Occupational safety and health efforts are not only valuable in the workplace, but can be applied to non-occupational situations as well. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently posted an article that covers the use of respiratory protection in non-occupational settings.

One main concern with any respirator use is whether or not the devices are being worn properly.

In a work setting employers are required to provide training on best practices, use NIOSH approved devices, and be able to demonstrate a filtration efficiency of 95% or more. Not surprisingly, those rules do not apply when it comes to at-home or public respirator use.

There are a few obstacles when it comes to public use of respirators. First, most people do not have access to formal training or the ability to go through fit testing or a medical evaluation. The general public is also not required to use a NIOSH-approved respirator and can decide to use products ranging from bandanas to counterfeit devices as a replacement.

Studies have shown that without training, fit testing, or using a NIOSH-approved respirator, public respirator use is much less effective at protecting people than workplace use.

So, what steps can be made to make public respirator use more effective?

• Use a NIOSH or FDA approved N95 FFR (check your equipment here)
• order from a reputable vendor
• if you have been fitted at work, use the same model at home
• follow all manufacturer instructions each time you use a device at home
• complete a seal check with each use (watch video)
• if you have a medical condition, speak with a physician before use
• Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks from the work you are performing
• Avoid contact with the contaminated surface of the respirator
• Dispose of your respirator properly so others do not come in contact with it
  

To learn more about respirator protection for the public, click below to read NIOSH's full article

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