Respirators are designed to protect workers from respiratory hazards in their working environment. Hazards can range from airborne diseases to chemicals and dust particles. Respiratory protective equipment is a last resort when other control measures have been exhausted. When chosen properly, a respirator is used to prevent exposures to harmful substances from entering a worker's lungs. There are several types of respirators available, and proper selection should be made once a risk assessment has been performed to ensure the correct respiratory equipment is being used for the hazards that are present in the workplace.
Parts 6.15 and 6.16 of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Regulation covers the requirements for respiratory protective equipment, including employer responsibilities and the circumstances when a respirator is required. The WSH Regulation also names CSA Standard Z94.4 for respirator selection, use and care regulations. Use of respirators should also be in keeping with the safe work procedures in Part 2.1 of the WSH Regulation. Additional requirements for health care facilities can be found in Part 39.3(1) of the WSH Regulation.
Check out our Shop Talk and safe work procedure template related to respiratory protection. Below the FAQs are more resources related to respiratory protection.
