What if I told you that you could use an inexpensive device to determine whether your respirator fits properly? I bet you’d be interested in hearing more about it, right? You should be! After all, about 65% of workers wear respirators improperly, so how will they know whether their safety equipment works if they can’t even put it on correctly? This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about the respirator fit tester, including how to use one and why they are the only option out there that’s both accurate and affordable.
What Is A Respirator Fit Tester?
Sometimes called positive pressure devices, respirators are breathing devices designed to protect wearers from harmful fumes and chemicals in their environment. There are two main types of respirators: filtering and air-purifying. Air-purifying respirators (APRs) can be divided into three categories: air-purifying filters, half masks, and full face pieces. The type of respirator you use depends on what you’re being exposed to. And if you’re buying one for yourself or employees—or checking to make sure your company is compliant with OSHA standards—it’s good to know exactly what that means before making a purchase.
How Does It Work?
A respirator fit tester can check to see if a respirator will be able to protect you from dangerous chemicals, gases, and other harmful substances. They’re used by organizations of all kinds – including military personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement officials – to ensure they’re prepared for any dangerous situation. If you wear a half-mask respirator, you’ll usually use a spirometer like an air pump to test whether it fits properly. A spirometer sends air through your mask as you breathe normally so that you can test whether it seals properly around your face.
Image Source: Pexels
Why Is It Important To Use A Respirator Fit Tester?
If your respirator doesn’t fit properly, you won’t get any protection from it—and that could put you at risk for inhaling dangerous particles. A respirator fit tester will help ensure that your respirators are properly fitted to your face so they can do their job effectively. And keep in mind that even if a respirator fits well, you might not be wearing it correctly. This is where refresher training comes in handy. With everything included in a comprehensive OSHA respirator program, chances are, your employees will know how to wear their respirators correctly.
Essential Considerations Before Using A Respirator
Health conditions that may contraindicate respirator use, such as uncontrolled hypertension, should be evaluated by a health care professional prior to using a respirator. Additionally, an employee who smokes or has other medical conditions may have difficulty wearing a respirator properly. Employers must have effective respiratory protection programs in place to ensure proper selection, fit testing, and use of respirators before employees are allowed to wear them. The program must include training on workplace hazards addressed by each class of respirators used in your facility. Employee training must also address safe work practices for specific jobs that are being performed with respiratory protection, including any necessary emergency action plans required by OSHA standards.
How To Choose A Respirator
When choosing a respirator, you should look for one that offers protection against particulates and gases (depending on your work requirements) and protects against harmful vapours. If you’re working in close proximity to chemicals, particular types of respirators may be necessary; a specific type of respirator can only control some chemicals, and others may require specialized training on how to use them. Before wearing a respirator, be sure to research and follow all applicable safety guidelines, especially if you’re new to working with hazardous materials.
