| Q: | My workers have been complaining about possible exposure to dust in their work place. Should I just automatically fit them with respirators? | | A: | No. The first adjustment should be engineering controls, i.e., adding or modifying the exhaust system. |
|
 |
| Q: | I’ve received a letter from OSHA that one of my workers has complained about an unsafe condition in the workplace even though I see no problem. Am I obligated to do anything? | | A: | Yes. You must address the concerns mentioned in the OSHA letter. Usually OHSA will give you a deadline for your response. The response should include what you have done to correct the situation. This may involve hiring a consultant to inspect the complaint or it may include in-house changes. |
|
|
|
| Q: | What will an OSHA audit do for me? | | A: | The OSHA audit will address not only safety issues but also reporting requirements as mentioned in the 1910 OSHA Guide. |
|
|
|
| Q: | Where can I find information on toxic and hazardous substances that I may have in my workplace? | | A: | You may find information in OSHA 1910.1000, Subpart Z-“Toxic and Hazardous Substances.” |
|
|
|
| Q: | When are respirators to be implemented in the workplace? | | A: | They should become part of you program when engineering controls are not sufficient to reduce exposures to or below the permissible exposure limit. |
|
|
|
| Q: | What can I do to ensure my workers that they are not being exposed above the permissible exposure limit? | | A: | You should conduct exposure monitoring under conditions which represent the worker’s daily exposure (Sample results should be based on an eight (8) hour time weighted average (TWA). |
|
|
|
