A respirator must meet the standards of and be maintained in accordance with ______ specifications.

• A. OSHA
• B. CDC
• C. EPA
• D. FDA

Answer: (A)

OSHA sets the requirements for respiratory protection in the workplace, including how respirators are selected, used, and kept in good condition. In the workplace, respirators must meet OSHA specifications and be maintained under the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134. That standard covers not only choosing the right respirator and conducting medical evaluations and fit testing, but also the ongoing care of equipment—cleaning, disinfection, storage, and inspections. While organizations like NIOSH certify performance of respirator models and FDA/EPA regulate other aspects of medical devices and environmental controls, the authority to require maintenance and compliance in occupational settings comes from OSHA. So OSHA specifications are the governing reference for these requirements.