ARTICLE
OSHA recently issued interim enforcement guidance to help combat supply shortages of disposable N95 filtering face piece respirators (N95 FFRs). Due to the impact on workplace conditions caused by limited supplies of N95 FFRs, employers should reassess their engineering controls, work practices and administrative controls to identify any changes they can make to decrease the need for N95 respirators. OSHA advised employers to consider using respirators certified under the following countries' national standards: Australia: AS/NZS 1716:2012 Brazil: ABNT/NBR 13694:1996; ABNT/NBR 13697:1996; and ABNT/NBR 13698:2011 People's Republic of China: GB 2626-2006; and GB 2626-2019 European Union: EN 140-1999; EN 143-2000; and EN 149-2001 Japan: JMHLW-2000 Republic of Korea: KMOEL-2014-46; and KMOEL-2017-64 Mexico: NOM-116-2009 When these alternatives are not available, or where their use creates additional safety or health hazards, employers may consider the extended use or reuse of N95 FFRs, or use of N95 FFRs that were approved but have since passed the manufacturer's recommended shelf life, under specified conditions. This interim guidance will take effect immediately and remain in effect until further notice. Find the guidance memo here.