The Sciences Respiratory Protection Program is designed to ensure that Science Personnel who require Respiratory Protection from inhalation hazards are properly fitted with the appropriate respirator. Supervisors/PI are responsible for assessing the hazards in their labs and making the determination as to whether respiratory protection is requires for their employees/students based on the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations.
Respirators are an apparatus used to cover the nose and mouth or the entire face to prevent the inhalation of dust, particles, smoke, biological or noxious substances. These devices filter air (air purifying). Air purifying respirators are not suitable for oxygen or potentially oxygen reduced environments. Air or atmosphere-supplying respirators are not a part of this respiratory protection program. Should you require the use of air-supplying respirators, contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office or Science Facilities for assistance. The Science Respiratory Protection Program is for those requiring air purifying respirators.
In addition, this program is only designed for the use of N 95 or 1/2 face masks. Personnel wishing to use full face masks should contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office or Science Facilities for assistance with these.
N 95 Half Mask
N 95 masks are designed to remove 95 % of all particles 0.3 microns in diameter from the air.
Half masks can also use cartridges rated as N 95, or for vapours or a combination of particulates and vapours.
To ensure the proper use and fitting of respirators the university has created a Respiratory Protection Program.
All personnel and supervisors who wish to use a respirator should download and read the Program
Respiratory Protection Program and Procedures
Supervisors need to download, complete and send in the Supervisor Authorization Form
Supervisors Authorization Form
Once the Supervisor's Authorization Form is received, the users will be contacted to arrange for the fit testing and training on the use of respirators
Contact either Angela Sikma or Chris Williams at Science Facilities if you have any questions.