Guide aims to help small businesses with respiratory protection

Salem, OR – A new comprehensive guide from Oregon OSHA intends to help small-business owners and managers develop respiratory protection programs.

The 44-page guide, titled Breathe Right, summarizes:

• Basic information about how to evaluate and control respiratory hazards
• Different types of respirators that are used
• Guidance on establishing an effective respiratory protection program

Mechanical and biological barriers in the lungs help prevent contaminants in the air from doing harm, according to Oregon OSHA. However, repeated overexposure to toxins can break down those barriers and lead to irritation, discomfort or disease, which is why it is important for companies to protect their employees from breathing contaminated air, the guide states.

Also included in the guide is a list of fit-test and seal-check methods; a recommended schedule for cleaning, inspecting and storing respirators; and the key differences between air-purifying respirators and atmosphere-supplying respirators.