Respiratory Protection
Respirators are an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly selected and worn. Respirator use is encouraged even when exposures are below the exposure limit, to provide an additional level of comfort and protection for workers. However, if a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean, the respirator itself can become a hazard to the worker. Section 5144 applies to all workplace respirator use. Many substance-specific standards, such as lead, asbestos, and carcinogens, also have additional respiratory protection requirements
- Respiratory Protection Program Template
When should respirators be used?
Before resorting to respirator use and whenever feasible, engineering controls (such as enclosure of the operation, mechanical ventilation, or substitution with less toxic material) must be used to reduce excessive airborne contaminant exposures. Respirators should be used in the following circumstances:
- When necessary to protect the health of employees
- During the period necessary to install or implement feasible controls
- Where feasible controls fail to achieve full compliance
- In reasonably foreseeable emergencies.
Before You Can Wear A Respirator
Medical Evaluation: Using a respirator may place a physiological burden that varies with the type of respirator worn, the job, workplace conditions in which the respirator is used, and the medical status of the employee. A medical evaluation shall be conducted before a fit test is conducted or before use in the workplace to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator.
- Example Medical Evaluation Form
Fit Testing: Prior to using a negative or positive pressure tight fitting facepiece, employees must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used.
Employees will be required to pass an appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT), based on the type of tight-fitting facepiece respirator to be used. Whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, employees must be fit tested.
- Example Fit Testing Form
Facepiece Seal Protection: Employees who have the following shall not be permitted to where respirators with tight-fitting facepieces:
- Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve function
- Any condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal or valve function.
Training
Employees must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills specific to the hazards in their particular workplace, including emergency use of respirators, their respirator limitations, and how to properly wear, store, and maintain their respirators.
Obtaining A Respirator
Employees who wish to obtain a respirator should contact their department safety representative, supervisor, or the Risk Management Division.
Resources and References