The nine respiratory policy components are:
1-Purpose - Provide the business with guidelines and establish requirements for training, safe use, selection and maintenance of respirators.
2-Reference - OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134
3-Scope - Applies to all of the employees, contractors and visitors of the business.
4-Administration - In this instance, the respiratory safety policy is administered by the company's Safety Coordinator and the operations and maintenance supervisor. A specific Safety Program Administrator is also designated.
5-Definitions - by National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) and Mine Safety and Health Association (MSHA).
6-Description - Practices and procedures for use of respiratory protection equipment:
Respirator Selection considerations
Assigned Protection Factor
Respirator Types
Purchase Procedures
Medical Surveillance
Formal Fit Testing
Field Fit Testing
Proper Respirator Fit Considerations
Change Out Schedule
Inspection, Cleaning, Storage, Maintenance
Voluntary Use of Disposable Respirators
7-Responsibilities of Program Administrator, Supervision, Employees.
8-Training - At least annually.
9-Annual Program Review.
This outlines one respiratory safety policy that was individualized for the specific business client.
To read the full policy, click on Respiratory Safety Policy.
While respiratory safety regulations may be cumbersome and involved, it is pretty easy to recognize that a significant segment of any workforce has varying health issues that make them susceptible to airborn irritants. A well crafted respiratory safety policy can be very efficient at preserving optimum health and productivity.
Rayce Bannon is a freelance writer who is working closely with Evan Casey and the Staff at Great Lakes Environmental and Safety Consultants.