When is the only time that an employer has to provide a PAPR?

An employer is required to provide a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) when an employee is working above the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead. This requirement comes from regulations concerning workplace safety, particularly in environments where exposure to hazardous materials like lead is a concern. The PAPR helps protect workers by filtering harmful substances from the air, ensuring they can perform their tasks without being subjected to dangerous lead levels.

Choosing to provide a PAPR based on a request when working above the PEL reflects a proactive approach to employee safety. Employers are expected to prioritize health and safety and ensure workers have the proper equipment when exposure risks are heightened. Other options, such as the cost-effectiveness of a PAPR relative to other options, temperature conditions, or specific training periods, do not meet the regulatory standards that require provision based solely on the need for necessary protective equipment under high-risk exposure situations.