2-27. STORAGE
a. After respirators are inspected, cleaned, and repaired, they should be
properly stored to protect them against the undesirable effect of dust, sunlight, heat,
extreme cold, damaging chemicals, excessive moisture, or mechanical damage.
Respirators that are routinely used, such as dust respirators, may be kept in plastic
bags between uses. Respirators should not be stored in lockers or toolboxes unless
they are in carrying cases or cartons designed expressly for that purpose.
b. Frequently, respirators are kept at work areas or stations for emergency use.
In such cases, they should be stored in compartments built for the purpose, quickly
accessible at all times, and clearly marked.
c. No matter where they may be stored, respirators should be packed so that
the face piece and exhalation value will rest in a normal position,
thereby preventing the softer materials used in these parts from assuming
shapes or positions that might impair their functions.
2-28. PROGRAM SURVEILLANCE AND EVALUATION
If respiratory protection for workers in a hazardous environment is to be effective,
there must be continuous surveillance and evaluation of the program. This surveillance
and evaluation is the shared responsibility of supervisors and the IRPD with guidance
from the IMA. It will entail active monitoring of the issuing, storage, maintenance,
inspection, and utilization of respirators, as well as evaluation of the effectiveness of the
training provided to users. Records of inspection should be checked periodically to
ensure that inspections are being conducted when required and that they are achieving
their purpose.
2-29. MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
Pre-employment medical examinations are normally required for all personnel.
Those workers who work in potentially hazardous environments, and especially those
who work in environments which require the use of reparatory protective devices,
should be given additional medical examinations, to ensure that the devices are
adequately protecting the health of the workers and to determine the effects of their
environment on the workers. These examinations should be given as frequently as
deemed necessary by the medical authority, but should be given at least annually.
During the annual examination, in addition to the pulmonary function test, blood and
urine should be tested.
MD0165
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