Category Archives: Respiratory Safety

General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Respiratory Safety

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

September 11, 2001, was a day of infamy in the minds of Americans, the same as December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan.  For those who lost their lives, innocently going to do a day’s work, little children in day care, and for their families, this country still grieves.  We also grieve for the police, firefighters, emergency medical services, and all those who answered the call of duty.  It will be forever in our minds, that picture of those brave souls as they walked toward those huge towers, knowing they probably wouldn’t return. 

It is sad to feel that there was so much hatred for our country that this horrible deed happened, along with attacking our Pentagon, and trying to direct Flight 93 to the White House.  Most countries at one time or another have been victims of attack.  Americans are brave citizens who love their country and aren’t afraid to serve.  We owe those brave military personnel all over the world protecting us our utmost thanks. 

After the clean up of the World Trade Center, John Henshaw, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, U S Department of Labor stated: “On May 30, 2002, when the recovery was completed, not another life had been lost, and illness and injury rates were far below national average for industries involved in the recovery.”  This was a very dangerous time for all who gave their time and talents to the clean-up.   

Along with hundreds of suppliers and businesses in America, Texas America Safety Company immediately sent hard hats head protection and disposable respirators to protect the dedicated workers.  OSHA distributed more than 131,000 respirators, 11,000 hard hats, 13,000 safety glasses and goggles, 21,000 pairs of protective gloves, and identified more than 9,000 hazards. 

Texas America Safety Company, along with all Americans, salutes the workers for the difficult tasks performed during the 10 months of the recovery mission.  Let us never forget that terrible day, and may each and every one of us pledge to keep America strong! 

Source: OSHA

General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Respiratory Safety

Construction Health and Safety: Working in Confined Spaces (Guest Post)

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In the UK, the construction and maintenance industries remain consistently one of the largest employers, with the current figures showing that over 2 million people work in this industry every day. However, it is one of the most hazardous places to work, with construction workers facing a variety of risks and dangers as they carry out their tasks on a daily basis.  Therefore, without the correct education, training and awareness, working in this environment can be potentially dangerous. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the authority which lays down the health and safety law in the UK, gives regulations on a variety of construction areas to make sure that workers’ wellbeing and health is looked after properly by their employers.

When working in the construction and maintenance industry you may be faced with working in a confined space – especially if you work on the docks, or in the sewage or mining industries. In January of 1998, the Confined Spaces Regulation came into force in the UK, which set out the legislation surrounding Health and Safety in these circumstances.

The HSE gives the following definition of a “confined space”: any place, including chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/1713/regulation/1/made). Due to the nature of the environment, it can be very dangerous to work in as there are many volatile characteristics to a confined space, for example, lack of oxygen, presence of gas or fumes, liquids which can suddenly rise in level or free flowing solids. With these risks present, there is no wonder that the HSE has a specific guidelines regarding working in a confined space.

The legislation states that every employer or self-employed person must ensure compliance with the regulations and the only way to do this is to make sure that those working in the environment understand the regulations and can recognise the risks involved in work of this nature. The issue with a large company is that you may not always be present to oversee the work, which is why a good education for your staff members is crucial – this is where construction training comes into the fray.

The confined space training course is one which is popular in the construction training category. On average, there are 15 fatalities each year following work in a confined space, and by ensuring that the HSE regulations are abided by, and that each and every worker, manager and supervisor is aware of their duties and how they should work this figure can hopefully be reduced.

A Construction Training Confined Space Course allows employers to ensure they are working within legislation guidelines, ensuring that their staff are trained in the risks which they may face when working in this environment. The courses are thorough and cover all elements from the definition of a confined space, to safe systems of work, how to identify hazards to safety equipment and form emergency procedures to access. You’ll usually find that there will be a short test at the end of the training session which is proof that you have digested and understood the information given to you.  It is also worth noting that there are different courses for the varying staff levels – from worker all the way up to site supervisors, as each has a different type of responsibility when working onsite.

