Respiratory Protection Program

Purpose and Scope

This document communicates the University's strategy for compliance with OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.134 . It applies to all operations and employees of the University.

Roles and Responsibilities

Respirators shall be provided by the employing University department when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of the employee. The employing University department shall provide respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended. The employing University department shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a respiratory protection program which shall include all the requirements outlined in the standard.

President of the University: The President has ultimate responsibility for establishing and maintaining the health and safety programs for the University.

University Administration: Vice Presidents, Deans, Department Heads are responsible for:

ensuring individuals under their management have the authority and support to implement a Respiratory Protection program.
ensuring areas under their management are in compliance with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard.
committing resources required to ensure respiratory protection and regulatory compliance.
establishing methods for dissemination of respiratory protection information.
establishing methods for implementing a respiratory protection program.
establishing an accountability system for respiratory protection program compliance.
naming a program administrator qualified to supervise the respiratory protection program and who will maintain records of training, medical evaluations and fit testing.

Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for:

providing staff support for departmental program development.
providing regulatory interpretation.
providing guidance and technical assistance for program administration.
establishing recommended service provider lists for medical evaluations, training, fit testing and respirator purchase.

Supervisors are responsible for:

providing safe and healthy workplace environments under their control.
knowing the respiratory hazards of their workplaces.
initiating and enforcing the proper use of respiratory protection and preventative measures to control hazards.
ensuring necessary personal protective equipment, respirators, medical exams, and fit testing are available.
ensuring personnel are trained prior to using respiratory protection.

Employees are responsible for:

performing activities as trained.
participating in training programs provided by supervisors and instructors.
wearing respirators in accordance with established Worksite Specific Procedures.

Respiratory Protection Program Elements and Procedures

Workplace Evaluation/Hazard Assessment: Contact EHS for an evaluation of workplace activities and operations to determine if any respiratory hazards are present. A cost may be incurred if air sampling and analysis is required.

Written Program: Complete the template for a written respiratory protection program, with worksite specific procedures, or develop your own written program that complies with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard.
Medical Evaluations and Fit Tests: Provide medical evaluations and fit tests for affected employees. Estimated cost involved: fifty dollars to two hundred dollars or more per employee if a medical examination and/or tests are required.
Equipment: Purchase approved equipment. The cost of respirators depends on the type, and can range from one dollar each for disposable dust masks, to two hundred dollars for full face cartridge respirators.
Training: Provide training for supervisors and employees.

Record Keeping: Develop a record keeping system for training, medical and fit test records.

Evaluation: Evaluate the program annually and periodically throughout the year.