Mine Safety and Health Administration
Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978
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U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978 |
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District 2 - Coal Mine Safety and Health
RESPIRATORS
Is your respirator really protecting you from the hazards in the working environment? The best way to reasonably assure proper filtration is to make sure the respirator is properly selected, fitted, used and maintained in accordance with ANSI Z-88.2, "Practices for Respiratory Protection", which is incorporated by reference in Section 72.710 of 30 CFR. As an individual, you need to be aware of the potential of being exposed to airborne hazards and their properties. A proper size respirator and appropriate filters then need to be chosen. Respirators are not one-size fits all and one-type of filter protects againts all airborne contanimants. In order to assure the respirator fits you properly either a qualitative or quantitative test needs to be conducted with the proper filters for the hazards in your occupation. The qualitative testing method is the most common at most mines, with an acceptable respiratory protection program. The miner is subjected to a test atmosphere that can detect an improper fitting respirator. Also, miners that wear respirators must maintain a facepiece to face seal which means keeping the face free of facial hair at all points the respirator contacts the face. Once the miner is fitted and the filters selected, the miner needs to know and follow the proper maintenance and care necessary to maintain the respirator. The respirator needs to be properly inspected for any defects prior to and after each use. The respirator needs to be properly cleaned and disinfected at regular intervals and stored in the proper environment. Once all of this has been accompoished the miner needs to know when to wear the respirator to reduce any potential exposure to airborne contaminants. Of course, in order for the respirator to be effective, it must be worn properly. |
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Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) 1100 Wilson Boulevard, 21st Floor Arlington, VA 22209-3939 |
Phone:
(202) 693-9400 Fax-on-demand: (202) 693-9401 Technical (web) questions: Webmaster On-line Filing Help: MSHAhelpdesk@dol.gov or call (877) 778-6055 Contact Us | |
