What should a steamfitter wear to prevent respiratory issues when dealing with hazardous materials?

Wearing respirators is essential for steamfitters when dealing with hazardous materials because these devices are specifically designed to protect the respiratory system from inhaling harmful dust, vapors, gases, or mists that may be present in the workplace. Hazardous materials can release toxic substances into the air, and inhaling these can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory illnesses and other long-term effects.

Respirators function by filtering or purifying the air that the wearer breathes, ensuring that only clean, safe air is inhaled. They come in various types, including particulate filters for airborne particles and chemical cartridges for specific harmful gases, which makes them adaptable to different hazards encountered in steamfitting tasks.

In contrast, safety goggles protect the eyes from chemical splashes or flying debris, earplugs help reduce noise exposure, and protective gloves shield the hands from physical hazards and chemicals, but these do not provide any protection for the respiratory system. Therefore, the use of respirators is critical to ensure that steamfitters maintain their health and safety in environments where hazardous materials are present.