Gas Mask

There are too many types of situations to cover them all fully here. However, the following questions represent part of "decision logic" that a safety professional or occupational hygienist can use when selecting a respirator:

PPE

Respiratory hazards can include airborne contaminants such as biological contaminants, dusts, mists, fumes, and gases, or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Note that more than one respiratory hazard can be present at the same time.

After elimination and substitution, well designed and maintained engineering controls are the preferred methods of controlling worker exposure to hazardous contaminants in the air. These control methods include:

Ventilator

Air-purifying respirators can remove contaminants in the air that you breathe by filtering out particulates (e.g., dusts, metal fumes, mists, etc.). Other APRs purify air by adsorbing gases or vapours on a sorbent (adsorbing material) in a cartridge or canister. They are tight-fitting and are available in several forms:

Filters are made of material that is designed to trap particles as you breathe. Cartridges contain a material that absorbs gases and vapours. It is very important to make sure you are using the right filter or cartridge for the chemicals or substances present in the workplace.

Supplied-air respirators may have either tight-fitting or loose-fitting respiratory inlets. Respirators with tight-fitting respiratory inlets have half or full facepieces. Types with loose-fitting respiratory inlets can be hoods or helmets that cover the head and neck, or loose-fitting facepieces with rubber or fabric side shields. These are supplied with air through airlines.

Use the SDS for guidance on requirements of the particular respiratory hazard. The CSA Standard Z94.4-11 (R2016) Selection, Use and Care of Respirators outlines a respirator selection decision logic model in more detail.

Supplied-air respirators (SARs) supply clean air from a compressed air tank or through an air line. This air is not from the work room area. The air supplied in tanks or from compressors must meet certain standards for purity and moisture content (e.g., CSA Standard Z180.1-13): Compressed Breathing Air and Systems).

Some types of atmospheres contain concentrations of hazardous substances that places the worker in immediate danger because these concentrations would impair the ability to leave the work area (self rescue) or potentially cause irreversible health effects, including serious injury or death in a matter of minutes.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.

Administrative controls may be used in addition to engineering controls. Administrative controls limit workers' exposures by scheduling reduced work times in contaminant areas or by implementing other such work rules. These control measures have many limitations because the hazard is not removed. Administrative controls are not generally favoured because they can be difficult to implement, maintain and are not reliable.

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Get covered on the basics of PPE, including practical tips for safe use, PPE programs, limitations and legal responsibilities.

Workers with beards, long sideburns, or even a two-day stubble may not wear respirators because the hair breaks the seal between the skin and the respirator mask. Wearing eyeglasses would also break the respirator seal. This break means that the respirator mask will "leak" and will not provide the needed respiratory protection. Also, if a worker has facial scars or an acne problem, the facial skin may not be able to form a good seal with a respirator mask.

RespiratorMask

Choosing a respirator is a complicated matter. Experienced safety professionals or occupational hygienists, who are familiar with the actual workplace environment, are the staff who should select the proper respirator. They can choose a suitable respirator only after they have evaluated all relevant factors. This decision includes considering the limitations of each class of respirator.

NIOSH N95

A Dip traffic sign indicates a sudden drop or low point in the road ahead. This sign serves as a warning to drivers about an upcoming change in the road’s gradient, which could be potentially hazardous, especially when driving at high speeds.

Danger because of a dip in the road. When drivers see dips in the road, they should slow down. While driving at high speeds, this deep dip in the road can be dangerous.

When a driver encounters a Dip traffic sign, the appropriate response is to immediately reduce speed and approach the dip with caution. It’s crucial to maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel as the vehicle passes over the dip to ensure control is maintained.

PAPR

Without a complete respiratory protection program, workers will not receive the best protection from a respirator even if it is the correct choice for a specific job. A respiratory protection program includes several components such as:

A hazard control program consists of all steps necessary to protect workers from exposure to a substance or system, the training and the procedures required to monitor worker exposure and their health to hazards such as chemicals, materials or substance, or other types of hazards such as noise and vibration. A written workplace hazard control program should outline which methods are being used to control the exposure and how these controls will be monitored for effectiveness.

A qualified health care professional should examine the medical and psychological fitness of workers. This evaluation should be done before they are assigned to work in areas where respirators may be required. The workers must be physically fit to carry out the work while wearing respiratory equipment. They must also be psychologically comfortable (e.g., not have fears or be claustrophobic) about wearing respirators.

There are different classes of particulate filters, depending on the particulate material. They are also classified based on levels of oil resistance and filter efficiency. Oil can break down certain types of filters which means it is important to know the materials you are working with at all times and always select the right cartridge for your respirator.

Understanding traffic signs, including the Dip sign, is crucial for safe and responsible driving. These signs provide valuable warnings about potential road hazards, allowing drivers to adjust their driving behaviour accordingly. When you see a Dip sign, remember to slow down, maintain control, and prioritize safety.

3MrespiratorSelection Guide

Road dips can significantly impact vehicle control. At high speeds, a vehicle can bounce or skid when it hits a dip, making it harder for the driver to maintain control. This is particularly dangerous in adverse weather conditions when the road is wet or icy, as the vehicle’s tires may lose traction with the road surface.

Since filters capture particles, caution must be exercised to always check that these filters are not clogged as it makes it harder for air to pass through. Cartridges can also become "full" or saturated.  It will stop working and "breakthrough" will occur – this term means that the gases or vapours will leak through the cartridge.  Both cartridges and filters must be replaced on a regular basis by using the manufacturer's recommendations (usually determined by using warning properties or end-of-service indicators).

There are some combinations of airline respirators and SCBAs that allow workers to work for extended periods in oxygen-deficient areas or where there are airborne toxic contaminants. The auxiliary or backup SCBA source allows the worker to escape with an emergency source of air if the airline source fails.

Employers should have a written respirator program that describes the proper procedures for selecting and operating respiratory protective equipment. The correct use of a respirator is just as important as selecting the proper respirator. The respirator program must also address how to find out what hazards are present, how much protection that the workers will need, and describe how to wear and look after the respirator.

There are also combination air-purifying and atmosphere supplying respirators. These devices will offer worker protection if the supplied-air system fails when the appropriate air-purifier units are selected. These cannot be used in oxygen-deficient areas or where the air concentration of a contaminant exceeds the IDLH level (i.e., immediately dangerous to life or health).

Contact the governmental occupational health and safety agencies in your jurisdiction to find out additional information on regulatory requirements for respiratory protection.

Workers should use respirators for protection from contaminants in the air only if other hazard control methods are not practical or possible under the circumstances. Respirators should not be the first choice for respiratory protection in workplaces. They should only be used: