The Importance of Respiratory Protection in the Workplace

Worker health and safety in high-risk work environments must be a top priority for every business. Wearing respirators is a measure and requirement to safeguard employees from harmful dust, fog, and mists.

Here’s what to know about respiratory protection and why investing in this protective equipment is paramount.

What are the benefits of respirators in the workplace?

Respirators protect workers from inhaling harmful particles, gases, vapours, or airborne transmissible agents. There are several advantages to using respirators in the workplace which include:

Protection against respiratory hazards

Respirators protect workers from inhaling harmful airborne pollutants that may cause respiratory diseases. These include lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other detrimental illnesses.

Increased worker safety

Respiratory protection helps prevent workplace accidents and injuries by offering workers an additional protective layer against respiratory hazards.

Compliance with regulations

Respiratory protection in the workplace helps employers comply with regulations set by occupational safety and health organisations in the government.

Increased productivity

When workers feel safe in the workplace, they are more likely to be productive. As a result, it can lead to increased efficiency and higher-quality work.

Reduced healthcare costs

By preventing respiratory illnesses in workers, respiratory protection can help reduce healthcare costs for employers and employees.

What is the purpose of the respiratory protection program?

The respiratory protection program aims to safeguard workers from inhaling hazardous substances that may cause respiratory diseases or other health problems in the workplace. The program provides them with appropriate respiratory protection equipment, training on how to use equipment properly, and guidelines for maintaining and replacing it as necessary.

A respiratory protection program often involves the following elements:

Workplace assessment

This step involves identifying and evaluating workplace hazards that may require respiratory protection.

Selection of respirators

After identifying the specific hazards, choosing the appropriate respirators for use in the workplace begins.

Medical evaluation

Before workers can use respirators, they must undergo a medical evaluation with a doctor to determine if they can physically wear a respirator.

Fit testing

Workers must undergo a fit test to guarantee the respirator fits properly and provides adequate protection. This phase is also the best time to find the ideal respirator size for employees.

Training

Employers or specialists must train workers to use and maintain their respirators properly.

Replacement

Respirators require constant replacement to ensure they stay effective in protecting workers.

How long can a respirator last before disposal?

The duration a respirator is usable before disposal depends on several aspects. These aspects include the level of exposure to impurities, type of respiratory protection, and manufacturer’s recommendations.

As a rule of thumb, disposable respirators are for single use. You must discard them after each use or when they become damaged, soiled, or difficult to breathe through. These respirators typically have a limited shelf life and should be used before the expiration date indicated by the manufacturer.

Reusable particulate respirators, such as half-face and full-face respirators, may be used multiple times. However, they require proper maintenance and cleaning according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Filters or cartridges used in these respirators are replaceable regularly, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, or when they become clogged or damaged.

Respiratory protection ensures workers have a layer of defence against dangerous fogs, vapours, and gasses that can lead to irreversible illnesses and health risks.

Aside from improving workplace safety, knowing how to roll out respiratory protection initiatives will help your business have more efficient day-to-day operations.