How do I set up a respiratory protection program?

How do I set up a respiratory protection program?

Starting a Respiratory Protection Program

1. Elimination – Physically remove the hazard.
2. Substitution – Replace the hazard.
3. Engineering controls – Isolate people from the hazard.
4. Administrative controls – Change the way people work.
5. Personal protective equipment – Protect the worker with PPE.

How is respirator protection factor calculated?

A respirator MUC is calculated by multiplying its APF by the PEL: MUC = APF X PEL. The respirator can be used up to this concentration as long as the MUC does not exceed the immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) level.

What are two key requirements of a respiratory protection program?

The respiratory protection program must cover the following basic elements, as applicable:

• Procedures for selecting respirators for use in the workplace;
• Medical evaluations of CSHOs required to use respirators;
• Fit testing procedures for tight-fitting respirators;

Does OSHA require a respiratory protection program?

The OSHA respiratory standard requires contractors to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program for situations in which PELs of airborne contaminants could be exceeded or when the employer requires use of respirators by workers. See also the chapter on Confined Spaces.

What is the first step to complete when setting up a respiratory program?

A Respiratory Protection Program starts with performing an exposure assessment. An exposure assessment determines what types of airborne contaminants your employees are exposed to each day. Once complete, the next step is to determine the level of each containment present, called the exposure level.

What does an APF of 50 mean?

APF=50. Needs to be fit tested. Half mask/Dust mask. APF=10. Needs to be fit tested.

What is a TH3 filter?

TH3 – Respiratory protection systems of the highest class Compared to the widely available TH2 systems, TH3-certified breathing protection systems filter 10x more dirt out of the air, or in other words: 99.8% of the harmful particles are filtered out of the air.

How do you determine if a respirator is needed?

Q: When is the use of respirators required? employees from breathing contaminated and/or oxygen-deficient air when effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted. Several other OSHA regulations also require the use of respirators.

When would it be appropriate to use a respirator mask?

Respirator masks protect individuals from hazards like dangerous chemicals or particulates like dust, dirt, soot, smoke and drops of liquid. Respiratory masks should be used for protection in many industries. Workers who may be exposed to gasses or vapors, like in chemical manufacturing, should wear a protective mask.