When a written respiratory protection program is required

Short answer

A written, worksite-specific respiratory protection program is required when respirators are necessary to protect employee health or the employer requires their use, under 29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1). A suitably trained administrator must run it, and it must be updated when workplace conditions affect respirator use.

Program elements, as applicable

Include selection, medical evaluation, fit testing for tight-fitting respirators, proper use, cleaning/storage/inspection/maintenance, breathing-air provisions, hazard and use training, and program evaluation. Medical evaluation precedes required use or fit testing.

Voluntary-use distinction

If voluntary use is permissible and creates no hazard, provide Appendix D information. Voluntary use of respirators other than filtering facepieces also requires written elements covering medical ability and safe cleaning/storage/maintenance. Employees whose only use is voluntary filtering facepieces (dust masks) need not be included in a written program under that exception; Appendix D still applies. A required N95 is not covered by the voluntary-use exception.

To apply it

Confirm whether use is required, what respirator is worn, and the assessed hazards. State-plan or substance-specific requirements may also apply.