Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) for Small Businesses
Respiratory Protection
This site provides information and resources on Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) training, fit-testing services, exposure assessments, and occupational health clinics. It is primarily intended for workforces with limited access to these services, such as individuals who work independently or businesses/studios with a small number of employees. The target population also includes: conservation and collection care professionals, gig workers, sole proprietors, small businesses without Occupational Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) consultants, and independent contractors.
Simplify the Process
Our goal is to simplify the process for you and provide resources, such as template examples of a written RPP, so that individuals and small businesses have a road map to follow for sequencing exposure monitoring, medical examinations. training, and fit testing.
Required Steps Before Using Respirators at Work
- Identify hazardous work practices that might need respiratory protection through an exposure assessment.
- Solicit the assistance of an OEHS (Occupational Environmental Health and Safety) consultant.
- Work with OEHS to determine exposures that would necessitate respiratory protection.
- Determine staff members that need to participate in the program.
- Draft written program to document exposures and staff participation. Utilize this to establish a written plan.
- Contract with an OEHS practice and medical clinic to conduct medical exams and respirator fit tests.
- Train staff on correct care, cleaning, and use of respirator.
- Repeat medical evaluation, respirator fit testing, and training annually.
- Keep records of the plan, updates to the RPP, employee fit-test results, employee med eval approvals.
Other respiratory programs at NIOSH ERCs
Please click here for a list of other ERCs who may have alternate respiratory programs.