Respirators and Breathing Apparatus - A Guide to
This booklet examines some common respiratory hazards for which protection
is required, and gives guidance to employers and others on the selection,
use and care of respirators. It does not provide technical prescriptions
or highly detailed information about respirators. Readers requiring this
level of detail should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions
or the appropriate standards.
Note: This booklet has been superseded by A Guide
to Respiratory Protection.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. General Principles of Respiratory Protection
2. Classification of Inhalation Hazards
Particulate Contaminants
Gaseous or Vapour Contaminants
Lack of Oxygen and Confined Spaces
3. Criteria for Selecting a Respirator
Selection Factors: Those that are contaminant-related
Selection Factors: Those that are task-related
Selection Factors: Those that are operator-related
Workplace Exposure Standards
Respirator Protection Factors
Medical Aspects of Wearing a Respirator
4. Main Types of Respirator
Air Purifying Respirators
Supplied Air Respirators
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
5. Air Purifying Respirators
Types of Facepiece
Filter Replacement
Limitations on Use
Filter Identification
Particulate Respirators
Gas/Vapour Respirators
Combination Respirators
Powered Air Purifying Respirators
6. Airline Respirators
Fresh Air Hose Respirators
Compressed Air Line Respirators
Precautions for Normal Use
7. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
8. Respiratory Protection Programmes
9. Some Practical Considerations
Training and Instruction
Face Fitting
Supervision in a Dangerous Atmosphere
Location
10. Respirator Maintenance And Storage
Inspection
Cleaning
Final Inspection
Storage
Appendices
Appendix 1: Requirements for Air Quality (Compressors or Cylinders)
for Supplied Air Respirators
Appendix 2: Filter Comparison
Glossary of Common Terms
