Overview of Respiratory Hazards in Construction and Protection Program Requirements

Introduction

• OSHA Requirements: Employers must have respiratory protection programs if respirators are required for their workers.
• Training: This video can be part of the OSHA-required respiratory protection training.
• Purpose of Respirators: Protect workers' health and safety from respiratory hazards present at construction sites.

Types of Respiratory Hazards

• Quick-acting hazards: e.g., Carbon Monoxide (can cause unconsciousness or death within minutes).
• Long-term hazards: e.g., Asbestos (can cause lung cancer decades after exposure).
• Other Examples:
  • Lead dust and fumes (from grinding, welding, cutting).
  • Silica dust (from cutting concrete, sandblasting).
  • Solvent vapors (from adhesives, paints, cleaning solvents).
  • Isocyanate vapors (from spray foam insulation and certain paints).

Methods to Reduce Exposure

• Engineering Controls: e.g., local exhaust ventilation.
• Work Practice Controls: e.g., using wet cutting techniques.
• Administrative Controls: Minimizing the number of workers exposed.

Respiratory Protection Program

• Respirator Selection: Must be based on the specific hazard.
  • Filtering Facepiece Respirators: Protect against particulate hazards.
  • Air-Purifying Respirators with Chemical Cartridges: For gases and vapors.
  • Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators: For hazardous atmospheres (e.g., CO, lack of oxygen).

Employer Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a written respiratory protection program.
• Evaluate workplace respiratory hazards.
• Select and provide appropriate respirators.
• Provide medical evaluations and fit testing.
• Maintain and clean respirators.
• Provide training on hazards and respirator use.
• Evaluate respirator use and address issues.
• Provide access to specific records/documents.

Training and Program Management

• Additional Training: Worksite-specific training is required.
• Program Administrator: Must be qualified and trained to manage the program.
  • Tasks: Monitor the program, ensure adequate protection, answer questions, evaluate and update the program as needed.

Adaptation to Workplace Changes

• Update program to account for changes:
  • New work patterns or techniques.
  • Use of new building materials or chemicals.
  • Changes in hazard levels or respirator types.
• Notify supervisor if changes conflict with training or policies.

Conclusion

• The video provides a brief overview, but further training is required.
• Consult supervisors if unsure about respirator needs or usage.
• Additional resources are available on OSHA and NIOSH websites for more detailed guidance.