Respiratory Protection in the Workplace
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Employers must protect workers by minimizing the amount of hazardous substances in the air. When it is not possible to keep the airborne levels of a hazardous substance low enough to prevent health problems, the employer must provide employees with respirators.
In all workplaces where respirators are used, employers must have a program in place to ensure that respirators are used in a way that is safe and effective.
This program must identify a program administrator and include written procedures for the appropriate selection of respirators, medical clearance for respirator use, fit testing, training in the use and maintenance of respirators, recordkeeping, and program evaluation.
Publications & Reports
Respirator Program Toolkit for Hospitals
How to Use Half-mask Respirators to Prevent Lead Poisoning (PDF)
Activities
Respirator Use in Health Care Workplaces
Related Links & Resources
Respiratory protection resources
Cal/OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard