How can workers prevent exposure to airborne toxins?

The most effective way for workers to prevent exposure to airborne toxins is by using appropriate ventilation systems and wearing respirators. Effective ventilation helps to dilute and remove hazardous airborne contaminants from the work environment, thereby lowering the concentration of toxins that workers may breathe in. This can include general dilution ventilation or local exhaust ventilation, which can capture and safely remove hazardous substances at the source.

In addition to ventilation, respirators provide a crucial line of defense by filtering out harmful particles and gases from the air a worker breathes. Depending on the specific type of airborne toxin, different classes of respirators may be necessary to ensure adequate protection. Together, these strategies significantly reduce the risk of inhalation of airborne toxins, thereby safeguarding workers' health and maintaining a safer workplace environment.

While proper use of fire extinguishers is important for fire safety, regular safety audits are essential for overall workplace safety management, and avoiding machinery altogether may not be a practical or effective solution to preventing exposure to toxins.