Respiratory Protection Management Services

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Respiratory Protection Management Services

Respiratory Protection Programs · Respirator Fit Testing · Respirator User Training

WHY IS RESPIRATORY PROTECTION IMPORTANT?

Because a respirator itself can impose breathing restrictions, OSHA has very specific requirements regarding when, where, how, and why respirators can be issued to protect workers from airborne hazards. According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, employers must evaluate the potential for employee exposures to these hazards and assess whether respiratory protection is required. 

 

Since respirators are personal protective devices, engineering and work practice controls to mitigate exposures should be considered first, but if they are not feasible, respirator usage will be mandatory. However, OSHA does not permit an employer to just purchase respirators and distribute them to their workforce.

OSHA Requires

  • A Written Respiratory Protection Program for your operation or facility
  • A knowledgeable Respiratory Protection Program Administrator assigned to manage the program
  • Medical clearance for respirator usage prior to wearing a respirator
  • Annual respirator user training for employees who are required to wear a respirator
  • Annual respirator fit testing for each make and model of respirators an employee may wear

WHY OUTSOURCE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION SERVICES TO AN EXPERT?

If your company issues respirators to your employees for protection against airborne hazards, you must follow OSHA requirements or risk non-compliance and the safety of your workforce. Understanding OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, its many requirements and protocols as well as all the current OSHA enforcement actions can be overwhelming! And monetary penalties for non-compliance can be costly!

OSHA Enforcement will focus on:
  • Program Administration and a Written Program
  • Employee Medical Clearance and Training
  • Recordkeeping of Annual Fit testing, Procedures Results
  • Recordkeeping of Annual Training and Results
  • Why respirators are issued and to whom
  • Conditions of respirators and proper usage

OSHA Enforcement will focus on

  • Program Administration and a Written Program
  • Employee Medical Clearance and Training
  • Recordkeeping of Annual Fit testing, Procedures Results
  • Recordkeeping of Annual Training and Results
  • Why respirators are issued and to whom
  • Conditions of respirators and proper usage

WHAT IS RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING?

A respirator fit test is a procedure that evaluates the fit of a respirator to its wearer and ensure a proper seal. Respirators that do not properly seal to the face are not providing the required protection. The test evaluates a mask’s fit to a person’s face to make sure no particles or contaminants are getting through the respirator.


Novisal can provide both quantitative and qualitative fit-testing services by qualified technicians. Our EHS professionals can review your current Written Respiratory Protection Program or develop a program specifically for your operation.


Employee training courses on the usage and care of respirators as well as the proficiency training for Respiratory Protection Program Administrators are also available. If necessary, Novisal can perform hazard assessments and exposure monitoring services to determine when or if respirators may be required. We will make sure you have the tools to meet compliance and avoid the risk of penalties or injury to employees.

NOVISAL - EHS Compliance Specialists!

Our experts will make sure

  • Respirators are actually needed for your operations; if yes, then the correct respirators are being issued.
  • There are no gaps in meeting OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard.
  • Your facility is completing the fit testing within the necessary schedule.
  • Our highly-trained technicians will make sure that respirator users understand why they need a respirator and will make them feel comfortable during the fit—answering all questions expertly.
TSI Incorporated - PortaCount Respirator Fit Tester 80408048 How to Setup and Get Started Fit Testing [ZnQqadRoCCE - 1280x720 - 0m06s]
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