Identification of Filters, Cartridges, and Canisters
The employer must ensure that all filters, cartridges and canisters used in the workplace are labeled and color coded with the NIOSH approval label. It is important that this label is not removed and remains legible.
Where Respirator Use is Not Required
An employer may provide respirators at the request of employees or permit employees to use their own respirators, if the employer determines that such respirator use will not in itself create a hazard.
If the employer determines that any voluntary respirator use is permissible, the employer must provide the respirator users with the information contained in Appendix D of the standard.
In addition, the employer must establish and implement those elements of a written respiratory protection program necessary to ensure that any employee using a respirator voluntarily is medically able to use that respirator. Also, the program should ensure the respirator is cleaned, stored, and maintained so its use does not pose a health hazard to the user. Exception: Employers are not required to include in a written respiratory protection program those employees whose only use of respirators involves the voluntary use of filtering facepieces (dust masks).
Remember this was only a brief overview of respirator use. In the next module, we'll be taking a look at requirements for head, hand, and foot personal protective equipment.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-13. The employer must have a written respiratory program for employees who voluntarily use respirators unless _____.
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