Respirator safety is a critical concern in Canada, especially in industries where workers are exposed to harmful substances or hazardous environments. Many occupational diseases, including respiratory conditions, underscore the need for proper training, equipment, and safety protocols (Source: CCOHS, Health and Safety Report, URL: https://www.ccohs.ca/newsletters/hsreport/issues/2019/11/ezine.html). Thus, when working in an atmosphere contaminated with toxic particulates or vapors is unavoidable, employees must wear appropriate respiratory protection equipment in order to protect their health
RESPIRATORS DEFINITION
What are respirators?
Respirators are personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful substances, such as hazardous particles, gases, vapors, or airborne contaminants. They create a barrier between the respiratory system (lungs and airways) and the surrounding environment to reduce the risk of respiratory exposure to hazardous materials.
Which are the main types of respirators?
There are two main types of respirators: air-purifying respirators (APRs) and supplied-air respirators (SARs).
Air-Purifying Respirators (APRs)
Air-purifying respirators use filters or cartridges to remove contaminants from the air before they are breathed in. APRs are available in two types:
Supplied-Air Respirators (SARs)
Supplied-air respirators provide clean air from a separate source, such as a compressed air tank or air compressor. SARs are available in two types:
It is important for employers to provide the appropriate type of respirator for the specific hazards present in the workplace and to ensure that workers receive proper training on the use of respirators.
Which are the main hazards?
There are several hazards associated with respirator safety, including exposure to harmful airborne particles, gases, and vapors. Inhaling these substances can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory irritation, lung damage, and even death in severe cases.
Additionally, improper use or maintenance of respirators can lead to discomfort, poor fit, and leakage, which can compromise the effectiveness of the equipment and increase the risk of exposure.
It is essential to identify and assess the specific hazards present in the workplace and select appropriate respirators and training to mitigate those hazards.
Here are some common hazards and industries where they may be encountered:
- Particulate matter: Refers to tiny airborne particles such as dust, dirt, and soot. Exposure to particulate matter can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. Industries that may encounter particulate matter include construction, mining, and agriculture.
- Chemical vapors: Refers to gases released from chemicals that can cause harm when inhaled. These vapors can cause headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms. Industries that may encounter chemical vapors include manufacturing, automotive repair, and laboratories.
- Biological agents: Refers to bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause illness when inhaled. These agents can be found in healthcare facilities, laboratories, and other industries where workers may come into contact with infectious materials.
- Asbestos: Refers to a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was commonly used in building materials until it was found to cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos can be found in older buildings, particularly those constructed before the 1980s.
- Welding fumes: Refers to the gases and particles released during welding processes. These fumes can cause respiratory irritation, and long-term exposure can lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer. Welding fumes are commonly encountered in the manufacturing and construction industries.
Which are the main health risks?
Respiratory hazards can have severe health effects on workers and can lead to serious medical conditions. Some of the health risks associated with poor respiratory safety include:
RESPIRATORS LEGISLATION
What is the federal legislation?
Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
The Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR) are federal regulations that govern the occupational health and safety of workers in federally regulated industries, including transportation, telecommunications, and banking. Part 8 of COHSR focuses on the use of Respirators and sets out specific requirements for the use, selection, and maintenance.
Under Part 8 of COHSR, employers are required to provide their workers with the necessary Respirators to protect them against workplace hazards. Employers are also required to ensure that workers receive adequate training on the correct use, care, and maintenance of the equipment.
Canada Labour Code
The Canada Labour Code (CLC) is federal legislation that regulates employment and labour relations in federally regulated industries. Part II of the CLC sets out the occupational health and safety standards that employers must follow to ensure the safety and well-being of their workers.(Source: Government of Canada, Canada Labour Code, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/page-1.html).
Under Part II of the CLC, employers are required to identify workplace hazards and take measures to eliminate or control them. Employers are also required to provide their workers with the necessary PPE, including respirators, to protect them against workplace hazards. Employers must ensure that workers receive adequate training on the correct use, care, and maintenance of the equipment.The CLC Part II sets out the following requirements for respirators:
What is the provincial and territorial legislation?
Provincial and territorial legislation regarding respirator use varies across Canada. Some jurisdictions have their own regulations, while others adopt the federal standards outlined in the CLC Part II. It is important for employers to familiarize themselves with the specific requirements in their jurisdiction to ensure compliance.
For example, in Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) outlines the requirements for respirator use in the workplace. The OHSA requires that employers take all reasonable precautions to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances, including providing appropriate respiratory protection.
