by Theresa Whalen
CFA Farm Safety Consultant (605 Words)
Disposable particulate respirators are being made available free through provincial farm safety agencies
to help farmers plan for safety on their farms. However, if you wear a respirator improperly, then you
might as well have none at all. So the key message is to think ahead, have a respirator handy, and know
how to use it properly.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture has partnered with 3M Canada, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited and
the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association to offer free N95 particulate respirators (3M style 9211)
across Canada. Look for your free respirator at trade shows and other events where you meet provincial
agricultural and farm safety organizations. For a list of participating organizations as well as more
information on how to fit test an N95 respirator, visit www.planfarmsafety.ca.
Grain dust, moulds, pollen, animal dander, soil dust, and welding fumes are just a few of many farm
related respiratory hazards. Exposure can cause immediate and long-term respiratory illnesses such as
farmers’ lung, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and other irreversible, incurable ailments.
When selecting a respirator, there are several things to consider. Respirators are rated as N Series,
which mean not resistant to oil; R Series, which means resistant to oil; and P Series, which means oil
proof. A mask with an N95 rating is not resistant to oil and has a 95 per cent filter efficiency rating.
Filter efficiency means the percentage of particulates removed by the filter. There are three levels of
filter efficiency: 95 per cent, 99 per cent, and 99.97 per cent. The higher the efficiency – the lower the
leakage.
There are many different types and sizes of disposable respirators or dust masks available – so be sure
to find one that is comfortable for you. Also ensure you only select a product with NIOSH or CSA
certification. You can expect to pay between $1 and $4 per N Series respirator – a small investment
that will make a big difference in your long-term health. Respirators should be discarded after one use.
To ensure a proper fit, a Negative Fit Test should be performed:
- Place the mask over your mouth and nose, and adjust straps so that the mask fits snugly.
- Place your hands over the respirator so that no air can enter.
- Breathe in and hold your breath.
- The mask should suck in against your face and stay there for 10 seconds after you have stopped
breathing in. - If the mask does not collapse against your face or immediately releases, re-adjust the straps and
repeat steps 1 through 4. If you cannot maintain a tight seal, try a different size, make or model of
respirator until you find one that does seal. A respirator may not fit properly if you wear dentures, have
facial scarring, are not clean-shaven, or have had a broken facial bone or facial surgery.
Respirators must be stored in a clean dry place in a tight container or a sealed plastic bag when not in
use so they are protected from dust, sunlight, extreme heat and cold, moisture, chemicals and physical
damage. Keep respirators in a convenient location close to where they are to be used.
“Plan • Farm • Safety” is the three-year theme of the Canadian Agricultural Safety campaign, which
was launched in March. Each aspect of the theme will be promoted over the next three years.
In 2010, the campaign promotes « Plan » with safety walkabouts and planning for safety. In the second
year, the focus will be on « Farm » including implementation, documentation and training. In the third
year, emphasis will be on « Safety » including assessment, improvement and further development of
safety systems.
– 30 –
For more information contact:
Theresa Whalen, CFA Farm Safety Consultant T: (613) 822-0016 E: farmsafety@cfafca.ca
** Free photos and cartoons are available to accompany this article at www.planfarmsafety.ca.
