Respiratory Protection Program — OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 Compliant
The written program required when employees use respirators. Covers respirator selection, medical evaluation, fit testing, maintenance, change schedule for cartridge respirators, training, and the voluntary-use Appendix D notice.
When this template is required
Required of every employer whose employees use respirators — whether required for compliance with an OSHA standard, required by the employer, or worn voluntarily. The trigger is broad: any respirator use beyond the most casual (e.g., a disposable dust mask in clean environments) typically requires a written program.
Why this template
Covers required AND voluntary respirator use
Even voluntary respirator use (employees choosing to wear an N95 in dusty conditions even when not OSHA-required) triggers limited program requirements per 1910.134(c)(2). The template covers both required and voluntary use, with the Appendix D notice for voluntary users.
Medical evaluation procedure built in
1910.134(e) requires medical evaluation before fit testing. The questionnaire approach in OSHA Appendix C is acceptable and faster than physical examination — the program documents the process and the PLHCP (physician or licensed health care professional) review.
Change schedule for cartridge respirators
1910.134(d)(3)(iii) requires a change schedule for cartridge respirators based on objective data — service life information from the manufacturer, end-of-service-life indicators, or air sampling. The change schedule worksheet documents the rationale.
Annual fit-test log
1910.134(f) requires annual fit testing for any tight-fitting respirator. The fit-test log captures the date, model, size, fit-factor, test method (qualitative or quantitative), and tester. Missing fit-test records is a routine citation.
What you receive
- Respiratory Protection Program (Word .docx)
- Respirator selection guide (filtering facepiece, half-mask, full-face, PAPR, SAR)
- Medical evaluation procedure (OSHA Appendix C questionnaire reference)
- Annual fit-test log
- Change schedule worksheet for cartridge respirators
- Respirator cleaning, storage, and inspection procedures
- Voluntary use Appendix D notice (for non-required respirator users)
- Training documentation matrix
- Program administrator designation form
- Annual program evaluation log
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- Construction contractors with silica, lead, asbestos, or welding fume exposure
- Healthcare facilities (N95 use for infection control)
- Painting and coating contractors
- Industrial maintenance and welding operations
- Agriculture (pesticide application)
- Any workplace where employees voluntarily wear respirators
Frequently asked
When is a Respiratory Protection Program required?
Whenever respirators are used in the workplace — whether required by an OSHA standard (silica 1910.1053, lead 1910.1025, asbestos 1910.1001, HazCom-triggered, etc.), required by the employer for hazard control, or voluntarily worn by employees. Per 1910.134(c)(1), if respirators are required, a full written program is needed. For voluntary use of filtering facepieces only (N95 etc.), a limited program is acceptable (1910.134(c)(2)(ii)) — just provide the Appendix D notice.
What is Appendix D?
Appendix D to 1910.134 is the mandatory notice that must be provided to employees who voluntarily wear respirators. It explains the limitations of the respirator, that respirator use without a full program is voluntary, and basic safe-use information. The template includes the Appendix D notice in a postable/distributable format.
Do all respirator users need medical evaluation?
Yes — 1910.134(e) requires medical evaluation BEFORE the employee is fit-tested or required to use a respirator. The evaluation is by a PLHCP (physician or licensed health care professional). For filtering facepiece voluntary use, medical evaluation is recommended but not strictly required if the limited program approach is used.
What's fit testing?
1910.134(f) requires that tight-fitting respirators (anything other than loose-fitting hoods/helmets) be fit-tested before initial use, when a different respirator is used, and at least annually. Qualitative fit test (QLFT) uses a sensory test agent (e.g. saccharin); Quantitative fit test (QNFT) measures actual leakage with an instrument. The template documents both methods.
Does this pair with the Silica Exposure Control Plan?
Yes. Silica exposure (1926.1153 / 1910.1053) typically triggers respirator use, which means BOTH the Silica ECP and the Respiratory Protection Program are required. The Silica ECP defines WHEN respirators are needed; the RPP defines HOW they are managed. Most silica-exposed employers buy both products together.