Bio: Rebecca Field is writing on behalf of Britannia Safety and Training, a company offering construction training near Norwich in Norfolk, UK. Their industry experienced experts and purpose built training facility are designed to make your construction training course experience the best you can wish for. Visit their website here: http://www.britanniaits.com/  to find out more.

Thanks, Rebecca, for sharing this important information with us.  OSHA also has the same description and regulations for persons workin in confined spaces.  There should always be someone present watching workers in case of emergency, and those workers should have the proper personal protective equipment, such as respirators, hardhats, and other safety items. 

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

BREATHE EASY (GUEST POST)

Breathe Easy – Unknown Health Problems Identified

By Samuel Ott 

When you’re at home, do you find yourself having constant headaches, swollen and itchy eyes, or low grade fevers? Common diagnoses such as Asthma, Emphysema, or sinus infections may actually be misdiagnosed. Mold exposure can be the cause of this misdiagnosis due to it being an environmental problem. This why you’ll only feel sick while being at home. If you think this is the case for your symptoms, maybe it’s time for some mold removal or at least a home safety inspection to ensure if it is mold-free or not. 

This why you’ll only feel sick while being at home. If you think this is the case for your symptoms, maybe it’s time for some mold removal, or at least a home safety inspection to ensure if it is mold-free or not.  (For more information on the professional mold removal process, visit this website.) 

Mold removal is a process that needs to be taken seriously. If not treated properly or completely, the mold damage can continue to spread leading to worsened or continued health problems. It is important to note that killing the mold is only half of the process. Since dead mold is still allergenic and potentially even toxic, complete mold removal is the only way to get your health and your home back to normal. 

Mold occurs where there is moisture. Bathrooms, for example, are windowless, allowing no circulation, and most of the time small, which means they are at a higher risk for mold in the walls. Leaky pipes or anything else that can cause water damage, but may remain hidden, are what you’ll want to check up on. 

Whether you’re uncertain about mold being in your home, it’s best to be safe. Home is your place for safety and relaxation. Make sure it gives you both, so you can breathe easy.

Thank you for this information about mold, Samuel.  If persons try to tackle removing mold themselves, they should take the necessary precautions to protect their health by using the right safety products.  

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

PROTECT YOURSELF WITH SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR ASBESTOS REMOVAL (Guest Post)

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Posing a serious health hazard, asbestos removal is a necessary process to ensure that the inhabitants of the home are safe from health complications. Asbestos is not just toxic; it is also a silent killer. Asbestos fibres are very light and often too small to be noticed by the naked eye. They can even float in the atmosphere for months and inhaled by unassuming victims. This makes it even more important to let professionals take care of asbestos removal in your home.  Before starting with the removal, there are many safety measures that should be attended to. Here are the essentials of safety equipment that are a must when removing asbestos.      

Respirators 

They are used to purify the air when working around asbestos. Covering mainly the nose and mouth, respirators filter out the asbestos and allow you to work safely around it. It is important that the respirators fit your head perfectly as even small air gaps can cause asbestos poisoning. Ensure that you are clean shaven to allow the mask to seal your head properly. 

At all costs, avoid using paper dust masks as they cannot filter the small asbestos fibres, causing unnecessary harm to your health. Check with your doctor if you can wear respirators. 

PPE (personal protective equipment) 

Ensure that all persons working inside the containment area wear safety equipment. Apart from protecting your lungs, it is also important to cover your face and body from asbestos. Prolonged exposure to asbestos has known to cause innumerable complications in the health of workers. 

PPE includes safety goggles to protect your eyes, disposable coveralls and gloves to protect your body from debris, and rubber boots to shield your feet from sharp objects. For optimum comfort and protection, opt for laceless rubber boots and ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned after each project. 

Large plastic sheets 

It is a good idea to line the containment area with large plastic sheets. For best results, choose 2 or 3 mil sheeting for the walls and 6 mil sheeting for the floor. Purchase at least one and half times the required amount to ensure that you cover surfaces comfortably. Use good duct tape to seal the corners and joints of the sheeting. 

