04/14/2022

You asked... We Answered

You Asked: 

What is a respiratory protection program? 

We Answered: 

A respiratory protection program is a program required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the Respiratory Protection standard that includes development and implementation of detailed policies and worksite-specific procedures for respirator use for control of respiratory hazards. In any workplace where respirators are necessary to protect the health of the employee or whenever respirators are required by the employer, the employer shall establish and implement a written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures. The program shall be updated as necessary to reflect those changes in workplace conditions that affect respirator use. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has developed a Hospital Respiratory Protection Program Toolkit. The toolkit contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. 

On this week’s All-Member Webinar, Joan Wetzel and Laura Lamb of Episcopal Retirement Services recounted a recent OSHA survey they had experienced, and offered tips for providers who may experience one of these surveys. For a recording of the webinar and a tool they shared with their staff ahead of time, click here. 

We encourage members to continue to submit questions to COVID19@leadingageohio.org.