Issue/Question
What is the USD Respiratory Protection Program?
Environment
Cause
This program establishes acceptable practices for respirator use, delineates responsibilities, and provides guidance on proper selection; individual fit testing, use and care of respirators.
Resolution
- An individual assigned the task requiring respiratory protection shall use an appropriate NIOSH certified respirators based on the respiratory hazard(s) to which the worker is exposed
- Personnel using a respirator shall be cleared by a licensed healthcare professional to use it
- Supervisors shall ensure that the user select and use a proper respirator and clean, disinfect and properly store it after the use
- Personnel shall not be assigned a task requiring respiratory protection unless they receive medical clearance from a licensed healthcare professional to use a respirator
- Each user shall be properly trained and fit‑tested before using a respirator