288 The purpose of a respiratory protection program is to protect the lungs and respiratory tract by preventing entry of toxic substances through inhalation. Inhalation of airborne toxins, particu- lates, vapors, or gases is the most common route of occupational exposure. The airways are common sites of occupational diseases including such acute responses as upper airway obstruction, bronchoconstriction, and pulmonary edema, and of chronic responses, such as asthma, fibrosis, and cancer. As of 2008, the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) is a component of the Personal Protective Equipment Standard, 29 CFR Subpart I 1910.132. The standard stipu- lates regulations regarding the use of respirators for protecting employees from occupational exposure to contaminated air. Compliance with the standard includes (at a minimum), selec- tion of proper respirators development of standard procedures for respirator use establishment of procedures for cleaning, maintenance, inspection, and storage of respirators preparation of written procedures medical evaluation and clearance, and education of employees regarding the written procedures and the respirators. In addition to complying with governmental regulations, a respiratory protection program establishes baseline data on employee respiratory health, provides a mechanism for early identification of respiratory problems, and establishes appropriate intervention and control mechanisms. To ensure employee protection and compliance with regulations, components of a respiratory program include hazard assessment, identification and analysis, engineering controls, health surveillance, education and training, PPE, and a written program. The first step in establishing an effective respiratory protection program is to identify the potential workplace inhalation hazards. A list of the areas and of all employees potentially exposed needs to be developed. Controls should be developed based on the identified hazards, the potential risks, and the fea- sibility of implementation. OSHA identifies engineering controls as the acceptable choice (enclosure, substitution, and ventilation) and, when not possible or until fully operational, the use of respiratory protection equipment. Other elements include providing medical clearance for employees required to wear a respira- tor and ensuring that adequate annual training is provided. A comprehensive written program must be established to address the key elements of the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard. Through collaboration with other safety and health experts, a comprehensive approach to pre- venting respiratory hazards can be developed. In addition to the OHN, team members can include industrial hygienists, engineers, occupational health physicians, toxicologists, and rep- resentation of management and employees. The role of the team might vary depending on the work processes and program goals and activities: Conduct worksite monitoring, such as air sampling, to identify respiratory exposure to hazardous substances. Respiratory Protection Definition and Purpose Program Objectives and Elements Interdisciplinary Interactions and Collaboration
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