Taking care of respiratory equipment and PPE ensures you and your team stay safe on the job.
With the heat of summer upon us, safety experts at BOC and 3M are providing an important reminder to pest managers to take special care of their respiratory systems by selecting the right personal protection equipment (PPE).
Dangers to your respiratory system don’t just come from chemicals but can often come from particulates in dusts and fumes, as well as gas and vapours.
Ensuring workers are equipped with the right type of PPE is important to ensure they are not breathing in chemicals that contain a combination of particle and vapour hazards.
The table below provides a general guideline.
|
Hazard |
Suggested Protection |
|
Spraying and mixing of chemicals with low vapour pressure < 1.3Pa @ 25ºC |
3M GP1 Disposable Respirator |
|
Spraying and mixing of chemicals with vapour pressure above > 1.3Pa @ 25ºC |
3M Reusable Respirator with a A1P2 filter combination |
Any respirator selection needs to consider the chemicals involved and the type and level of exposure.
Here are six top tips for using a respirator:
- Make sure it fits you correctly and follow all fitting instructions
- Wear the respirator for the entire exposure period
- Don’t modify or alter the filters or respirator
- Check the use by dates of filters (max use six months from opening)
- Leave the work area immediately if the product gets damaged, you feel dizzy or distressed or it becomes difficult to breathe
- Make sure all components of the respirator are in good working condition e.g. straps, valves, gaskets.
