Respiratory Protection

Facial hair and respirator fit [1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A); 1910.134(g)(1)] (OSHA LOI 2016)

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…...

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Facial hair and respirator fit [1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A); 1910.134(g)(1)] (OSHA LOI 2016) Read More »

OSHA proposes to amend respiratory protection standard to add two additional fit-testing protocols

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…...

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NIOSH Study Supports the OSHA Annual Fit Testing Requirements for Filtering Facepiece Respirators

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…...

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Does 1910.134 require a separate fit test for each harness where respirator wearers are required to use different harnesses, depending on their job task? (OSHA LOI)

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…...

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Does 1910.134 require a separate fit test for each harness where respirator wearers are required to use different harnesses, depending on their job task? (OSHA LOI) Read More »

Use of Aftermarket Replacement Component Parts for NIOSH-Approved Respirators (NIOSH)

Worker safety can be compromised by using replacement component parts or accessories that are not NIOSH-approved for the specific respirator. Although NIOSH-approved respirators are comprised of various component parts, they are approved as a complete unit. The use of components which are not part of the approved assembly results in a respirator that has not…...

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NIOSH Letter to All Respirator Manufacturers regarding facial hair INSIDE the respirator

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…...

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NIOSH Letter to All Respirator Manufacturers regarding facial hair INSIDE the respirator Read More »

What is the ACTUAL assigned protection factor for Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) WITHOUT a tight-fitting face piece?

Sounds like a simple question and often the answer is easy when dealing with reputable respirator manufacturers; however, the idea that providing a PAPR to a worker assures a higher protection factor is just wrong.  When we look at OSHA’s Assigned Protection Factors (APF) in 1910.134(d)(3)(i)(A) we see Table 1. – Assigned Protection Factors where…...

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What is the ACTUAL assigned protection factor for Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) WITHOUT a tight-fitting face piece? Read More »

REQUIRED documentation for your Respiratory Protection Program

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…...

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Using OSHA inspection data to analyze respirator protection program compliance (DOL Report)

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…...

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Using OSHA inspection data to analyze respirator protection program compliance (DOL Report) Read More »

Airline Respirator Hose Storage (firefighter fell unconscious)

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…...

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Deaths Involving the Inadvertent Connection of Air-line Respirators to Inert Gas Supplies

OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin, SHIB 04-27-2004 This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. The Bulletin is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. Pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health…...

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OSHA updates CPL 02-00-158, Inspection Procedures for the Respiratory Protection Standard

This new Respiratory Protection Directive updates OSHA’s inspection procedures and enforcement policies since the previous update, September 25, 1998. This Instruction provides guidance to the national, regional, and area offices for performing compliance inspections involving OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134. This Instruction also serves to inform industry, employer and worker groups, state programs, and…...

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