Respiratory Protection

Many workplaces have operations and processes that generate airborne concentrations of dusts, mists, fumes, aerosols, gases or vapours that necessitate the use of control measures such as engineering and/or administrative controls. When these measures fail or are impractical, the use of respiratory protective equipment may be necessary to protect employees from the effects of harmful substances. Different sections of the General Regulation identify what must be done when respiratory protective equipment is required.

There are different types of respirators, ranging from disposable paper masks to self-contained breathing apparatus with full face masks and air cylinders. When respiratory protection is required, it is important to ensure that the right type of respirator is used. The two basic types of respirators are: air-purifying and supplied-air.

As an employer, you must ensure that:

• Adequate respiratory protective equipment is provided to each employee who may be exposed to the following conditions:
  • The level of concentration of an air contaminant may exceed 50% of the occupational exposure limit (OEL) [Reg. 91-191, S.25(a)],
  • There is the possibility of accidental exposure to a level of concentration of an air contaminant in excess of the OEL [Reg. 91-191, S.25(b)], or
  • The oxygen content of the atmosphere is less than (or may be less than) 19.5% by volume. Normal oxygen concentration is approximately 21%. [Reg. 91-191, S.25(c)]
• When respiratory protective equipment is required, a written code of practice is developed. The code must address the proper selection, care, use, maintenance, and fitting of the equipment to be used. [Reg. 91-191, S.45(1)]
• The code of practice: [Reg. 91-191, S.45]
  • Must include the following information:
    • The name of the employee responsible for the code
    • The requirements for the health assessments and health supervision for each employee who uses respiratory protection
    • A description of the respiratory protective equipment to be used
    • A description of the hazards that may affect the health or safety of employees
    • The requirements for the proper selection, care, use, maintenance and fitting of the respiratory protective equipment
    • The training requirements for employees who use the equipment
    • The record keeping requirements
    • How often the code of practice must be reviewed
  • Comply with the CSA standard Z94.4-11 (R2016), “Selection, Use and Care of Respirators” or a standard offering equivalent or better protection.
  • Is developed in consultation with the committee or health and safety representative, if any, or with employees if there is no committee or representative.
  • Is readily available to an officer or affected employees upon request.
  • Is implemented and adhered to in the workplace.
  • Is followed by employees.

While the employer is ultimately responsible for all the provisions mentioned above, the supervisor has a vital role to play in the safety of their teams. As a supervisor, you must:

• Acquaint your employees with the hazards and control measures associated with their work
• Provide the information and instruction necessary to ensure their health and safety
• Enforce company safety rules, programs, codes of practice and procedures, including ensuring employees comply with the requirements below.

As an employee, you must:

• Be trained and authorized by your employer to use respiratory protective equipment.
• Wear required respiratory protective equipment and make sure that all the parts are present and working correctly (filters, valves, face piece, straps, and buckles).
• Notify your employer of any damaged respiratory protective equipment.
• Follow the code of practice developed by your employer. [Reg. 91-191, S.45(7)]
• Co-operate in attaining an effective fit of the equipment and, in particular, be as clean shaven as is necessary to ensure an effective facial seal. [Reg. 91-191, S.47]