Tank sprayers 

When removing asbestos, it is essential to keep it wet. Dry asbestos can come loose and risk affecting the workers and neighbours. Tank sprayers help asbestos stick to the wall during the removal. 

Large disposal bags 

The disposal of asbestos is as important as proper removal. All materials exposed to asbestos during the removal process should be safely disposed to prevent contaminating the home and the neighbourhood. Choose 6 mil disposal bags specially designed for asbestos and ensure that the bags are about 33″x50″ in size. It is a good idea to purchase about 4-5 bags for each 100 sqft of ceiling material. 

 Penny is an expert associated with Intersafety, a leading distributor of protective gear and safety equipment. If you are looking to protect your hands in the workplace, visit www.intersafety.co.uk and check out their collection of work gloves and more.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

ENSURING WORKPLACE SAFETY FROM TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS GASES – (GUEST POST)

Ensuring Workplace Safety from Toxic & Hazardous Gases

Many individuals who work in heavy industry frequently come into contact with incredibly hazardous and toxic gases, which can cause serious health risks to workers, members of the public and even cause plants to shut down due to dangerous levels of gas. It is of paramount importance then that they ensure that their workplace is correctly protected against this risk.

Guaranteeing Safety

The reliability and durability of the equipment you use is the most important element and the best way to ensure a safe working environment. Many businesses operate in hazardous conditions and their equipment has to withstand incredibly tough environments. What matters here is guaranteeing that your systems can withstand any potential damage without the need for continual repair and maintenance. Your equipment must be able to cope with the rigors of day-to-day use in challenging conditions and provide reliability every step of the way.

Comprehensive, Workable Solutions

It is important to have the ability to configure the detection equipment in such a way that it all works perfectly alongside each other to deliver a comprehensive gas detection system.

Depending on the working environment, individuals can be exposed to a number of different hazardous and toxic gases. In order to ensure complete safety it is advised to employ detection systems, which combine a number of different detection methods in order to identify all potential dangers.  These systems can then be connected to central computer systems and integrated to a wide network of sensors and are not limited to the detection of harmful gases but also include flow, temperature and pressure monitoring.

By carefully monitoring for any changes to the immediate surroundings pre-emptive action can be taken allowing the entire workforce to respond accordingly.

Bespoke Gas Detection

By enlisting the expertise of professionals in the gas detection industry you can safeguard against potential risks. Bespoke gas detection allows for the implementation of the most effective detection systems for your specific sector, business or location. Bespoke gas detection ensures the highest levels of safety possible and involves the design and installation of gas monitoring systems to exact environmental specifications that are tailor-made to suit your exact needs.

Personal Gas Detection

By using personal gas detectors you enable your workforce to complete the required work in both normal and dangerous conditions. Personal gas monitors allow individuals to monitor their own safety while at the same time gathering valuable information relating to working conditions that can be catalogued and uploaded to increase broader safety procedures.

About the author:

This article was provided by Gas Alarm Systems Ltd who have over 15 years’ experience in the design, development and maintenance of gas detection systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

DOES YOUR WORKPLACE LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS?

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Millions of people experience allergies caused by everyday exposures to agents such as dust mites, cat dander, and pollens.  Workers who encounter agents can also develop allergic reactions such as asthma, nasal and sinus allergies, hives, and even severe anaphylactic reactions.  Work-related asthma, which is caused by exposure to an agent in the workplace, is the most common occupational respiratory disorder in developed countries.  An estimated 15% of asthmatic cases reported in the United States are occupation-related.  In Canada, asthma affects over three million citizens.  Many are not aware that certain agents at their work place could lead to hyper-responsiveness of airway or aggravating pre-existing asthmatic symptoms.  Because of that, it is likely that the cases of occupational related asthma are under reported. 

