Respirators are equipped with the right type of cartridges for the particular contaminant. Workers perform positive and negative pressure tests each time they put a respirator on. Workers who wear respirators have been medically evaluated, fit-tested, and trained. Respirators are cleaned prior to storage. Cartridges are replaced on a routine basis, as specified in the company's written Respiratory Protection Program.
Workers inspect respirators for damage prior to each use.
Workers don't wear respirators with damaged straps or facepieces. Replacement parts are obtained only from the original manufacturer or authorized vendor, and are designed for that respirator. Respirators should be used unless air monitoring has shown them to be unnecessary. Channing Way, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720. Permission is granted to duplicate these materials for non-profit educational purposes, provided that copies are not offered for sale.