Ensuring Respirator Compliance.
WorkRite Safety helps employers be in compliance with federal regulations and requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134. WorkRite Safety professionals have extensive training in all aspects of respirator use, Fit Testing, and Spirometry (NIOSH approved training).
OSHA Requirements
Fit Testing is required anytime an employee needs to wear a respirator on the job. It must be performed annually to ensure proper fit.
An employee using a respirator at work may be at risk of physical burden or challenges that varies according to the type of respirator worn.
As the employer, you are required to provide a medical questionnaire to the employee (before wearing a respirator) that is reviewed by a licensed health care professional (LHCP) to determine the appropriateness of wearing a respirator. Based on the answers to the questionnaire, the LHCP may decide that an exam and/or other testing (such as spirometry) is required prior to respirator use.
Respirator Surveillance Exams
Respirator surveillance exams are required by OSHA for individuals who use respirators and are exposed to regulated toxic chemicals. It is an exam to determine if the worker is exhibiting signs or symptoms associated with exposure to these chemicals or compounds and requires reporting to both the employer and employee with any recommendations for respirator use, specialist referral or methods to limit exposure for each. Although there exist numerous surveillance programs defined by OSHA, our facility provides these services for three specifically:
Hexavalent Chromium
A Chemical found in paint & painting.
Crystalline Silica
A chemical found in stone dust & concrete.
Exams and testing may vary based on the requirements of each OSHA standard but may include: Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry), laboratory testing, or chest x-rays based on the standard.***