OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)Hard
A worker is operating an abrasive blasting machine, which generates high levels of dust and fine particles. Which type of respiratory protection is generally required for such operations to ensure adequate protection against particulate matter?
- AHalf-mask air-purifying respirator with N95 filters
- BSurgical mask
- CSelf-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- DPowered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters
Abrasive blasting creates extremely high concentrations of very fine dust. A PAPR with HEPA filters provides a high assigned protection factor (APF) and positive pressure, making it suitable for high-hazard particulate environments where N95 might not be sufficient.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While N95 filters are for particulates, abrasive blasting often requires a higher level of protection than a half-mask respirator can provide.
- B. Surgical masks offer minimal protection and are not considered respiratory protection against hazardous dust.
- C. SCBA is typically used for oxygen-deficient atmospheres or immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) conditions, not primarily for particulate dust in an otherwise breathable atmosphere.
PAPR for Particulates
A Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) equipped with high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filters, providing a high level of protection against fine dust and aerosols.
- Uses a battery-powered fan to draw air through filters.
- Creates positive pressure inside the facepiece, reducing inward leakage.
- Provides a higher Assigned Protection Factor (APF) than negative-pressure respirators.
- Often recommended for high concentrations of fine particulates like those from abrasive blasting.
Memory trick: For 'blast' of dust, a PAPR with HEPA is the 'positive' choice!