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

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

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

Your respirator can last a long time if it's properly maintained. Find out how to care for it.

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

By: Todd Wells

Image for Jobs at highest risk of asbestos exposure

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

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

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

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

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

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Answered by: Zac Brough | President

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

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

It’s important to understand that respirators aren’t a one-size-fits-all piece of PPE. If a respirator doesn’t fit correctly, it can’t do its job properly – leaving...

By: Jessica Barrett
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