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Self-Rescue and Respiratory Devices

Learning Objectives

  • Explain when respiratory protection is necessary and its importance in protecting surface mine workers from dangerous exposures to respiratory hazards.
  • Identify the types of respiratory hazards that may be present at surface mines, describe the health risks associated with those respiratory hazards, and list the steps for assessing potential exposures.
  • Describe the types of respirators that are available as well as the advantages and limitations of each respirator type.
  • Outline the criteria for selecting the correct respirator for the situation based on the nature of the respiratory hazard, the nature of the work, and the personal characteristics of the respirator user.
  • Describe the general requirements for respirator use and maintenance, as well as the specific requirements for respirator use in life-threatening and emergency situations.

Available in English, Spanish

40 minutes

Mobile Ready

The purpose of the lesson is to provide mining contractors with an awareness of how they may use respiratory devices to prevent chronic, acute, and immediately life threatening exposures to respiratory hazards.

Course Outline
  • Introduction
  • Evaluating Respiratory Hazards
  • Respirator Types
  • Respirator Selection
  • Respirator Use and Maintenance
  • Summary
Regulations
  • Mine Safety and Health Administration, Code of Federal Regulations, 30 CFR, Parts 56/57, Subpart D, Air Quality, Radiation, and Physical Agents
  • Mine Safety and Health Administration, Program Policy Manual, Metal and Non-Metal Surface Mines, Parts 56/57.5002 to 56/57.5039
  • North Carolina Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Division, A Guide to Respiratory Protection, 2012
  • Mine Safety and Health Administration, Report of Investigation, Surface Metal Mine, Fatal Other Accident, October 28, 2011
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Assigned Protection Factors, February 2009
  • Cal/OSHA Consultation Service, Respiratory Protection in the Workplace, 2005
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Respirator Selection Logic, October 2004

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