While surgical masks are effective in reducing the spread of respiratory droplets, it is important to understand their limitations when it comes to airborne particles. To ensure maximum protection, it is recommended to wear masks that provide a better seal such as N95 masks. The effectiveness of any mask depends on proper usage and fit.

What industries need respiratory protection?

Several industries require respiratory protection to safeguard workers from airborne hazards. Some of these industries include:

1. Construction: Workers in construction may be exposed to dust, chemicals, and other airborne particles.
2. Manufacturing: Various manufacturing processes can generate dust, fumes, and chemical vapors that pose respiratory hazards.
3. Healthcare: Healthcare professionals may require respiratory protection when dealing with infectious diseases or airborne contaminants.
4. Mining: Miners may encounter dust, gases, and particulate matter that necessitate the use of respiratory protection.
5. Welding and Metalwork: Welding and metalworking processes produce fumes and gases that can be harmful if inhaled.
6. Agriculture: Farm workers may be exposed to dust, pesticides, and other airborne contaminants.
7. Painting and Coating: Workers in painting and coating industries may be exposed to harmful fumes and solvents.
8. Chemical Processing: Employees handling chemicals or working in environments with potential chemical exposures may require respiratory protection.
9. Emergency Response: Personnel responding to emergencies, such as firefighters, may need respiratory protection in hazardous environments.
10. Oil and Gas: Workers in the oil and gas industry may encounter various airborne hazards, including gases and particulates.

It's crucial for employers in these industries to conduct risk assessments and provide appropriate respiratory protection based on the specific hazards present in the workplace. Workers should use respiratory protection devices that meet safety standards and provide adequate protection for their tasks.  Most important is to ensure the respiratory protection fits.

The Fit

Proper fit testing is necessary to determine the correct size and ensure adequate protection.  Tight-fitting respirators must seal to the wearer’s face in order to provide expected protection. This includes disposable respirators.

Fit Testing

A worker can have the best N95 respirator on the market but if it does not fit the respirator is useless. A danger of wearing an improperly fitted mask can give a worker a false sense of security and could lead to them performing tasks that could harm them.

Fit testing is required in the US by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  Before a user wears a mandatory respirator on the job and must be assessed at least annually. In addition, fit tests should be performed whenever a different size, style, model or make of respirator is used or any facial changes occur that affect the fit.

• Whenever a different size, style, model or make of respirator is used.

• When any facial changes occur that could affect fit, such as significant weight fluctuation or dental work.

Two Types Of Respirators

There are two types of fit testing available for respirators – qualitative and quantitative. 

A Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) - is a method to assess the effectiveness of a mask's seal by detecting the presence of any leakage. This test relies on the wearer's subjective response to a test agent, often a sweet or bitter solution sprayed around the mask. If the wearer can taste or smell the agent, it indicates a potential leak, highlighting the need for mask adjustment or a different size. Qualitative fit testing is a qualitative, pass/fail assessment commonly used for disposable respirators. 

A Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT) - is a method used to numerically measure the effectiveness of a mask's seal by assessing the actual amount of leakage. This test employs specialized equipment to quantify the leakage around the mask during various activities like breathing or speaking. QNFT provides a more objective and precise measurement compared to Qualitative Fit Tests. It is often used for both disposable and reusable respirators and is considered a more accurate method for assessing the fit and effectiveness of respiratory protection devices.

Always remember that the purpose of a respirator is to protect your safety.  Dust, mist and gases or fumes can often be found on worksites and some of these things can kill you or make you sick if you breathe them in. 

Respiratory Hazards

Several respiratory hazards are associated with working on construction sites. These may include:

1. Dust and Particulate Matter: Construction activities can generate airborne dust and particles, leading to respiratory issues if inhaled.
2. Chemical Fumes and Vapors: Exposure to various chemicals and solvents used in construction materials can pose respiratory risks.
3. Asbestos: Older buildings may contain asbestos, and its inhalation can lead to serious respiratory conditions.
4. Mold: Damp conditions in construction sites can lead to the growth of mold, which can release spores causing respiratory problems.
5. Welding Fumes: Welding operations release fumes containing metals that, if inhaled, can be harmful to the respiratory system.
6. Silica Dust: Cutting, drilling, or crushing materials like concrete, brick, or stone can generate silica dust, posing a risk to the respiratory system.
7. Biological Contaminants: Construction sites with decaying organic materials may harbor biological contaminants that can affect respiratory health.

In closing, it is essential for construction workers to use proper respiratory protection, such as masks or respirators, and follow safety guidelines to mitigate these hazards. Choose respiratory protection options that address the specific risks in your work environment.