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S Step 3 Write Standard Operating Procedurestep 3 Write Standard Operating Procedures

The importance of written Standard Operating tor program, the program administrator, those
Procedures (SOPs) is emphasized by OSHA in fitting the respirators and training the workers,
29 CFR Part 1910.139 which specifies the first respirator maintenance workers, and the super-
requirement for a “minimal acceptable (respira- visors responsible for overseeing respirator use
tor) program” as establishment of written SOPs on the job. Generally, the procedures should
governing the selection and use of respirators. cover the following topics:
Part 1910.139 does not provide any guidance
for preparing these procedures and does not
differentiate between large and small users.
1. Administrative procedures:

A. Employer responsibilities

B. Employee responsibilities

C. Purchase of certified respirators

D. Inventory control

E. Issuance of respirators

F. Special problems (beards, etc.)

2. Respirator selection

3. Medical surveillance

4. Respirator training program

5. Respirator face-fitting procedures

6. Maintenance procedures:

A. Cleaning and sanitizing

B. Inspection

Photo courtesy of Racal Health & Safety, Inc.
C. Repair
An SOP is a detailed written procedure that de-
scribes an operation so thoroughly that it can be D. Storage
accomplished repeatedly and can consistently
arrive at the same end point. No room for in- 7. Program evaluation
terpretation exists. The SOPs should contain all
information needed to maintain an effective res- Guidance for an SOP follows on the next
pirator program to meet the user’s individual page. Additional information on SOPs may
requirements. SOPs should be written to be also be available from the manufacturer of
useful to those directly involved in the respira- the respirator.

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