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(ii) Providing respiratory protection for individuals wearing corrective glasses is a serious problem.
A proper seal cannot be established if the temple bars of eye glasses extend through the sealing edge
of the full face piece. As a temporary measure, glasses with short temple bars or without temple
bars may be taped to the wearer’s head. Wearing of contact lenses in contaminated atmospheres
with a respirator shall not be allowed. Systems have been developed for mounting corrective lenses
inside full facepieces. When a workman must wear corrective lenses as part of the face piece, the
face piece and lenses shall be fitted by qualified individuals to provide good vision, comfort, and a
gas-tight seal.

(iii) If corrective spectacles or goggles are required, they shall be worn so as not to affect the fit of the
face piece. Proper selection of equipment will minimize or avoid this problem.

(f) Maintenance and care of respirators.

(1) A program for maintenance and care of respirators shall be adjusted to the type of plant, working
conditions, and hazards involved, and shall include the following basic services:

(i) Inspection for defects (including a leak check),

(ii) Cleaning and disinfecting,

(iii) Repair,

(iv) Storage.

Equipment shall be properly maintained to retain its original effectiveness.

(2)
(i) All respirators shall be inspected routinely before and after each use. A respirator that is
not routinely used but is kept ready for emergency use shall be inspected after each use and at
least monthly to assure that it is in satisfactory working condition.

(ii) Self-contained breathing apparatus shall be inspected monthly. Air and oxygen cylinders shall be
fully charged according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It shall be determined that the regulator
and warning devices function properly.

(iii) Respirator inspection shall include a check of the tightness of connections and the condition of
the face piece, headbands, valves, connecting tube, and canisters. Rubber or elastomer parts shall be
inspected for pliability and signs of deterioration. Stretching and manipulating rubber or elastomer
parts shall be inspected for pliability and signs of deterioration. Stretching and manipulating rubber
or elastomer parts with a massaging action will keep them pliable and flexible and prevent them
from taking a set during storage.

(iv) A record shall be kept of inspection dates and findings for respirators maintained for emergency use.

(3) Routinely used respirators shall be collected, cleaned, and disinfected as frequently as necessary to
insure that proper protection is provided for the wearer. Respirators maintained for emergency use
shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

(4) Replacement or repairs shall be done only by experienced persons with parts designed for the

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