OSHA Releases Video, Poster on Respirator Use

Thursday, May 7, 2020 | 0

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration released a new video and poster for employers and workers on how to properly wear and remove a respirator.

When properly worn, a respirator can reduce the risk of coronavirus exposure and prevent the spread of the contagion that causes COVID-19.

The video and poster, which are available in English and Spanish, describe seven steps workers should follow when putting on and taking off a respirator, including:

• Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% alcohol before putting on and after removing the respirator.
• Inspect the respirator for damage.
• Cover mouth and nose with the respirator and pull strap over the head so that it rests at the back of the head. A second strap should rest at the back of the neck. Use the metal nose clips to mold the respirator to the shape of the nose.
• Adjust the respirator by placing both hands over it and inhaling and exhaling. Readjust the straps if air leaks from the respirator's edges.
• Avoid touching the respirator while wearing it.
• Remove the respirator by grabbing the strap(s) from behind. Do not touch the front.
• If the respirator does not need to be reused because of supply shortages, discard it in a closed-bin waste receptacle.

More information is here.