Issues
Right to Repair
The Unique Risks of Applying Right to Repair to PPE
Heavily Regulated for a Reason
Repairs Can Void Certifications
Right to Repair ≠ Right to Safety
125 Million Workers at Risk
125 million U.S. workers rely on PPE and safety equipment to keep safe on the job. To protect them, Right to Repair legislation must exempt all PPE and safety equipment.
Real-World Failures Prove the Risk
Unsafe Repairs Put Workers at Risk
Fall Protection
Harness
Fatal fall or catastrophic injury if the self-retracting lifeline fails to arrest a worker
SCBA
Respirator
Asphyxiation, burns or death from failed breathing apparatus or PASS device
Emergency
Showers
Lethal chemical burns if units fail to deliver immediate flushing in an emergency
Electronic Hearing
Protection
Permanent hearing loss if electronic circuits fail to block hazardous noise
Right to Repair Conflicts with Multiple Standards
OSHA is Clear
29 1910.134(h)(4)(iii)
“[Equipment]…shall be adjusted or repaired only by the manufacturer or a technician trained by the manufacturer.”
NIOSH is Clear
NIOSH Policy
“…A respirator that includes any replacement or spare part that has not been inspected [by NIOSH staff members]….is not NIOSH approved.”
NFPA is Clear
NFPA 1852 § 4.9.1
“Technicians shall be qualified and authorized by the SCBA manufacturer to perform specified allowable maintenance.”
