New OSHA Videos Offer Respirator, Facemask Safety Guidance

OSHA’s “Respirator Safety” video demonstrates how to correctly put on and take off common types of respirators, such as N95s. “The Difference Between Respirators and Surgical Masks” video explains how they prevent exposure to infectious diseases.

"Respirators play an important role in protecting many workers from exposure to chemical and biological hazards in the workplace," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels. "At a time when pandemic influenza has highlighted the risk to health care workers, these videos will prepare and protect workers from the very illnesses they are responsible for treating."

The videos also explain how workers can perform a user seal check to test whether a respirator is worn properly and will provide the expected level of protection.

Viewers may watch both English and Spanish versions by clicking the direct links above, visiting OSHA's Respiratory Protection page or the Department of Labor's YouTube site.

According to OSHA's respiratory protection standard 29 CFR 1910.134, respirators must be used as part of a comprehensive respiratory protection plan.