A respiratory protection program is required where respirators are necessary to protect employee health or are required by the employer. The program must include worksite-specific procedures and be in writing. It should be updated to reflect changes in workplace conditions that affect respirator use and must include:

• Procedures for selecting respirators for use in the workplace
• Medical evaluations of employees required to use respirators
• Fit testing procedures for tight-fitting respirators
• Procedures for proper use of respirators in routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations
• Procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding, and otherwise maintaining respirators
• Procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of breathing air for atmosphere-supplying respirators
• Training of employees in the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed during routine and emergency situations
• Training of employees in the proper use of respirators, including putting on and removing them, any limitations on their use, and their maintenance
• Procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the program. [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1]

The employer must designate a program administrator who is qualified to administer the respiratory protection program and conduct required evaluations. [1]

The employer is required to provide respirators, training, and medical evaluations at no cost to the employee. [1]

The employer must select and provide an appropriate respirator based on the respiratory hazard(s) to which the worker is exposed, and workplace and user factors that affect respirator performance and reliability. The employer shall select a NIOSH-certified respirator and ensure it is used in compliance with its certification conditions. [2] [2] [2]

Employers must conduct evaluations of the workplace to ensure the written respiratory protection program is effectively implemented. They should also consult employees using respirators to assess their views on the program's effectiveness and identify any problems, correcting any issues found. [4] [4]

Employers need to keep records of medical evaluations, fit testing, and the respirator program. This helps employees get involved, lets the employer check how well the program is working, and provides a record for OSHA to check for compliance. [4]

All respirators used in routine situations must be inspected before each use and during cleaning. Respirators kept for emergencies must be inspected monthly and after each use to ensure proper function. Emergency escape-only respirators need inspection before being taken into the workplace. [3] [3] [3]