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3384small Entity For Respiratory Protection Standard Rev PDF
3384small Entity For Respiratory Protection Standard Rev PDF
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
(f)(3) When fit testing must be conducted: (i)(6) Compressors that are not oil
changes in the respirator wearer’s lubricated................................................................ 52
physical condition................................................35 (i)(7) Compressors that are oil lubricated.... 52
(f)(4) When fit testing must be conducted: (i)(8) Precautions regarding couplings..........53
unacceptable fit as determined by an
employee after fit testing..................................35 (i)(9) Labeling of breathing gas containers..53
(f)(5) Fit testing procedures: general Checklist for Breathing Air Quality
fit testing procedures......................................... 35 and Use.....................................................................53
(f)(6) Limitation on use of qualitative
fit testing.................................................................35 Section (j): Identification of filters,
cartridges and canisters.................................54
(f)(7) Use of quantitative fit testing............... 36
(f)(8) Fit testing for atmosphere-supplying Section (k): Training and information.....54
and powered air-purifying respirators.......... 36 (k)(1) Content of training...................................54
Checklist for Fit Testing......................................41 (k)(2) Comprehension of training....................55
Complaints, Emergencies
and Further Assistance.................................. 116
OSHA Regional Offices..................................118
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Introduction In August 2006, OSHA again revised the standard by
adding definitions for APF and MUC and a table (Table
Agencies are required to prepare and publish one or
I) of APF values. This guide provides a discussion of
more guides to assist small entities in complying with
these APF provisions and their role in the overall
regulations for which an agency is required to prepare a
Respiratory Protection standard.
regulatory flexibility analysis. (See the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act, (P.L. 104-121,
History of OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard
March 29, 1996, as amended by the P.L.110-128, May 25,
2007).) Year Event
This Small Entity Compliance Guide (SECG) is 1971 The existing American National Standards
intended to help small businesses comply with the Institute (ANSI) standard adopted as OSHA’s
Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Respiratory Protection standard
(OSHA) Respiratory Protection standard (63 FR 1152; 1998 OSHA’s Final Revised Respiratory Protection
January 8, 1998). While the guide is for small entities, Standard (Assigned Protection Factors
the guide itself is not small. OSHA’s goal for this
reserved)
document is to provide small entities with a compre-
hensive step-by-step guide complete with checklists 2004 CNP REDON Fit Test Approved for Use
and commonly asked questions that will aid both 2006 Final Assigned Protection Factors Rulemaking
employees and employers in small businesses with a (APF) including APFs, MUCs, Table I: Assigned
better understanding of OSHA’s respiratory protection Protection Factors (71 Fed. Reg. 50122)
standard. The reader should be advised that OSHA also
has other shorter documents and visual aids that may
OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard specifies
be used to better understand respiratory protection and
only the minimum requirements for an effective
the OSHA standard itself. That information can be
respiratory protection program. Under the standard,
found on OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.
OSHA may require you to establish a respiratory
If the employees of a small business are only protection program when exposure to an airborne
exposed to nuisance dusts and relatively non-toxic contaminant or to low oxygen levels can cause illness
chemicals and use only a few types of relatively simple or injury to an employee and when these health effects
respirators, knowledge of the guide and materials can be prevented by the use of adequate engineering
supplied by the respirator manufacturer may be and administrative controls and/or the appropriate
sufficient for the small business owner or an employee selection and use of a respirator. OSHA may also
to become qualified as a program administrator. If require you to establish a respiratory protection
more dangerous chemicals or high exposures are program while these engineering and administrative
present, or sophisticated respirators are used, the controls are being installed or maintained and repaired,
program administrator must have more knowledge or or for emergencies. You are encouraged to exceed
experience. In these circumstances, it may be neces- these minimum criteria if doing so enhances the safety
sary for the administrator to seek out the expertise and health of your employees. This SECG provides a
needed or to obtain appropriate training. sample respirator program to guide small business ad-
OSHA’s original Respiratory Protection standard was ministrators. (See Attachment 4 of this guide.)
