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4. Where practicable, the respirators will be assigned to individual workers for their exclusive use.
5. Nondisposable respirators will be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Those issued for the
exclusive use of one worker will be cleaned after each days use, or more often if necessary. Those
used by more than one worker will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use. The RPA
will establish a respirator cleaning and maintenance facility and develop detailed written cleaning
instructions.
Disposable respirators will be discarded if they are soiled or are no longer functional. See the
manufacturers instructions.
6. The central respirator cleaning and maintenance facility will store respirators in a clean and
sanitary location.
7. Respirators used routinely will be inspected during cleaning. Worn or deteriorated parts will be
replaced.
8. Appropriate (e.g., quarterly) surveillance of work area conditions and degree of employee exposure
will be maintained.
9. There will be regular (e.g., annually) inspections and evaluations to determine the continued
effectiveness of the program. The RPA will make frequent inspections of all areas where
respirators are used to ensure compliance with the respiratory protection programs.
10. Persons will not be assigned to tasks requiring use of respirators unless it has been determined that
they are physically able to perform the work and use the equipment. The ABC health care facility
physician will determine what health and physical conditions are pertinent. The respirator users
medical status will be reviewed annually.
11. NIOSH certified respirators will be used.
Respirator Program Evaluation Checklist
In general, the respiratory protection program should be evaluated for each job or at least annually, with
program adjustments, as appropriate, made to reflect the evaluation results. Program function can be
separated into administration and operation.
A. Program Administration
____________ (1) Is there a written policy which acknowledges employer responsibility for
providing a safe and healthful workplace, and assigns program responsibility,
accountability, and authority?
____________ (2) Is program responsibility vested in one individual who is knowledgeable and
who can coordinate all aspects of the program at the health care facility?
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