The primary means to control potential health hazards caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful levels of physical, chemical, or biological agents shall be accomplished as far as feasible by accepted engineering control measures (for example, enclosure or confinement of the operation, general and local ventilation, and substitution of less toxic materials). When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted, appropriate respirators shall be used pursuant to the MMC Respiratory Protection Policy.

Respirator Selection

Respirators will be worn under the following conditions:

• The EHS Department conducts a quantitative assessment and determines that respirators are appropriate
• In situations where contaminant levels may become unsafe without warning.
• The Safety Data Sheet requires respiratory protection be worn
• Significant levels of infectious biological contaminants may become aerosolized.
• Medical personnel are performing high hazard procedures on patients that may generate an infectious aerosol
• Employees are engaged in activities that require respirator use by other EHS policies, such as Asbestos.

Highlights

• Refer to the MMC Respiratory Protection Policy for additional details.
• Contact the EHS department (phone extension 6642) for any respirator related questions or concerns.
• Any employee must first be Medically approved to safely wear a respirator
• Any respirator must be fit tested prior to being used to protect the wearer from contaminants, to ensure a proper fit.
• Any respirator user must be trained prior to use and at least annually thereafter, as long as respirator use is needed.

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