COMPLIANCE: Establish a Respiratory Protection Program

COMPLIANCE


Establish a Respiratory Protection Program

Protocols, respirator tests and documentation required

Surgery centers never had to have a full respiratory protection program before now, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent use of respirators, they might soon have to write and implement one. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires healthcare organizations to follow the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.134 when using respirators. The rule states that anytime staff is required to wear a respirator, a written respiratory protection program has to be in place. ASCs are currently under an emergency use authorization for respirators but as supplies become available, ASCs will have to fully comply with OSHA.

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