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PROPER USE OF A RESPIRATOR
Selection
of the proper respirator for a given exposure is critical. If the pesticide you are
exposed to is an irritant to your eyes, nose or throat, a full-face respirator should be
worn. For air-purifying respirators, the air-purifying filter or cartridge must be
approved by NIOSH/MSHA for use against a specific hazard. Pesticide product labels are the
primary source of information on which type of respiratory protection is necessary for use
with the product.
 UNDERSTAND
RESPIRATORY HAZARDS
Dusts, fumes, gases or vapors, and temperature extremes can penetrate and damage your
respiratory system. Dust and fumes can irritate your nose and throat, and in some cases,
your lungs. Gases and vapors can be absorbed in your bloodstream from your lungs where
they have the potential to damage your brain and internal organs. Very hot or cold air can
damage the fine tissues in your mouth and airway and interfere with your normal breathing.
CLEAN YOUR
RESPIRATOR REGULARLY
Regular cleaning and inspection prolongs the respirator's useful life and assures you that
it is working as efficiently as possible. For personal hygiene and communicable disease
prevention, respirators should not be passed from one person to another without first
being cleaned and sanitized.
STORE
RESPIRATORS IN SEALED, DRY CONTAINERS
When not in use, respirators should be stored to prevent conditions that can deform the
face piece, and that protect it from excessive exposure to dust, sunlight, extreme
temperatures, excessive moisture or damaging chemicals. Plastic containers with lids can
provide adequate storage for respirators.
INSPECT
RESPIRATORS MAINTAINED FOR EMERGENCY USE AT LEAST MONTHLY
Respirators maintained for emergency use, such as canister gas masks and self-contained
breathing aparatus (SCUBA), should be inspected at least monthly to assure reliabile
operation when it is needed. All respirators should be inspected before each use to ensure
cleanliness and that all components are present and operable.
BREATHING
THROUGH A RESPIRATOR REQUIRES MORE EFFORT
Breathing through a respirator may require more effort than normal breathing. For some
individuals, this effort is difficult for various reasons. If you have a medical
limitation that may interefere with your wearing a respirator, be sure to inform your
supervisor. You may be required to have an examination by your physician to determine if
you are physically able to perform the work while wearing a respirator.
RESPIRATORS DO
HAVE LIMITS
Respirators cannot adequately protect a worker from all contaminants under all conditions.
In general, the typical half-face air-purifying respirator can be used for protection up
to 10 times a Permissible Exposure Level (PEL). The cartridges or canisters of
air-purifying respirators have a limited capacity to protect against toxic gases and
vapors in the air. If you detect an odor or taste, or feel your eyes or throat irritated,
leave the hazardous area immediately and go to a safe area. The cartridge or canister on
the respirator should be changed. The California Department of Food and Agriculture
requires that air-purifying elements be replaced daily.
RESPIRATORS DO
NOT PROVIDE OXYGEN
Air-purifying respirators (canisters or cartridges) do not provide oxygen. They should not
be used in situations where the oxygen content in the air is questionable.
MAKE SURE THE
RESPIRATOR FITS SNUGLY ON YOUR FACE
Only a secure and snug fit protects you, so make sure you have the right size respirator
for your face. The shape of your face, facial hair and condition of your skin can affect
your fit. Try various sizes until you find one where air does not leak in around the
edges. You can test the respirator fit by placing the palms of your hands over the
cartridges and breathing in for 10 seconds. If fit propery, the mask should suck in
tightly around your face.
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