Respiratory Protection
Introduction
Black lung, farmer's lung, asbestosis, silicosis... These are well-known work-related respiratory diseases, and you might be aware of their consequences.
Respiratory Protection
These are just a few of the medical conditions that result when workers breathe contaminated air.
Protecting workers is challenging because there are various types of contaminants, and no single method can control them in all workplaces.
Your workplace, like most, may contain one or more of the following respiratory hazards.
- Dusts: Solid particles generated from activities like grinding, sanding, and sawing. They can cause lung damage, respiratory irritation, and other health problems.
- Fumes: Tiny solid particles that are formed when a metal is heated above its boiling point. Welding, brazing, and soldering are some examples of processes that generate fumes. Metal fumes can cause respiratory irritation, lung damage, and other health problems.
- Gases: Substances that exist in a gaseous state at room temperature and pressure. Examples include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. These gases can cause respiratory irritation, lung damage, and other health problems.
- Oxygen Deficiency: When the oxygen concentration in normal breathing air drops below 19.5 percent by volume, the air becomes oxygen deficient - a significant concern for those who work in confined spaces. Harmful effects include impaired thinking and coordination, unconsciousness, and death.
- Vapors: Substances that are gaseous at room temperature and pressure, but are usually liquids or solids at higher temperatures or pressures. Examples include solvents, fuels, and pesticides. Exposure to vapors can cause respiratory irritation, lung damage, and other health problems.
- Mists: Tiny liquid droplets created by operations such as spraying and misting. They can contain hazardous substances such as chemicals and biological agents. Mists can cause respiratory irritation, lung damage, and other health problems.
- Fibers: Tiny, elongated particles that can be inhaled and penetrate deep into the lungs. Examples include asbestos and fiberglass. Exposure to fibers can cause lung damage and other health problems, including cancer.
If hazardous atmospheres are created by any of the substances mentioned, control measures must be implemented to prevent worker illness. The harmfulness of a substance depends on its toxicity, chemical state, physical form, concentration, and exposure duration. Examples include particulates, gases and vapors, and biological organisms. The effects can vary greatly, happening instantly or developing over years.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-1. When the oxygen concentration in normal breathing air drops below _____ by volume, the air becomes oxygen deficient. (See the dropdown list above)
You forgot to answer the question!