CHP Main
Instructions

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11

Appendix I
Appendix II
Appendix III
Appendix IV
Appendix V
Appendix VI
Appendix VII
Appendix VIII
Appendix IX
Appendix X
Appendix XI
Appendix XII

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 Forward >>

<< Backward

  
APPENDIX IX

_______________________
(date)

RESPIRATOR PROGRAM
FOR

___________________________________
(department)

University of Kentucky

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this program is to set forth standard operating procedures governing the selection and use of respirators. Appropriate respirators shall be used in accordance with this program to control adverse health effects caused by breathing harmful air contaminants. Though the primary objective shall be to prevent atmospheric contamination, respirators shall be used when effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being implemented.

II. SCOPE

  1. The following program establishes guidelines for safe practice in the use of respiratory protective devices to ensure the safety and health of University of Kentucky staff using these devices under routine and emergency conditions.

  2. The provisions of this document were established per the requirements listed in the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 29 CFR 1910.134, as enforced at the University of Kentucky by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Labor Cabinet

  3. Additional guidelines for this document were provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection, the NIOSH Respirator Decision Logic, and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z88.6-1984.

III. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

General requirements for the respirator program according to 29 CFR 1910.134 and pertinent guidelines are as follows:

  1. ________________________ will serve as the departmental "Respirator Coordinator".

  2. Respirators shall be selected by the Coordinator with assistance from the Occupational Health Department if needed. Selection shall be made based on:
    • The type of hazards to which the worker will be exposed;
    • The estimated concentration of the contaminant.
    • Pertinent OSHA standards (substance-specific health standards).

  3. The user shall be instructed and trained in the proper use of respirators and their limitations. The Coordinator shall be responsible for assuring that training is given to the user initially and annually thereafter. An appropriate manufacturer’s representative, the Occupational Health and Safety Department, or other qualified individuals (such as departmental Respirator Coordinators) may present this training.

    Training shall include:

    • Proper cleaning and disinfecting of respirators,
    • Proper inspection procedures,
    • Proper storing of respirator,
    • Instruction in actual use,
    • Instruction of positive and negative pressure fit checks, and
    • Actual "fit testing" which will be performed by the Occupational Health Department. A record of all fit testing will be provided to the Coordinator.

  4. Respirators should be assigned to individual workers for their exclusive use. When this is not feasible, the Coordinator shall be responsible for ensuring that the respirator is maintained according to this program.

  5. Respirators shall be cleaned and disinfected (by the user) after each use, daily, or as often as necessary to ensure sanitary use of the respirator. In the event that respirators are shared, they must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

  6. The Coordinator shall ensure that workers are provided a storage area for respirators that is in a convenient, clean and sanitary location. The respirators should be stored so as to not damage the integrity of the mask.

  7. Respirators shall be inspected by the user during cleaning following the procedures learned in training. Inspection shall include:
    • Face piece
    • Straps
    • Inhalation and exhalation valves
    • Filters or cartridges

    Any sign of damage or excessive wear shall be reported to the Coordinator or employee's supervisor immediately.

    Respirators for emergency use shall be inspected by the individuals responsible for responding to such emergencies at least once a month and after each use.

  8. Appropriate surveillance of work area conditions and degree of employee exposure shall be maintained. The Occupational Health and Safety Department will assist units by conducting air monitoring when deemed necessary, and will maintain records of such air monitoring. Air monitoring results must also be communicated to affected workers.

  9. The Coordinator will institute at least annual inspections and evaluations to determine the continued effectiveness of the _______________________ Respirator Program.                                                              (department)

  10. Physical examination requirement: individuals shall not be assigned to tasks requiring use of respirators unless it has been determined by a physician that they are physically able to perform the work and use the equipment. It is recommended that employees take the respirator that they will be wearing to their physical examination so that the physician knows exactly what type respirator is to be worn.

  11. Only approved respirators shall be used.

  12. Names of persons this plan applies to, tasks requiring respirators, and effective dates must be attached to this plan. (See Attachment B)

  13. Training records must be maintained by the Coordinator. (See Attachment A "Respirator Training Record")

IV. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

    Occupational Health and Safety Department
    252 East Maxwell Street
    University of Kentucky
    Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0314
    Telephone: (859) 257-3827