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757 Laboratory Safety
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Eye and Face Protection

OSHA's 1910.133, Eye and face Protection Standard requires employers to ensure that each affected worker uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards.

 Lab worker with eye and face and hand protection
1910.133 requires employers ensure that affected workers use the approriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards.

The employer must protect employees from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.

Respiratory Protection

OSHA's 1910.134, Respiratory Protection Standard requires that a respirator be provided to each worker when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of such individual. The employer must provide respirators that are appropriate and suitable for the purpose intended. The employer is responsible for establishing and maintaining a respiratory protection program that includes the following elements:

  • selection of respirators for use in the workplace;
  • medical evaluations of workers required to use respirators;
  • fit testing for tight-fitting respirators;
  • proper use of respirators during routine and emergency situations;
  • procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing and discarding of respirators;
  • procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of breathing air for atmosphere-supplying respirators;
  • training of workers in respiratory hazards that they may be exposed to during routine and emergency situations;
  • training of workers in the proper donning and doffing of respirators, and any limitations on their use and maintenance; and
  • regular evaluation of the effectiveness of the program.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-4. Under OSHA's respiratory protection standard, which of the following employer activities would NOT be required?