Respiratory Protection Program

OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires a comprehensive written program whenever employees use respirators in the workplace, whether required by an OSHA standard or voluntarily worn by employees. The program must include procedures for respirator selection, medical evaluations to ensure employees can safely wear respirators, fit testing (initial and annual for tight-fitting respirators), training on proper use and maintenance, and regular program evaluation. Cal/OSHA's ATD standard (Section 5199) adds healthcare-specific requirements including the use of NIOSH-approved respirators for protection against aerosol transmissible pathogens.

Fit testing is the element most frequently cited during inspections. Each employee must be fit-tested on the specific make, model, and size of respirator they will use, and the fit test must be repeated annually and whenever the employee reports changes in physical condition that could affect respirator fit (significant weight change, dental work, facial scarring). Qualitative fit testing (using bitter/sweet aerosol detection) is acceptable for filtering facepiece respirators (N95s), while quantitative fit testing (using particle counting) is required for elastomeric and other tight-fitting respirators.

BayArea Compliance includes respiratory protection program management in our OSHA|360 and COMPLIANCE|360 offerings. We write your respiratory protection program, coordinate medical evaluations through occupational health providers, conduct annual fit-testing clinics at your facility, and maintain the testing records Cal/OSHA inspectors require. For automotive clients on AUTO|360, we address the additional respiratory protection requirements for isocyanate and solvent exposure during painting operations.