OSHA Facts
OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard.⁽¹⁾
The key areas required by the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.134 are as follows:
- Written Respiratory Protection Program
- Medical Evaluations
- Fit testing of the Respirator
- Respiratory Protection Training
OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard program administration.⁽¹⁾
OSHA requires that a respiratory protection program be administered by a suitably trained program administrator to protect healthcare workers against airborne pathogen transmission. This administration is aligned to the key areas required by the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.134.
Changes in physical conditions and OSHA Respiratory Protection. ⁽¹⁾
The employer shall conduct an additional fit test whenever the employee reports, or the employer, PLHCP, supervisor, or program administrator makes visual observations of, changes in the employee’s physical condition that could affect respirator fit. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight.
Healthcare Settings – OSHA has issued almost $8 million dollars in Coronavirus Violations as of December 2022. (2)
OSHA inspections have resulted in the citing of employers for violations, including failures to:
- Implement a written respiratory protection program;
- Provide a medical evaluation, respirator fit test, training on the proper use of a respirator and personal protective equipment;
- Report an injury, illness or fatality;
- Record an injury or illness on OSHA recordkeeping forms; and
- Comply with the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
References:
1 – OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection Standard
2 – https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/covid-19-data/inspections-covid-related-citations