Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001A Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(1): In any workplace where respirators are necessary to protect the health of the employee or whenever respirators are required by the employer, the employer did not develop and implement a written respiratory protection program. a) Main building, stone fabrication area - On or about May 29, 2021, an employee was required to wear a tight-fitting respirator, including a Sperian Freedom Disposable Series half-face negative pressure air-purifying respirator when cutting stone. The employer failed to establish a written respiratory protection program that included the provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134(c)(11)(i)-(ix) with worksite specific procedures for employees required to wear tight-fitting respirators, thereby exposing employees to illnesses including, but not limited to, silicosis, lung cancer, and active tuberculosis related to respirable crystalline silica inhalation. b) Main building, stone fabrication area - On or about June 22, 2021, two employees were required to wear filtering facepiece respirators, including Boncare KN95 respirators with ear loops while polishing stone. The employer failed to establish a written respiratory protection program that included the provisions in 29 CFR 1910.134(c)(11)(i)-(ix) with worksite specific procedures for employees required to wear tight-fitting respirators, thereby exposing employees to illnesses including, but not limited to, silicosis, lung cancer, and active tuberculosis related to respirable crystalline silica inhalation. The written respiratory protection program shall include, at a minimum, procedures for selecting respirators; medical evaluations; fit testing procedures for proper use in routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations; procedures for cleaning, storing, inspecting, repairing and discarding respirators; employee training regarding respiratory hazards they are exposed to, proper uses and limitations of respirators; and procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the respirator program.