Bulletin 2-98, Safety and Health February 16, 1998
TO: Safety and Health Committee Chapter Executives
Chapter Safety Professionals
SUBJECT: OSHA ISSUES A REVISED STANDARD ON RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a revised final rule on Respiratory Protection 29 CFR 1910.139, which includes the construction industry. The rule becomes effective on April 8, 1998. Total compliance must be achieved no later than October 5, 1998. The final standard has maintained many of the provisions previously contained in the 25-year-old standard, but imposes several new mandates.
The revised standard reflects current respiratory technology and better ways to ensure proper fit. The revised standard clarifies responsibility for administering a respirator protection program and its provisions, adds definitions, and provides specific guidance on respirator selection, use, hazard evaluation, medical evaluations, fit testing and training.
The changes to the revised standard delete duplicated provisions in other respiratory related OSHA standards making them all consistent.
Some key provisions from the revised standard are as follows:
·
The employer is responsible for establishment and maintenance of the respiratory protection program. The employer is to provide respirators, training, and medical evaluations at no cost to the employee.·
A written program must be developed and implemented for each worksite addressing the particular respiratory protection needs of that worksite. The assigned health care provider must be provided a copy of the written respiratory protection program.·
The standard applies to any employee required to use a respirator. Provisions must be followed even when an employee voluntarily uses a respirator.·
A hazard evaluation is required to identify the respiratory hazards and conditions in the workplace with the respiratory program based on the evaluation. Administration and engineering controls are to be used first and/or when feasible.·
A medical evaluation is required to be performed to determine the ability of the employee to wear a respirator prior to fit testing and use. A medical questionnaire may be used under some circumstances: however a positive response may require a medical evaluation.·
The employer must obtain from the health care provider written confirmation of whether an employee can use a respirator and under what limitations, if any.The employee must receive a copy of the medical evaluation from the health care provider.
·
Procedures for proper fit testing of respirators is required to reduce faceseal leakage. These include qualitative and quantitative fit tests, seal checks, and the availability of different types of respirators to assure a proper fit and ensure adequate protection. A fit test is required prior to each use of a tight-fining respirator. An employee is not permitted to wear any tight-fitting respirator if the seal is affected by facial hair, corrective glasses, dental changes, etc.·
Annual training is required to ensure that employees understand the hazards associated with respirators and how to use respirators safely.·
Periodic program evaluation is required to ensure that respirator use continues to be effective.
States and territories with their own OSHA plans must adopt comparable standards within six months of the effective date.
AGC currently has a number of resources, including videotapes and publications that enable you to help meet most of the provisions of this revised standard. AGC is currently working with OSHA to develop a respiratory protection compliance kit to further help contractors.
For a copy of the complete standard or information concerning the revised standard, please contact AGC’s Safety and Health Services at (202) 383-2732 / 2731, or visit us at our website at www.agc.org.
Carl W. Heinlein
Director
Safety and Health Services