How Do You Choose Appropriate Respirators and Other Equipment?

How to Plan for Workplace Emergencies and Evacuations

What is a Workplace Emergency?

Consult with health and safety professionals before making any purchases. Respirators selected should be appropriate to the hazards in your workplace, meet OSHA standards criteria, and be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Respiratory protection may be necessary if your employees must pass through toxic atmospheres of dust, mists, gases, or vapors, or through oxygen-deficient areas while evacuating. There are four basic categories of respirators for use in different conditions. All respirators must be NIOSH-certified under the current 29 CFR 1910.134. See also OSHA'sSmall Entity Compliance Guide for Respiratory Protection, 1999, online at www.osha.gov.