Page 31 - OHS, JulyAugust 2023

With their delicate tissues, the lungs are particularly vulnerable to airborne toxins, as gases and particulates can easily pen- etrate and enter the bloodstream. ThThese health risks emphasize the critical need for effective respiratory protection measures in the workplace. Instances of workers using incorrect or improperly maintained respi- rators are not uncommon. In addition to training on respirators’ proper use, maintenance, limitations, and storage, it is important to follow up and provide coaching when needed. Em- ployees should be able to inspect, put on, adjust, and remove respirators correctly, as well as identify the signs of a compro- mised seal or malfunctioning equipment. During my site visits, I always find it important to observe the work, exposures, respirator use and get input from the workers. What is the nature of the expo- sures? Do workers understand the types of exposures and risks? Do they have any problems or non-routine tasks that may need more evaluation? This is a part of managing an effective respiratory protec- tion program, and why it is important to assign a program administrator that takes an active role in assessing the program. Medical Evaluation One OSHA-required element of the re- spiratory protection program where I see wide variation in practice is the medical evaluation. When OSHA issued the first respiratory protection standard in 1972, it was recognized that there could be medi- cal concerns with respirator use. While the standard had a major revision in 1998, the medical evaluation requirements have remained unchanged for 50 years, even though the understanding of respirators and health concerns has significantly ad- vanced. While OSHA has not made a change, the medical practice supporting respirator use has changed. New options that make it easy to manage medical evaluations are available such as online questionnaires re- viewed by a medical professional. Improvements in respirator design over the years include different materi- als, improvements in worker comfort, and communication, including wireless communication systems for use with res- pirators. Other technological improve- ments include lighter and longer-lasting powered air-purifying respirators (PA- PRs). Advancements in wearable sensor technologies have facilitated real-time monitoring of worker exposures to verify that respiratory protection is suitable for the level exposure and warn the user and safety before acceptable levels such as the Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) limit for a negative pressure respi- rator are exceeded. Effective respiratory protection re- quires addressing a variety of issues, from understanding exposures to making sure respirators are properly stored and main- tained. Technology and particularly online resources have made it easy to manage a respiratory protection program, but never forget the importance of seeing where and how they are being used and getting input from the users. Tom Burgess, M.S., CSP, CIH, serves as a Technical Leader, Industrial Hygiene and Safety for T&M Associates, a leading na- tional consulting, environmental, engineer- ing, technical services, and construction management company. The LION BullsEyeTM Digital Fire Extinguisher Training System allows you to conduct extinguisher training anywhere. Pair it with the LION R.A.C.E. StationTM to help reinforce the Rescue, Alert, Confine, Extinguisher method and better prepare your trainees to respond to an actual fire emergency. WWW.LIONPROTECTS.COM/FIRE-SAFETY-TRAINING-TOOLS www.ohsonline.com JULY/AUGUST 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 31