Inhalation Hazard Protection Fundamentals

Vapors, gases, particulate and fibers... that about sums it all up; all inhalable stuff that is. You have probably already taken at least one breath while reading this article during which you inhaled some of the stuff indicated above. Our respiratory tract is composed of nose, nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, mouth, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs and alveoli. Yeah there is more, always more, but we will stop there. The importance of oxygen is confirmed by the quick pathway respiration provides for the intake of this all important gas. However, this quick path for oxygen intake also creates a quick pathway for airborne contaminants.

So how can one protect their lungs while still allowing the inhalation of oxygen? Respirators you might say and you are correct. However, respirators may not be the best method to prevent the inhalation of foreign particulate or potentially toxic gases and/or vapors. Whenever an inhalation hazard is identified, the feasibility of eliminating it by not using it or its’ source material should be investigated. A less toxic substance may also be substituted for the more hazardous material. If that is not a feasible option, engineering controls should be evaluated for effectiveness and design/installation feasibility. Engineering control means using air usually through exhaust ventilation to remove the air contaminant at the point where it is generated before it enters the worker’s breathing zone or work area. If that too is not feasible, work practices (how close an employee works to a contaminant source), work schedules, etc. should be considered. Finally if that too is not feasible, respirators are to be considered. Of course respirators can be used in conjunction with the previous listed contaminate control options.

Figure 1: Welding Local Exhaust Engineering Controls located in Building B66

Figure 2 Upholstery Shop Spray Finishing Booth located in the Ellsworth Building

Figure 3 Welding local exhaust system located in the IT Building

Figure 4 Automotive Paint Booth located in the BRWB being test by a Risk Mgmt. Employee

When respirators are used, the user must be identified as a voluntary respirator user or a required respirator user. The following instructions will help you determine where you and/or your employees fall within the scope of BYU’s Respiratory Protection Program:

Respiratory Training and Fit Test Request Procedures

Please contact Josh Stanfield, BYU’s Respiratory Protection Program Administrator, at 801-422-2943 with any respirator use requests, inhalation hazard questions or suggestions for improving the program.