The article covers topics of selecting and organizing the application of individual protective means for respiratory organs in Russian Federation and abroad. The authors reviewed recommendations of the national authors on respirators selection (over last 50 years) and demonstrated the inconsistency with contemporary worldwide practice. Absent legal regulation of respirators selection and of respiratory organs protection programs, lack of training programs and tutorials based on legislation requirements can be potentially harmful for workers' health. The authors therefore suggested ways to lower this potential harm, based on practice of selection and application of respiratory protection systems in foreign countries and on increased control over respirators certification and outdated models replacement.