Throughout California, countless workers from a wide range of industries are required to wear respirators to protect themselves from airborne hazards, including atmospheres that are oxygen-deficient. Cal/OSHA's regulation for worker use of respirators can be found in title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (T8CCR), section 5144 and its appendices.
The proper use of respirators can dramatically help to prevent illnesses and deaths in the workplace. Recognizing the vital role that respiratory protection plays throughout the United States, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) annually promotes Respiratory Protection Week. For 2022, the weekly observance takes place from September 6th through the 9th. NIOSH uses this time to share their findings and educational tools to promote proper respiratory protection practices.
“For California employers, Cal/OSHA's respiratory protection standard provides minimum steps employers must take to ensure safe and effective use of respirators,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing's Huntington Beach facility. “Section 5144 applies to all workplace respirator use, but there are also substance-specific standards. These include additional respiratory protection requirements for lead, asbestos, and various other substances.”
Nationally, respiratory protection is one of OSHA's 10 most frequently cited safety and health violations most years. In 2021, it was the second most frequently cited standard, in 2020, it was ranked third. For businesses and institutions in California, the air quality and personal protective equipment experts at LA Testing provide testing services and respiratory protection products to help them comply with Cal/OSHA standards. They offer environmental and industrial hygiene laboratory services, sampling supplies and air monitoring instruments. LA Testing also provides a wide range of respirators, filters and fit testing supplies. They even carry gloves, protective suits, containment equipment, air scrubbers and other tools designed to safeguard workers.
LA Testing recently sponsored an educational video about Respiratory Protection Week that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/S2bve-BXW78
To learn more about air quality testing and respiratory protection equipment and supplies, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California's leading laboratory for indoor environmental quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.
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