WHY WEAR RESPIRATORS?
Respirators prevent harmful substances in the air from entering our bodies when we breathe, and if necessary provide an adequate supply of clean air for breathing. The best way to protect workers from atmospheric hazards is by the use of engineering controls, such as proper ventilation, enclosure of hazardous operations and/or substitution of less toxic materials. If engineering controls have been tried and failed to do the job, OSHA requires that respiratory protection be used. Respiratory protection may also properly be used temporarily while control measures are being put in place. Respirators are inconvenient to wear, and often make breathing difficult. As OSHA has stated, “Respirators have their limitations and are not a substitute for effective engineering controls. Where respirators are necessary for health protection, specific procedures are necessary to overcome potential deficiencies and to assure effectiveness.” WHEN TO WEAR THEM Working conditions under which respirators ar
