ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a practical advice on selection and proper use of respiratory protective devices for protection against biological hazards. The issues being considered include the choice of equipment protection class depending on the size of microbial particles and the level of occupational risk. Furthermore, this chapter presents issues related to ensuring that the equipment is leak-proof, including a discussion of actions which a worker should undertake before using the equipment. The content of training courses for workers who use respiratory protective equipment is provided, emphasising the specificity related to the nature of biological agents. Guidance on storing the equipment when it is not in use is also given.
This chapter also deals with determining the limits of safe service time of the equipment, which is an important issue for the user; this takes into account the situations where the equipment is being used again after breaks in work or adjustments of fit. Useful tips are provided for situations where the equipment is used in particularly dusty environments (e.g. agriculture) or by healthcare, emergency response and military personnel, for whom the risk of contamination is high. It is noted that it would be helpful for the user to be provided with a manual containing the rules for safe use of the equipment; a sample scope of such manual is presented.
