Respiratory protection

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 prevents exposure to harmful substances from entering a worker’s lungs. There are different types of respirators, and the right one should be chosen after a risk assessment has been performed to make sure it fits the specific hazards in the workplace. 

Parts 6.15 and 6.16 of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation (WSH Regulation) cover 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. The use of respirators should also be in keeping with the safe work procedures in Part 2.1 of the WSH Regulation. Additional requirements for healthcare facilities can be found in Part 39.3(1) of the WSH Regulation.

Fit testing should be completed before the first use of a respirator and should be repeated every two years if there is a:

• change in the respirator face piece
• considerable change in the physical condition of the user that could affect the fit of the respirator

Everyone wearing a respirator must be fit-tested and trained. A fit test is carried out by a competent person knowledgeable in the practice of fit testing, either quantitatively or qualitatively, in accordance with the CSA Standard.

Workers must be fit-tested for all tight-fitting face pieces (full, half and disposable). A fit test is not the same as a simple positive or negative seal check the worker carries out when donning a respirator.