| 1.0 Purpose | |
| 2.0 Scope and Application | |
| 3.0 Responsibilities | |
| 3.1 Program Coordinator | |
| 3.2 Departments | |
| 3.3 Supervisors | |
| 3.4 Employees | |
| 4.0 Program Elements | |
| 4.1 Initial Hazard Assessment | |
| 4.2 Selection and Use | |
| 4.3 Medical Evaluations | |
| 4.4 Fit Testing and Training | |
| 4.5 Inspection and Maintenance | |
| 4.6 Recordkeeping |
The purpose of this program is to ensure that all employees are protected from of inhalation harmful substances, through the proper use of respirators. This program is designed to comply with the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).
This program applies to all employees who need to wear respirators during normal work operations. It may also be necessary to wear respiratory protection during non-routine operations in which individuals can be exposed to short term high concentrations of a hazardous substance. For example, during maintenance or repair activities or spill clean up.
The use of respirators at Colgate University is subject to prior review and approval by the Program Coordinator. Any individual who has received approval by the Program Coordinator to use a respirator must be enrolled in the Respiratory Protection Program.
Respiratory protection will be used only where engineering or administrative controls are not feasible, cannot reduce exposure to acceptable levels, or while engineering controls are being installed. The need for respiratory protection is dependent upon the type of operation and the nature and quantity of material(s) in use and must be assessed on a case by case basis.
The Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator in consultation with the Safety Advisory Committee’s Health and Safety Subcommittee will serve as the Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator will:
Anyone who believes that respiratory protection is needed during the course of his or her work must notify the Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator will evaluate the potential hazards or arrange for outside assistance to determine if respiratory protection is needed. This may involve personal and area air sampling to measure exposure levels.
The Program Coordinator determines the type of respirator needed based on the results of the initial hazard assessment. This could include a half or full-face air purifying respirator, powered air purifying respirator, supplied air respirator, or self contained breathing apparatus. When air purifying respirators are recommended, the appropriate type of filter or chemical cartridge will be selected. Only respirators and supplies approved by the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) may be used at Colgate University. The manufacturer's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the chemical or chemical products must be reviewed for information about the type of respirator and cartridges that may be required for work with the product.
Departments will purchase and maintain the appropriate respirator and supplies.
Employees will not be allowed to wear respirators unless it has been determined that they are physically able to perform their work while wearing the equipment. Healthworks/Occupational Health Services of Bassett Healthcare will perform the medical evaluations. The medical status of each individual enrolled in the Respiratory Protection Program will be reviewed annually.
Individuals required to wear negative pressure respirators must be properly fitted and tested for an adequate seal prior to using the respirator in a contaminated atmosphere. Qualitative fit testing will be arranged for by the Program Coordinator. Instructions on performing positive and negative pressure checks will be provided to users so that they may check their respirator’s fit in the field.
Individuals who require respiratory protection must receive training and fit testing before using the respirator. The training will include a discussion of the need for respiratory protection, the elements of the Respiratory Protection Program, the individual’s responsibilities, the Medical Surveillance Program, proper use and limitations of respiratory protection, respirator maintenance, and handling emergencies.
All respirator users must attend training and be fit-tested annually if they wish to remain in the respiratory protection program.
Respirator users are responsible for regular cleaning and inspection of their assigned respirators, including looking for defects and missing parts. Respirators will be stored properly in order to protect them from dust, sunlight, excessive heat or cold, moisture, and chemicals. Worn or deteriorated parts will be replaced.
SCBA units designated for emergency use are inspected monthly by the Assistant Director for Fire Safety. SCBA users must notify the Assistant Director of Fire Safety or the Program Coordinator after each use of an SCBA respirator.
The department Respiratory Protection Coordinator should periodically spot check respirators to ensure that they are in good condition.
The Program Coordinator will maintain records of training and fit-testing. Departments will maintain inspection and maintenance records. Medical Records are confidential and will be filed at the Human Resources Department.