Employee participation is the key piece missing in most respirator programs...

Respirators are designed to protect the wearer against one or more of
the following hazards:

• Deficiency of oxygen
• Contaminants in particulate form
• Contaminants in gaseous form

Why is employee participation necessary?

• Fitting the respirator to the face of the worker. Respirators must be comfortable or they won?t be used, and they must fit well or they won?t be effective.
• Understanding the hazards and proper training in respirator use will increase chances that employees use, store and maintain the devices properly.
• When management and employees are actively trying to find the best fit, workers are more likely to wear the devices, reducing the risk of illness and lost workdays.

OEL: OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LEVEL

Note: If you are unsure of the extent of the atmospheric hazard then respirators
should be worn

Choosing the right respirator

• Always ensure that the respirator completely covers your nose and mouth
• Ensure that supplied air respirators are airtight
• Ensure that you can breathe properly
• Do not use damaged, clogged or dirty respirators
• Always check regularly and replace if required