IMPROVEMENT OF THE PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION OF DUST FILTER RESPIRATORS ON THE BASIS OF RISK ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Purpose. The improvement of the procedure for selection of dust filter respirators with taking into account the risks in the workplace. Methodology. To determine the best method for risk assessment, the review of scientific publications has been done; the scientific works that have been conducted on the problem by some institutes of hygiene in recent years, have also been studied; discussions on improving the operating conditions of respirators with scientists from the institutes of occupational health and specialists in labor protection of industrial enterprises of the coal industry have been held. Results. The procedure for the selection of dust filter respirators, which consists of three main steps, has been developed. This allows taking into account the whole set of influential factors of the production environment when assessing the risk and choice of personal respiratory protection. It differs from the existing ones in the ability to take into account operational risks that increase the intensity of work, which can affect the physical health of the user. To assess the operational risks, it has been proposed to use five main indicators of dust filter respirators: duration of work, limitation of the field of view, resistance to respiration, weight, and CO2 content. The main types of errors in the selection and operation of dust filter respirators have been identified. It can significantly reduce the effectiveness of protection of respirator users. Scientific novelty. It is a scientific basis for the procedure for selecting dust filter respirators based on an assessment of operational risks to workers, taking into account the impact of environmental factors that can lead to errors in the choice and operation of personal respiratory protection. Practical significance. Recommendations for the selection of dust filter respirators based on risk assessment have been developed. Risk assessment includes the following main steps: identification of the harmful factor, determination of the type of hazard to the worker and calculation of operational risk, as well as selection and justification of the protective device model. In addition, some typical errors in the selection and operation of personal respiratory protection means have been described, which can significantly impair the level of protection of users. Recommendations for assessing the operational risks of dust filter respirators, which increase the intensity of work, have also been worked out.