VHS English Version Product Number: 1017BEVHS
DVD English Version Product Number: 1017BEDVD
VHS Spanish Version Product Number: 1017BSVHS
DVD Spanish Version Product Number: 1017BSDVD
List Price: $125.00
Length of Video(in Minutes): 21
Publisher: Digital-2000, Inc.
Description: This program provides an overview of the new respirator standards. It includes fit testing, maintenance inspection, filtering face pieces, dust masks, and more. This program contains the necessary information you need to comply with this new standard
Excerpt: For many years employers have diligently protected their workers from potentially harmful gases, fumes, mists, vapors, and airborne contaminants. Respiratory protection in a variety of models and types are used, and in general safety and health are the rewards of these efforts. What may have provided adequate protection in the past may not work in today's environment. There have been many improvements in respiratory technology as well as improved knowledge on how to protect people exposed to potentially harmful contaminants. Now there are new standards on which to improve old methods. We've learned from many years of experience, and have combined this experience, knowledge, and information with improved respiratory protection technology. It means greater safety and health for everyone. This short program is an overview of this experience, knowledge, information, and new standards. Improve your skills, and take advantage of the most effective method of protecting your safety and health.
Let's begin with an outline of the new standards which may effect the way you use respirators in your job. Engineering controls. As it has been in the past, engineering controls must be the first priority in any health and safety program. Engineering controls mean using ventilation, exhaust hoods, confinement of hazardous operations, and the substitution of less hazardous or toxic materials used. There are numerous examples of engineering controls that must be used if at all feasible. There are always better and safer methods of performing a potentially hazardous job. If you take the time to develop proper written procedures, and follow them. During the time your company may be installing engineering controls, or these controls are not feasible, then respiratory protection must be used when required.
Written program and procedures. We mentioned it earlier, but written policies and procedures are now requirements of these new standards. Again, we've used the experience we've learned over the years, and this experience has taught that when you have a formal written program with specific policies and procedures your safety and health is greatly enhanced. If respirators must be used to protect an employee's health from potentially harmful contaminants there must be a written plan with specific procedures. Okay, what items must be addressed in these written programs and procedures? Procedures to be used for selecting respirators based upon the potential hazard that may be encountered. There must be a procedure outlining medical evaluations of everyone required to wear a respirator. If you're required to wear a respirator you may be required to have a medical examination to determine if you are medically qualified to wear such equipment. These procedures will outline these specific requirements. Written procedures are required for proper fit-testing of all tight fitting respirators. There must be written procedures explaining procedures and training required for routine respirator use, and also for emergency uses of respirators. Propers procedures are required to specify respirator equipment maintenance. This includes schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding, and generally complete maintenance of respiratory protection equipment. There must be proper procedures for the disposal of respirators that are to be discarded. Next there must be a method used to evaluate the effectiveness of the entire program. This is extremely important because all the written policies and procedures won't do any good if they're not effective in protecting employees' health and safety when using respirators. The new standards require a program administrator. This implies that a respiratory protection competent person should be responsible for the administration of the respirator program, and this includes making sure the written policies and procedures are effective, but to make sure the program includes protection from the potential hazards to which employees may be exposed. It is extremely important that the respiratory protection program procedures be very specific for each work site.