Respiratory protection

Respirators are a type of personal protective equipment and should only be used to control against airborne contaminants if other more effective controls measures are not available or cannot reduce the hazard to safe levels. Respirators must never be the primary choice for hazard control. 

Below are examples of airborne hazards with potential to lead to occupational respiratory diseases.

Considerations when choosing a respirator as a control 

Respirators must never be the primary choice for hazard control because they do not resolve the issue of air borne contamination. Consequently, in shared spaces, everyone entering the space will need a respirator. Additionally,  

• Respirators may make it harder to breathe and can cause physiological health effects such as heat stress and dehydration.  
• The effectiveness of a respirator can be impacted by scarring, dental work, surgery, weight loss and facial hair. 

What are the types of respirators available?

There are many makes and models of respirators available. It is important to choose the right type of respirator for the hazards in the workplace. View the types of respirators for additional information. For assistance contact UBC Research Safety. 

How should I care, maintain and store my respirator?

Respirators must be protected from damage, dust, extreme temperatures, moisture, chemicals etc. Furthermore, respirators should be inspected prior to use for the following:

Respirators must be maintained, cleaned and stored according to manufacturers’ recommendations. The following directions can be followed to clean and sanitize most respirators after use: 

• Remove the cartridges or filters from the respirator face piece.
• Remove the head straps, gaskets, and valves from the facepiece.  
• Wash facepiece using warm water and a mild detergent using a soft sponge/brush. Rinse with warm water.  
• Sanitize with disinfecting wipe. Rinse with warm water.  
• Wash valves and gaskets.  
• Air dry all components on a rack or clean surface.

Respirators should be stored in a clean bag away from sunlight, dust, heat, moisture, and chemicals when not in use to prevent them from becoming distorted or damaged.

What are fit tests and how do I register for one?

Respirator fit testing is a quantitative or qualitative test to ensure the respirator is a good fit for your facial structure. Respirator fit can be affected by scarring, dental work, surgery, weight loss, facial hair, etc. A respirator fit test session will also ensure individuals are competent at donning and doffing their respirator as well as performing positive and negative pressure checks. 

When and how often do I need a fit test?

Respirator fit testing is required prior to the first use of your respirator and every 12 months thereafter, as outlined by the WorkSafeBC OHSR. Respirator fit testing is also needed in the following situations:  

• Change in the make, model, or size of respirator being used  
• Changes in facial structure 

Safety & Risk Services performs respirator fit testing. If there is an occupational requirement to wear a respirator for your work/job tasks, go to UBC Workplace Learning (WPL) to book a test. 

Can I use a respirator if I have a respiratory condition?

If you have any health concerns with wearing a respirator, a visit to UBC Occupational and Preventative Health or your own physician is required to obtain medical clearance . Medical clearance will ensure that an individual is medically capable of safely wearing a respirator. Safety & Risk Services must receive medical clearance before administering a fit test.

Relevant resources

• UBC Respirator Protection Program 
• WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Part 8: Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment 
• WorkSafeBC Breathe Safer Document 
• WorkSafeBC Facial Hair & Respirators 
• WorkSafeBC Worker Responsibilities with Respirator Use