NIOSH answers questions about respiratory protection
Posted April 10, 2018
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released three new publications that answer frequently asked questions on respiratory protection topics. The first document, Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection, Respirator Reuse and Extended Use, addresses the filtering facepiece respirator (FFR). These respirators are designed to be thrown away when they become unsuitable for further use. FFRs can become unhygienic, damaged, or present excessive resistance. The NIOSH document assists respiratory protection program managers in understanding the pros and cons of reusing and extending the use of NIOSH-approved FFRs that are not damaged or soiled.
The second document, Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing, addresses questions on mandatory annual respirator fit tests. OSHA requires annual respirator fit tests to confirm the fit of any respirator that forms a tight seal on the wearer’s face before it is used in the workplace. The test ensures that users receive the expected level of protection by reducing contaminant leakage into the facepiece.
The third publication, Filtering out Confusion: Frequently Asked Questions about Respiratory Protection, User Seal Check, answers specific questions on the user seal check portion of the annual fit test. Once the annual fit test has determined the best respirator model and size for the user, the user should perform a seal check every time the respirator is worn to ensure an adequate seal is achieved.
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