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- Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA)
- California Occupational Safety & Health Association (Cal/OSHA)
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Employers in California must establish respiratory protection programs and provide training to employees who wear respirators. This includes mandatory fit testing before first use and annually thereafter per California Occupational Safety & Health Association (Cal/OSHA) regulation 8 CCR 5144. Proper respirator selection, use, cleaning, maintenance, and storage must be covered. CDMS offers comprehensive onsite respirator training and quantitative fit testing using the latest equipment. Our expert instructors evaluate respiratory hazards at your facility to recommend the right respirators. We then provide hands-on training on respirator donning, user seal checks, limitations, and assigned protection factors. CDMS documents the training and fit testing results for compliance recordkeeping. Trust us to establish an effective respirator program and deliver training and fit testing that meets California Occupational Safety & Health Association (Cal/OSHA) requirements. Employees who wear respirators, including SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus), half face, full face, and supplied air respirators. Dust masks also required fit testing and training, although this is not enforced as much as other respiratory protection equipment. Companies that may be below the permissible exposure limit (PEL’s), but still offer respirators to their workers, do not need training, but should approve the use of the respirator to be sure employee’s breathing is not compromised by the use. The course includes proper use of respirators appropriate to particular hazards to which the employees is being exposed to, also hands-on fit testing is provided. How often must fit testing be conducted? When is additional fit testing required? What topics must be covered in respirator training? How should facilities document respirator training? Can employees provide their own respirators? How detailed must respirator training be documented? When are medical evaluations required for respirator users? Can online training be used to meet requirements? What are common mistakes made with respirator programs? How long must respirator training records be retained? Who can conduct quantitative and qualitative respirator fit testing? What are OSHA fines for lack of respirator training or fit testing? Are employees allowed to wear tight-fitting respirators if they have facial hair? Can voluntary users of dust masks skip training and fit testing? How often must air-purifying respirator cartridges be changed? What are the medical evaluation requirements? Does N95 respirator usage require a written program and fit test? Can employees refuse to participate in fit testing or training? Where can I find qualified trainers and fit test providers? Our instructors have extensive experience and can provide training onsite at your facility. Contact Us, request a Respirator Training & Fit Testing Training.
Respirator Training & Fit Testing Training
Regulatory bodies
Who needs it
Regulation reference
What our training provides:
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Initial fit testing is required before first use. Annual fit testing must be completed thereafter.
If there are changes to the respirator model/size or changes in user physical condition affecting fit.
Proper use, maintenance/cleaning, inspection, donning/doffing, capabilities and limitations.
With training sign-in sheets listing date, topics covered, instructor name, and user signatures.
No, the employer must provide respirators selected based on hazards per the written program.
Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA) requires documentation that training was completed but no mandated details. Best practice is to record all topics covered.
Before fit testing and use for negative pressure respirators.
Online training can supplement but cannot be the sole training method. Hands-on training is still required.
No fit testing, improper storage, dirty respirators, inadequate inspection, lack of required training.
Training records should be kept until replaced with updated training records or for duration of employment.
Individuals able to demonstrate competency in the test procedures. Please Contact Us to get support or request a Respirator Training & Fit Testing Training. Our skilled team of EH&S specialists is ready to assist you.
Citations can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on severity.
Yes, facial hair in the seal area is allowed as it prevents an effective seal.
Yes, training and fit testing is not mandated for voluntary dust mask users only.
Cartridges must be replaced per change schedule based on exposure, or sooner if smell/taste detected.
Determination by physician if user is physically able to wear the selected respirator without adverse health impacts.
Yes, all tight-fitting negative pressure respirators require a full compliant program per
Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA).
No, it is the employer’s responsibility to provide training and testing. Refusal can warrant discipline.
Industrial hygiene consulting firms, safety equipment/services providers. CDMS offers Respirator Training & Fit Testing Training tailored to your facility.