Respiratory Protection Week 2024 and Resources to Safeguard Workers, Patients, and the Public

Respiratory protection is one of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) ten most frequently cited violations almost every year. For 2023, it was the seventh most frequently cited standard, the third most in 2022, second most in 2021, and it was ranked third in 2020.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that millions of workers across the United States rely on respiratory protection to keep them safe on the job. This includes workers in occupations such as healthcare, construction, public safety, emergency response, and mining.

Respiratory protection plays such a vital role in preventing illnesses and deaths that it is recognized annually by the the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The agency has been promoting Respiratory Protection Week since 2019, and this year, the observance takes place from September 3^rd through the 6^th. NIOSH uses this opportunity to share their findings and educational tools to promote proper respiratory protection practices.

“There are OSHA Respiratory Protection Standards for general industry, maritime, and construction,” said Jody Thomason, Vice President of Products/Corporate Purchasing for EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Different types of respirators are available depending on the work being performed and the hazards that may be present. Failure to follow these standards could put workers at serious risk and result in costly noncompliance penalties for businesses and institutions. This is why EMSL’s Products Division offers such a wide range of respirators, filters, and fit testing supplies. We also carry gloves, protective suits, containment equipment, air scrubbers, and other tools to safeguard workers. In addition, EMSL offers air monitoring instruments and the industry’s most expansive industrial hygiene and environmental laboratory testing services.”

Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about Respiratory Protection Week that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/S2bve-BXW78

For access to respirators, filters, accessories, fit testing supplies, and other EHS resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail