N95 and N99 Respirators: Safeguarding Construction Workers from Airborne Contaminants on Large Construction Sites
By: Skylar Carr
Photo by Tomazl on Canva
N95 and N99 respirators are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to safeguard workers on large construction sites from various airborne contaminants. Keep reading to learn how this example of personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a role in keeping wearers safe and healthy while working on a large construction site.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Construction dust can cause serious damage to workers’ health and life-threatening diseases. Construction workers can be exposed to many types of dust. Workplace exposure to small particles of silica dust, also known as respirable crystalline silica, can lead to serious diseases, including silicosis, a progressive lung disease marked by scarring and thickening of the lung tissue; lung cancer; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); and kidney disease.” (Center for Disease Control. NIOSH Science Blog. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2020/08/17/respirators-construction/. Accessed 6/14/2023).
Consider the following scenarios in which an N95 or N99 respirator helps to shield a wearer from particulate exposure during a large-scale construction job:
Demolition Operations
John, a safety officer, and his demolition team from West Demolition Services are involved in a large-scale demolition of a hotel. As they use heavy machinery to break down structures, clouds of dust and debris fill the air. To safeguard themselves from hazardous particles, they wear envo® pro N99 respirators. The respirators’ filtration technology efficiently captures airborne contaminants, helps to prevent them from inhaling harmful substances, and ensures their long-term respiratory health. It also has an exhalation valve to allow for easier breathing while working in a rigorous environment. With the entire team equipped with envo® pro N99 respirators, John and West Demolition Services prioritize the safety and health of their team throughout their large-scale operation.
Concrete Cutting
Rawlings Construction has been assigned the extensive renovation project of a sprawling 50,000-square-foot industrial facility. Their primary objective involves concrete cutting to prepare the space for upcoming renovations. However, it is vital to recognize that these specific activities produce substantial quantities of silica dust, which poses a significant health hazard to the team members involved.
To protect the team from inhaling the fine particles of dust and mitigate the potential health hazards, the safety officer at Rawlings equips workers with half-face elastomeric envo® pro N99 respirators. These respirators are carefully worn by each team member, ensuring their safety while allowing them to continue their work effectively. By wearing envo® pro N99 respirators, the team can confidently carry out its tasks, knowing that they are minimizing the risk of developing respiratory illnesses.
Construction Project of Large Building
In the bustling city, the construction of a multi-use high-rise building is underway. This project requires the expertise and dedication of a diverse team consisting of at least 100 skilled professionals from Prestige Builders. As Prestige Builders works to bring the architectural vision to life, various construction tasks are undertaken simultaneously. These tasks include concrete cutting, drilling, and other activities that produce significant amounts of airborne particles, such as dust, silica, and other potentially hazardous substances. Understanding the importance of protecting their health and well-being, the safety officer at Prestige equips each worker with an envo® pro N99 respirator. The respirator’s advanced technology ensures that each member of the team is shielded from inhaling hazardous particulates, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and long-term health complications.
In all three of these situations, construction workers shouldwear N95 or N99 respirators to help safeguard themselves from airborne contaminants.
The next level of protection in our line-up of respiratory masks, the envo® pro, is a reusable half-face elastomeric respirator certified by NIOSH. Designed to fit most faces, the envo® pro offers additional face coverage while providing secure protection and comfort. Approved for use with either our N95 or N99 filters. Our N99 filters come with a built-in exhalation valve.
By utilizing the envo® pro N99 respirator, construction workers can effectively protect themselves from airborne contaminants while getting the job done.