Who is responsible for selecting and providing appropriate respirators?

The responsibility for selecting and providing appropriate respirators falls to the employer. This role is critical because the employer is tasked with ensuring a safe working environment for all employees. This includes evaluating the specific hazards present in the workplace, assessing the need for respiratory protection, and ensuring that the respirators meet regulatory standards and are appropriate for the given conditions.

Employers are also responsible for training employees on the proper use, maintenance, and limitations of the respirators. This comprehensive approach to respiratory protection ensures that employees are adequately protected against airborne hazards, which is vital for their health and safety on the job.

In contrast, while employees must use the respirators provided, they are not in a position to determine which respirators are suitable for the risks they face. The safety officer and contractor could have roles that support or implement safety policies, but the ultimate accountability for selection and provision rests with the employer. This delineation of responsibility is crucial for compliance with safety regulations and effective workplace safety programs.