Asthma is a common lung disease that creates narrowing of the air passages, making it difficult to breathe.  It can affect your ability to work, and your overall quality of life.  When asthma is not managed, it can even threaten your life.  If you are exposed to certain workplace chemicals or agents, you may be at risk for developing occupational asthma.  Many people with work-related asthma don’t realize that their symptoms are related to their work because they are the same as those for regular asthma: attacks of difficult breathing, tightness of the chest, coughing, and wheezing.  In work–related asthma, the symptoms are worse on workdays and improve when the person is away from the workplace, such as on the weekend, days off, and vacation.  Also, symptoms may be more severe at the end of the week, as compared to the beginning of the week. 

Risk factors for occupational asthma include frequent exposure to the agents involved, allergies, family history of allergies, or asthma, and smoking.  A good clinical history will help in identifying the possibility of work-related asthma.  An occupational physician could carry out a walk-through survey in the workplace to identify the possible agents that cause asthmatic attack.  Also, a look at the list of chemicals in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) would give a clue to that. 

There are many agents that can cause occupational asthma.   Here are some examples:

  • Certain chemicals;
  • Metals and metal-working fluids;
  • Dyes, drugs, and enzymes;
  • Grains, flours, plants, and gums;
  • Natural rubber latex;
  • Animal and shellfish proteins;
  • Fungi;
  • Wood dusts, including red cedar.

Factors that can trigger work-aggravated asthma:

  • Vapors, gases, dusts, mists, sprays or fumes from industrial materials and cleaning products;
  • Dust mites or mold/fungal spores;
  • Indoor air pollution resulting from poor ventilation;
  • Outdoor air pollution and smog (for outdoor workers). 

Both employers and employees can help control or prevent work-related asthma.  Employers should:

  • Eliminate the asthma-causing agent from the workplace.
  • If elimination is not possible, substitute a less hazardous agent.
  • Apply administrative controls such as policies, procedures, safe work practices, and job rotation to minimize exposure time of workers.
  • Control the exposure.
  • Install ventilation systems to contain emissions, such as gases or vapors at the source.
  • Provide Personal Protect Equipment, such as breathing respirator masks.  PPE should not be used as the only method of exposure control when exposures are ongoing.
  • Train employees on the proper use, storage and maintenance of PPE, proper handling procedures, avoidance of spills, and safe working and good housekeeping procedures.
  • Monitor the exposure level of hazardous agents in the workplace. 

Employees should:

  • Learn about the hazards in your workplace by speaking to the employer, health and safety or union representative, or an occupational health professional.
  • Be aware of the symptoms of work-related asthma.
  • Use PPE that is provided.
  • Report any problems with equipment, PPE, or ventilation systems to the supervisor.
  • Attend training courses on work-related asthma and occupational health and safety, and participate in all health and safety programs in the workplace. 

If not recognized and treated early enough, work-related asthma is a serious illness that can result in disability and job loss. Fortunately, when potential hazards are recognized, work-related allergies and asthma can often be prevented, or their effects minimized. Employers and employees must work together to prevent work-related asthma, so all can breathe easy at work.

Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

Respiratory Safety

PROTECT YOUR LUNGS THIS WINTER!

With cold weather, there are many more workers moving indoors, so this is a good time for employers to check the air quality of their employees’ work environment.  This is also the opportunity for employers to inventory their supply and usage of NIOSH-approved respirators.  It is very important to know the hazardous airborne particles that exist in every workplace. 

In the United States, there are an estimated 5 million workers who are required to wear respirators in 1.3 million workplaces.  More people still die from lung cancer than from any other type of cancer (over 159,000 deaths per year).  Smoking is usually found to be the leading cause of lung cancer; however, workers who wear respirators are better protected from harmful airborne hazards.  Some of these hazards have also been known to contribute to causing cancer, lung impairment, other diseases or even death. 

