Does the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have workplace guidance and standards that cover respiratory protection?
Category: Workplace Safety and Health Issues
Answer:
OSHA has a standard on respiratory protection in the workplace (see 29 CFR 1910.134). See OSHA’s current Guidance Update on Protecting Employees from Avian Flu (Avian Influenza) Viruses. (It is also available in Spanish.)
In addition, OSHA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have issued Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic (found at www.osha.gov/Publications/influenza_pandemic.html) which includes guidance on use of respiratory protection during a pandemic.
Note: As an overall matter, employers should be guided in their relationship with their employees not only by federal employment law, but by their own employee handbooks, manuals, and contracts (including bargaining agreements), and by any applicable state or local laws.
Not all of the employment laws referenced apply to all employers or all employees, particularly state and local government agencies. For information on whether a particular employer or employee is covered by a law, please use the links provided for more detailed information. This information is not intended for federal agencies or federal employees -- they should contact the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for guidance.
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Last Updated: 01/25/2008
