Respiratory Protection: Are You Compliant? A complete and compliant respiratory protection program is more than just writing down procedures for employees that are required to wear a respirator on the job. You must make sure your employees are physically able to wear a respirator, select the correct respirator for your application and be sure the equipment properly fits your employees. There is more to a respiratory protection program than just wearing it. Make sure your workplace has accounted for each of the following to ensure your workers stay safe and you avoid costly fines. Know Your Hazards The first step to developing an OSHA compliant program is identifying and evaluating the respiratory hazards in your specific workplace. Ask Yourself: •Do you know the type and physical form of the hazard(s) present? •Are sufficient engineering or administrative controls in place to control hazardous atmospheres? •Have you accounted for known and foreseeable emergencies? •Does the atmosphere contain sufficient oxygen? • Have you conducted air quality sampling and if so, what were the findings? Written Respiratory Protection Plan Supplying your employees with respirators is not enough to stay OSHA compliant. You must develop, implement and periodically evaluate a written respiratory protection program that is specific to your workplace and the hazards present. Ask Yourself: •Do you have procedures for selecting respirators, medical evaluations and fit testing? •Does your written plan account for employees wearing respirators voluntarily? •Do you have a designated program administrator qualified to administer the program? In 2019, 642 workplace fatalities were reported due to exposure to harmful substances or environments. This is the highest figure on record since the series began in 2011. An estimated 5 million workers are required to wear respirators in 1.3 million workplaces throughout the United States. Violations pertaining to respiratory equipment was number three on the list of most cited violations by OSHA in 2020. Respirator Selection Respirator selection must be based on the hazard(s) to which your employees are exposed. Remember to select a variety of models and styles so your employees can find a respirator that fits them the best. Ask Yourself: • Have you selected NIOSH-certified respirators that are based on OSHA’s Assigned Protection Factors and Maximum Use Concentrations? •If applicable, are the respirators you selected approved for Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmospheres? OSHA Standard 1910.134(a)(2) says 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 shall include the requirements outlined in paragraph (c) of this section. The program shall cover each employee required by this section to use a respirator. SAFETY FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT: SAFETYQUESTIONS@FASTENAL.COM OR 1-833-FNL-SAFE
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