Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

Which agencies are primarily responsible for testing and approving respiratory protection equipment?

1. OSHA and EPA

2. EPA and NIOSH

3. MSHA and NIOSH

4. ANSI and NFPA

The correct answer is: MSHA and NIOSH

The primary responsibility for testing and approving respiratory protection equipment falls under the jurisdiction of NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). NIOSH is a federal agency that oversees the certification of respirators to ensure that they meet specific health and safety standards. This includes conducting rigorous testing on equipment to determine its effectiveness in protecting users from airborne contaminants. MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) also plays a significant role in the enforcement of safety regulations regarding respiratory protection, particularly in the mining industry. While MSHA relies on NIOSH for the certification of respiratory equipment, it has the authority to regulate the use of these devices to ensure workplace safety in mining operations. The other agencies in the incorrect options have different missions. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) focuses on workplace safety and health regulations but does not specifically test or certify equipment; rather, it often references NIOSH-approved equipment in its regulations. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) addresses environmental protection and pollution control rather than the direct certification of respiratory equipment. Similarly, while ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) establish standards and codes for safety equipment and practices, they do not perform the testing and certification of respiratory devices like NIOSH does