This is a transition period because employers will still have to have respiratory protection programs that comply with the old 1910.134 standard in the interim. The Final Rule clarifies employer responsibilities in several important areas. Generally, the new provisions require that all negative pressure and tight-fitting positive pressure respirators be fit tested before use. Clarification and relaxation of the provisions regarding respirator selection, medical evaluation of employees, and administration of the written program. This requirement could impact the responsibilities of both manufacturers and employers and is likely to be brought to court.
Annual testing is required by the new provision.
The use of portable quantitative fit testing devices is now permissible. The old provision requiring employers to provide at least three different sizes of facepieces from at least two different manufacturers in order to ensure a proper fit and seal has been modified. Employers now must simply provide enough respirator choices as to obtain an acceptable fit among all the affected employees. Disposable respirators can now be reused if it is determined that they will continue to provide the required level of protection. The provision requiring an annual review of affected employees' medical records has been eliminated.