There are some items you need to do BEFORE you wear a respirator. If you are using it on a voluntary basis, go here.
- obtain medical approvalfor employees to wear a respirator
- fill out a questionaiire (just like Appendix C of OSHA)
- they might have you perform a lung function test (spirometry)
- you will get a yes/no answer (probably 99% are approved)
- you might try an online medical evaluation
- have a fit test performed
- qualitative fit test unless you wear a full face mask, or a type better than this
- my favorite choice is irritant smoke, but it could also be saccharine, isoamyl acetate (banana), or Bitrex (R).
- get trained. Learn how to:
- clean it
- store it
- know what your respirator can’t protect you from
- choose the right cartridges
- know when you have break through
- fit check (different than a fit test -BTW)
Wondering how often you must update the above steps? Go here. There are more steps to having a respiratory program, but you must do these things before you start.