Bulletin Board Magazine 2019 Volume 3

Top 3 Safety Tips

TOP 3 TIPS for Choosing the Best Respirator Masks to Breathe Safely on the Job by Robbie Foglia

Robbie Foglia

• Particulate respirators - Use this type of respirator when working around heavy amounts of dust, dirt and non-toxic vapors, such as when sanding wood or hanging fiberglass insulation. • Gas and vapor respirators - Use this type of respirator when working in areas that have high levels of gases and vapor in the air, such as on construction sites during the painting application process. • Combination respirators - These respirators are dual purpose and filter the air from both particulates and fumes. For example, you should use a combination respirator on construction demolition sites as both dust and fumes could be present.

Atmosphere-supplying respirators

Respirator masks are essential for protecting the short and long-term lung health of trade professionals. Whether you’re a plumber, builder, HVAC contractor, painter, insulator or work in another area of the pro trade industry, there are numerous potential breathing hazards on any given jobsite. These workplace hazards factor into why failing to properly use respiratory protection continues to land on OSHA’s top 10 safety violations year over year. Below are some personal respirator basics to help you pick the right respirator and breathe better on every job.

Bulletin Board | 17 | www.shorebuilders.org Pro tip - The N95 mask is a commonly used respirator in this category, and is rated to filter 95% of particulates from the air. This type of respirator is commonly used by trade professionals. Air-purifying respirators filter contaminants out of the air as you breathe. There are three main types of air- purifying respirators: Areas that have contaminated air or have limited or no oxygen require this type of respirator. Occupations that require this type of respirator could include industrial plant workers, municipal road pavers and surfacers, hazardous material response professionals and welders and pipefitters. Air-purifying respirators

1. Know the types of respirators available.According to OSHA, there are two main types of respirators: