Respiratory Protection programs are designed to help reduce employee exposure to excessive levels of dusts, fumes, mists, gases, vapors and radionuclides. Where feasible, exposures to contaminants will be eliminated or reduced by engineering controls (e.g., general and local ventilation, enclosure and isolation, and substitution). The use of personal respiratory protective equipment becomes necessary when engineering controls are not capable of reducing exposure to acceptable levels or are not feasible.
Respiratory Protection Programs consist of the following elements:
- Identification and Measurement of Hazards
- Respirator Selection
- Medical Assessment of Employee Health
- Fit Testing Procedures
- Respirator Inspection and Maintenance
- Employee Training
- Recordkeeping
- Periodic Program Review