Respiratory Protection Knowledge Center

Respiratory Protection from a safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) perspective. May include masks, fit testing, chemical safety, etc.

Featured Respiratory Protection Articles

Protecting Workers from Respirable Dust Hazards in Open Pit Mining

Protecting Workers from Respirable Dust Hazards in Open Pit Mining

Even though it's in the open air, open pit mining is full of respiratory hazards. This is how you keep workers safe in open pit mining operations.

By: Henry Skjerven

PPE
How to Clean, Maintain, and Extend the Life of Your Respirator

By: Jessica Barrett
EHS Programs
Key Components You Need to Have in Your Respiratory Protection Program

By: Gina Gould | Content Writer & Marketing Strategist
Employee Health
The Dangers of Silica to Your Respiratory System

By: Gina Gould | Content Writer & Marketing Strategist

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The Basic Types of Respirators - And How to Select the Right One for Your Workplace

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By: Todd Wells

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The Most At-Risk Occupations for Asbestos Exposure

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By: Molly McGuane

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SCBA 101 - Meet the Respirator that Will Save Your Life

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By: Safeopedia Staff

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Industrial Hygiene

Tips for Protecting Workers Against Silica

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By: Karoly Ban Matei | HR and Safety Manager

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How to Complete a Respirator Fit Test

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By: Tracy Broyles

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Employee Health

3 Ways to Manage Carbon Monoxide Risks at Loading Docks

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By: Dirk Seis | Director of Marketing

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6 Factors to Consider When Choosing A Respiratory Protection Device

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By: Kurina Baksh

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Having a Good Respiratory Protection Program Saves Lives

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By: Dale Lesinski | Vice President of Sales & Training

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Work Safely with the Proper Respirator

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By: Marion Grant | Senior Copywriter at Northern Safety Co., Inc.

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How to Improve Air Quality in Your Workspace (Even if You Don't Have a Dedicated Safety Crew)

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By: Rob Chernish

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Work-Related Asthma: Breathe Easier

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By: Kurina Baksh

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Indoor Air Quality: The Invisible Hazard in Every Workplace

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By: Kurina Baksh

Respiratory Protection Terms

Respiratory Protection Webinars

Gas Detection Solutions for the Cannabis Industry

Gas Detection Solutions for the Cannabis Industry

In this webinar we will examine gas detection issues and answers for the licensed cannabis industry from the standpoint of growers, extractors,...

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Respirator Fit Testing - Procedures, Facts, & Myths

Respirator Fit Testing - Procedures, Facts, & Myths

This webinar is designed to provide attendees with an understanding of the standards, requirements, and techniques for fit testing respirators. We...

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Are you sure your painters are fully protected?

Are you sure your painters are fully protected?

Choosing protective garments for use in painting or coating activities can be a challenging task. Workers who apply paint need dependable protection...

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Respiratory Protection Q&As

What are the most common toxic gases in confined spaces?

“What are the most common toxic gases in confined spaces?”

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Answered by: Bob Henderson | President

How often should I replace my respirator cartridge/filter?

“How often should I replace my respirator cartridge/filter?”

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Answered by: Todd Wells

What are the effects of breathing in dust or particulate matter?

“What are the effects of breathing in dust or particulate matter?”

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Answered by: Daniel Clark

Do workers need different respirators during the summer months?

“Do workers need different respirators during the summer months?”

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Answered by: Jessica Barrett

What is respirable crystalline silica and how does it impact workplace health and safety?

“What is respirable crystalline silica and how does it impact workplace health and safety?”

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Answered by: Karoly Ban Matei | HR and Safety Manager

How long must fit test records need to be retained and who is responsible for keeping copies?

“How long must fit test records need to be retained and who is responsible for keeping copies?”

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Answered by: Jessica Thomas

Do disposable respirators need to be fit tested or only reusable half and full face pieces?

“Do disposable respirators need to be fit tested or only reusable half and full face pieces?”

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Answered by: Tracy Broyles

What are positive and negative pressure seal checks and how are they performed?

“What are positive and negative pressure seal checks and how are they performed?”

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Answered by: Jessica Barrett

Respiratory Protection Downloads

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Setting the Record Straight

This whitepaper covers the risks associated with welding and what can be done to protect workers from some of them.

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More Respiratory Protection Articles

Best Practices
What sort of procedures and exercises can one expect to perform during the fit test?

Respirator fit tests are meant to assess the effectiveness of a mask in a variety of circumstances in order to ensure it will function properly for the employee. Of...

By: Zac Brough | President
PPE
Regarding a fit test, what is the rainbow passage and why is it said?

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...

By: Jessica Barrett
PPE
Does respirator fit testing require any training?

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...

By: Tracy Broyles
PPE
Must I be medically evaluated and cleared to use a respirator?

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...

By: Jessica Barrett
Safety Equipment
What are the different respirator fit test methods and which one is the best?

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...

By: Tracy Broyles
PPE
What is a respirator fit test and why is it performed?

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

By: Safeopedia Staff
PPE
How do I choose the right respirator and mask for working with silica?

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...

By: Rosemarie Graham | Marketing Manager
PPE
What kind of respirator cartridge should I use?

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...

By: David White | Co-Owner