Respiratory Protection Program

OSHA rules require employers to provide workers with appropriate respiratory protective equipment and training when working in environments where the air is contaminated. Such harmful contaminants include fumes, mists, gases, smokes, vapors, sprays, fogs, and dusts. A respirator covers the mouth and nose, or the entire head or faces in some cases, to protect the wearer from hazards in the atmosphere. If a worksite has the potential to expose employees to hazardous materials, employers should establish a respiratory protection program and have it maintained and managed by a designated employee.

According to OSHA, an effective respiratory program must cover the following factors:

• Procedures for selecting respirators for use in the workplace.

• Medical evaluations of employees required to use respirators.

• Fit testing procedures for tight-fitting respirators.

• Procedures for proper use of respirators in routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations.

• Procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding, and otherwise maintaining respirators.

• Procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of breathing air for atmosphere supplying respirators.

• Training of employees in the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed during routine and emergency situations.

• Training of employees in the proper use of respirators, including putting on and removing them, any limitations on their use, and their maintenance.

• Procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the program.

Keeping employees healthy and safe should be the main concern for every work establishment. Make sure your workplace has an established respiratory protection program to ensure that you and all other employees are properly protected from hazards in the atmosphere.