Online Respiratory Protection Course

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

🎯 Core Training Objectives

Respirator protection training, as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 29 CFR 1910.134, aims to safeguard employees from respiratory hazards in the workplace. Our course will provide workers with a comprehensive understanding of respiratory hazards and the correct use of protective equipment. Upon completing the course, participants should be able to:

• Understand the Necessity: Articulate why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, use, or maintenance can compromise its protective effect.
• Identify and Select Respirators:
  • Recognize the different types of respiratory hazards (dusts, fumes, gases, vapors, etc.) they may be exposed to.
  • Identify the different types of respirators (Air-Purifying, Atmosphere-Supplying, SCBA, etc.) and their specific limitations and capabilities.
  • Understand the criteria for selecting the proper NIOSH-certified respirator for a given hazard and exposure level.
• Ensure Proper Use and Fit:
  • Know how to inspect the respirator before use for defects or wear.
  • Demonstrate the correct procedures for putting on and removing the respirator.
  • Perform a user seal check (positive and/or negative pressure) each time the respirator is put on.
  • Understand the importance of fit testing and what conditions (like facial hair) can prevent a proper seal.
  • Know the procedures for use in both routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations.
• Maintain and Store Respirators:
  • Understand the procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, and repairing the respirator.
  • Understand the criteria for discarding an old or defective respirator.

When is OSHA Respiratory Protection Training Required?

The training is required for:

1. Employees Required to Use a Respirator

Any employee who is required by their employer or by the OSHA standard to wear a respirator to protect against hazardous airborne contaminants must receive comprehensive and effective training.

This applies when:

• Exposure to an airborne contaminant is above a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) set by OSHA or other recognized exposure limits. Airborne contaminants include harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors.
• The work is performed in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere (less than 19.5% oxygen).
• Required by a substance-specific OSHA standard (e.g., for lead, asbestos, etc.)

2. Employees Who Voluntarily Use Certain Respirators

If an employer permits employees to voluntarily use certain types of respirators (excluding filtering facepieces like a dust mask), the employer must still ensure the employee is medically able to use the respirator and provide them with mandatory basic information (contained in OSHA Appendix D) on the care, use, and limitations of the respirator.

However, if an employee voluntarily uses only a filtering facepiece (like an N95 dust mask), the employer is not required to have a written respiratory protection program or provide training, as long as the use of the respirator itself does not create a hazard.