Cleaning & Disinfecting

Respirators must be kept clean and disinfected, both to keep them effective and to prevent spreading disease between users. This process must be done in a way that does not cause damage to the respirator or harm to the user. Respirators must be cleaned and disinfected at the following intervals:

• Respirators for use by only one person must be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to remain sanitary.
• Respirators intended for multiple users must be cleaned and disinfected before being worn by a different person.
• Respirators intended only for emergency use must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
• Respirators used in fit testing and training must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

To learn more about Respiratory Protection visit our Cal/OSHA Respiratory Protection Online Training web page.