adopted in 1971 from an existing American National This document is advisory in nature, informational
Standards Institute (ANSI) standard. On October 5, in content, and is intended to assist employers by using
1998, OSHA issued a revised standard that updated plain English to explain each provision of the standard,
and replaced that 1971 standard. At that time, in 1998, whenever possible. However, technical terms that apply
OSHA reserved the definition under (d) (respirator to respiratory protection have legal definitions, as set
selection) for the Assigned Protection Factors (APFs), forth in the Respiratory Protection standard. In this
and Maximum Use Concentrations (MUCs) and Table I: guide, whenever these terms are used, they are used
Assigned Protection Factors values until further rule- only as they are legally defined. A list of these terms
making was completed. can be found under (b)(definitions) of the Respiratory
In addition, the revised 1998 Respiratory Protection Protection standard. A copy of the standard is included
standard included a new provision that allowed the in this guide under Attachment 3.
development of new fit tests. In compliance with this The Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR
provision, OSHA approved and adopted an additional 1910.134) establishes, in one place, the required
quantitative fit testing protocol, the controlled negative program for properly selecting and using respirators.
pressure (CNP) REDON fit testing protocol, in 2004. (See All mandatory respirator use is covered by the
Appendix A of the standard.) Respiratory Protection standard. The Respiratory
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Section (k) – Training and Information The attachments in this guide are:
Section (l) – Program Evaluation Attachment 1 – the glossary and list of definitions from
Section (m) – Recordkeeping the Assigned Protection Factor rule
Section (n) – Effective dates Attachment 2 – a complete set of the checklists used in
Section (o) – Appendices this guide
Attachment 3 – a copy of the Respiratory Protection
The appendices to the Respiratory Protection
standard
standard are:
Attachment 4 – a Sample Program
Appendix A to § 1910.134: Fit Testing Procedures
Attachment 5 – NIOSH MultiVapor Information
(Mandatory)
Attachment 6 – NIOSH tables of cartridges and
Part I. OSHA-Accepted Fit Test Protocols
canisters by APFs (modified to OSHA’s APFs)
Table A-1: CNP REDON Quantitative Fit Testing
Protocol Citations to the standard provided in each section
Part II. New Fit Test Protocols enable you to compare the text in this guide with the
Appendix B-1 to § 1910.134: User Seal Check standard. (See Attachment 3 of this guide for a copy of
Procedures (Mandatory) the Respiratory Protection standard.) For example, to
Appendix B-2 to § 1910.134: Respirator Cleaning review the new assigned protection factors and maxi-
Procedures (Mandatory) mum use concentrations in the final standard, at
(d)(3)(ii)(A)-(B), it might be useful to know that you will
Appendix C to § 1910.134: OSHA Respirator Medical
need to begin with section (d) and proceed through
Evaluation Questionnaire (Mandatory)
(d)(1) and (d)(2) to (d)(3) and then through (d)(3)(i) to
Part A. Section 1. (Mandatory)
(d)(3)(ii), and so forth.
Part A. Section 2. (Mandatory)
Appendix D to § 1910.134: Information for Employees
Using Respirators When Not Required Under the
Standard (Mandatory)
Citation for Assigned Protection Factors and Maximum Use Concentrations, under
paragraph (d) Selection of Respirators
Citation to the standard Name of Section in Standard Small Entity Compliance Guide
Paragraph (d)(1)-(2) Respirator Selection Employers need to know specific information on: NIOSH
certification, unknown exposures; workplace factors; user
factors, the two major types of respirators; respirators for
oxygen deficient, and other IDLH atmospheres.
Table II: Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres, is described in (d)(2).
Paragraph (d)(3)-(d)(3)(i) Respirators for non-IDLH atmospheres When providing respirators, employers must provide respirators
that are adequate to protect employee health and ensure
compliance with all other OSHA requirements under routine
and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations.
Paragraph (d)(3)(i)(A) Respirators for IDLH atmospheres Employers need to know specific instructions on how to select
respirators using Table I. Assigned Protection Factors.
(A) Assigned Protection Factors (APFs) Table I. Assigned Protection Factors is described in this paragraph.
Employers must use the assigned
protection factors listed in Table I
to select a respirator that meets or
exceeds the required level of
employee protection.
Paragraph (d)(3)(i)(B) Respirators for IDLH atmospheres The employee’s exposure must be at or below the MUC when
the exposure is measured outside the respirator. Instructions on
Maximum Use Concentrations (MUCs) how to select respirators using MUCs, including the limitations
of MUCs, are provided.
