Respiratory Protection Program Requirements for NJ Contractors
When a task calls for a respirator, the employer must follow the respiratory-protection requirements that apply to the work. The procedures should match the hazard, the equipment and how workers will use it.
When a written program is required
For construction work, 29 CFR 1926.103 applies the respiratory-protection requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134. If respirators are necessary to protect workers or the employer requires their use, the employer must establish a written program with procedures that fit the workplace. The standard covers respirator selection, medical evaluations, fit testing for tight-fitting facepieces, use, maintenance, training and program evaluation.
Medical evaluation and fit testing
Before initial use, an employee must receive the medical evaluation required by the standard. A tight-fitting facepiece must pass a fit test before first use, when a different facepiece is used, and at least annually. Arrange another fit test when the standard’s conditions indicate the current fit may no longer be acceptable.
Who runs the program and what to keep
The employer must designate a program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience. Keep the written records the standard requires for medical evaluations and fit tests. A fit-test record includes the employee, test type, respirator make, model, style and size, test date, and result.
Voluntary respirator use
If respirator use is voluntary, the employer first determines that its use will not create a hazard and provides the information in Appendix D. Voluntary users of other respirators may also require limited written-program steps for medical ability, cleaning, storage and maintenance. The written-program exception applies when workers only use filtering facepiece respirators voluntarily.
When a written program is required, check whether it covers:
- A written program with procedures suited to the workplace and the respirators used
- A program administrator with suitable training or experience
- Medical evaluations for employees who must use respirators
- Annual fit testing for each employee who uses a tight-fitting facepiece
- Training on proper use, limitations, putting on and removing the respirator, and maintenance
- A process for additional medical evaluations and fit tests when the standard’s conditions require them
- Clean, accessible storage and a maintenance/cleaning schedule for reusable respirators
If your request involves a written safety document, tell me about the work and the requirement you need to address. I’ll confirm whether it fits an agreed written-program or JHA scope before paid work begins. Request a free 30-minute preliminary consultation.