A respirator is any device used to protect an individual from inhalation of contaminated air.
Respirators can provide protection from airborne contaminants that cause occupational diseases.
Departments are responsible for implementing and maintaining their own respiratory protection program. When a hazardous airborne contaminant level is found to exist in the workplace, occupational safety and health requirements require all feasible engineering or administrative controls be implemented to reduce exposure to a safe level. When feasible controls do not exist, or until they can be put into place, regulations require workers use respirators. Whether respirators are required or voluntarily provided to an employee, a written respirator program in required. This includes each emlpoyee's training, fit testing, and medical evaluation.