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June, 2001 - Respirator Inspections

OSHA requires employers to ensure that respirators used in routine situations be inspected prior to each use and during cleaning, respirators maintained for use in emergency situations must be inspected at least monthly and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and checked for proper function before and after each use, and emergency escape-only respirators must be inspected before being carried into the workplace for use.

Respirator inspections must include checks for:

1. respirator function, tightness of connections
2. condition of the various parts including, but not limited to, the face piece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, and cartridges, canisters or filters
3. elastomeric parts (check for pliability and signs of deterioration).

Important:

This information is offered by the National Welding Supply Association and your local distributor as general guidance only and may not explain all relevant safety precautions or hazards

Mike Lopez, NWSA Safety
Consultant

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