The agricultural industry involves many tasks that expose workers to harmful substances that can pose respiratory issues. To protect farmworkers, the use of respirators is crucial.
In this blog post, you’ll learn the range of respiratory hazards farmers face, gain an understanding of the various respirator types, and learn how to use them properly to help promote worker safety.
Respiratory diseases related to agriculture were among the first-recognized occupational hazards, with Olaus Magnus warning about grain-dust inhalation danger as far back as 1555. Since then, multiple studies have reported the increased risk of respiratory illness and disease, sometimes leading to death, among agriculture workers.
Farmworkers are exposed to a variety of respiratory hazards, including:
Organic dust from grain, animal feed, and bedding materials can cause respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, or hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Prolonged exposure to dust can lead to chronic respiratory conditions.
Pesticide application can expose workers to chemical fumes, mists, gasses, and vapors, which can cause respiratory distress, lung damage, and other health complications, if inhaled.
Ag chem labels include precautionary statements, first aid or statement of practical treatment, directions for use, and information on storage and disposal. Learn how to read a chemical label here.
Exposure to ammonia and hydrogen sulfide from manure can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, throat irritation, or more severe conditions in extreme cases.
Silos and grain storage areas can harbor mold spores, which, if inhaled, can lead to respiratory infections or allergic reactions.
Particulate respirators filter out airborne particles like dust, mold spores, and other organic matter. N95 respirators, the most common type, filter out 95% of airborne particles, while N100 respirators filter out 99.97%.
N95 respirators and other particulate respirators are commonly used during activities that generate dust, such as grain handling, hay baling, or working in poultry houses. They are also useful for protecting against some types of mold and fungal spores.
Particulate respirators do not protect against gasses or vapors, such as pesticides or chemical fumes, making them unsuitable for chemical-intensive tasks.
Chemical cartridge respirators have cartridges or canisters that filter out specific gasses or vapors. For agricultural applications, cartridges can be selected based on the specific chemicals being used, such as pesticides or ammonia.
Chemical cartridge respirators are essential for pesticide application and protection against chemical exposure. For instance, workers applying fumigants or working in enclosed environments where pesticides are used should wear these respirators.
Chemical cartridge respirators do not provide breathable air and should not be used in environments with low oxygen levels, such as silos or manure pits.
SARs deliver clean air from an external source, while SCBAs provide air from a tank worn on the worker's back. These systems are used in environments where the air is immediately dangerous to health and life.
SCBAs and SARs are essential in situations where gasses like hydrogen sulfide or high levels of carbon dioxide may be present, or in areas where oxygen levels are depleted, such as confined spaces. If your fire department has to respond to an incident on the farm they will have one of these types of respirators.
SCBAs and SARs are heavy and cumbersome, making them less suitable for routine tasks. However, they are necessary in extreme conditions where standard respirators would not provide adequate protection.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines for the use of respirators in agriculture.
Before using a respirator, OSHA requires fit testing to ensure a proper seal between the respirator and the wearer’s face. Poor fit reduces the respirator's effectiveness, allowing harmful substances to bypass the filter.
Fit testing should be done annually and whenever there is a significant change in the worker’s physical condition (e.g., weight loss or dental work).
Workers must receive training on the proper use, maintenance, and limitations of respirators.
Training should include how to inspect the respirator, don and doff it correctly (putting it on and taking it off), and recognize when it is no longer functioning properly.
Respirators need regular maintenance to ensure they remain effective.
Filters and cartridges should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or sooner, if they become damaged or clogged.
Respirators should be stored in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and chemicals.
For tasks in confined spaces, such as grain bins or manure pits, it’s critical to use the appropriate respirator.
Workers should never enter these areas without a supplied-air respirator or SCBA when toxic gasses are present or oxygen levels are low.
Ventilation and gas monitoring are also essential in these environments.
By selecting the appropriate respirator for the task, ensuring proper fit, and following maintenance and training protocols, agricultural workers can significantly reduce their risk of respiratory issues.
FBN offers personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies for use in agricultural settings that you can order conveniently online 24/7 and get delivered to your farm.
Dust Masks and N-95 Available on FBN Store for Dust Exposure:
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