The importance of respirator hygiene

Cleaning and maintenance of respirators is important but sometimes overlooked - respiratory equipment must be in good condition to work effectively and supply the required level of protection. Respirators should be checked before each use and fitted correctly. For reusable types, after use they should be cleaned and inspected to ensure they are in good working order and ready for the next use.

This may require a simple cleaning with a cleaning wipe after a brief use, to a complete disassembly and soaking after use in a very dusty/dirty application.

Multiple users

A common question that arises is one concerning sharing or multiple users of a respirator. Australian Standard AS/NZS1715 Section 7.4 addresses this issue.  It says: “Where practical, the user should be given respirators for his or her exclusive use ... For respirators on extended personal issue, a system of regular cleaning, inspection and maintenance should be provided.

“Respirators not issued on a personal basis, eg, SCBA, should be cleaned and disinfected after each use. No device should be issued unless it was cleaned and disinfected after its last use. Prior to re-issue, respirators should be inspected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure correct operation of the respirator.”

Personal hygiene

The issue of personal hygiene is important and requiring workers to share a facepiece or headtop is not recommended. There are situations where several employees are doing the same operation and using (not simultaneously) a single powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) or airline system. In this case, it would be possible for the employer to provide one working system (eg, a PAPR turbo unit or an airline and regulating valve) and also provide employees with their own headtop or facemask to use with the system.  Each employee involved then has ownership of his or her own headtop for cleaning, maintenance and storage purposes.