Mahan, B.
Smith, R.

International Chemical Workers Union Council
Center for Worker Health & Safety Education
329 Race St.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
USA

Since we began our program at the Center in 1987 we have had the privilege of sharing information with thousands of workers.  Primarily we conduct Emergency Response training in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.120 paragraph (q).  Respiratory protection of course is a large part of this type of training and comprises one of our largest modules.

We have contact with at least 100 workers each month and over the years have noticed some definite trends.  A few statements we can make with a great degree of confidence are:

1. A large number of workers who wear respirators are unaware that a respirator program exists.

2. A large number of workers who wear respirators receive little or no training.

3. A large number of individuals responsible for delivering training have little or no qualifications.

4. Very few workers who wear respirators know the difference between a fit check and a fit test.

5. Very few workers who wear respirators have any knowledge regarding selection criteria.

6. Just about every worker who wears a respirator is aware that they must be clean shaven in and around the sealing surface.

We have a high level of confidence that in the area of knowledge the respirator community has “got it covered.”  We believe that the largest gap in the field lies between the user and supervision.  We can write great policies and procedures but until we figure out how to get it out to the shop floor a great deal of our efforts are futile.