2.0 Responsibility
Each department that requires, is required to use, or has voluntary use of respirators, is responsible for implementing the respiratory protection program. Each department is responsible for scheduling department employees for annual fit-testing and medical evaluation as needed.
2.1 Supervisors, Managers, and Principal Researchers
Each person in charge of a research project or in charge of a craft or maintenance crew engaged in activities where respiratory protective equipment is, or may be, required, is responsible for:
2.1.1
Requesting assistance from the Environmental Health & Safety Department (EH&S) in evaluating new or non-routine operations that may present respiratory health and safety hazards.
2.1.2
Notifying EH&S of the need for the use of respiratory protective equipment, including any voluntary use of respiratory protection.
2.1.3
Identifying, with the assistance of the Environmental Health & Safety Department, those employees who may need respiratory protective equipment.
2.1.4
Ensuring that all employees who will use respiratory equipment complete the Medical Questionnaire and are scheduled for and complete any required medical evaluations.
2.1.5
Ensuring that all employees who use respiratory protection receive training and fit testing on an annual basis.
2.1.6
Obtaining assistance of the Environmental Health & Safety Department in selecting appropriate respiratory protection devices before they are purchased.
2.1.7
Enforcing the use of respiratory protective equipment when required by regulations or other requirements, as outlined in the standard operating procedures of this program.
2.2 Employees
Employees are responsible for:
2.2.1
Utilizing issued respiratory protection in accordance with instructions and training provided by EH&S and in accordance with the standard operating procedures of this program.
2.2.2
Notifying supervisors and/or EH&S of any voluntary use of respiratory protection.
2.2.3
Completing the Medical Questionnaire accurately and submitting it to an approved on-line evaluation physician service or to a qualified physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP).
2.2.4
Attending training and receiving fit-testing on an annual basis.
2.2.5
Informing supervisor of any personal health problems that may arise which could be aggravated by the use of respiratory protective equipment.
2.2.6
Preventing damage to respirators insuring that respirators are not modified or altered in any way
2.2.7
Reporting any observed or suspected malfunctioning respirator to the supervisor.
2.2.8
Using only specific respiratory protective devices for which they have received training and fit testing.
2.2.9
Checking the respirator for good fit before each use.
2.2.10
Checking for deterioration of the respirator before each use.
2.2.11
Recognizing indications that cartridges and/or filters are at the end of their service life.
2.2.12
Cleaning and sanitizing reusable respirators after use.
2.2.13
Storing the respirator in a protected location.
2.2.14
Discarding disposable respirator as directed.
2.2.15
Notifying supervisors and EH&S when they have a condition that may interfere with face-piece sealing such as:
- A weight change of 20 lbs. or more
- Significant facial scarring in the area of the face piece seal.
- Significant dental changes, i.e., multiple extractions without prosthesis, or dentures.
- Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery.
2.3 EH&S Department
EH&S personnel are responsible for:
2.3.1
Determining individuals and associated operations which require respirator usage.
2.3.2
Providing assistance in reviewing purchases of respiratory protective equipment when requested.
2.3.3
Providing instruction and training on respirator selection criteria, fit testing, use and maintenance.
2.3.4
Conducting fit tests for employees who utilize respiratory protective equipment.
2.3.5
Notifying the employee's supervisor of any required referrals for medical evaluation.
2.3.6
Maintaining medical clearance, training, and fit testing records.
2.3.7
Providing consulting services for respiratory protection matters.