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Respirators and breathing apparatus


From the putting your safety first section

It is not possible to set out precise requirements for every industrial situation where there is an inhalation hazard because the factors that have to be considered vary from one workplace to another. Both the user and the supplier should be satisfied that the equipment selected is adequate for the conditions. If in doubt, you should seek technical advice from your equipment supplier or your local branch of the Occupational Safety and Health Service of the Department of Labour (OSH).

Respirators protect against the following hazards:

1. Dusts:

Respirator protection is required for different categories of dust:

2. Mists and aerosols

These are fine droplets of liquid dispersed in the air and may contain particles of dissolved substances. Mists are produced by condensation of a vapour or by atomisation of a liquid. Examples are paint spray and chromic acid mist from an electroplating bath.

3. Metallic fumes

These are fine particles of metal, produced by condensation of the vapour, given off by a metal when it is subjected to high temperatures, for example, during welding and smelting.

NOTE: Inhaled particles deposited in the mucus in the respiratory airways will enter the body when swallowed.

4. Gaseous or vapour contaminants

There are three categories of gases and vapours for which different types of respiratory protection is required:

5. Lack of oxygen and confined spaces

Before entering a confined space, it is essential to carry out a full assessment of the likely contaminants and possibility of oxygen deficiency. A decision on the appropriate type of respiratory equipment and other safety factors will then need to be made. For further information, see the booklet ‘Safety in Confined Spaces’, available from your local OSH branch office.

6. Criteria for selecting a respirator

Three main factors need to be considered when selecting a suitable respirator for a particular situation They are:

If you have any doubts as to the correct device for a particular situation, you should seek expert advice from the equipment supplier, your OSH branch office or other authority on occupational hygiene.

7. Medical aspects of wearing a respirator

There are some medical factors that may preclude or limit the use of respirators:

Selection of respirator

Selection of Respirators

PAPR = powered air purifying respirator
SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus

For further information refer to 'A Guide to Respirators and Breathing Apparatus' published by the Occupational Safety and Health Service of the Department of Labour, Wellington.

 

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