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CHECKLIST FOR RESPIRATORY MAINTENANCE AND CARE
Check to make sure that your facility has met the following requirements:
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Respirators are provided that are clean, sanitary, and in good working order.
Respirators are cleaned and disinfected using the procedures specified in Appendix B-2 of this standard.
Respirators are cleaned and disinfected:
As often as necessary when issued for the exclusive use of one employee.
Before being worn by different individuals.
After each use for emergency use respirators.
After each use for respirators used for fit testing or training.
Storage
Respirators are stored to protect them from damage from the elements, and from becoming distorted.
Emergency respirators are stored:
To be accessible to the work area.
In compartments marked as such, or described in the respiratory protection program and training program.
In accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations
Inspections
Routine-use respirators are inspected before each use and during cleaning.
SCBAs and emergency respirators are inspected monthly and checked for proper function before and after each use.
Emergency escape-only respirators are inspected before being carried into the workplace for use.
Inspections include:
Check for respiratory function
Tightness of connections
Condition of the facepiece, head straps, valves and cartridges.
Condition of elastomeric parts.
For SCBAs, inspection includes checking that cylinders are fully charged, and that regulators and warning devices function properly.
Emergency use respirators are certified by documenting the inspection, and by tagging the information either to the respirator or its compartment, or storing it with inspection reports.
Repairs
Respirators that have failed inspection are taken out of service.
Repairs are made only by trained personnel.
Only NIOSH-approved parts are used.
Reducing and admission valves, regulators and alarms are adjusted or repaired only by the manufacturer or a technician trained by the manufacturer.