The Use of Respiratory Protective

Dust Mask Must Be Worn: Respiratory Protection Signs

Respiratory protection signs make a mask or breathing apparatus compulsory where dust, gas, vapour or fumes are in the air. The effects of inhaled dust and gas often appear years later, so signs that name the hazard clearly do a better job of catching workers' attention.

Signs That Name the Dust

The “Inhalation Hazard, Wear a Dust Mask” series is produced separately for each type of dust, so the sign describes the real risk in that area rather than a generic warning:

• Construction and mining: cement, silica, asbestos, limestone, marble, plaster, gypsum, stone wool and coal dust.
• Woodworking and furniture: wood, timber, MDF and chipboard dust.
• Metalworking: iron, aluminium, copper, zinc, chrome plating, metal and sanding dust.
• Food, textiles and more: flour, grain, cotton, flax, paper, glass, fibreglass, carbon, graphite and caustic dust.

Signs by Type of Respirator

Where a dust mask is not enough, there are gas mask, full-face and half-face mask and breathing apparatus signs, plus task-specific versions such as “Wear a Gas Mask When Spraying Pesticides”. Escape mask, escape breathing apparatus and oxygen resuscitator signs show where this equipment is kept; the photoluminescent escape mask sign stays visible in the dark. A hygiene mask sign for food and clean areas is also included.

Materials and Sizes

In dusty or damp areas, 3 mm PVC foam board (dekota) or 1 mm galvanized steel can be wiped clean; vinyl stickers suit machines and cabinets. Text signs come in A5 to A2, symbol signs from 10×10 cm to 60×60 cm. Ilgi Trafik produces its signs in its own factory, and you can order a custom-text sign for any dust or chemical not listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I choose a general dust sign or one that names the dust? If the dust type is known, choose the named version; workers recognise the risk and take the warning more seriously.

Where should an escape mask sign go? Directly above the cabinet or box holding the mask, positioned so it can be seen from the escape route.