How to properly use a respirator.

Wearing a respirator while working is important to protect yourself and kaimahi from harmful particles in the air like dust, mists or fibres.

When using a disposable respirator, also known as a dust mask, you need to do the following.  

Read the instructions for putting on, taking off, and seal checks. Each respirator may be different.  

Check the straps and make sure they stretch to  fit over your head. Check for damage or holes in the respirator and if it’s fitted with a valve, make sure that the valve is in place correctly.

Place the respirator over the nose and chin, pull the top strap over the head to rest above the ears, and the bottom strap to rest around the neck.

Check to make sure that the edges of the respirator are not folded under and straps are not twisted. 

Place your fingers at the top of the nose band and slide them down both sides, moulding the band to the face.

Checking the seal of the respirator is really important and should be done each time you put the respirator on. This check is not a fit test. Respirators should be fit tested by a competent person before being used and at least once a year thereafter.  

If you still cannot achieve a good seal, don't use the respirator. You should fully inspect your respirator for any damage, check for things that interfere with fit, and you may need to be re-fit tested.

In order to protect yourself and your kaimahi never take off your respirator while in the hazardous area, even for a short time.

Remove the respirator using the head straps without touching the facepiece if possible and discard appropriately.

So you can get the most out of wearing respiratory protective equipment or RPE in the workplace, visit worksafe.govt.nz/rpe(external link)

Looking after yourself and your kaimahi is important while you're working.

You may need to wear a respirator, like a half face or half mask, while you're working to protect yourself from harmful particles like dust, mists or fibres in the air.

When using a respirator you need to do the following. Read the instructions for putting on, taking off, and seal checks. Each respirator may be different.

Make sure you inspect your respirator every time you use it. You need to be familiar with the different parts of your respirator and able to inspect them for damage. This could include head straps, filters, face seal, valves and gaskets.

Check that there is no damage or holes in the respirator and that it has been put together correctly.

Place the bottom strap around the back of your neck, below your ears. 
 
Place your respirator over the nose and chin.
 
Place the top strap over the crown of your head, above your ears.

Adjust the top strap evenly until it is firm but not too tight.

Adjust the bottom (neck strap) until it is firm but not too tight.

Check that straps are not twisted or pinching your skin.

Checking the seal of the respirator is really important and should be done each time you put the respirator on.

This check is not a replacement for a fit test. Respirators should be fit tested by a competent person before being used and at least once a year after that.

With either the positive or negative seal check, if you feel leaks, readjust until everything fits well and there's no leakage. If you still cannot achieve a good seal, don't use the respirator. 

You should fully inspect your respirator for any damage, check for things that interfere with fit, and you may need to be re-fit tested.

Never take off your respirator while in the hazardous area, even for a short time

To correctly take off your respirator loosen the straps and remove the respirator.

Remove the filters and dispose of them appropriately or store them in a sealed bag or container to prevent re-contaminating your respirator.

Store your respirator in a clean dry place, away from dust, oil and sunlight.

If you need to wash your respirator, pull the respirator apart and wash it without the filters or cartridges in warm soapy water and let it dry.

Respirators should be stored so that it doesn’t get crushed or covered in dust.

So you can get the most out of wearing respiratory protective equipment or RPE in the workplace, visit worksafe.govt.nz/rpe