The respiratory system provides the quickest and most direct route of entry for toxic materials. Although elimination or reduction of respiratory hazards through substitution or engineering controls is preferred, there may be instances in which UPEI lab users require the use of appropriate respiratory protection for work that has the potential for exposure to hazardous environments, such as airborne contaminants (dusts, fumes, mists, gases, vapours, aerosols). The use of a respirator is a last resort when other higher level of controls cannot adequately mitigate the risk.

Appropriate respiratory protection must protect against the specific hazard(s) present, provide a comfortable and secure fit, and comply with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard Z94.4-02, "Selection, Use and Care of Respirators."

It is imperative that workers receive proper training prior to the initial use of respiratory protection devices (contact the UPEI Health, Safety and Environment Department for further details

UPEI’s Respiratory Protection Program includes:

• Responsibilities
• Training
• General categories of respirators
• Selection of respirators
• Cautions and limitations
• Care of respirators
• Health surveillance
• Fit testing

Further information on the Respiratory Protection Program, can be found in the UPEI Lab Safety Manual.