The quality of respirator programs: an analysis from OSHA compliance data

The quality of respirator programs in typical workplaces was investigated by analyzing the history of compliance with OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.134 (respiratory protection). Analysis was focused on the approximately 47 000 health inspections conducted in the manufacturing industries [Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes 2000-3999] in the period of October 1, 1976 to September 30, 1982. During this period, approximately 27% of inspections in which respirator programs were reviewed resulted in a citation for a specific program deficiency. Of inspected worksites in which respirators were in use to provide protection from concentrations of air contaminants in excess of OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits, 56% had deficiencies in at least one program area. Since the violations were of the type that have been shown to lower the level of protection provided by respirators, many workers may have been exposed to inhalation hazards as the result of ineffective respirator programs.