death can occur from using a mask in the wrong way or if that mask has not been properly maintained. You can find a lot of information about this care from OSHA and you can get the help you need in the written documents needed for your place of work.

Training classes for those under your supervision in the workplace should be done using the guidelines provided by OSHA. The improper use of a respirator can bring about fatal results. Make sure your classes are taught by a professional that you have checked out through OSHA.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charlie Bentson King is a Vice President for Workplace Safety Videos - The world's most comprehensive source of safety video and safety DVD training programs.