Respiratory Program Requirements
In situations in which you can’t otherwise control the risk of occupational disease related to harmful dust, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, vapors, etc., OSHA requires employers to establish and implement a written respiratory protection program with work site-specific procedures. The provisions of the program include procedures for selection, medical evaluation, fit testing, training, using and caring for respirators.
An effective respirator program must cover the following:
- Written worksite-specific procedures
- Program evaluation
- Selection of an appropriate respirator approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
- Training
- Fit testing
- Inspection, cleaning, maintenance and storage
- Medical evaluations
- Work area surveillance
- Air quality standards
Employee Training Topics
Regardless of the type of respirator that employees wear, they must receive training on the following:
- Why a respirator is required
- Capabilities and limitations of the respirator
- Procedures for inspecting the respirator
- How to properly put on, take off and use the respirator
- How to check the seal of the respirator• How to use the respirator in an emergency situation — and what to do if the respirator malfunctions
- Medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the use of a respirator
- How fit, usage and maintenance can affect a respirator’s performance
- Maintenance and storage procedures
- Federal or state requirements pertaining to respirator use
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