CHOOSING RESPIRATORY PROTECTION TO MATCH THE HAZARD.

Respiratory protective devices can be broken down into three classes: air purifying; air supplied; self-contained breathing apparatus. The selection of the proper type of respirator should be based upon the nature of the hazardous operation or process, the type of respiratory hazard, the location of the hazardous area in relation to the nearest area having respirable air, the period of time for which respiratory protection must be provided, the activities of workers in the hazardous area, and the function and physical characteristics of the various types of respirators. There is one limitation applicable to all respiratory protective equipment - certain gaseous contaminants can enter the body by means other than the respiratory tract. To avoid that possibility, rubberized clothing should be worn in addition to the proper respiratory protection.