Respiratory protection
Employers are required to provide workers with appropriate respirators wherever workers are exposed to hazardous substances in the air. This includes gases and vapours, dusts, fibres, mists, fumes, and bioaerosols. Different hazards require different types of respirators, so it is important to choose the right respirator for the breathing hazards in your workplace. Some respirators must also be fitted with the correct filter or cartridge in order to be effective.
For information on choosing and safely using respiratory protection, see the following resources.
Resources
Breathe Safer: How to Use Respirators Safely and Start a Respirator Program
This manual, developed for employers, supervisors, and workers, describes different types of breathing hazards and respirators. It also explains how to choose, fit, and care for a respirator. In addition,...
Fit testing your respirator
Describes when and how to do a fit test.
Putting on Your Respirator
Describes how to fit a respirator to your face.
Seal checking your elastomeric respirator
Provides instructions on how to check the seal for half and full facepiece elastomeric respirators.