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Respiratory protective devices must be approved by NIOSH for the contaminant or situation to which the employee is exposed.
Compressed air, compressed oxygen, liquid air, and liquid oxygen used for respiration must be of high purity. Oxygen must meet the requirements of the United States Pharmacopoeia for medical or breathable oxygen. Breathing air must meet at least the requirement for Grade D breathing air described in Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Commodity Specification G-7.1-1989. Compressed oxygen must not be used in open circuit SCBAs or SARs that have previously used compressed air. Oxygen concentrations greater than
23.5 percent must not be used with airline respirators unless the equipment is designed for oxygen service.
Employers must supply breathing air to respirators from cylinders or air compressors. For testing cylinders, see “Shipping Container Specifications of the Department of Transportation,” 49 CFR Part 178.
Employers must mark containers of breathing gas clearly and in accordance with NIOSH requirements, as described in 42 CFR Part 84. Further details on the sources of compressed air and its safe use can be found in the CGA pamphlet G-7.1-1989.
The compressor for supplying air must have the necessary safety devices and alarms. Compressors must be constructed and situated to prevent contaminated air from entering the air supply system and be equipped with suitable in-line, air-purifying sorbent beds and filters installed to ensure breathing air quality. If using an oil-lubricated compressor, ensure that it has a high-temperature or carbon monoxide alarm or both. If using only the high-temperature alarm, the employer must test the air from the compressor frequently for carbon monoxide.
Air-line couplings must be incompatible with outlets for other gas systems to prevent accidental servicing of air-line respirators with non-breathable gases or oxygen.
OSHA Assistance, Services, and Programs
How can OSHA help me?
OSHA can provide extensive help through a variety of programs, including assistance about safety and health programs, state plans, workplace consultations, voluntary protection programs, strategic partnerships, alliances, and training and education. An overall commitment to workplace safety and health can add value to your business, to your workplace, and to your life.
How does safety and health management system assistance help employers and employees?
Working in a safe and healthful environment can stimulate innovation and creativity and result in increased performance and higher productivity. The key to a safe and healthful work environment is a comprehensive safety and health management system.
OSHA has an electronic compliance assistance tool, or eTools, on its website that “walks” users through the steps required to develop a comprehensive safety and health program. The eTools are posted at www.osha.gov, and are based on guidelines that identify four general elements critical to a successful safety and health management system:
- Management leadership and employee involvement,
- Worksite analysis,
- Hazard prevention and control, and
- Safety and health training.
What are state programs?
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) encourages states to develop and operate their own job safety and health plans. OSHA approves and monitors these plans and funds up to 50 percent of each program's operating costs. State plans must provide standards and enforcement programs, as well as voluntary compliance activities, that are at least as effective as Federal OSHA's.
Currently, 26 states and territories have their own plans. Twenty-three cover both private and public (state and local government) employees and three states, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, cover only the public sector. For more information on state plans, see the list at the end of this publication, or visit OSHA's website at www.osha.gov.
What is consultation assistance?
Consultation assistance is available on request to employers who want help establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful workplace. Funded largely by OSHA, the service is provided at no cost to small employers and is delivered by state authorities through professional safety and health consultants.
What is the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP)?
Under the consultation program, certain exemplary employers may request participation in OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). Eligibility for participation includes, but is not limited to, receiving a full-service, comprehensive consultation visit, correcting all identified hazards, and developing an effective safety and health program management program.
Employers accepted into SHARP may receive an exemption from programmed inspections (not complaint or accident investigation inspections) for 1 year initially, or 2 years upon renewal. For more information about consultation assistance, see the list of consultation projects at the end of this publication.
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Hard Hats
Hearing Protection
