(1) The employer must conduct respirator inspections as often as specified in Table 9.
(2) The employer must make sure respirator inspections cover all of the following:
(a) Respirator function;
(b) Tightness of connections;
(c) The condition of the facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tubes, and cartridge, canisters or filters;
(d) Pliability and deterioration of elastomeric parts;
(e) Maintenance of air or oxygen cylinders;
(f) Making sure SCBA air cylinders are at ninety percent of the manufacturer's recommended pressure level;
(g) Proper functioning of SCBA regulators when air-flow is activated;
(h) Proper functioning of SCBA low-pressure warning devices when activated.
(3) The employer must certify inspections for emergency respirators by documenting the following:
(a) Inspection date;
(b) Serial number of each respirator or other identifying information;
(c) Inspector's name or signature;
(d) Inspection findings;
(e) Required action, if problems are found.
Note: | When documenting inspections the employer may either: |
| 1. Provide the information on a tag or label and attach it to the respirator compartment; |
| OR |
| 2. Include the information in an inspection report stored in paper or electronic files accessible to employees. |
(4) The employer must repair or replace any respirator that is not functioning properly before the employee returns to a situation where respirators are required.
(a) If respirators fail inspection or are not functioning properly during use due to problems such as leakage, vapor or gas breakthrough, or increased breathing resistance, all of the following apply:
(i) Do not permit such respirators to be used until properly repaired or adjusted;
(ii) Use only NIOSH-certified parts;
(iii) Make sure repairs and adjustments are made by appropriately trained individuals.
(b) Use the manufacturer or a technician trained by the manufacturer to repair or adjust reducing and admission valves, regulators, and warning devices on SCBAs or air-line respirators.
(c) Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications for the type and extent of repairs.
Use Table 9 to determine how often to inspect respirators.
Table 9
Required Frequencies for Respirator Inspections
If the respirator is . . . | Then inspect . . . |
A SCBA in any use | • Before each use |
| and |
| • During cleaning |
| or |
| • Monthly if not used |
Used for nonemergencies, including day-to-day or infrequent use | • Inspect before each use |
and |
• During cleaning |
Used only for emergencies | • Check for proper function before and after each use |
| and |
| • Inspect at least monthly as instructed by the manufacturer |
Used for escape-only purposes | • Before carrying into a work place for use |