Who is responsible for furnishing all respirator equipment needed in the workplace?

In workplace safety, particularly regarding respiratory protection, it is the employer's responsibility to furnish all necessary respirator equipment. This requirement is grounded in occupational health regulations, which stipulate that an employer must ensure a safe working environment for their employees. By providing proper respirators, employers can help mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful airborne contaminants, thereby safeguarding employees' health.

Employers should assess the specific respiratory hazards present in the workplace and provide appropriate equipment that meets industry standards. This includes ensuring that the provided respirators are correctly fitted, maintained, and used in compliance with safety protocols and regulations.

Other roles, such as contractors, supervisors, and employees, may have responsibilities regarding the use and maintenance of the equipment, but the fundamental duty to supply this safety gear resides with the employer. This distinction helps ensure that the burden of workplace safety does not fall disproportionately on individual workers who may not have control over equipment provision and overall safety compliance.