Regulations require employers to have a written respiratory protection program at the work site. The program must cover selection, fitting, use, inspection, maintenance and cleaning of respirators. Appendix 1 contains sample written procedures.
Engineering controls are the best way to control airborne hazards.
Examples of engineering controls include enclosure or confinement of the operation generating the hazard, ventilation to keep the airborne concentration below accepted levels, or substitution of less toxic materials. In some situations, the use of engineering controls, such as closed systems or enclosed cabs, may exempt the worker from wearing respiratory protection. Often, pesticide use creates a hazardous working environment. If hazardous pesticide concentrations cannot be controlled in other ways, you need to use personal respiratory protection. You may also need respiratory protection in emergency situations where the exposure is relatively brief.