Putting your safety first - Resene

5. Lack of oxygen and confinedspacesBefore entering a confined space, it is essentialto carry out a full assessment of the likelycontaminants and possibility of oxygendeficiency. A decision on the appropriate typeof respiratory equipment and other safetyfactors will then need to be made. For furtherinformation, see the booklet ‘Safety inConfined Spaces’, available from your localOSH branch office.6. Criteria for selecting a respiratorThree main factors need to be consideredwhen selecting a suitable respirator for aparticular situation. They are:• Contaminant.• Task.• Operator.If you have any doubts as to the correct devicefor a particular situation, you should seekexpert advice from the equipment supplier,your OSH branch office or other authority onoccupational hygiene.7. Medical aspects of wearing arespiratorThere are some medical factors that maypreclude or limit the use of respirators:• People with impaired lung function mayexperience difficulty with breathing.• An asthma attack may be made worse orinduced in susceptible individuals.• People with circulatory disease, such asheart disease and anaemia, may beadversely affected.• People prone to epilepsy should be awareof the special dangers of wearing arespirator should a seizure occur.• The wearing of contact lenses or spectaclesmay restrict the type of respirator that canbe worn.• Psychological factors, such asclaustrophobia, may preclude the wearingof respirators.• Facial characteristics, such as prominentcheekbones, deep skin creases, lack ofnose bridge, etc. may lead to respiratorfacepiece sealing problems.Further informationFor further information refer to ‘A Guide to Respirators and Breathing Apparatus’ published by theOccupational Health and Safety Service of the Department of Labour, Wellington.13