How to use respirators safely and start a respirator program
Contents
Part 1: Introduction
What is a respirator?
When is a respirator needed?
Types of breathing hazards
Particulate contaminants
Gas and vapour contaminants
Oxygen deficiency
Combination of hazards
How breathing hazards can affect you

Part 2: Selecting the right respirator
Types of respirators
Overview of respirator types
Air-purifying respirators (APRs) Air-supplying respirators
Escape respirators
A step-by-step approach to choosing the right respirator
Step 1: Identify the breathing hazard
Step 2: Check the concentration of each air contaminantStep 3: Compare the
concentration of each contaminant with WorkSafeBC exposure limits
Step 4: Check the IDLH concentration
Step 5: Check the properties of each contaminant to select possible respirator types
Step 6: Check the assigned protection factor of respirators
Step 7: Calculate the hazard ratio for each air contaminant and compare it
with the assigned protection factor
Step 8: Calculate the maximum use concentration (MUC) and compare it with the contaminant concentration
Step 9: Identify the general classification of respirator required
Step 10: Consider the state of the contaminant
Step 11: Consider the warning properties Step 12: Select an appropriate filter or
cartridge
Step 13: Consider special requirements