As colder months push more operations indoors, companies face renewed challenges in maintaining air quality and protecting workers from airborne hazards. Whether your team is in manufacturing, construction, or industrial maintenance, ensuring your respiratory protection program is up to date is not just good practice; it is required under OSHA Standard 1910.134.

Why Now Is the Time to Reassess

Year-end is the ideal checkpoint to review your company’s respiratory protection measures. Programs can drift from compliance over time as worksites change, equipment updates occur, or new employees join the team. A proactive review helps identify where refresher training, fit testing, or documentation updates may be needed.

Key Areas to Evaluate

1. Written Program Review
   Every employer using respirators must maintain a written program tailored to their specific workplace hazards. Verify it includes:

• Current hazard assessments
• Updated respirator selection procedures
• Training, medical evaluation, and fit-testing records

2. Fit Testing and Training Compliance
   Annual fit testing is a cornerstone of OSHA’s standard. Ensure records are complete, employees are trained on proper use and maintenance, and supervisors understand how to identify poor fit or misuse in the field.
3. Equipment Inspection and Maintenance
   Check that all respirators, particularly reusable types, are cleaned, stored, and inspected according to manufacturer and OSHA guidelines. Replace filters or cartridges as needed to maintain effectiveness.
4. Air Monitoring and Documentation
   If employees are exposed to airborne contaminants, confirm that air sampling results are current and align with exposure limits. Proper documentation supports both compliance and worker safety.

Partnering for Better Protection

Strengthening a respiratory protection program does not have to be complex. The key is consistency through documentation, training, and testing.

At Pearson Safety Solutions, we help clients evaluate, update, and streamline their respiratory protection programs to ensure compliance and confidence heading into a new year.

Start the year strong with a compliant respiratory protection program. Contact our team to schedule a program review or on-site audit.