Breathe easier with well-maintained respirators!

When the air in the workplace is easily polluted or contaminated, employers should make it a habit of handing respirators as part of the Personal Protective Equipment to allow employees to perform. But handing out respirators is only the first step; maintaining the equipment is a close second.

Respiration is an essential aspect of the human life circle and employees should be able to breathe in fresh air at all times. Inhalation of polluted air can contribute to serious lung problems and infections which, ultimately, can lead to diseases or even death.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act states that employers are required by the law to provide respiratory devices for employees who work in air polluted areas.

Respirators are expected to protect our most sensitive body parts like the lungs, mouth and nose. For that particular reason, respirators should be kept clean and disinfected. This should be conducted according to the manufacturer's instructions. This ensures that the right procedures are followed which will not have side effects in the long run.

Employees should check respirators for holes, cracks, deterioration, and any other problems that could interfere with the effectiveness of protection. Such defects could cause respirators to be useless and contributing to an employee being exposed to inhalation of polluted air.

Users of the respirators should also check the device for the tightness of connections, the conditions of face piece, the condition of head bands and cartridges or valves, the pliability of rubber or elastomer parts and the deterioration of rubber or elastomer parts.

A risk assessor should discontinue the use of unsafe respirators as chances cannot be taken concerning one of the most vital body parts, the lungs.

Straps of respirators should be cleaned as they can accumulate germs from sweating. Exposure to dirty respirators can also contribute to skin infections and irritations.

The storage of respirators should be considered carefully. They should be stored in a safe location, protected from dust, light, heat, cold, moisture, and chemicals. The above mentioned elements can distort the respirator or affect its functionality. Respirators should be stored in an upright position in such a way that the rubber and plastic parts are in a normal position and hold their shape. Improper storage distorts the shape of the respirator which weakens its structure and, ultimately, its effectiveness.

Keeping the respirators clean is essential to ensure a long lifespan. Routinely used respirators issued for the exclusive use of an employee must be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition. Routinely used respirators issued to more than one employee must be cleaned and disinfected after each use, so must respirators be that are used for emergency use.

When cleaning and disinfecting respirators, the following procedures must be followed:

• Remove the air purifying elements (cartridges, filters) from the respirator. They should never be washed and disinfected.
• Immerse the respirator in a warm (43C maximum) aqueous solution with a mild detergent or cleaner recommended by manufacturer. The respirator face piece and parts may be scrubbed gently with a soft brush.
• When the cleaner used does not contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components should be immersed for two minutes in one of the following:

1. a) A solution of approximately one mm of laundry bleach to one litre of water at 110F (CONVERT TO CELSIUS);or
2. b) A solution of approximately 0.8 mm of tincture of iodine (50 ppm iodine) to one litre of water at 110oF.

• After washing, rinse thoroughly with warm water (110oF) and allow to air dry or dry with clean, lint-free cloth.

• After the respirator is completely dry, inspect it for defects, attach the air purifying elements, and store it in clean plastic bag.

Never hang a respirator on the wall; always store them in a plastic bag or container. The face piece and exhalation valve must be in a normal position to prevent abnormal set of elastomer parts. All respirators must be stored in a manner that protects them from damage, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, or damaging chemicals.

Any problems with the respirator should be reported to the employee's immediate supervisor.

If any part of the respirator is unacceptable, replace that part or the entire respirator before use. Remember, wearing poorly maintained or malfunctioning respirators may be more dangerous than not wearing a respirator at all.