Respirators

This policy is designed to ensure that College personnel who are required to wear respiratory protection due to the nature of their work at the College are provided appropriate equipment and training

Definitions and Scope

Respiratory protection shall be defined as any device that is worn by the user to reduce or eliminate exposure to harmful contaminants through the inhalation of those contaminants. These devices shall include, but not be limited to: dual and single cartridge, half-mask and full-face respirators, supplied-air respirators, and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA).

Roles and Responsibilities

The Environmental Health & Safety Office (EH&S Office) has overall responsibility for recommending the type of respiratory protection required for the task to be performed, as well as providing periodic fit tests and training in the use, maintenance and limitations of the respirators as required by federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.

Each department, office, laboratory, and contractor is responsible for purchasing and maintaining respirators as recommended by EH&S Office, and ensuring their proper use as required by OSHA and the Bridgewater State College Respiratory Protection Plan.

Procedures Selection of Respirators

EH&S Office, in conjunction with a College department, office, or laboratory shall, upon notice from the College entity, determine the need for respiratory protection, by reviewing the tasks to be performed, the contaminant(s) used or generated, and the level of engineering or administrative controls currently being used or proposed.

Medical Clearance for Respirator Use

Any and all College employee who wear respiratory protection, voluntarily, shall be required to complete a respiratory questionnaire, annually and a medical examination paid for by Bridgewater State College. Only persons who receive approval of the Bridgewater State College Occupational Health Center physician shall be allowed to wear respirators.

Training and Fit Testing

EH&S Office shall provide training on the use, maintenance, and limitations of respirators to all College employees required to wear respiratory protection while performing work for the College. EH&S Office shall provide College employees and students required to wear respiratory protection with respirator fit testing. Fit testing shall be conducted prior to the start of employment, and annually, in accordance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard, Final Rule 29 CFR 1910.134.

Record Keeping

EH&S Office or Human Resources shall maintain fit testing and training records for each employee for a minimum of thirty (30) years beyond the last date of employment.