Respirator Program

The Respiratory Protection Program is designed to protect employees from inhaling hazardous substances such as dusts, fumes, vapors, and gases that may be present in the workplace. OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires employers to establish and maintain a program whenever respirators are necessary to protect worker health.

A strong respiratory protection program includes:

• Hazard Assessment: Identifying airborne contaminants and determining when respirators are needed.

• Respirator Selection: Providing the proper type of respirator (e.g., N95, half-mask, full-face, or supplied-air) based on the hazard and level of exposure.

• Medical Evaluation: Ensuring employees are medically fit to wear respirators.

• Fit Testing: Conducting initial and annual fit tests to confirm a proper seal and protection.

• Training: Teaching employees how to properly wear, adjust, clean, and maintain their respirators.

• Inspection & Maintenance: Regularly checking respirators for damage and ensuring they are stored correctly.

• Program Evaluation: Periodically reviewing the program to confirm it remains effective and compliant.

By following the Respiratory Protection Program, employers safeguard workers from harmful exposures and employees gain confidence knowing they can breathe safely while performing their jobs.