admin Background
People started using asbestos around 4500 years ago when the Finnish mixed it with their ceramics to make their cooking utensils and earthenwares stronger. It was not only in the mid-19th century when it was used for industrial purposes. It was widely used especially just before the 19th century was about to end as a fire retardant, pipe insulator, ceiling insulator, bricks, cement, gaskets, drywall, roofing, flooring and as lawn furniture among many others.
However early in the 1900s, health issues like lung problems that lead to the untimely death of so many individuals as a secondary to the use and inhalation of asbestos dramatically increased. That is why many governments have issued legislation banning or limiting the use of asbestos in their country.
Nonetheless, amidst the banning and the limiting of the use, some industries still make use of asbestos. That is why the government have issued mandates requiring industries to provide their workers with a respirator.
What is a respirator?
A respirator is a type of PPE or personal protective equipment. Most common respirators are worn over the mouth and the nose. However, some respirators may cover also the eyes and the entire face of the worker. If the respirator is being used properly, it can save the worker from inhaling harmful air contaminants like the asbestos.
Because the amount of asbestos in the air varies among different regions, respirator also comes in different types. That is why many companies that manufacture personal protective equipment like PPS, an Australia-based company, innovated respirators that are suitable to the region. Likewise, PPS Asbestos respiratory protective equipment comes in different shapes and sizes thus it is best that before making any purchase, several tests should be made by a qualified person. Air sampling of the area should be done to identify the number of harmful contaminants present in the air. More so, the respirator must fit snugly to the face of the worker. Otherwise, it will not serve its main purpose if the respirator is to lose or to tight in the face. A fit test should be done prior to use as well as a medical assessment to all workers in need of the respirator.
Conclusion
In summary, providing PPE to each worker that deal with hazardous contaminants does not only secure the health safety of the workers but also protects the company from future medical bills and even more, lawsuits.
