ACTION PLAN
Employers cannot
simply hand out a respirator for protection against
hazardous atmospheres. The proper selection, fit,
use and maintenance of respirators are critical. An
effective Respirator Program must be established for
each work site with procedures specific to the
conditions present.
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Program Administrator
Select a program administrator to manage and
implement the program. This should be a qualified
person with the required training and authority.
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Hazard Identification
Identify respiratory hazards in the
workplace. Review the list of hazardous chemicals,
material safety data sheets and processes to
identify sources respiratory hazards.
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Hazard Evaluation
Perform a Hazard Evaluation to determine
methods of controls that can be used to protect
workers from the respiratory hazards.
Use the model document Hazard
Assessment Form to assist in the evaluation
process.
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Selecting An Approved
Respirator
Based on the evaluation, select an
approved respirator. Vendors can play an important
role in helping you select the proper
respirator. You must also
develop a means for workers to determine when it is
necessary to change cartridges. Many respirator
vendors provide on-line calculators to assist in
this process.
Using the data collected on the model document Cartridge
Change Schedule Form will allow you to use the
on-line calculators.
Vendors can also play another role in the respirator
selection process. They provide an opportunity for
workers to try different size and model devices to
ensure an effective fit can be achieved.
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Develop A Written
Respiratory Protection Program
Develop a written Respiratory Protection Program.
The program must contain all the elements
established under the standard. These include the
procedures for inspection, use, cleaning,
disinfecting, and storage
Use the model document Respiratory Protection
Program to assist you in developing the written
program. The document should be edited and
customized to address the specific actions you will
take to address the requirements of the standard.
The model document Respirator Inspection Form
can be developed to assist workers in performing an
effective inspection. This document may also be
used in the training process.
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Medical Screening
Workers must be medically fit to wear a
respirator. A state licensed health care
professional must perform a medical evaluation using
an OSHA approved questionnaire.
The model document Respirator Medical Evaluation
should be provided to the licensed health care
professional conducting the evaluation.
Workers who do not pass the evaluation process will
need a physical examination by a licensed physician
before than can use a respirator on the job.
The "medical fitness-testing" database can be
used to record all evaluations. The medical
evaluation database can be used to record the
results of medical examinations. The model document
Medical Fitness Certificate can be used to
document the results of the evaluations and medical
examinations including any limitation for use.
Fit Testing Respirators
A Fit Test must be performed on each
worker to ensure the respirator is properly fit and
providing the necessarily protection. These tests
can be by qualified workers. However, most
employers choose to allow the respirator vendor to
provide this service for a small fee. This test
must be conducted at least annually.
The model document
Annual Employee Fit Test Form can be used to
document the annual Fit Test. The "Fit Test
Information" data base application can be used
to record and track all fit tests.
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Issuance of Respirators
Employers should record the issuance of
respirator to qualified workers. The record should
include date like the date of issuance, make and
model of respirator, NIOSH certification number, as
well as cartridge and fit testing information.
The "PPE Issuance" database can be used to
document and track the issuance of respirators.
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Information and Training
The Respiratory Protection standard has
many information and training requirements. The
training should be competency based to ensure the
workers can effectively and safely use respirators
on the job.
Refer to the Respirator Protection Training
Guide. This document will assist you
developing and implementing the training as required
by the standard.
Use the Training
database to record the required training.
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Program Evaluation
You should routinely evaluate the effectiveness of
your Respirator Protection Program. This evaluation
should be done at least annually unless you detect a
deficiency that needs to be addressed sooner.
Use the model document Program Evaluation Form
to track and document your program evaluation.
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