What should be included in a respiratory protection program?

What should be included in a respiratory protection program?

A comprehensive Respiratory Protection Program, as mandated by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.134), should include the following elements:
  1. Program Administration: The program should be overseen by a designated program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience. This person is responsible for administering all aspects of the program, including day-to-day operations, evaluations, and updates.
  2. Worksite-Specific Procedures: The program should detail specific procedures relevant to the worksite, addressing potential respiratory hazards and appropriate protective measures.
  3. Identification and Evaluation of Respiratory Hazards: This includes a thorough evaluation of the workplace to identify potential respiratory hazards. This evaluation should be done by a competent person and should be periodically updated, especially when new processes or materials are introduced.
  4. Selection of Appropriate Respirators: The program should detail how respirators will be selected based on the identified hazards, their concentrations, the nature of the work, and the limitations of the available respirators.
  5. Medical Evaluations: Before a worker is required to use a respirator, a medical evaluation is needed to determine whether they are medically fit to wear it without risk to their health. This should include a procedure to obtain, document, and maintain medical clearance records.
  6. Fit Testing: Fit testing should be performed for each worker required to wear a respirator to ensure a proper seal between the face and the respirator. The program should specify the type of fit testing to be used, the procedures for conducting the test, and the frequency of fit testing.
  7. Routine and Emergency Use Procedures: These should describe when and how workers should use their respirators, both under normal working conditions and in emergencies. This section should also include procedures for donning and doffing respirators, user seal checks, and the handling of malfunctions.
  8. Training and Information: The program should outline the necessary training for workers, including the nature of respiratory hazards, the limitations and capabilities of the respirators, and proper use and maintenance. The training should be comprehensible and relevant to the workers.
  9. Inspection, Cleaning, Maintenance, and Storage Procedures: The program should detail how respirators will be cleaned, inspected, maintained, and stored to ensure their continued effectiveness. It should also outline a schedule for these procedures and methods for identifying and replacing defective parts.
  10. Program Evaluation: Regular evaluations should be carried out to assess the program's effectiveness. These evaluations might involve site inspections, worker feedback, record reviews, and corrective actions.
  11. Recordkeeping: There should be a provision for maintaining necessary records, including medical evaluations, fit testing, and training records.
Remember, this is a broad overview, and each element may need to be expanded upon based on specific workplace conditions, potential hazards, and the types of respirators used.