The Department of Labor estimates that some, "… 5 million workers are required to wear respirators in 1.3 million workplaces through the United States."
 The
wonderful world of respirators is not the easiest world to navigate.
If you are an employer that requires, or thinks that you should
require your employees to wear respiratory protection, how do you
know which one to use? Respirators protect workers against insufficient
oxygen environments, harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, gases,
vapors, and sprays. These hazards may cause cancer, lung impairment,
other diseases, or even death. And you probably know that OSHA standards
and regulations, as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.134, are unyielding
when it comes to donning this kind of protective equipment. So how
can you stay up-to-date with the NIOSH and OSHA changes? Guardian
Safety Services can help. We offer in-depth training in Respiratory
Protection. This program incorporates hands-on training with negative
pressure respirators, as well as the proper donning, use, and care
of self-contained breathing apparatus ("SCBA"), and supplied air
respirators.
One of the requirements in the OSHA regulation cited above, is that every employee who is required to wear a respirator at your site
is required to be fit tested at least annually in the prescribed method. These fit testing procedures are comprehensive and specific,
using the student's personal respirator. Guardian Safety Services uses the most advanced and accurate equipment available on the market
today.
Quantitative Fit Testing
For
higher levels of toxic exposure with stricter respirator fit requirements
due to less margin for error, and Guardian Safety Services can help
you identify your respiratory protection needs and the types of
training, medical screening, and fit testing necessary to ensure
your employees' safety. Additionally, Guardian Safety Services offers
several different methods of breathing air training:
Air Purifying Respirator Training
 This is an annual training course for persons who use half-mask or full-face respiratory protection. The class meets
and exceeds the requirements for respirator training outlined in OSHA CFR 1910.134, "Respiratory Protection Standard". Many people
mistakenly believe that using a video or multi-media computer program for respirator training meets OSHA requirements. OSHA requires
respiratory training to be specific to the worker in regard to cartridge selection and respirator limitations. OSHA also requires
hands-on practice with the brand and model respirator equipment the employee actually uses. Our program emphasizes these requirements.
We provide hands-on instruction, and we customize each class to discuss respiratory protection issues specific to the worker and his
environment.
Atmosphere Supplied Respirator Training
Supplied air training is for persons who use self-contained breathing apparatus, airline respirators, and/or emergency
egress units. The emphasis of this class is hands-on participation. Students will practice extensively with the supplied air equipment
used in their workplace. We instruct them in inspection, maintenance, and proper use.
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