Cinnaminson, New Jersey, September 5, 2023
Respiratory protection is one of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) ten most frequently cited violations almost every year. For 2022, it was the third most frequently cited standard, the second most frequently cited standard in 2021, and it was ranked third in 2020.
This should not be the case as the proper use of respirators have helped to protect millions of workers from exposure to harmful substances. These workers are in a wide range of industries, including everything from healthcare and construction to farming and manufacturing.
Respiratory protection plays such a vital role in preventing illnesses and deaths that it is recognized annually by the the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The agency has been promoting Respiratory Protection Week since 2019, and this year, the observance takes place from September 5
th through the 8
th. NIOSH uses this opportunity to share their findings and educational tools to promote proper respiratory protection practices.
“OSHA has Respiratory Protection Standards for general industry, maritime and construction,” said Jody Thomason, Vice President of Products/Corporate Purchasing for EMSL Analytical, Inc. “There are a number of different types of respirators available depending on the work being performed and the hazards that may be present. Failure to follow these standards could put workers at serious risk and result in costly noncompliance penalties. This is why EMSL’s Products Division offers a wide range of respirators, filters and fit testing supplies. We also carry gloves, protective suits, containment equipment, air scrubbers and other tools to safeguard workers. In addition, EMSL offers air monitoring instruments and the industry’s most expansive industrial hygiene and environmental laboratory testing services.”
Last year, EMSL sponsored an educational video about Respiratory Protection Week that can still be seen at:
https://youtu.be/S2bve-BXW78
For access to respirators, filters, accessories, fit testing supplies and other EHS resources, please visit
www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email
info@EMSL.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria,
Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at
www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.