How the Public Can Safely Use Respiratory Protection
Occupational safety and health efforts are not only valuable in the workplace, but can be applied to non-occupational situations as well. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently posted an article that covers the use of respiratory protection in non-occupational settings.
One main concern with any respirator use is whether or not the devices are being worn properly.
In a work setting employers are required to provide training on best practices, use NIOSH approved devices, and be able to demonstrate a filtration efficiency of 95% or more. Not surprisingly, those rules do not apply when it comes to at-home or public respirator use.
There are a few obstacles when it comes to public use of respirators. First, most people do not have access to formal training or the ability to go through fit testing or a medical evaluation. The general public is also not required to use a NIOSH-approved respirator and can decide to use products ranging from bandanas to counterfeit devices as a replacement.
Studies have shown that without training, fit testing, or using a NIOSH-approved respirator, public respirator use is much less effective at protecting people than workplace use.
So, what steps can be made to make public respirator use more effective?
- Use a NIOSH or FDA approved N95 FFR (check your equipment here)
- order from a reputable vendor
- if you have been fitted at work, use the same model at home
- follow all manufacturer instructions each time you use a device at home
- complete a seal check with each use (watch video)
- if you have a medical condition, speak with a physician before use
- Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks from the work you are performing
- Avoid contact with the contaminated surface of the respirator
- Dispose of your respirator properly so others do not come in contact with it