FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS DIVISION
FACILITIES & PLANNING
Respiratory Protection Program
Policy #F&P 2003-19

I. PURPOSE

To set forth uniform policies and procedures concerning the use of respirators for employees.

II. OBJECTIVE

To provide respiratory protection in the event that effective engineering and administrative methods may fail to control air contaminants and/or to provide an added level of protection.

III. POLICY

The Environmental Health & Safety Office will administer the program. Supervisors will be responsible for enforcing the respirator program in the work areas.

A. Respirator Selection - Respirators will be selected on the basis of hazards to which SRU worker is exposed. They must be approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and/or by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

B. Fit Testing - Workers will be qualitatively fit-tested for respirator use and should not substitute or share respirator with others. Fit-tests will be conducted at least once a year.

C. Medical Testing - Prior to a qualitative fit-test, employees must have a physical exam. The purpose of the exam is to establish the fitness of an employee to wear a respirator.

D. Training - Employees will be instructed by EH&S or by a certified person (outside consultant) on the proper use of the respirator (generally conducted at the same time as the fit-testing). The training will include:

                        * Proper fitting
                        * Maintenance
                        * Determination of benefits and limitations of respirator use
                        * High hazard areas requiring respirator use

E. Respirator Assignment, Storage, and Maintenance

* Employees required to use respirators will be assigned respirator for their individual use. Disposable type     respirators will be available, when appropriate for individual use.
* All respirators will be stored in a clean, uncontaminated area when not in use. Plastic zip-lock bags are available     rom the EH&S for storage of reusable respirators.
* Reusable respirators must be cleaned after each use to prevent contamination. Soap and water and/or a     disinfecting solution will be used.
* Reusable respirators must be inspected prior to each use to ensure proper fit/ function. If there are deficiencies     then new parts should be installed or a new respirator obtained (EH&S stocks most replacement respirators     and parts).
* Disposable respirators will be disposed of properly with other contaminated material at the end of each shift of     use.