The association between risk perception and knowledge with the behavior of using respiratory protection devices in the four National Oil Products Distribution Company

 Having a clear understanding of the relationship between risk perception, knowledge, and protective behaviors could play a significant role in occupational risk management. This study aimed to survey the relationship between risk perception and knowledge on the behavior of using respiratory protection equipment in the four National Oil Products Distribution Company.

 In this descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2018, 52 workers from the loading and quality control departments of 4 national companies distributing petroleum products in Sabzevar, Bojnourd, Torbat Heydariyeh, and Shahroud participated. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were assessed (CVI: 0.9 and CVR: 0.92 and Cronbachchr('39')s alpha coefficient was determined to be 0.73), and data were analyzed using SPSS19 software, and descriptive statistics and linear regression were analyzed.

 More than half of the participants, who were exposed to the chemicals, use RPDs (Respiratory Protective Devices) all the time and when they are exposed to chemicals. While 75% of them reported using RPDs (Respiratory Protective Devices), reduces the quality of their work. In this study, there was not any significant relationship between RPDs behavior with knowledge and risk perception (P > 0.05). However, the association between work experience and RPDs was negatively significant (p= 0.009). 

 The results of this study suggested that only education and knowledge could not promote individual risk perception, improving protective behavior, therefore other barriers such as uncomfortably of RPDs, or their interference with the worker should be considered. To achieve this goal, the safety and health officials of the companies must pay attention to its quality in addition to the correct choice of these devices.