Welders and painters often wear supplied air respirators to
protect them from the highly hazardous chemicals used in their jobs. Paragraph 1910.134(c)(1) of the OSHA
regulation states: “In any workplace where respirators are necessary to protect
the health of the employee or whenever respirators are required by the
employer, the employer shall establish and implement a written respiratory
protection program with worksite-specific procedures.” To start, logically, an
evaluation of the workplace to evaluate the hazard must be performed (e.g.,
half-face, full-face, supplied-air, etc.). In contrasting, the hazard is only a perceived hazard and respiratory
protection may voluntary.
Use of respiratory protection places a significant burden on
the worker. Therefore, there are many steps required ensure physical fitness
(1910.134(e)), the proper fit (1910.134(f)), and care and maintenance
(1910.134(h)). Lastly, training (1910.134(k)) on the airborne workplace hazard
as well as the intrinsic hazard presented by the respiratory protection.
However, when a worker wears a supplied-air respirator, the
employer must be vigilant about the quality of the breathing air given to the
worker. OSHA requires at least Grade D
breathing air (1910.134(i)(1)(ii). Manufacturers such as Air Systems and 3M
have made attaining Grade D breathing air quality from compressors convenient
with a series of filters and sensors. Ultimately, the employer must ensure
maintenance of the filters and sensors in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements
(1910.134(i)(5)(iii). Frequently these sensors or filters must be replaced or
inspected every three or six months.
Therefore, although wearing a supplied-air hood or welders’
helmet appears easier for compliance. Mainly because of the lesser requirements
for medical exams and fit-testing. Never forget about the continued, periodic
evaluation of the respiratory protection is vital to ensure the protection of
the worker.
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