OSHA has released a revised Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Respiratory Protection Standard intended to help small businesses protect workers from respiratory hazards. The updated guide, directed at businesses with fewer than 250 workers, explains how to comply with OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard. It provides instruction on how to select and fit test appropriate respirators to protect workers in many different industries. It includes new illustrations to help employers and workers identify different respirators, and describes how and where they should be used.

The revised guide also explains how Assigned Protection Factors (APFs) and Maximum Use Concentrations (MUCs), detailed in OSHA's revised standard, can help workers and employers assess the level of protection necessary in a given workplace. The respiratory standard compliance guide can be ordered by calling 1-800-321-OSHA or 202-693-1999.

OSHA's Respiratory Protection Web page includes hazard alerts and training materials. In addition, OSHA provides assistance to small businesses through the free On-site Consultation Service. Employers with fewer than 250 workers can call 1-800-321-OSHA to request this service, free of charge, to help identify and correct hazards, as well as improve comprehensive safety and health programs. Consultation services are separate from enforcement activities and do not result in penalties or citations.

To view OSHA's other publications, visit the Publications Web page.