Respirators - Voluntary Use

A respirator is a piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) that protects its user from inhaling hazardous substances in the form of dusts, mists, fumes, gases, or vapors. There are many different types of respirators; each type protects its user from a specific airborne hazard. “Voluntary use” situations occur when workers use respirators even when they are not required. When employers allow the "voluntary use" of respirators, there are several requirements they must fulfill.

• Define the terms "respirator" and "voluntary use" • Identify examples of voluntary respirator use • List employer responsibilities for the voluntary use of filtering face pieces, or "dust masks" • List employer responsibilities for the voluntary use of other types of respirators • Identify the costs related to voluntary respirator use for which employers are responsible