Respiratory Protection Program

If a worksite contains atmospheric hazards, the employer must implement practices to keep workers safe. The first line of defense against respiratory hazards is to eliminate or contain them. If possible, the hazardous material should be substituted with one that does not present a hazard. Many times, though, the materials used cannot be replaced. If so, engineering controls, such as ventilation or hood vents, can remove hazardous substances from the area. Administrative controls can also limit employee exposure to hazards by scheduling shifts so that no one is exposed for too long. If these methods are not enough to limit employee exposure to an atmospheric hazard, the employees must use respirators. Employers who require their employees to use respirators must create a written respiratory protection program.

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