Respiratory protection program
respiratory protection program RPP
😷 WRITTEN RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM (RPP)
Fireproofing Operations (Cementitious, Intumescent, & Board)
Applicable Standard: 29 CFR 1910.134 (OSHA)
1. Purpose & Scope
2. Program Administrator
3. Selection of Respirators (Fireproofing Specific)
Based on hazard analysis, the following respirators are authorized:
| Task | Hazard | Respirator Type | APF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixing Dry Cementitious | Silica Dust | ||
| Spraying (Cementitious) | Silica / Particulates | ||
| Spraying (Intumescent) | VOCs (Xylene, Toluene) | ||
| Confined Space / High Heat | Multiple | ||
| Emergency Response / IDLH | Unknown |
Rule: Only NIOSH-certified respirators are used.
4. Medical Evaluations (Mandatory)
Per 29 CFR 1910.134(e), no employee is permitted to wear a tight-fitting respirator (including N95) unless they have been medically cleared by a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP).
- Mandatory Questionnaire: Employees must complete Appendix C of 1910.134 (the OSHA Medical Evaluation Questionnaire).
- Confidentiality: The employer does not review the answers. The PLHCP receives the questionnaire directly.
- Frequency: Required before initial fit testing/use; if employee reports symptoms; if supervisor or PLHCP recommends re-evaluation.
5. Fit Testing (Annual & Clean-Shaven Policy)
Per 29 CFR 1910.134(f), all employees using tight-fitting respirators must pass a fit test before initial use and annually thereafter.
- Clean-Shaven Requirement: No facial hair is permitted where the respirator sealing surface contacts the face.
- Testing Protocol: Qualitative (QLFT — Bitrex or Saccharin) for half-masks; Quantitative (QNFT — PortaCount) for full-facepieces.
6. User Seal Checks (Every Use)
Employees must perform a User Seal Check every time they don the respirator (Appendix B-1):
- Positive Pressure Check: Cover exhalation valve; exhale gently. No air leaks.
- Negative Pressure Check: Cover cartridges/filter; inhale gently. Facepiece collapses slightly.
7. Cartridge Change Schedule (Intumescent Work)
Since most organic vapor cartridges lack End-of-Service-Life Indicators (ESLI), the following mandatory change schedule is established per 1910.134(d)(3)(iii):
| Usage Level | Change Schedule |
|---|---|
| Light Use (< 2 hrs/day) | |
| Moderate Use (4–6 hrs/day) | |
| Heavy Use (Full shift) | |
| Immediate Change |
8. Maintenance, Cleaning, & Storage
- Cleaning: Shared respirators must be cleaned and disinfected after each use. Exclusive-use respirators must be cleaned as often as necessary to maintain sanitation.
- Storage: Respirators must be stored in a clean, sealed bag/container away from solvent vapors and extreme temperatures.
- Inspection: Employees must inspect cartridges, straps, and valves for cracks, swelling, or hardness before each use.
9. Training & Information
- Frequency: Training will be provided prior to initial use and annually (or more often if new hazards are introduced).
- Content: Training includes the health effects of silica/solvents, donning/doffing procedures, and limitations of the respirator.
10. Program Evaluation
The Program Administrator will evaluate the workplace annually or after any significant change in process to ensure the program remains effective.
Employee Acknowledgment Sign-off
I acknowledge that I have received medical clearance, passed a fit test for my specific mask model/size, and understand that I must be clean-shaven on the sealing surface of the respirator.
| Employee Name (Print) | Signature | Date | Respirator Make / Model / Size |
|---|---|---|---|
Fit Testing Log
| Employee Name | Fit Test Date | Mask Make / Model | Test Method (QLFT/QNFT) | Pass / Fail | Tester |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Program Approval
✓ Fully reusable Respiratory Protection Program — fill once, print, then clear and reuse unlimited times. Buttons use event delegation and will never break regardless of how many times you use them.