In accordance with OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.134, in the control of those occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors, the primary objective shall be to prevent atmospheric contamination.
This shall be accomplished as far as feasible by accepted engineering control measures (for example, enclosure or confinement of the operation, general and local ventilation, and substitution of less toxic materials). When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted, the employer must conform to the requirements of the Respiratory Protection Standard.
A respirator shall be provided to each employee when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of such employee. The employer shall provide the respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended.
The employer shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a Respiratory Protection Program, which includes:
- A site-specific written program detailing elements of the Respiratory Protection Standard.
- Annual training designed to address:
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- respiratory hazards encountered at the workplace and consequential health effects;
- proper selection and use of respirators;
- limitation of respirators;
- respirator donning and user seal (fit) checks;
- fit testing;
- emergency use procedures;
- maintenance and storage; and
- medical signs and symptoms associated with respiratory hazards
- Medical evaluations to determine the employee’s ability to use a respirator. This evaluation must be done by a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP).
- Annual respirator fit-testing to ensure the respirator is properly sized and fitted to the user. In addition to annual fit testing, a seal check, i.e., positive and/or negative pressure check, must be conducted every time the user dons his or her respirator.