The Occupational Health and Safety Act emphasizes the importance of worker protection. One fundamental aspect of occupational health relates to the elimination or reduction of respiratory hazards. The field of respiratory protection is exceedingly complex. It comprises many different components. These include, for example, industrial hygiene, physics, physiology, toxicology, medicine, anthropology, engineering law, and worksite administration. In addition, respiratory protection is very dynamic. Industrial processes are continuously changing. In order to keep up with that change, protective equipment must evolve rapidly.
More specifically, there are different approaches to respiratory protection. These include the following: (1) engineering controls that eliminate or reduce exposures to toxic agents; (2) administrative controls (i.e., work rules); and (3) personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators) (Cashman & Murray, 1995, pp. 168-171). The most preferable solution to any respiratory protection problem usually involves engineering. If at all possible, employers should try to enhance workplace safety by either removing toxic substances, or substituting them with agents of lesser toxicity. In addition, modifying the work process can also be an economical way to abate a respiratory hazard. The cost of protective equipment can be considerable. Moreover, most such implements require periodic replacement. Medical surveillance of workers is also generally required. Some modification of work rules or, for example, the installation of well-designed ventilation systems may represent safer and much less expensive long-term protective solutions (Cashman & Murray, 1995, pp. 168-171).
While engineering and administrative controls are the most favorable means of providing respiratory protection, they will not be covered in depth. Nor will the specialized respirators used by firefighters (i.e., the self-contain...