QEHSHealth
Respiratory protection program
An OSHA-required program covering selection, fit-testing, use, cleaning, and medical evaluation for respirator users.
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, any workplace that requires respirator use must implement a written respiratory protection program. Elements include: hazard assessment to determine airborne contaminant levels, respirator selection based on assigned protection factor (APF), medical evaluation to ensure fitness to wear a respirator, fit-testing (quantitative or qualitative), training on use and limitations, cleaning and maintenance procedures, and program evaluation. The program administrator must be qualified and the program must be updated as conditions change.