OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry course

According to OSHA standards, dust masks are categorized as what type of protective equipment?

1. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

2. Air purifying respirators

3. Chemical protective gear

4. Disposable protective clothing

The correct answer is: Air purifying respirators

Dust masks are categorized as air purifying respirators because they are designed to filter out specific airborne contaminants, such as dust, pollen, and other particulate matter. Unlike other types of protective equipment, air purifying respirators focus on reducing inhalation exposure to pollutants by filtering the air before it is inhaled. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a broader category that encompasses various items designed to protect workers from physical and health hazards, including helmets, gloves, eye protection, and respirators, but does not specifically define the filtering capability that dust masks possess. Chemical protective gear typically refers to protective clothing or equipment that is specifically designed to shield workers from chemical exposure, often used in environments where hazardous substances are handled or stored. Disposable protective clothing includes garments designed to be worn once and then discarded, primarily to protect the body from contamination or exposure, not specifically from airborne particulates. By classifying dust masks as air purifying respirators, it emphasizes their specific function and effectiveness in filtering air, essential knowledge for ensuring worker safety in environments with airborne hazards.