OSHA Adopts Standard on Respiratory Protection

Washington -- A final rule regarding respiratory protection has been adopted by OSHA. This final standard replaces the respiratory protection standards that were implemented by OSHA in 1971 and applies to construction, shipyard, longshoring, marine terminal and general industry workplaces.

This standard will be changing its designation from 29 CFR Part 1910.134 to 1910.139 and will be effective April 8, 1998; however, employers can continue to follow 1910.134 (1997) until the start-up date of the new standard on Oct. 5, 1998.

Under this standard, employers are to establish or maintain a respiratory protection program to protect respirator-wearing employees. Requirements for program administration, employee training, respirator selection, worksite-specific procedures, fit testing, respirator use, medical examination, maintenance, cleaning and other provisions are included in the standard.

"The new standard won't change any purchasing behavior. It will have a greater effect on use behavior," said Phil Hage, public relations representative for 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division. "The standard also focuses on training so that employees can use them correctly, and it includes continued emphasis on periodic evaluation of a respirator program so that respirators continue to be effective."

This final standard involves an estimated 5 million respirator wearers working in approximately 1.3 million workplaces in the covered sectors. OSHA feels that compliance with this standard will save hundreds of lives and thousands from illness annually.