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Guidance for Developing a Written Respiratory Protection Program 

This guidance document provides regulatory background and a model respiratory program form that addresses the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA’s) Respiratory Protection Program Standard (29 CFR §1910.134) that applies to all respirator use in general industry and construction workplaces. The standard applies when (1) employees are required to wear respirators to protect themselves from exposure to air contaminants above a specific exposure limit, (2) if the employer requires respirators to be worn, or (3) if respirators are otherwise necessary to protect employee health.

Additionally, limited requirements apply when employees, for personal, comfort, or other reasons, voluntarily choose to wear certain kinds of air-purifying respirators (APR). The standard affirms OSHA’s long-standing policy that personal protective equipment (PPE) – in this instance, respirators - are the last line of defense when engineering and work practice controls are inadequate to reduce employee exposure, or during the development and installation of other controls.

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American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.