A comprehensive written respiratory protection program is required to assure that workers are provided effective health protection. (See Appendix II.)

A: A respirator program increases your chances of using a respirator correctly. Just like medicine, a respirator will only help you if you use it correctly. Also, OSHA requires a number of written program elements for all respiratory protection programs.

A: Your employer must provide someone qualified and knowledgeable in respiratory protection to run all aspects of the program.

A: The program manager should provide or post a set of written standard operating procedures containing information about all aspects of the respirator program. The procedures describe when, where, and how to correctly use and care for your respirator.

A: Before you are assigned a task requiring the use of a respirator, and periodically thereafter, your employer must check your health. Not all workers must be examined by a doctor. A questionnaire may be used to determine if conditions or symptoms indicate the need for further evaluation.

A: Yes, you and your supervisors must be informed about the necessity for wearing respirators and the potential risks associated with not doing so. This training should include at a minimum:

• The nature, extent, and specific hazards of tuberculosis in your respective health-care facility.
• A description of specific risks for TB infection among persons exposed to TB, treatment of the disease, and the possibility of active TB disease.
• A description of engineering controls and work practices and the reasons why they do not eliminate the need for personal respiratory protection.
• An explanation for selecting a particular type of respirator, how the respirator is properly maintained and stored, and the operation, capabilities, and limitations of the respirator provided.
• Instruction in how to inspect, put on, fit check, adjust, and correctly wear the provided respirator.
• An opportunity to handle the provided respirator and learn how put it on, wear it properly, and check the important parts
• Instruction in how to recognize an inadequately functioning respirator.

A: You will undergo fit testing to identify a respirator that adequately fits you.

Qualitative fit test chamber

A: Yes, always check the facepiece fit before each use. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations, which are found in the packaging.

A fit test is a method used to select the right size respirator for your face. A fit check (see "Particulate Respirators" above) is a method to check to see if you have correctly put on your respirator and adjusted it to fit properly.

A: The manufacturer's instructions for inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining the respirator should be followed to ensure that it functions properly. Cleaning, inspection, repair and storage functions may be assigned to each individual user or to a central office.

A: Disposable respirators should be assigned to only one person and discarded if soiled or physically damaged. Replaceable filter respirators may be shared, but should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use (see manufacturers' recommendations).

A: Your respirator program administrator should be able to address all your problems and questions about using respirators. If you need additional information, you can contact NIOSH at 1-800-35-NIOSH.

A: Yes, the respirator program administrator should periodically check the program.

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