The fundamental goal of any respiratory protection program is to control occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes,mists, gases, smokes, sprays, and/or vapors. The defense against these contaminants is simple: Keep them out of the air that workers breathe. Always implement engineering and/or administrative controls first. If contaminants still present a hazard, you must provide appropriate respiratory protection for every employee who might be exposed to them.

 

MSA can help you take a comprehensive approach to sound Respiratory
Protection practices. This guide will help you understand the need for
respirators, how they work, and what their limitations are.

OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and NIOSH
(the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) regulations
define all the specific requirements whichmust be followed, including the
capabilities of appropriate respiratory protection. Employersmust follow
the requirements of these governmental regulations, both the general
regulations which apply to all workplaces and the specific regulations for
exposures in their particular industry, such as lead, silica dust, asbestos,
and ammonia.