respiratory_protection_training-resized-171Ever wonder is that a dog or a cat? My nose will tell me the answer, will yours? Often I hear calls coming into the office asking if a dust mask is considered a respirator and does it require respirator protection training. Hmmm…. let’s see. They both cover your nose and mouth but the dust mask looks different than what I see my owner normally use. When I put one on, I couldn’t wait to take it off so I could breathe easier. Yet turning it around and sniffing didn’t help me much. I guess I should ask the guy who feeds me what he thinks on this….

Parker, the short answer is YES a dust mask is a respirator which means it requires Respirator Protection Training and more…

I can close my eyes and see all of you shaking your head. OSHA spells out the complete training requirements in 1926.62(l)(2)Training Program. “The employer shall assure that each employee is trained….”

Why is a dust mask considered a respirator?

Dust masks have all the elements of a half piece tight fitting respirator such as:

  1. Strap(s) to secure mask to face snuggly
  2. Filter to remove harmful agents
  3. Ability to provide a secure fit against the users face

Here is OSHA’s answer regarding the definition of a respirator found in the FAQ section of Respirator Training:

Q: What is a respirator?
A: A respirator is a protective facepiece, hood or helmet that is designed to protect the wearer against a variety of harmful airborne agents.”

What is involved in Respirator Protection Training?

There are 8 topics that your training must include. There is no specific format to follow as long as each worker can demonstrate knowledge of at least the following:

  1. Why respirators are necessary
  2. Limitations and capabilities of their respirator
  3. Proper selection of cartridges or filters and their change schedules
  4. Emergency situatons
  5. How to inspect, use and check seals of respirator
  6. Respirator maintenance and storage
  7. How to recognize medical signs and symptoms limiting respirator use
  8. Respiratory Protection Standard Requirements

Respirator use is a major part of your PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) Program. Like many other types of PPE, the improper use can cause more physical harm than the dangerous substance you are attempting to protect your employee from.Training your employees the proper use, care and maintenace is essential to the success of your Respirator Program.

What is the difference between Respirator Protection Training and a Respirator Program?

Your company’s WRITTEN training program must meet the following requirements:

  1. Procedures specific to your firms worksites (not a canned document)
  2. Assign a qualified* Program Administrator to run & evaluate program.
  3. Implement and update as it becomes necessary.

In addition to these, you must also insure certain parts of this program are followed by employees who choose to wear a respirator voluntarily even if respirator use is not required by you or OSHA.

Specific elements of a Respirator Program cover a variety of topics ranging from identifying what hazards you are protecting your employees from, identifying what types of respirators are to be worn and when, evaluating who is physically capable of wearing such protection, providing all necessary materials free of charge, employee trainning and then of course making sure all these items are doing the job they are intended to at your jobsites.

*a qualified person must have a recognized degree, certificate, etc., or extensive experience and ability to solve the subject problems, at the worksite

Look for further discussions on the different elements including medical evaluations and fit testing in the next issues.