Respiratory Protection
Key Learning Objectives
Understanding Respiratory Hazards: Discuss the types of respiratory hazards present in the workplace, including chemical, biological, and particulate hazards.
Proper Respirator Selection: Employees must learn how to select the appropriate respirator for specific hazards. This includes understanding the types of respirators available and the situations each type is suitable for.
Fit Testing and Usage: Training should cover how to properly fit, use, and adjust respirators to ensure maximum protection. OSHA requires fit testing for certain types of respirators to confirm they form a proper seal.
Maintenance and Care: Users must be trained on how to clean, maintain, and store respirators correctly, as well as how to inspect them for wear or damage.
Limitations of Respirators: Employees should understand the limitations of their respiratory protection, including how they might fail or under what circumstances they may not provide adequate protection.
Medical Evaluations: Workers must understand the importance of the medical evaluations required by OSHA, which determine whether they are physically capable of using a respirator.
Regulatory Requirements and Compliance: This includes understanding OSHA regulations and employer requirements for a respiratory protection program.
Training Goal
The overall goal is to protect employees’ health by ensuring they know when respiratory protection is needed, how to use it correctly, and what steps to take if issues arise.