When should a respirator be worn?

• A. Only during winter
• B. Only in the smell of fumes
• C. When painting, sanding, or working with hazardous fumes
• D. Never

Answer: (C)

Protecting your lungs from airborne hazards is essential, and a respirator is worn whenever there’s legitimate exposure to dust, vapors, or fumes. In a collision repair environment, painting and sanding release fine dust and solvent fumes that can irritate or damage the lungs; a respirator helps filter out those particulates and vapors so you don’t inhale them. Use a respirator whenever you’re painting, sanding, or working with hazardous fumes, and choose the right type for the hazards you face (for example, organic vapor cartridges for solvents and appropriate particulate filters for dust). Make sure you’re trained on proper use, perform a fit test and seal check, and replace filters or cartridges as needed. Also, whenever possible, enhance protection with good ventilation and other controls, using the respirator as a supplement, not a substitute. The options about wearing one only in winter or only when you smell fumes aren’t reliable—fumes can be present without a strong odor, and exposure isn’t tied to seasons. And never wearing protection is unsafe.