A survey on methods of wearing respiratory protective equipment and awareness of respiratory protection among workers engaged in dust-generating work

Objectives: The aim of this study was to clarify the current status of respiratory protection and associated problems among workers engaged in dust-generating work, including the type of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) used, methods for wearing RPE, and awareness of respiratory protection. Methods: We surveyed 212 male workers involved in dust-generating work from 10 plants on the current status and problems associated with respiratory protection. The survey inquired about work environment, type of RPE used, methods for wearing RPE, and knowledge of respiratory protection. Questions about methods for wearing RPE inquired about the position of the headband and placement of something like fabric between the face-piece cushion and face when wearing RPE. Analyses were performed using simple tabulation of each question item. Results: A total of 53.3% of RPE used by participants were replaceable filter dust masks and 19.3% were disposable dust masks. Of the workers who regularly used replaceable filter RPE, 50.0% wore the headband around the helmet. Meanwhile, 27.4% placed a knit cover between the face-piece cushion and their faces, and 11.0% used a towel instead of a knit cover. A total of 69.5% of workers who placed fabric between the face-piece cushion and their face perceived that “there was no problem with respiratory protection”. Conclusion: We found that workers engaged in dust-generating work used a variety of methods for wearing RPE. Workers should be provided with appropriate education on respiratory protection and instruction on appropriate methods for wearing RPE in the workplace.