Hepi40211
OSHA 2004 Respiratory Protection Rule Provisions
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) will include new recommendations in their surveys during the second period of 2004. OSHA will focus on accountability
of the respiratory protection standards in establishments required to provide respirators for protection from potential exposure
to tuberculosis to workers. OSHA evoked its dedication in assuring worker’s safety and health, remarking than safety
and health add value to business. APIC and other infection control organizations
are contesting the new requirements from the government remarking that general
industry respiratory protection standards for protection against the disease do not applied to nosocomial institutions.
OSHA announced the new TB rule on December 31st, 2003, and
removed the previous 1997 respiratory protection proposal. Nosocomial institutions will have the first half of 2004 to come
into compliance with the new requirements. The 2004 rule includes new requirements that were not in the previous rule.
To meet the requirements of OSHA respiratory protection standard, institutions need to:
1. revise their respiratory protection program
2. update the facility's respirator program
3. conduct annual respiratory fit testing
4. perform a medical evaluation on covered employees
5. perform annual training for employees using respirators
6. include record-keeping provisions
In the meanwhile, although all elements
of the 1997 rule have been revoked, the rule will continue to be enforced under the corresponding elements of the current
respiratory protection standard been applied. The new requirements do not affect establishments already covered under the
respiratory protection rule where there is exposure to hazardous substances other than tuberculosis. All provisions of the
rule will continue to be applied to those employers.
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Additional information and Updates:
Or call OSHA Trade Release (202)
693-1999
Disclaimer: The material edited in this website is intended for information purposes only. Please refer
to the references provided for updated information regarding to the topic.
