Respiratory Protection

• Has the proper type of respiratory protection been selected for the hazard (i.e. respirators, supplied air, PAPF, etc.)?
• Are respirators adequate and properly certified for the work for which they are used?
• Are employees trained on proper respirator use?
• Have employees been fit tested to ensure their protection from airborne contaminants?
• Have medical evaluations been performed for all employees who wear respiratory protection?
• Does management maintain the mandatory records?

If your facility isn't complying, you expose your business to strict enforcement action and potentially heavy fines, as well as liability claims from those who fear health damage from excessive exposure to hazardous contaminants.

Fit testing

When you must wear a respirator to protect yourself against airborne contaminants in your workplace, it is very important to follow proper procedures for putting it on and taking it off. The following video is provided by OSHA and demonstrates user seal tests of a dusk mask and a half mask. Don't confuse seal tests with fit tests.

OSHA emphasized that every employee has a right to a safe and healthful workplace. Whenever respiratory protection is required to be worn to protect employees from hazardous airborne contaminants, the employer is responsible for implementing a comprehensive respiratory protection program and providing employees with an appropriate respirator, in accordance with OSHAs respiratory protection standard, 29 CFR 1910.134. This program must include training, medical evaluation, and fit testing.

KPA's respiratory protection program highlights