Controlling exposures to airborne hazards is a vital part of protecting workers from serious illnesses. According to OSHA, respiratory protection should be a last resort, used only after engineering controls and work practice controls have been explored. These primary control methods, such as local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, or substituting less toxic materials, are designed to eliminate or reduce an exposure to safe levels. However, if those controls are not feasible, or while they are being implemented, respirators become a necessary piece of a comprehensive safety program.
The OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) is the primary regulation governing the use of respirators in the workplace. This standard requires employers to implement a written respiratory protection program whenever respirators are necessary to protect the health of their employees. This comprehensive program, administered by a trained professional, must include worksite-specific procedures for respirator selection, medical evaluations, fit testing, training, maintenance, and proper use.
One of the most critical elements of a respiratory protection program is selecting the appropriate respirator for the specific hazard.
In addition to providing the proper equipment, employers must ensure employees are physically able to use a respirator and are trained on its correct use. OSHA mandates that each employee using a tight-fitting facepiece respirator must undergo a medical evaluation and be fit-tested to ensure a proper seal. This fit test must be performed prior to initial use and annually thereafter. Employees must also be trained on how to properly don, doff, and conduct a user seal check on their respirator each time they put it on.
Pinnacol Assurance is here to help your Colorado business navigate the complexities of respiratory protection. Our safety consultants can assist you in developing a robust, written respiratory protection program that meets all of OSHA's requirements. We provide guidance on everything from conducting air monitoring and selecting the right respirator to implementing a fit-testing program and providing effective training for your employees. To request a Safety Service visit or if you simply have a safety-related question, please complete our Contact Us form and one of our Safety Consultants will respond within two business days.
Respiratory protection decision flowchart
Respiratory protection program
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