Respiratory Protection

Generally, you asked OSHA to clarify whether loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) are a permissible alternative to N95 respirators where respiratory protection is required to protect workers from exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Additionally, you asked OSHA to clarify the interplay between the Respiratory Protection Standard and other laws that may require…...

OSHA titled the standard, “Mini Respiratory Protection Program“, but when we read it we see that it could very easily be applied to “voluntary use” NOT associated with COVID 19. So I ask, could this “emergency standard” become permanent and have 1910.134(c)(2) refer to this “standard”? OSHA has made it VERY clear that at this…...

NIOSH is recommending a new standard in face masks for workplaces, called Workplace Performance and Workplace Performance Plus masks Manufacturing masks that comply with the new NIOSH criteria can help protect people in the workplace from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These masks CANNOT be used as a replacement for respiratory protection when it…...

Last week I mentioned a trade group was planning to implement a standard/guide (not sure how it will be classified) that will suggest that the industry should use respirators that carry a NIOSH 14G approval rather than the more common 23C respirator.  Since all of this has been happening I have received numerous e-mails, calls,…...

I just finished reviewing a draft document that a trade group will be asked to vote to sanction the document as it relates to emergency escape respirators.  There was a lot of talk about requiring these escape respirators to carry the NIOSH approval of 14G (vs. the more traditional 23C style respirator).  There is talk…...

Many of us manage a Respiratory Protection Program for all types of respirators and many types of hazards.  What many programs lack is the annual evaluation of the program and its execution. The written program should contain information on how and who will perform this evaluation and although the standard does not state this evaluation…...

In a recent FaceBook Group posting, a member asked about using one of the DOT Special Permits that allows DOT containers/cylinders that came with a 15-year service life to have their service extended to 30 years.  I wrote about this very issue in September 2019, explaining the pitfalls of using one of these DOT Special…...

During a recent audit of a facility’s emergency response programs, we came across an interesting “manufacturer requirement” regarding the use of their Emergency Escape Breathing apparatus/device (EEBA or EEBD).  This client is one who wants every single layer of mitigation efforts reviewed and validated, so we reviewed their efforts surrounding these EEBA’s, especially since the…...

3/8/2021 UPDATE: Of course, someone finds an LOI that says otherwise to my position and totally blows me away – not because the LOI says a PFT is not required, but that in the LOI OSHA states that personnel who are trained to the Operations Level are not HAZMAT responders and therefore do not need…...

Firefighter #1, Firefighter #2, and Firefighter #3 were participating in a training drill. All three (3) Firefighters were assigned to the decontamination team, which is responsible for decontaminating hazardous materials response members. The team was suited in LEVEL B protective gear and was utilizing Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. The team was using a “buddy breather”…...

Last week I asked my FaceBook Group a “trick question” regarding the end-of-service-time indicator (EOSTI) on our Supplied Air Respirators that we use for emergency response.  I was so pleased to get so many texts/calls/emails and even a few phone calls checking to see if I was feeling OK.  I did not tell the group…...