Proper inspection, maintenance, and repair of respiratory protective equipment are mandatory to ensure the success of any respiratory protection program. The goal is to maintain the equipment in a condition that provides the same effectiveness as it had when it was first manufactured.
To extend the life of your respiratory equipment and ensure its optimal performance, a comprehensive inspection, maintenance, and repair routine is crucial. Here are some essential steps to follow:
All equipment must be inspected before and after each use. A record of all inspections by date must be kept, with the results tabulated. It is important to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer precisely.
Regular maintenance schedules should be established to ensure optimal performance and safety. Staff should be trained to identify potential issues and report them immediately. Additionally, conducting periodic reviews of the inspection process can help identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with industry standard and the lifespan of their equipment.
All non-disposable respiratory protective gear must be cleaned and decontaminated following each use. Disposable respirators and their accessories should be thrown away after use and replaced with identical new ones.
Replacement of other than disposable parts must be done only by personnel with adequate training to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly after the work is accomplished. Only parts supplied by the manufacturer for the product being repaired must be used.
Respiratory care plays a crucial role in maintaining safety within the workplace and ensuring that equipment functions as effectively as it did when it was first manufactured. From record-keeping and inspection to maintenance, cleaning, and disposal, we have highlighted the key aspects of respiratory care to enhance the performance of your masks.
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