Selecting appropriate respiratory protection can be as important and difficult as deciding whether respiratory protection is needed in the first place. While the selection process can be complex and time-consuming, the consequences of improper selection of respiratory protection equipment can be devastating.
Deciding the type of respirator that is appropriate for a given situation requires understanding the job-specific variables, including the identity and concentration of contaminants that are present (or may be present) in the work area. The safety director or industrial hygienist must understand the different types of respirators and their protective capabilities to determine the options that exist. Other factors, including worker health, worker comfort, cost, training and preference should also be taken into consideration.