“Dust Masks” vs. N95 Respirators 

Many people often ask what is the difference between a respirator and a dust mask.  Even though their appearances are similar, NIOSH-approved N95 respirators are very different from dust masks.  Dust masks provide no proven protection against harmful airborne particles.  NIOSH recommends the use of N95 (or better) respirators for most environmental hazards. 

In testing, respirators that collect at least 95% of the challenge aerosol are given a 95 rating.  (99% receive a 99 rating; at least 99.97%, a 100 rating).  The filters for respirators are tested by NIOSH at the time of application and periodically afterward to ensure they continue to meet the certification.  The certification of N95 will be on the respirator, so you know you are getting the right thing. 

It is necessary to perform fit tests to verify there are no defects in the respirators.  Please note:  Caution:
Respirators must be properly selected and fitted to provide protection to the user. It is the responsibility of the user to make the appropriate choice of respirator based on the contaminant, workplace concentrations, and any other site specific conditions. It is also the responsibility of the user to ensure that the workplace is in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations on worker safety, including, but not limited to, OSHA regulations on respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134). Read all Warnings and Use Instructions that accompany the respirators. If you have any Technical questions regarding respiratory protection, call the manufacturer.

Dust Masks are loose-fitting filters that fit over the nose and mouth, capturing dust on the outside when the wearer breathes in air.  Respirators have the NIOSH marking on them; therefore, they have met strict criteria and passed independent certification tests established by NIOSH.  Their tests ensure the respirator has been designed to meet minimum filtration requirements as well as specific manufacturing quality levels.  NIOSH does not test or certify dust masks. 

Every worksite has its own level of protection that is required for its specific application.  You see respirators used in all types of settings, from the medical industry to industrial applications.  The NIOSH website (www.cdc.gov/niosh) maintains a database of all NIOSH-approved respirators for user reference. 

Source: Gateway Safety; Texas America Safety Company; OSHA

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

ACCIDENT PREVENTION THROUGH POSTERS

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The industrial environment is challenged with trying to prevent accidents at the workplace.  Just think how much they must spend on personal protective equipment, training, and if an accident happens – loss of work and productivity, insurance claims, material damage, loss of life, and much time spent writing accident reports.  Because everybody acts of their own free will, sometimes it isn’t easy to get them to follow what you want them to do.  Ironically, those same people are the cause of most accidents!  If your workers don’t obey the rules that you have established, or don’t wear their protective equipment, or don’t practice good safety when they aren’t being supervised, chances are something will probably happen, and it won’t be good!  The key to controlling accidents is safety awareness; this type of safety awareness is critical in any construction site.  One unsafe act can bring your safety record down in a few seconds.

What is a good way to deliver your safety message?

Researchers have found that people remember 50% more in what they see than in what they hear. Promoting safety through visuals is a very effective way to get people’s attention.  Most people enjoy posters that are humorous.  Pleasant thoughts generate more receptive learning.  Using humor drives a point that is so easy to understand when done correctly.  Cartoons can illustrate dangerous situations, which might be impossible to capture on film in real life.

Check out a couple of examples of the safety posters found at tasco-safety.com:

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FAILING TO PAY ATTENTION CAN BE A BIG STEP IN THE WRONG DIRECTION seems to be pretty self-explanatory.

The first poster, PPE ONLY WORKS IF YOU WEAR IT – depicts work boots, respirator, earmuffs, hardhat, glasses, earplugs, and gloves, all in one picture.  It reminds employees to wear the specific things that are required to keep them safe in their work.

Good luck to all safety instructors in getting the message across.  We hope the posters will help get the attention of your workers.  It’s also good to stock up on several and post different ones on a periodic basis, so employees will be watching for new ideas.

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

WORK SAFETY – HOW TO STAY SAFE ON THE JOB

Today’s Guest Blog is from Joseph Morris at http://www.buy-pepper-spray-today.com.  Here are his thoughts on how we can stay safe at the workplace. 

