Respiratory protection program basics
A high-level overview of what OSHA expects in your written respiratory protection plan.
The OSHA 1910.134 Mandate
If your employees are required to wear respirators, simply buying the masks and running a fit test is not enough. OSHA requires a Written Respiratory Protection Program managed by a designated Program Administrator.
Key Elements Required:
1. Selection Procedures: How and why you chose specific respirators for specific hazards in your facility.
2. Medical Evaluations: Your protocol for ensuring employees are medically cleared to wear the equipment.
3. Fit Testing Procedures: How you conduct fit testing (which is where Onsite Fit Testing comes in).
4. Use Procedures: Rules for using respirators in routine situations and in reasonably foreseeable emergencies.
5. Maintenance & Care: Schedules and procedures for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, and repairing the respirators.
6. Air Quality (If applicable): Procedures to ensure adequate air quality for supplied-air respirators.
7. Training: Training employees on the respiratory hazards they face, and proper donning, doffing, and limitations of the respirator.
8. Program Evaluation: Regular reviews of the program to ensure it's still effective.
The Good News
Writing this manual is tedious. That's why Onsite Fit Testing offers comprehensive Program Design and Implementation at no additional charge when you use our onsite fit testing services.