What action is necessary if a worker's task changes to a higher hazard level?

When a worker's task changes to a higher hazard level, it is essential to re-evaluate their respirator. This is because different levels of exposure to hazardous materials, such as asbestos, may require different types of respiratory protection to ensure the worker's safety. The respirator must be appropriate for the specific airborne contaminants and the concentration levels present in the new work environment.

Evaluating the respirator includes checking that it provides the necessary protection, fits properly, and is suitable for the specific hazards associated with the new task. Simply continuing with the same protection or assuming that new equipment (like purchasing a new filter) will suffice without a thorough re-evaluation can expose workers to increased risk. It is also important to ensure that the worker understands how to use the respiratory protection effectively, which may require additional training if the hazard levels have significantly increased. Therefore, re-evaluating the respirator is the most critical step to ensure continued safety in a higher hazard situation.