Respiratory Protective Equipment can be used for the following physical forms of hazardous substances:
Vapour - dispersion of molecules in air by substances that are originally liquid or solid in state such as solvents
Mists – presence of liquid droplets in air such as (paint etc.,)
Dust – airborne solid particles such as silica, asbestos fibre.
Gases – Substances rarer or denser than air such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, chlorine etc.
Respiratory Protection – May not be suitable for the Dust / Contaminant level present
Poor fit – Not fitting correctly (Loose or too tight) – Incorrect size / Poor quality
Resistance to use – May not be willing to use as management does not enforce it / Negative safety culture
Uncomfortable – Worker may feel uncomfortable
Incompatibility – Interfering with other PPE / Obstructing other PPEs
Hygiene – Health and Hygiene problems may occur
Supervision – Lack of supervision may be another reason – So people may forget
Deterioration – Poor Maintenance / lack of maintenance and storage, not cleaned regularly
Abuse – Misuse
