Designing a respirator fit testing program.

Abstract

The requirements for adequate respiratory protection for the employees of this agency vary. Therefore, accurate, updated job descriptions are a critical piece of information. Although the agency has made an effort to establish a respiratory protection program, a number of limitations exist when compared to the program components defined in ANSI, NIOSH, and OSHA guidance documents. In response to a request from the agency, the nurse consultant evaluated the existing respiratory protection program and made specific recommendations for improvement. At this time, the agency has signed a formal agreement with the Division of Federal Occupational Health to request continued assistance with "overhauling" their program. Top management has begun assigning responsibilities for the program to specific individuals, and a centralized database is being set up. The agency has implemented two new DFOH developed forms to improve the testing process, and the nurse consultant has revised the educational/training session to more adequately meet the needs of the work force. The Agency and DFOH are collaborating on reassessment of employees to correctly assign them to appropriate respiratory risk categories. This will, in turn, affect the medical monitoring needs as well as the educational needs of each individual.