Who is responsible for regulating the use of proper respirators in workplaces?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is primarily responsible for regulating workplace safety and health standards, including the use of proper respirators. OSHA establishes regulations that require employers to provide appropriate respiratory protection to their workers when airborne hazards are present. This includes ensuring that respirators are selected based on the specific hazards, properly maintained, and used in accordance with established protocols.

OSHA’s respiratory protection standard outlines the requirements for respiratory programs, including fit testing and training for employees. This framework is vital in protecting workers from harmful exposures and ensuring their safety in the workplace environment.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) play significant roles in health and safety, their responsibilities differ. The CDC focuses more broadly on public health, NIOSH conducts research and provides recommendations on occupational safety and health, and the EPA is tasked with protecting the environment and human health from environmental hazards. Therefore, OSHA is the most relevant agency concerning the regulation and enforcement of respirator use in workplace settings.