RESPIRATOR PROTECTION TRAINING
What is Respirator Protection Training?
Respirator protection training is a crucial aspect of ensuring worker safety when using respirators. Proper training can help workers select the appropriate respirator, use it correctly, and maintain it properly.
Who is responsible for Respirator Protection Training?
Employers are responsible for providing Respirator Protection Training to their workers, as well as ensuring that the appropriate PPE is available and properly maintained. Workers, in turn, are responsible for attending Respirator Protection Training, properly using the equipment provided, and reporting any issues or concerns to their employer.(Source: Justice Laws, Government of Canada, “Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)”. URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-86-304/index.html, March 1986)
Who needs Respirator Protection Training?
Respirator protection training is necessary for workers in various industries where respiratory hazards are present. Here are some examples of industries that may require respirator protection training:
- Construction: Construction workers often encounter respiratory hazards such as dust, fumes, and hazardous chemicals. They may be involved in activities like demolition, concrete cutting, and painting, which generate airborne particles and toxins that can be harmful when inhaled.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry involves various processes that emit fumes, vapors, and chemicals. Workers in manufacturing plants, especially those involved in chemical production, metalworking, or printing, may face respiratory hazards and require proper training to protect themselves from harmful airborne contaminants.
- Healthcare: In healthcare settings, workers may encounter biological hazards, infectious agents, and airborne diseases. Respirator protection training is crucial for healthcare professionals who work in hospitals, laboratories, or isolation units, as they may come into contact with patients or specimens carrying contagious respiratory illnesses.
- Agriculture: Agricultural workers, such as farmers, pesticide applicators, and livestock handlers, may be exposed to respiratory hazards such as dust, pesticides, and organic materials. Respirator protection training helps them mitigate the risks associated with handling and working around these substances.
- Mining: Miners work in environments where they may encounter toxic gases, dust, and particulate matter. Proper respiratory protection training is essential for miners to prevent respiratory diseases caused by prolonged exposure to hazardous substances found in mines.
- Automotive and Repair: Workers in automotive repair shops may be exposed to chemical fumes, exhaust emissions, and particles from sanding or grinding activities. Respirator protection training is important to safeguard their respiratory health while working on vehicles or handling chemicals.
- Emergency Response: First responders, firefighters, and hazardous material (HAZMAT) teams often face respiratory hazards during emergency situations. They need proper training to select and use the appropriate respiratory protection equipment to ensure their safety when dealing with hazardous environments or substances.
Remember, each industry may have specific respiratory hazards unique to their operations, and tailored respirator protection training is necessary to address those hazards effectively.
Can you do Respirator Protection training online?
This course requires only theoretical training and evaluation, making it suitable for both classroom and online formats. Online training adheres to the same standards as classroom training, ensuring that it is recognized and accepted. In fact, online training can be more convenient and efficient, as it eliminates the need for in-person attendance and allows for flexible scheduling.
Moreover, classroom trainings often have certain requirements imposed by the Ministry of Labour, such as a minimum duration of 8 hours, which may not always be necessary for the content being covered. Online training can be more efficient in this regard, as a well-designed 2-hour course can cover all the necessary material effectively.
Additionally, online training can be a more cost-effective option for employers compared to organizing in-person classroom sessions.
However, keep in mind that employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate level of training for their workplace, so it’s essential to check with your employer to ensure they accept online training for this purpose.
Where can you purchase Respirator Protection online training?
In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your safety training done. There are many methods and providers of Respirator Protection training. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.
Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.
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RESPIRATOR PROTECTION TRAINING CERTIFICATE
What do you need to learn?
Respirator protection training should include the following elements:
- The hazards that respirators protect against.
- The types and limitations of respirators.
- How to select, use, and maintain respirators.
- How to conduct a fit test to ensure the respirator fits properly.
- How to inspect and maintain respirators.
- How to recognize and respond to respiratory problems.
How long is the certificate valid?
Employees who frequently use respirators while at work should renew their training every 3 years. In most situations, the correct use of respirators can prevent a host of illnesses, some of which can prove fatal for the human body. It is therefore essential that you stay in touch with the latest safety protocols and gear.
How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?
The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.
This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.
The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.
Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.
If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.
How can I find my certificate if I lost it?
In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.
If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.
CONCLUSION
Respirator Protection Training is essential for ensuring the safety of workers who are exposed to harmful airborne substances and environments. It is important to note that different industries may have specific requirements for respirator use and training, so it is crucial to seek out industry-specific guidance and regulations. With the proper training and equipment, workers can feel confident and safe while performing their job duties in potentially hazardous environments.