It can really be a pain for employers to properly comply with all the OSHA requirements needed to wear respirators in the workplace. If you are over a given exposure limit for a chemical, some of the basic steps employers must take are as follows:
- Written Program
- Medical Evaluations
- Fit Testing
- Training
This can be a difficult, long process to get everything into place. However, if you work in an area that air monitoring has shown that respirator usage is not required by OSHA and you have employees who are still complaining or concerned about the air quality, you do have a viable alternative to consider.
OSHA does allow for the voluntary use of various respirators without all the paperwork and time involved in a normal respiratory protection program.
Option 1: Voluntary use of Dust Masks
If employees want to wear a simple N95 disposable respirator, this simple program allows them to do so without needing a medical evaluation, fit testing or training. The main stipulation is that they would be required to read Appendix D from the OSHA 1910.134 standard (this is a short paragraph giving some basic advice and warnings when using a respirator).
Voluntary Use of Respirators – Sample Written Program for Dust Mask Respirators
Option 2: Voluntary use of Air Purifying Respirators:
This option requires employees to read Appendix D with the addition of needing a medical evaluation. The medical evaluation requirement is due to a potential for more restrictive breathing when using certain cartridge/filter combinations on a ½ mask or fullface respirator.
Voluntary Use of Respirators – Sample Written Program for Air Purifying Respirators
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