University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Policy Name: Respiratory Protection
Policy Number: LR 701.29
Effective Date: April 18, 2013
Revised Dates: May 11, 2009; April 18, 2013; November 3, 2023
Most Recent Review Date: November 3, 2023
Policy
The purpose of this policy is to establish uniform administrative procedures and minimum requirements related to respiratory protection.
Scope and Application
In the control of those occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors, the primary objective shall be to prevent atmospheric contamination.
This 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.
Administrative Aspects
- Respirators shall be provided by the university when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of the employee or student. The university shall provide respirators, which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended. Refer to UALR Chemical Hygiene Plan section 4.0 for additional information and student recommendations.
- The Environmental Health and Safety Office shall be responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a respiratory protective program.
- The Environmental Health and Safety Office shall have the authority to require the use of respiratory protective equipment and to prohibit the use of such equipment.
- Only respiratory protective equipment approved by the Environmental Health and Safety Office shall be purchased or utilized.
- Only employees authorized by the Environmental Health and Safety Office shall use respiratory protective equipment.
- Respirators requiring a face-to-respirator seal shall not be worn when conditions prevent a good face seal. Such conditions are a growth of beard, side burns, a skull cap that projects under the face piece, or temple piece of glasses. Departments should make a reasonable effort to find alternative work for employees who may be religiously discriminated against by the facial hair policy.
- Departments shall bear the cost of respiratory protective equipment, the cost of miscellaneous supplies and expenses, and the cost of medical evaluations required by the respiratory protection program.
- Medical evaluations shall be coordinated by Health Services, the Environmental Health and Safety Office or a licensed physician acceptable to the EHS Office and Health Services.
- The supervising department shall notify the Environmental Health and Safety Office prior to assigning an employee to a task that could require the use of a respiratory protective device.
- Employees shall utilize and maintain respiratory protective equipment in accordance with procedures established by the Environmental Health and Safety Office.
- The supervising department shall ensure employees comply with the provisions of the respiratory protection program.
- Exceptions to this policy and the respiratory protection program shall require the approval of the Environmental Health and Safety Office.
For more information contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office at 501-916-6351 or varodgers@ualr.edu.
Source: Environmental Health and Safety
Status: Decommissioned
Approved By: Environmental Health and Safety Committee, May 11, 2009
Originator:
Custodian: EHS Committee