Washington State University
Environmental Health & Safety EH&S Factsheets

Respiratory Protection: Breathe Easy

Why Respiratory Protection?

Certain work-related tasks require the use of respiratory protection to prevent exposure to airborne hazards. Examples of work-related tasks potentially requiring respiratory protection include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Working with chemicals where hazardous exhaust ventilation inadequately controls exposure to airborne hazards.
  • Applying pesticides or entering areas where pesticides may have been used.
  • Working with biological hazards or sensitizers.
  • Working in dusty areas, where silica or other hazardous dusts may be present.
  • Handling radioactive materials where controls are inadequate.

The hierarchy of hazard controls dictates that exposures preferentially be controlled by eliminating the hazard, substituting a less hazardous chemical or products, using engineering controls such as exhaust ventilation, or implementing work practices to reduce exposure before using PPE. In some cases, where other hazard controls are not feasible, respiratory protection may be required.

WSU Respirator Program

WSU maintains a respirator program designed to protect all employees from overexposure to harmful airborne toxins. This includes:

  • Identifying employees and students who may be at risk of exposure to airborne toxins.
  • Providing the required medical evaluation, respirator training, and fit-testing for each individual in the respiratory protection program.
  • Performing a hazard assessment to determine the level of risk to the exposed employee.
  • Providing a mechanism for medical monitoring of employees whose respiratory health may be compromised.
  • Ensuring that proper respirator use occurs in the workplace through supervisory training and periodic worksite inspections.

In addition to the training required for respirator users, supervisors of employees who utilize respirators must also receive training. However, it is not necessary for the supervisor to be fit-tested unless they will also wear a respirator in the workplace. Supervisors must be trained for each type of respirator worn by their employees.

Hazard Assessment

A hazard assessment must be completed for each task that is performed by WSU employees. The hazard assessment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Identifying the process or duties that may cause exposure.
  • Evaluating the site or location where exposure may occur.
  • Assessing which type(s) of respirators will protect the employee.
  • Estimating the exposure concentration and evaluating the risks associated with the contaminant.
  • Determining the feasibility of the use of engineering controls (ventilation hoods, etc.).

Upon completion of the hazard assessment, the appropriate respirator model(s) are selected and displayed for the employee to try on. Employees are permitted to choose the model of respirator that fits best.

If the respirator is a filter-type unit, the respirator cartridge containing the proper filtering medium is determined by the hazard assessor. The cartridge for each respirator is chosen based on the agent the wearer must be protected against. For example, a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) filter cartridge would protect individuals from exposure to particulates, dusts, and mists. On the other hand, an organic vapor (OV) cartridge contains an absorbent that is specifically designed to absorb organic vapors and thus purify the breathing air.

Types of Respirators

Respirators are either air-purifying or atmosphere-supplying. Supplied air respirators do not require the use of a respirator cartridge to ensure breathing air quality because an appropriate grade of air is supplied from a bottle or a remote compressor through an air hose.

Air-purifying respirators come in a variety of models and styles and enable the wearer to breathe air filtered through cartridges attached to the face piece.

Both atmosphere-supplying and air-purifying respirators come in half-facepiece and the full-facepiece models. Full facepiece respirators have a visor and cover the entire face; half facepiece respirators only cover the nose, mouth and chin. Full-facepiece respirators fit better and are more protective than half-facepiece respirators. Full-facepiece respirators may be used when eye protection is recommended in addition to respiratory protection.

Getting Assistance

For additional information about the university’s respiratory protection program see our Respiratory Protection Program webpage or contact EH&S at 335-3041.