Inspection Requirements
Repair
Respirators that fail to pass inspection or are otherwise found to be defective must be removed from service, and discarded, repaired, or adjusted by properly trained personnel, using only the respirator manufacturer's NIOSH-approved parts designed for that respirator.
The repairs also must be made in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications regarding the type and extent of repairs to be performed. Because components such as reducing and admission valves, regulators, and alarms are complex and essential to the safe functioning of the respirator, they are required to be adjusted and repaired only by the manufacturer or a technician trained by the manufacturer.
When a respirator is taken out of service, the respirator must be tagged "out of service," and the employee should be given a replacement of the same make, model, and size.
Inspecting the Work Area
Make sure appropriate surveillance of work area conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress is conducted.
Audit the Program
Regularly audit and evaluate the program to determine its continued effectiveness.
The program administrator should conduct evaluations of the respiratory protection program as necessary to make sure each component has been properly implemented. Evaluations of the program should determine whether the correct respirators are being used and worn properly and whether the training program is effective.
The program administrator should regularly consult with employees wearing respirators to get their views on program effectiveness and to identify any problems. This assessment must determine if the respirators are properly fitted. It must also evaluate:
- whether employees are able to wear the respirators without interfering with effective workplace performance;
- respirators are correctly selected for the hazards encountered;
- respirators are being worn when necessary; and
- whether respirators are being maintained properly.
The program administrator identifies and corrects any problems associated with wearing a respirator that are identified by employees or that are revealed during any other part of the program evaluation.
OSHA's CPL 02-02-054 - Respiratory Protection Program Guidelines provides insight into the OSHA inspection protocol for respiratory protection. Design your own audits with these strategies in mind.
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5-2. Who may repair the components of a respirator?
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