Most of us take our jobs for granted. We wake up, go to work, get paid and go home. The thought of an accident or injury is not one that crosses most people’s minds. However, almost all jobs involve some sort of risk – be it large or small – and the awareness of these hazards, and the proper use of safety equipment, is critical to mitigating the incidence of injury on the job. 

One of the most important aspects of work safety is training and awareness. New employees, especially those in industries which involve heavy machinery, heavy lifting, chemicals, noise, repetitive movement and heights, need to be trained properly. It is critical that they understand how the equipment that they operate works and what the dangers in their work environment are. 

However, training and awareness are not enough. Any industry and its workers would benefit from using the correct occupational safety products. These products can help to protect workers from physical injury, improving productivity and employee confidence, while decreasing employer liability. Let’s discuss some of the most important occupational safety products. 

Hearing Protection 

The ears are designed to withstand sound pressure levels up to a certain point. After that point, however, hearing damage can occur. The damage may take place over a long period of time, or may have a rapid onset after sudden exposure to loud noise. Ears can be protected with ear muffs or earplugs.   

Safety Earmuffs fit over the whole ear – they resemble large headphones.  Some ear muffs are adjustable; they can fit on any size of head. In certain industries, muffs which are made of dielectric materials – meaning that they are poor conductors of electricity – are important; they should not attract live currents to the workers head.  Some ear muffs offer special acoustic filters which provide an even attenuation of external noise, allowing the worker to hear everything around them at a reduced level, instead of muffling the sound, while protecting their hearing.  Ear muffs should be made of resilient material, be lightweight and allow the worker’s ears to breathe. 

Earplugs are much smaller than muffs. They fit directly in the ear, and are usually made of a pliable foam or silicone material. The advantages of plugs are that they are lightweight, easy to transport, inexpensive, discrete and easily replaced. Some workers may find them more comfortable than ear muffs. However, some earplugs do not offer sufficient attenuation of outside noise. It is important that the attenuation capabilities be compared with those of ear muffs. If the former cannot provide adequate hearing protection, then the latter must be chosen. 

Head Protection 

The skull protects the brain, and the head rests upon the neck. Injury to either one can have a serious impact on a person’s functioning and quality of life. Protecting the head on jobs where heavy objects in motion, and the risk of falling objects, are regular occurrences, is critically important. The “tried and true” method of protecting the head is the helmet. 

Helmets, most often referred to as ANSI hard hats, are made of hard, durable plastic, often high density polyethylene. Many hardhats include adjustable chin straps to ensure a snug fit. Inside, a suspension system evenly distributes the helmet’s weight over the head More recently, small sizes designed for women, children and men with smaller skulls have been made available, improving both worker compliance and confidence in the appearance of the hard hat. Hard hats should be made of a dielectric material, be able to withstand whichever impacts might take place within a given industry, and be resistant to chemicals which may be used on-site. Some hard hats include ventilation and attachment points for flashlights, radios and other tools. 

Work Gloves 

Virtually every activity we do, both on and off the job, involves our hands. Protecting the hands at work, from impact injuries, cuts, abrasions, caustic chemicals and repetitive stress, should be a priority. industrial work gloves help to keep the hands safe. Such gloves may range from the simple, rough leather style to more complex gloves, with elasticized cuffs, palm and finger grips, vent holes, knuckle reinforcements and flexible fabric. 

The characteristics found in the more complex gloves, such as the ones mentioned above, are an ideal choice for most work environments. They allow the worker to retain dexterity while protecting the hands from most injuries. Jobs which involve dangerous machinery or heavy items may dictate that  thicker gloves be used, sacrificing dexterity for the sake of protection. 

Ear muffs, earplugs and work gloves are not the only types of occupational safety products. Many others, including ergonomic office products, first aid products, protective clothing, respirators for environments with poor air quality, safety glasses, safety boots and shoes and lighting and communications systems, should be utilized when and where necessary. Remember, worker safety starts with training and awareness, and is completed by using the correct safety products.

Thank you, Joseph, for this great information regarding the important safety aspects of personal protective equipment and proper training in its use.

