Who approves respirators worn by Air Force (AF) employees?

The approval of respirators worn by Air Force employees is the responsibility of the bioenvironmental engineer (BE). This role is critical as bioenvironmental engineers are trained to assess the hazards present in the workplace and ensure that appropriate respiratory protection is provided based on the specific risks identified. They evaluate the types of contaminants in the environment, the exposure levels, and the effectiveness of different types of respirators in providing adequate protection. This ensures compliance with safety regulations and standards, further reinforcing the importance of wearing respirators properly fitted and suitable for the identified hazards.

Involving a bioenvironmental engineer means that their expertise contributes to the safety and health of Air Force employees by ensuring that the respiratory protection program is effectively managed, which is not the main focus or responsibility of the other options listed.