Respirators

Instructor Note: Prior to making a safety presentation, obtain and review your company
respirator protection program.

Our company has developed a separate respirator protection program. It is an important

program because of the exposures we face in the workplace. We want to protect your body and
lungs.

Guide for Discussion

Generally:

♦ No respiratory program is required when filtering-facepiece respirators are the only respirator
used and they are used voluntarily.
• Respirators will be worn when the employee is exposed to hazards such as fumes, gases,
mists, vapors and sprays
• Fit testing shall occur prior to allowing an employee to wear the respirator.
• Employees should be fit tested at minimum of annually to ensure the employee is putting on
the respirator properly.
• Respirators shall be kept in a sanitary condition, covered at all times when not in use.
• Respirator training should be conducted prior to wearing the respirator for the first time.

Company Specific: We want all our line employees to:

Inspect the respirator before each use.

Know how to properly don/fit their respirator.

Conduct a positive pressure or negative pressure check with each use.

Report any and all problems to your supervisor.

Take proper care of the respirator.

Never hang respirator on a nail or leave exposed to dust.

Additional Discussion Notes:

Company Respirator Protection Program notes: Detail Specific Comments

Remember: The reason we wear respirator is to protect our lungs and bodies against
hazardous fumes, gases, mists, vapors or sprays.
 Foot Protection
Foot protection is probably about the least talked about type of personal protection.
Nevertheless, it is still an important safety topic. One nail puncture could cause weeks of lost
time off the job.

Guide for Discussion

Characteristics of a Suitable Boot

Puncture resistant soles.

Steel toes.
Boot extends above the ankle.
Sole provides good traction.

Type of Injuries Commonly Resulting from Poor Footwear

Punctures from nails and tie wire.

Bruises of the foot.
Unsure footing.
Blisters.
Body fatigue.
Mashing of foot resulting from dropped objects.

Other Acceptable Footwear

Buckle Overshoes – for work in mud, water and concrete. (*)

Knee and Hip boots – for work in deep water and mud.

(*) Encourage use of rubber boots when placing concrete. Sometimes we forget concrete can
cause severe burns if it comes into contact with the skin for any length of time.

Additional Discussion Notes:

What is the company policy on wearing sandals or tennis shoes on the job? INSERT POLICY

Remember: Almost all of us work on our feet or at least use our feet to get to work. Doesn’t it
make sense to take good care of our feet in order to insure that they are able to get us to work?