An employer must evaluate workplace contaminants before beginning a respiratory program. Air contaminants can include harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smoke, sprays and vapors. Consult an industrial hygienist to evaluate work-area exposure levels. Employers should require employee respirator use only when engineering controls aren’t available, when controls are being installed, or in emergencies. The following is an overview of the 11 requirements for starting an effective respiratory protection program.
Step 1: Respiratory protection program — An employer is required to develop and implement a written respiratory program with required worksite-specific procedures and elements for required respirator use, according to 29 CFR 1910.134(c). The written program must include a respirator-selection process; medical evaluations; fit testing; procedures for use; procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing and discarding; procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity and flow; training in respiratory hazards; training in use limitations and maintenance; and procedures for regularly evaluating the program’s effectiveness.