It is the intention of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to provide a safe, healthful environment for all work activities, research and learning. This program is designed to provide information and requirements regarding respiratory protection to achieve that goal. The use of respiratory protection at Rensselaer is largely directed by the requirements contained in OSHA regulations, specifically 29 CFR 1910.134. A component of this regulation is the concept of achieving exposure control through the determination and implementation of engineering controls whenever feasible. When such controls are not feasible to achieve adequate exposure control, personal protective equipment and/or other protective measures must be used. A respirator is any device intended to protect the user from airborne contaminants and/or oxygen-deficient environments. The selection and proper usage of respiratory protection is a critical component of the desired result of exposure control. Significant amounts of information must be known about the contaminants and the environment in which respirators will be utilized to provide adequate protection.
Please contact EHS for more information on the Respiratory Protection Program.
