Selection of Effective Filter Respirators. Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to reveal the possibilities to ensure the choice of quality filter respirator that meets the working conditions and anthropometric parameters of user. It is established that the critical issues to ensure reliable protection of user during the performance of professional activities with the use of devices of individual protection of respiratory organs, which are not disclosed (not reflected) by the relevant regulations, the procedure of risk assessment, based on work conditions, verification of compliance of the filter respirator half-mask to anthropometric parameters of user's face, taking into account the duration of filters protective action. It is shown that according to the normative acts of the organization for the assessment of the risks of occupational diseases both in the choice and operation of filter respirators is the responsibility of the employer, and the monitoring of faithful implementation of the recommendations on the effective use of filter respirators must be carried out by the departments of labor protection of the enterprise. It is proposed to assess risks of occupational diseases during the selection and operation of the filtering respirators one of the methods in accordance with the requirements of DSTU IEC/ISO 31010:2013. The recommendations on elimination of possible mistakes during this process to reduce the risk of occupational disease are provided. The new classification of filtering means of individual protection of respiratory organs was developed, which allows carrying out selection taking into account the peculiarities of conditions of work. It is shown that by using thermography of obturate band of filter respirator half mask, you can set it according to anthropometric parameters of the userʼs face. It is recommended that you replace the filters or on the basis of calculation of term of protective action under the conditions or by using filters with active/passive indicators