Respiratory Protection Program

University of Minnesota Respiratory Protection Program (pdf)
The University of Minnesota is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Managers and supervisors are responsible for the establishment and maintenance of good health and safety practices in their respective units. When effective engineering or administrative controls are not feasible or practical, or in emergency situations, the use of personal respiratory protective equipment may be necessary to protect the health of the employee. An effective respiratory protection program is essential to assure that the personnel using such equipment are adequately protected. The procedures set forth in this program are intended to conform to Federal and Minnesota laws and specifically comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements codified at 29 CFR1910.134 (Respiratory Protection Standard, revised 10/5/1998), and 29 CFR 1910.139 (M. tuberculosis standard).

Voluntary Use of Respiratory Protection for Exposure to Animal Allergens (pdf)
The University of Minnesota Office of Occupational Health and Safety (UOHS) has determined that while there are no specific occupational health and safety regulations for preventing lab animal allergy, best practice calls for exposure assessment and control. The purpose of the voluntary respiratory protection program is to provide an interim solution to minimizing or eliminating exposure to lab animal allergens among employees working in animal research settings. This program is in effect until July 1, 2008.