Objective:
To be able to clean and store respirators according to the presented guidelines.
Background:
Common mistakes that limit the effectiveness of respirators.
1. Upon returning from the field on a hot and humid day, a worker haphazardly removes the personal
protective clothing. The worker pulls off the respirator and hangs it on a nail in the barn, next to a
pesticide container.
2. Rather than taking the time to put the respirator away, a worker tosses it on the dashboard of the
truck. The truck is parked in a very sunny spot.
3. A respirator is in an enclosed cab. The cartridge is inside the sleeve of a plastic glove. The respirator
has been there for two months.
Respirators, a piece of personal protective equipment (PPE), should be stored away from dust, sunlight,
heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture and damaging chemicals. Respirators must be stored away from
personal clothing and pesticide-contaminated areas.
Dust Filter Mask: traps particles out of the air Cartidge Respirator: uses an absorbent
material plus dust filters to purify the air.
AGRICULTURAL SAFETY TOPICS
PROPERLY CLEANING & STORING RESPIRATORS
WSPS.CA
