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Respirators
A respirator covers the nose and mouth, or the whole face and head, to keep airborne contaminants out or to supply safe air. The two categories are:
- Air purifying respirators, which filter the air that the worker breathes.
- Atmosphere supplying respirators, which provide clean air from another source. These are needed where oxygen is below 19.5 percent or where the air is immediately dangerous to life or health.
A respirator must fit the wearer. OSHA requires a respiratory protection program, which includes medical evaluation, fit testing and training.
Hearing protection
Hearing loss is gradual and less noticeable than other injuries, but it is permanent. When noise exposure reaches the action level, 85 decibels averaged over eight hours, the employer must set up a written hearing conservation program, with monitoring, hearing tests, protection and training.
Hand and foot protection
Poorly maintained tools, untidy work areas and cluttered aisles all contribute to hand injuries. Clean hands are less open to infection and to skin problems such as contact dermatitis. For feet:
- choose footwear for the job and make sure that it fits
- avoid leather or cloth footwear around acids or caustics
- inspect footwear for holes and cracks, and replace it when it is worn or torn
- after work with chemicals, rinse footwear with water before taking it off
- do not borrow footwear, since it is personal protective equipment
- store it in a clean, cool, dry, ventilated place
A study aid, not published or endorsed by IOSH or OSHA. Laws and limits differ between countries.