It is not a legend. Cal/OSHA worked out a "deal" with POST (Police Officer Standards and Training...a state commission). They collectively developed a "model respiratory protection program" which local agencies are recommended to use (available at http://www.post.ca.gov) The agreement also said that the medicals police get using the POST Medical History Statement or equivilent and the physical exam meet the medical monitoring aspect. Annual fit testing is required, as is annual training. POST is supposed to supply a training video that can be used to meet the training requirement. The thing people don't realize is that this model program is intended to apply to: 1. Officers who are issued respirators to be used for escape from hazardous atmospheres 2. Officers issued respirators to be used while maintaining perimeters at hazmat incidents and are stationed in the cold zone. 3. Officers issued respirators for use in maintaining perimeter at crowd control incidents where chemical agents (teargas) are used 4. Officers issued respirators to prevent exposure to TB or other serious respiratory infections while transporting persons who are suspected of having such disease 5. Officers who in exigent or emergency situations have to enter an area where CS, CN, smoke or other tearing agents have been used. So, this would not apply to law enforcment that would be expected to use tear gas (SWAT teams, Violence Suppression Teams). Police involved in clan lab response would also be expected to have a complete respiratory protection program (such as we have here at the CA Dept. of Justice). Mark Cameron, CIH CA Dept. of Justice (916) 227-5956 >>> Regina Frasca6/30/2004 11:45:30 AM >>> Colleagues, Is anyone aware of a variance given to police officers for their use of respirators. This variance would enable them to use these devices without compliance of the respirator protection standard as well as the medical monitoring requirements. I heard an urban legend that one does exist and may be through "POST". I have been working closely with our officers and their PPE for homeland security (APR respirators). I am working on their training, implementation of a program, and medical requirements. I spoke with CAL OSHA Compliance and they had not heard of such a variance and would hold the employer to this standard if visited for an inspection. Any info would be appreciatted Regina M. Frasca Cal State University San Marcos Director of Risk Management & Safety Work: 760-750-4502 Fax: 760-750-3208 rfrasca**At_Symbol_Here**csusm.edu RM&S: Contributing to a total learning environment by providing support, guidance, and leadership, promoting safety and preserving the human and physical resources of the campus community. Finance & Administrative Services: Building excellence in service and resource management. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication with its contents may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. It is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). Unauthorized interception, review, use or disclosure is prohibited and may violate applicable laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the communication.
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