Respirator Safety N95

This is a reference guide line of OSHA rule 1910.0134 by now you have no doubt noticed new respirators being supplied by all manufacturers of safety equipment. This is commonly referred to as N95 several of these manufacturers web sites can be located on our hot links page.

This is NOT the actual text of the regulation from OSHA there are several appendixes and interpretations also available at the OSHA web site follow any of the following links for more information. We provide this ONLY as a service and make no warranties for it's accuracy or completeness. Complete current copies of rules and interpretations may be obtained from any OSHA office. OSHA will frequently revise and or re-interpret this and other rules PLEASE be sure to refer directly with OSHA and other qualified safety and health professionals for work site safety. This is a guide ONLY provided so as to allow people to receive a working knowledge of the rule suitable for conversational purposes.

Basic Information :
Standard Number:	1910.134
Standard Title:	Respiratory Protection.
SubPart Number:	I
SubPart Title:	Personal Protective Equipment
Dates:
Effective date of this rule:	October 5, 1998
Potential Penalty date:	January 5, 1999 (this is provided shop is in compliance with prior regulations)

Respirator Program Administrator: One person at each location must be responsible to over see your respirator program. This person should be able to understand this and other regulations and must work to insure compliance.

Program must be in Writing: It is not enough to practice good sound shop safety with respirators your respirator program must be documented in writing. Most all vendors of respirators can help with this .

User Training: At least once per year all employees who wear respirators must be trained in the proper use and fitting of each specific respirator. Re-training as needed if type of respirator is changed or employee doesn't seem to have grasped the concept of proper respirator safety.

Maintenance: All respirators must be cleaned and disinfected regularly and every time it is worn by a new person. Regular cleaning must be done often enough to maintain a sanitary condition.

Cartridge Change Schedule: A specific schedule for changing cartridges or replacing respirators must be in place.

Fit Tests: All tight fitting respirators must be fit test, there should be no facial hair where the respirator comes in contact with the face. Full hood fresh air systems do not require fit testing. Fit tests shall e done at least annually.

Appropriate Respirator: The specified respirator must be "appropriate" for the specific hazard(s) encountered. Again this should be documented as part of your respirator program.

Medically Approved: New users of respirators must be medically approved before they are fit tested. See appendix C (available at the OSHA web site listed below for a sample form).

To see a full copy of this rule (right here at the D'Angelos Web site) along with other OSHA links..