Benefits of Respirators

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Exam Question Dr. Tom O`Dwyer 9th April 2009. Write a detailed essay on the use of respiratory protection in limiting occupational exposure to vapours and particulates in the workplace. If you plan to have your employees use respirators, you should ensure that the appropriate respirator is selected for the type of work being performed and the types of respiratory hazards present. By learning when and why respirators should be used and by familiarizing yourself with the different types of respirators available you can provide your employees with appropriate protection and reduce losses from accidents and illnesses. Respirators are devices used to reduce workers exposure to respiratory hazards such as fumes, mists, gases, vapours or harmful dusts. Respirators are also used to protect workers against oxygen deficient atmospheres. An oxygen deficient atmosphere is defined as having an oxygen content of less than 19.5%. You must first try to control air contaminants by eliminating or substituting them with less toxic materials, implementing engineering controls such as enclosing or isolating the process or by using dilution or local exhaust ventilation. Administrative controls by reducing the time employees are exposed to toxic materials or modifying their work practices can also be used. Different types of respirators are designed to protect against specific respiratory hazards.The atmosphere and the air contaminant levels that workers encounter at a site dictate the type of respirator that must be worn.Respirators are available in many types, models,and sizes from several manufacturers for a variety of applications. Air Purifying Respirators ( APR`s ) work by removing gas, vapours, particulates or a combination of these from the air through the use of filters, cartridges, or canisters. To help employees with identifying the specific
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