Safe Clothing - Respiratory Protection

Farm work may involve hazardous dusts and vapors that are harmful to breathe. The way to protect yourself is by using the correct type of respirator. When working at jobs such as sweeping floors or cleaning out grain bins or hay mows, consider that dust may be generated. Dust and molds in old grain bins and hay mows may be especially dangerous. Wear approved dust masks when working in any dirty and dusty work areas.

Approved dust masks will have two straps or a head band. Make sure that the mask fits snugly around your mouth and nose.

The other type of respirator is a chemical cartridge respirator. This is the type of respirator to use to protect against vapors from pesticides, paints, adhesives, and solvents. The chemical cartridge respirator has replaceable filters to trap the vapors.

Each time you put on a chemical cartridge respirator, perform a fit check to make sure it fits you correctly. A properly fitted respirator will make an air-tight seal around your mouth and nose, but still allow you to breathe.

Note: The particle pre-filters on the 6000 and 7000 series face masks in this video have been installed backwards/flipped. The writing visible in the middle of the white pre-filter that says "mask side", should not be seen.

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This video is used for the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP), www.NSTMOP.psu.edu, and in the AgSafety4U program.

More Agricultural safety videos can be found on eXtension's AgSafety4u Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/AgSafety4u/videos