Do I need a written respiratory program when there is no over-exposure?
No, but the following procedures must be followed to train employees on the proper usage:
- Respirators are an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly selected and worn. Respirator use is encouraged even when exposures are below the exposure limit as it provides an additional level of comfort and protection of workers. However, if a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean, the respirator itself can become a hazard. When respirators are provided, certain precautions must be taken to ensure the respirator itself does not present a hazard.
- Employees must be trained on the following items: Read all instructions on use, maintenance, cleaning, care and warnings regarding the respirator limitations.
- Choose respirators certified for use to protect against contamination of concern.
- Do not wear your respirator into atmospheres containing contaminants for which your respirator is not designed to protect against. For example, a respirator designed to filter dust particles will not protect against gases, vapors or small solid particles of fumes or smoke.
- Keep track of respirators so that you do not mistakenly use someone else’s respirator. A good idea is to break both straps when done using the respirator.
