Bagel Libre
Occupational toxicology & industrial hygiene

Hierarchy of controls & respiratory protection

Elimination, substitution, engineering and administrative controls, and PPE; respirator selection, assigned protection factors, and fit testing (29 CFR 1910.134). General PPE program requirements (29 CFR 1910.132): the workplace hazard assessment and its written certification, PPE selection and proper fit, employee training (when and what PPE is necessary, donning/doffing and adjustment, the limitations of the PPE, and its care and maintenance) and retraining triggers, the prohibition on defective equipment, employee-owned equipment, and employer payment for PPE including the exceptions (non-specialty safety-toe footwear and prescription eyewear, and everyday clothing).

An employer uses air-purifying respirators with organic vapor cartridges to protect workers against benzene. If there is no end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) certified for benzene, what is the mandatory minimum frequency for replacing these cartridges?

A.At the beginning of each shift
B.After every 40 hours of cumulative use
C.When the worker detects a breakthrough odor
D.Once every 30 days