OSHA's respirator standard is often misunderstood and companies issue respirators to their employees without understanding the requirements in 29 CFR 1910.134. Although the standard is very complex and should be managed by an experienced administrator, there are four basic elements you must make sure you have in place. Read More
2 thoughts on “Respirator 101”
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Thank you for this.
I’d like to add that often times many facilities will not allow facial hair on employees who are enrolled in a respirator program. Frequently the hair will create enough of a gap that it will allow air and particulates to pass from outside to inside. You can see how this could have the potential to put someones life on the line. However, certain facial hair styles like mustaches and goatee’s may be acceptable. And it really just comes down to what the facility allows and its policies.
I totally agree with you, Michael. Most companies I work with have a “no beard” policy. Even if beards are allowed per their policy, many operators and hygienists will not permit facial hair.