The new standard offers an opportunity for collision shop owners to re-evaluate the current respiratory protection used by various employees to make sure the type being used is adequate to the task involved, particularly where the work environment contains oil. Consider the type of contaminant, filter efficiency and desired respirator feature characteristics. For example, in the case of collision technicians, the protection chosen should offer resistance to premature filter loading during paint spraying or welding operations. Worker comfort, breathing resistance, durability and substance-specific regulations should also be addressed in the decision process. If you need help in this process, respirator consultants are out there, but you should also be able to get help from distributors and manufacturers, who can provide fit testing and whatever information you'll need.
Negative pressure respirators filter air through a fiber or carbon media as the wearer inhales.
Positive pressure types provide filtered fresh air from a uncontaminated source. Negative pressure types are generally selected when contaminant concentrations are relatively low and when worker mobility and convenience are important. Positive pressure types are selected for extreme work conditions, when contaminant levels are higher and immediately dangerous, or can't be readily smelled or tasted. There are many sources of information available to help identify respiratory hazards. This is one area where you really need to do your homework to ensure your employees are properly protected on the job.