Respiratory Protection Programs

Workplaces, where it has been determined that respirators are used, must have a complete written program and documented specifics which includes:

- The maintenance, inspection, cleaning, storage and evaluation of the respirators.

- Use of the respirator in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

- Fit testing protocols and test results.

- Regular worker training.

- Medical evaluations of employees.

- Environmental monitoring.

Considerations:

- Workers are not exposed to a single unvarying concentration of a hazardous substance; rather, individual exposures may vary throughout the workshift and between days.  The highest anticipated concentration should therefore be used to compute the required protection factor for each respirator wearer.

- Qualitative or quantitative fit tests must be provided to ensure that the tight fitting facepiece respirator fits the individual.  Employees must pass a fit test with the exact model and size that they will wear in the workplace.

- Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces should not be used when facial scars, deformities, or facial hair interfere with the face seal.

- Respirators used in the workplace must be certified by NIOSH.  A list of certified respirators can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/cel/