Respiratory Protection Programme
Written Programme — OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134
Regulatory requirement: A written programme must be established and implemented whenever respirators are necessary to protect the health of employees or required by the employer.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring employees under their supervision comply with this programme and that respirators are available, properly maintained, and used correctly. Employees are responsible for using respirators as instructed and reporting any damage or fit issues immediately.
Required: The employer must identify and evaluate the respiratory hazards in the workplace. Selection must be based on the hazards present, required level of protection (APF), and workplace/user factors.
Engineering controls and administrative controls are the preferred methods of control. Respirators are used as a supplemental control when engineering controls are not feasible or while such controls are being implemented.
Required: Employees required to use respirators must receive a medical evaluation before fit testing and initial use. Employees must complete OSHA's medical questionnaire (Appendix C) and have it reviewed by a PLHCP.
Medical evaluations are provided at no cost to the employee and performed during normal working hours or at a time convenient to the employee. Re-evaluation is required if the employee reports medical signs or symptoms related to respirator use, if the PLHCP or supervisor indicates re-evaluation is necessary, or if a higher-protection respirator is required.
Required: All employees required to wear tight-fitting facepieces must be fit tested before initial use, whenever a different facepiece is used, and at least annually thereafter.
User seal check: Every employee must perform a positive- and negative-pressure user seal check each time a tight-fitting respirator is donned, following the manufacturer's instructions or OSHA Appendix B-1 procedures.
Facial hair: Employees shall not wear tight-fitting respirators when conditions that prevent a good face seal exist, including growth of facial hair at the sealing surface, a missing denture, or scarring in the sealing area.
IDLH atmospheres: Only respirators that have been specifically tested for IDLH atmospheres shall be used. A standby rescuer equipped with SCBA must be present, and a buddy system is required. Two-way communication must be maintained.
Respirators must be inspected before each use. Defective respirators must be taken out of service and repaired or discarded. Only manufacturer-approved parts shall be used for repairs. Emergency use respirators (SCBA) must be inspected monthly and after each use.
Training must cover: why the respirator is necessary; limitations and capabilities; how to use it in an emergency; how to inspect, put on, check seal, use, and remove it; maintenance and storage; and how improper fit/use/maintenance can compromise protection. Training must be understandable to each employee.
If employees use filtering facepieces (dust masks) voluntarily, the employer must provide them with OSHA Appendix D information. If employees voluntarily use respirators other than filtering facepieces, a written programme must cover medical evaluation, maintenance, and cleaning. Voluntary use does not require fit testing if exposure is below applicable limits.