Elimination & Reduction of Respiratory Hazards

The most effective method for reducing worker exposure to respiratory hazards is to eliminate the sources of respiratory hazards in the workplace. The elimination or reduction of respiratory hazards at a healthcare facility offers the following benefits:

• Reduced health risks to healthcare workers and other people in the facility
• Reduced costs associated with respiratory protection:
  • Savings from not having to purchase respirators
  • Elimination of the cost of medical evaluations
  • Elimination of the costs associated with annual fit testing
• Reduced costs and less time use associated with worker training
• Increased worker comfort and productivity (respiratory protection can be uncomfortable and may slow down a worker's functionality)
• Reduction or elimination of the risk of accidental overexposure to respiratory hazards

To learn more about Healthcare Respiratory Protection visit our Cal/OSHA Healthcare Respiratory Protection Safety Online Training web page.