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Date: Wed, 30 Jun 2004 14:00:48 -0700
Reply-To: Mark Cameron <Mark.Cameron**At_Symbol_Here**DOJ.CA.GOV>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Mark Cameron <Mark.Cameron**At_Symbol_Here**DOJ.CA.GOV>
Subject: Re: Police and Respirators
Comments: To: rfrasca**At_Symbol_Here**CSUSM.EDU
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 Frasca 6/30/2004 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
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