Respiratory Protection is a part of the HAZWOPER training courses, designed to provide workers with knowledge about the importance of wearing respiratory protection in the workplace. But before you could get into this in detail, let’s take a look at some of the important questions and the answers about Respirator Protectors which are frequently asked:
Q: When does the standard require respirator protectors to be worn?
A: An important question to be asked. Respirators are required whenever the health of the employee is at risk from any contamination or oxygen deficiency. This also includes times of emergency when respirators are required to protect workers.
Q: Does using a respirator require a fit testing?
A: Yes, a fit testing of the respirator is required when OSHA or the employers require workers to wear a tight fitting respirator. Prior to the initial use of the respirator, an employee must clear a fit test. If there are changes in the employee’s physical condition, which could affect the fit of the respirator, additional fit tests are required. A new fit test is required if an employee shifts to a different fitting face piece. After the initial fit test, an annual fit test is necessary.
Q: For how long must the fit test records be maintained?
A: It must be maintained for a year, until you complete and record the next fit test.
Q: Must the employees be trained regarding the maintenance and storage of respirators?
A: A detailed training in the maintenance and storage of respirators, while not in use, is necessary. However, if specific personnel or central repair facilities are being assigned in a workplace to perform these activities, then workers may only need to be informed about the maintenance and storage procedures without even having to learn the significant technical information.
Q: When does the standard require respirator protectors to be worn?
A: An important question to be asked. Respirators are required whenever the health of the employee is at risk from any contamination or oxygen deficiency. This also includes times of emergency when respirators are required to protect workers.
Q: Does using a respirator require a fit testing?
A: Yes, a fit testing of the respirator is required when OSHA or the employers require workers to wear a tight fitting respirator. Prior to the initial use of the respirator, an employee must clear a fit test. If there are changes in the employee’s physical condition, which could affect the fit of the respirator, additional fit tests are required. A new fit test is required if an employee shifts to a different fitting face piece. After the initial fit test, an annual fit test is necessary.
Q: For how long must the fit test records be maintained?
A: It must be maintained for a year, until you complete and record the next fit test.
Q: Must the employees be trained regarding the maintenance and storage of respirators?
A: A detailed training in the maintenance and storage of respirators, while not in use, is necessary. However, if specific personnel or central repair facilities are being assigned in a workplace to perform these activities, then workers may only need to be informed about the maintenance and storage procedures without even having to learn the significant technical information.
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