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851 Silica Dust Safety in Construction
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Respiratory Protection Plan

In any workplace where respirators are necessary or required, the employer should establish and implement a written respiratory protection plan with worksite-specific procedures and elements listed below:

Respiratory Protection in Construction
  • Employers should conduct exposure monitoring periodically while controls are being used to ensure that the controls are working properly and that the appropriate level of respiratory protection is being used. Other employees working close to where silica dust is generated may also need respiratory protection if effective controls are not implemented.
  • The components of an effective Respiratory Protection Program include:
    • procedures for selecting respirators for use in the workplace
    • medical evaluations required for respirator use
    • fit testing procedures for tight-fitting respirators
    • procedures for proper respirator use
    • procedures and schedules for cleaning and otherwise maintaining respirators
    • procedures for atmosphere-supplying respirator proper operation
    • training in respiratory hazards during routine and emergency situations
    • training in the proper respirator use, limitations and maintenance
    • procedures for evaluating respirator program effectiveness

For more information on respiratory protection, review 29 CFR 1910.134 and OSHA's Respiratory Protection eTool.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-4. What must employers do if their workplace requires the use of respirators?