SAFETY BRIEF: Dust Mask Respirators
By Jon Fast, Rincon Safety Consultants
This column discusses dust mask respirators that carry the NIOSH N95 label and are commonly used on construction sites. The label indicates that the filter mask is a NIOSH approved respirator and, as such, falls under the OSHA guidelines of 29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection. N95 respirators are covered in Section 1910.134(c)(2)(i). This section says that if the use of the respirator is voluntary, i.e. conditions covered in the MSDS and at the job site are not over the PEL or TWA, and there is adequate ventilation at the site, then the N95 respirator can be utilized.
However, in addition to the above requirements, OSHA mandates that employees be trained in the use of the N95 respirator. This training needs to be documented and kept for future reference. It must cover the instructions for use found inside the box and other instructions on the outside of the box. These training topics include when to use the respirator, limitations of the respirator and how to fit the respirator. This training does not have to be in a formal setting, but it does need to be conducted before the employee wears the respirator.
In addition to in-house training, the employee must be given a copy of Appendix D to 1910.134. This is MANDATORY information for employees when they are using a respirator that is not covered under the standard. You can simply copy the standard from the code book and have the employee read it at their leisure. It will only take a short time to read.
These guidelines are ONLY for the dust mask type of respirator. This does not take the place of the full respiratory program if your company must use respirators in the workplace. Those standards are more strict.