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

SCIENCE LESSON FOR THE DAY: KEEPING OUR LUNGS HEALTHY

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One of the most important things we can do for good health is to protect our lungs.  Smokers probably don’t want to think about it, but we should do everything possible to be able to breathe easily!  I looked up a few words that pertain to helping those with work exposure to respiratory hazards, and want to share what I learned.  Those who are involved probably already know all about the subject, but for those who don’t, bear with us. 

According to McGraw-Hill Science & Technology Dictionary, spirometry is the measurement, by a form of gas meter, (spirometer) of volumes of air that can be moved in or out of the lungs.  Spirometers are instruments used to test lung capacity; spirometry is the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of C.O.P.D.  Spirometers can be stand-alone, diagnostic PC-based, or pocket-sized.  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting more than five per cent of the adult U.S. population. 

Respiration, according to Briticannica Concise Encyclopedia, is the process of taking in air for oxygen and releasing it to dispose of carbon dioxide.  The amount of air inhaled and exhaled in an average human breath is about one-eighth the amount that can be inhaled after exhaling as much as possible.  Nerve centers in the brain regulate the movements of muscles of respiration (diaphragm and chest wall muscles).  Blood in the pulmonary circulation brings carbon dioxide from the tissues, to be exhaled and takes up oxygen from the air in the pulmonary alveoli to carry it to the heart and the rest of the body.  Because the body stores almost no oxygen, interruption of respiration – by asphyxiation, drowning, or chest muscle paralysis – for more than a minute can cause death. 

Spirometry Monitoring Technology

From the Centers for Disease Control, spirometry monitoring is recommended for persons with occupational exposure to respiratory hazards, and is best done as part of an overall health maintenance program in which results of spirometry evaluations are linked with exposure control, smoking cessation, and general health-promotion interventions. Spirometry monitoring should be done to prevent development of disabling chronic lung function impairment through early intervention on excessive lung function loss. Spirometry plays an important role in an occupational respiratory health surveillance program. It can assist the health professional by determining if a worker demonstrates a specific pattern of respiratory impairment and can help to assess the effectiveness of measures implemented to protect the individual worker. In addition, results from defined groups of workers can be evaluated in relation to potential workplace hazards.

Protecting the health of individual workers is a primary objective of various workplace surveillance programs. Results from an individual should be further assessed if abnormalities are detected or if pulmonary function values show an excessive decline in comparison to the individual’s previous tests. After ruling out technical causes for low or declining pulmonary function, efforts must be made to identify the cause. If the cause is related to a workplace exposure, then steps must be taken to better control or eliminate the exposure and prevent further damage to the worker’s lungs.

 NIOSH recommends the use of half-facepiece particulate respirators with N95 or better filters for airborne exposures to crystalline silica at concentrations less than or equal to 0.5 mg/m3. The Occu­pational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also specifies the use of at least a 95-rated filter efficiency [29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134]. The recommendation for a 95-rated filter efficiency reflects the improved filter efficiency of N95 filters over the earlier dust and mist (DM) filters. A comprehensive respirator program must be instituted prior to the use of 42 CFR 84 respirators. The requirements for a comprehensive respirator program are included in the OSHA respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134).

Monday, September 26, 2011, National Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2011, carries special meaning, because mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer that strikes as many as 3,000 Americans each year. A common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Victims tend to be electricians, plumbers, contractors, or armed forces veterans – anyone who worked with or around asbestos. The condition develops decades after exposure, but the disease can prove fatal within a year of diagnosis. At present, there is no cure.  Sadly, family members also often fall prey to mesothelioma as a result of secondary exposure to asbestos fibers carried into the home by the primary victim.  That’s why it is very important for the worker to shower and change clothes before leaving the worksite. 

This article wasn’t meant to be “long-winded,” however, we want employers and employees to realize the importance of well-planned and executed programs for respiratory protection.  (After all, science lessons are very important!)