What must employers have if their employees are using respirators under the Cal-OSHA respiratory program?

Employers must have a written respiratory protection program when their employees are using respirators under the Cal-OSHA respiratory program. This requirement is established to ensure that there is a structured and systematic approach to respiratory protection in the workplace.

The written program serves several critical functions. It outlines the procedures for selecting appropriate respirators based on the specific hazards present in the environment. Moreover, it addresses the proper use of respirators, training requirements for employees on their use, storage, inspection, and maintenance. A clear program helps to ensure that employees understand how to use their respiratory protection effectively and safely, thus minimizing their exposure to harmful airborne contaminants.

In addition to the written respiratory protection program, there are other important safety programs that employers may need to implement, such as hearing conservation, emergency response plans, and medical surveillance. However, these programs are separate from the specific requirements mandated for respiratory protection and do not replace the necessity of having a focused written program for respirator use. This focus is essential in creating a safe working environment where respiratory hazards are effectively managed.