Training Series - PPE: Respiratory Protection

OSHA Standard: 1910.134

Training Frequency: Upon initial assignment (before mask is worn), and annually.

Training Style: Hands-on

When is Respiratory Protection Required? - In any workplace where respirators are necessary to protect the health of the employee or whenever respirators are required by the employer

Background: Respiratory Protection Program:
Respiratory protection program requires the employer to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program with required worksite-specific procedures and elements for required respirator use. The program must be administered by a suitably trained program administrator. In addition, certain program elements may be required for voluntary use to prevent potential hazards associated with the use of the respirator.
The program shall be updated as necessary to reflect those changes in workplace conditions that affect respirator use. The employer shall include in the program the following provisions:

• Training of employees in the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed during routine and emergency situations;
• Training of employees in the proper use of respirators, including putting on and removing them, any limitations on their use, and their maintenance;

A program administrator must be established. This individual must be qualified by appropriate training or experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the required evaluations of program effectiveness.

The employer shall provide respirators, training, and medical evaluations at no cost to the employee.

​Training Information:
The training must be comprehensive, understandable, and recur annually, and more often if necessary. The employer shall ensure that each employee can demonstrate knowledge of at least the following:

• Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator;
• What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are;
• How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions;
• How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator;
• What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator;
• How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators;

Retraining:
Retraining shall be administered annually, and when the following situations occur:

• Changes in the workplace or the type of respirator render previous training obsolete;
• Inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of the respirator indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill; or
• Any other situation arises in which retraining appears necessary to ensure safe respirator use.