Protective Measures for Lungs
In the agricultural and horticultural sectors, workers are often exposed to a variety of hazardous substances. To ensure safety, it's crucial to follow specific guidelines when selecting and using respirators.
Respirator Selection
The type of respirator chosen depends on the nature of the hazard (particulate, gas/vapor, or combination) and the requirements stated on pesticide or chemical labeling under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). Farmers and handlers must wear the correct respirator type as specified to protect against the specific hazardous substances encountered.
Medical Clearance and Fit Testing
Anyone required to wear a respirator must have a health evaluation by a qualified medical professional to ensure they can safely wear the respirator. Additionally, annual fit testing is necessary to verify that the respirator fits the user properly and provides adequate protection.
Annual Training
All respirator users must receive annual training on proper use, maintenance, limitations, and cleaning of respirators to ensure effective protection and compliance with regulations.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers are responsible for the cost of medical exams and fit testing, as well as maintaining records of medical clearance, fit testing, and training for at least two years.
Particulate Respirators
Particulate respirators protect against airborne particles such as dust, mold spores, or aerosols. These must be selected based on the particulate hazards indicated on the chemical label.
Gas/Vapor Respirators
Gas/vapor respirators protect against gases or vapors from chemicals like solvents, pesticides, or other hazardous vapors. The specific cartridge or canister used must be compatible with the chemical hazards present.
Combination Respirators
Combination respirators provide protection from both particulates and gases/vapors when hazardous substances require multi-hazard protection. Type 97 and Type 100 (HEPA) respirators, which are 97% and 99.7% efficient respectively, are suitable for combination respirators.
Practical Recommendations
Additional practical recommendations include wearing gloves, goggles, masks (respirators), and protective clothing; maintaining buffer zones during application to prevent drift; and following proper equipment cleaning and pesticide storage practices to prevent harmful exposure.
Cartridge Replacement and Storage
Cartridges should be changed according to manufacturer's instructions, if a substance taste or smell is noticed, or if eyes, nose, throat, or lungs become irritated. After use, respirators should be stored in a sealed plastic bag or container to prevent absorption of airborne contaminants.
References
For more detailed information, refer to the EPA's revised Worker Protection Standard, OSHA Technical Manual (OTM), Section VIII: Chapter 2, and the General Respiratory Protection Guidance for Employers and Workers.
- In the agricultural and horticultural sectors, where workers are often exposed to various medical conditions like respiratory conditions due to harmful substances, it's essential to use proper fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, health-and-wellness measures to counteract potential risks.
- To ensure safety at the workplace-wellness, it's crucial for employers to provide annual training on the correct use, maintenance, limitations, and cleaning of respirators for medical-conditions like respiratory conditions, as specified by the regulations.
- Moreover, employers must also arrange for medical evaluations for workers required to wear respirators, to verify their ability to safely manage these medical-conditions and undergo annual fit testing to check the fit and efficiency of the respirators against hazardous substances like gas/vapor and particulate matter.
