Respirator Training

Respiratory Protection is necessary to perform many of the tasks in our trade. Many of our apprentices come to school with facial hair that comes into contact with the sealing surface of the mask, and with masks that are in an unsanitary condition. These OSHA violations are exposing our members needlessly to respiratory hazards. In addition, they expose our contractors to OSHA fines. It is the contractor's responsibility to make sure that respiratory protection is provided and maintained and worn correctly.

The Chicago area JATC offers a great tool to our contractors. The school provides all of the training requirements, fit testing, and medical clearances that are required to keep your company in compliance with OSHA's Respiratory standard. Classes are offered regularly at our training facility. Check our web site for class schedules.

At the following web site, a great tool is available from OSHA to help your company answer many of the frequently asked questions (www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/respiratory/index.html). Some of the most common questions such as facial hair and fit checks are addressed.

Below are the four steps all companies should take to assure their compliance.

  1. A Written Respiratory Protection Program: The first step in providing a comprehensive, compliant respirator plan for your company is developing a Written Respiratory Protection Program. Your program should detail, at a minimum, the requirements, situations, and levels of protection required for each hazard employees encounter as well as how to properly maintain, care for, and use appropriate respirators. The written program is used as a basis for implementing and managing your respirator program and should be shared with each employee who is required to wear a respirator.

  2. Employee Training: OSHA's respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires each person wearing a respirator to complete training BEFORE wearing the respirator and then ANNUALLY thereafter.

  3. Medical Clearance: Before an employee can wear a respirator they must have a Medical Clearance (also known as a "Fit-to Wear" Clearance) from a doctor or a medical professional stating they are medically cleared to wear a respirator. This process involves an extensive review of the employee's medical history and, in some cases, additional testing if there are questions or concerns related to their background. Respiratory clearances can ONLY be performed by qualified occupational medical professions.

  4. Respirator Fit-Testing: Once your employees are properly trained, have received a medical clearance, and have been given an opportunity to review your company's written Respiratory Protection Program, the final step to a safe and complete program is a respirator fit-test. Before your employees can use any repirator in the field, you must have the mask tested for proper fit and seal.
Respirator Photos
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