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Occupational Health Branch

Respiratory Protection in the Workplace

Employers must protect workers by minimizing the amount of hazardous substances in the air. When it is not possible to keep the airborne levels of a hazardous substance low enough to prevent health problems, the employer must provide employees with respirators.

In all workplaces where respirators are used, employers must have a program in place to ensure that respirators are used in a way that is safe and effective.

This program must identify a program administrator and include written procedures for the appropriate selection of respirators, medical clearance for respirator use, fit testing, training in the use and maintenance of respirators, recordkeeping, and program evaluation.

Publications & Reports

Respirator Program Toolkit for Hospitals

How to Use Half-mask Respirators to Prevent Lead Poisoning (PDF)

Activities

Respirator Use in Health Care Workplaces

Related Links & Resources

Respiratory protection resources

Cal/OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard

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