THE SELECTION OF THE RESPIRATORS AS A RESULT OF STUDIES OF THEIR WORKPLACE PROTECTION FACTORS (REVIEW)

Abstract

Currently, respiratory protective devices (RPD) play an important role in the system of the workers’ protection from the polluted atmosphere in the Russian Federation. The article describes the history of evaluation of workplace protection factors (WPFs) in USA and UK, and their impact on the law requirements for the employers (in developed countries), that determine the selection of RPD for known workplaces’ conditions. WPFs measurements revealed a low efficiency of the four types of RPD compared to measurements in laboratories. This difference prompted a change in the requirements for employers. The Assigned Protection Factors of three types of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) were reduced: for PAPRs with a full facepiece - from 2000 to 40; for PAPRs with hood or helmet - from 1000 to 25; for PAPRs with half mask - from 500 to 50. The Assigned Protection Factor of gas masks was reduced from 900 to 40. Western requirements for selecting RPD are compared with the practice and recommendations for choosing RPD in the RF. There were revealed significant differences increasing the risk of acute poisoning and the development of chronic diseases among workers. Specific recommendations are given to reduce these risks: reduction of air pollution in the workplaces; development of requirements for the selection of RPD in the RF, based on the best Western requirements; participation of the industrial hygienists in the development of requirements for RPD and training materials for the specialists and workers; development and implementation of the Biological Exposure Indices.