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Respiratory Protection - Knowledge Center

Respiratory protection protects employees in work environments with insufficient oxygen or where harmful dust, fog, smoke, mist, fumes, gases or vapors may be present. The cost of not adequately protecting workers is high and includes health hazards like cancer, lung diseases and even death. An effective respiratory protection program should be designed to prevent exposure to harmful air and prevent occupational illness. In this section, we cover all aspects of respiratory protection, how to ensure workers are protected and how to gauge the effectiveness of a respiratory protection program.

Featured Respiratory Protection Articles

Featured Respiratory Protection Q&A

Respiratory Protection Safety Meeting Topics

Respiratory Protection Webinars

This webinar is designed to provide attendees with an understanding of the standards, requirements, and techniques for fit testing respirators. We will review the OSHA and CSA requirements for fit testing respirators as well as the various (more...)
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Choosing protective garments for use in painting or coating activities can be a challenging task. Workers who apply paint need dependable protection against dust, sprays and liquid splashes and may need different protection depending on a (more...)
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Respiratory Protection Terms

More Respiratory Protection Content

Regarding a fit test, what is the rainbow passage and why is it said?
PPE


When it comes to respirators, fit testing is critically important, and OSHA advocates for it on a regular basis. Though it can be laborious and time consuming, it helps...

Does fit testing require any training or certification?
PPE


Respirator fit testing is an important step to ensuring the safety of workers exposed to a number of chemical, biological, or particulate hazards. So, you might be...

Must I be medically evaluated and cleared to use a respirator?
PPE


To maintain the safety of all workers, OSHA standards mandate that every employee required or volunteering to use a respirator undergo a medical evaluation. This helps...

Qualitative fit testing methods
Safety Equipment


Respirators only work if they form a tight seal against the wearer's face. A Qualitative Fit Test can reveal whether there is any leakage in the seal.The test is...

What is a respirator fit test and why is it performed?
PPE


Respirators protect the wearer from inhaling chemicals and toxic materials. Without them, these hazards could have a devastating impact on the pulmonary and general...

How do I choose the right respirator and mask for working with silica?
PPE


Silica is commonly found at construction sites. Workers are regularly exposed to silica in large quantities when they cut, drill, and grind silica-containing materials...

What kind of respirator cartridge should I use?
PPE


Well, this might sound crazy, but that all depends on the job you’re doing. The first step in choosing a respirator and cartridge is having a complete hazard assessment...