This part of the regulation provides that employers must establish a respiratory protection program so that employees with occupational exposure are protected from contracting the diseases.
OSHA also cited the company for hazards related to the design, construction and location of its dust collection system; unguarded machinery; not training employees in the operation of fork trucks and in fire extinguisher use; lack of eye, face and hand protection; unapproved electrical installations in areas with flammable or combustible materials and liquids; lack of a written respiratory protection program and deficiencies in respirator selection, use, storage, maintenance and training; unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals; and no exposure determination, protective clothing, eyewash and hazard information for employees working with methylene chloride.
Because proper fit is also necessary for respirator function, US regulations state that an employer who requires workers to wear respirators must establish a respiratory protection program that covers respirator selection and maintenance, fit testing, and worker instruction (2).
OSHA eventually went on to update the standard in 1998 to incorporate technological advancements and reflect an improved scientific understanding of the elements needed for an effective respiratory protection program.
Special Occupational Medicine Services Occupational medicine services include: Testing services, such as hearing, vision, and strength Physical exams Drug/alcohol screening Respiratory protection programs Ergonomic evaluations for prevention of injuries Site safety assessment Drivers' screening (DOT and nonDOT) Job assessment and safety issues Preventive services Physical and rehabilitative therapy Occupational case management Specialized consultations to develop job descriptions and drug policies to ensure that safety standards are met Workers' Compensation Every employee in California is covered by the no-fault worker's compensation (WC) system, which entitles people injured on the job to receive "all medical care reasonably required to cure or relieve the injury.
Highlights for Tuesday, September 21 include two presentations on safety: "Safety Presentation Part I: Respiratory Protection, Life Expectancy for Lungs," discussing effective exposure control, including preplanning, respiratory protection programs, and environmental factors, and "Safety Presentation Part II: Fit Testing Demonstration" which covers job site standards and regulations regarding respiratory protection.
