Respiratory Protection

The SAFTENG team has come across this rare situation twice in 2016 and it seems to be a matter that is open to much interpretation so I am hoping we can have a rationale discussion.  The situation arises when we come across a facility using a brand/model of respirator that no longer has a NIOSH approval…...

Question: If an employee with a neatly trimmed goatee is wearing a respirator and it does not interfere with the seal of the face piece or valve function, and has passed a fit test, does this meet the intent of the OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard? Response: The Respiratory Protection standard, paragraph 29 CFR 1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A), states…...

OSHA has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to add two (2) quantitative fit-testing protocols to the agency’s Respiratory Protection Standard. The protocols would apply to employers in the general, shipyard and construction industries.  This proposed rulemaking would allow employers greater flexibility in choosing fit-testing methods for employees. The proposed rule would NOT require an…...

Results of a recently completed 2015 NIOSH study confirm the necessity of the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) respirator fit testing requirement, both annually and when physical changes have occurred. The study’s conclusions emphasize that respirator users who have lost more than 20 pounds should be re-tested to be sure that the current size…...

Background: You’ve pointed out that in some workplaces, employees may be required to wear a different harness on the same manufacturer’s model facepiece and sealing surface for different work scenarios such as different work modes (negative vs. positive pressure) or for flame and heat protection. During our meeting, we discussed… One respirator model has two…...

While working on a project I came across this gem on my external hard drive and can not believe I never posted it!!!  Yes it is from NIOSH – not OSHA and yes it is nearly 10 years, but the facts are the facts and one day I hope we can put this facial hair…...

The Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) contains information collection requirements that require employers to: Develop a written respirator program; Conduct worker medical evaluations and provide follow-up medical evaluations to determine the worker’s ability to use a respirator; Provide the physician or other licensed healthcare professional with information about the worker’s respirator and the conditions…...

Several million American workers wear respirators on a regular basis, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that nonagricultural firms have a respiratory protection program. This article uses the OSHA inspection data base to examine all inspections in manufacturing in 47 states from 1999 through 2006; the examination starts with 1999 because an…...

Earlier this year I came across an interesting incident that occurred during a Confined Space Rescue Exercise in Vancouver Island, Canada.  I further investigated by contacting WorkSafe BC directly, who then got me in touch with the Fire Chief of the FD that conducted the exercise.  Here is what happened in September 2013 and what…...