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Occupational Safety and
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Examples of an air-purifying respirator and an atmosphere-supplying respirator
• Supersede most respiratory provisions in existing Generally, you are required to establish a respiratory
standard. protection program whenever you or OSHA requires
your employees to wear respirators. For example, you
may need to establish a respiratory protection program:
The Respiratory Protection Program
• If your employees work in situations where the level
A respiratory protection program is a cohesive of oxygen is insufficient or potentially insufficient.
collection of written worksite-specific procedures and
• If your employees are potentially exposed to
policies that, taken together, address all respiratory
harmful levels of hazardous gases or vapors.
protection elements required by the standard. For
example, a respiratory protection program must • If your employees are exposed to other potential
contain specific procedures describing how respirators respiratory hazards, such as dust, airborne
will be selected, fitted, used, maintained and inspected biological hazards, mists, fumes, sprays, and other
in a particular workplace. Section (c) of this guide airborne particles.
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
apply to respirators and their use. (See: Attachment 1 Points of Contact for additional information
of this guide (APF Glossary of Definitions); and the For additional assistance in establishing and imple-
definitions under Section (b) of the standard). menting a respiratory protection program, contact the
• Criteria for selecting respirators. (See Section (d) of OSHA area office nearest you. If you are unable to
this guide.) contact your local OSHA area office, you may contact
• General information the appropriate OSHA regional office for information or
assistance. A list of OSHA regional offices is at page 118.
• Assigned Protection Factors
• Table I: Assigned Protection Factors Section (a): Permissible practice
• Maximum Use Concentrations When engineering controls are not feasible, or while
When issuing the 1998 rule, OSHA estimated that engineering controls are being put in place, appropriate
compliance with the standard would prevent hundreds respirators must be used.
of deaths and thousands of illnesses in U.S. workplaces
each year (63 FR 1173). The APFs in the final rulemaking (a)(1) Engineering controls
help ensure that these benefits are achieved, as well as To prevent illness or diseases caused by breathing
provide an additional degree of protection. These new hazardous air in the workplace, you must use
APFs reduce employee exposures in some instances to engineering controls to the extent feasible to prevent
several Section (6)(b)(5) chemicals covered by standards contamination of the workplace atmosphere. When
with outdated APF criteria, thereby reducing exposures engineering controls are not feasible, or while
to chemicals such as asbestos, lead, cotton dust, and engineering controls are being put in place, appropriate
arsenic. While the Agency did not quantify these respirators must be used.
benefits, it estimated that thousands of employees
How to know if the atmosphere in your workplace is
would have a higher degree of respiratory protection
hazardous
under this APF standard. The Respiratory Protection
standard has been determined to be economically and An atmosphere is hazardous if it does not contain
technologically feasible for covered industries. sufficient oxygen, or if it contains chemical, biological,
or radiological contaminants in sufficient quantity to
In addition to health benefits, OSHA believes that
harm the health of employees. Section (d) of this guide
other benefits result from the harmonization of APF
contains information on how to identify and evaluate
specifications, thereby making compliance with the
respiratory hazards in your workplace.
respirator rule easier for employers. Employers no
longer have to consult several sources and several What are engineering and administrative controls?
OSHA standards to determine the best choice of Engineering controls physically change the work
respirator, but can make their choices based on a single, environment to reduce employee exposure to air
easily found regulation. In addition to having only one contaminants. Such engineering controls may include:
set of numbers (i.e., APFs) to assist them with respirator
• Change of the work process
selection for nearly all substances, some employers may
be able to streamline their respirator stock by using one • Isolation or enclosure of the work process or of
respirator class to meet their respirator needs instead employees
of several respirator classes. The increased ease of • Local exhaust or general dilution ventilation
compliance also yields additional health benefits to
• Substitution of less hazardous substances for
employees using respirators.
harmful materials
The revised APFs clarify when employers can safely
Administrative controls involve changes in the length
place employees in respirators that impose less stress
of time or the time of day in which an employee can
on the cardiovascular system (e.g., filtering facepiece
be exposed. Examples of administrative controls are:
respirators). Many of these alternative respirators may
have the additional benefit of being less expensive to • Employee rotation
purchase and operate. OSHA estimated that over 15,000 • Rescheduling work in area to times when air
employees used respirators that fall into this group (i.e., contaminant levels are low
employees that may safely shift to a less expensive
respirator).
How do I know if the Respiratory Protection standard q Engineering controls, such as ventilation, isolation
or enclosure of the work process, or substitution of
applies to me?
non-hazardous materials for the materials that pose
You should use the information collected through the respiratory hazards; and
steps covered in paragraph (a)(1) to determine whether
q Administrative controls, such as worker rotation,
the Respiratory Protection standard applies to you.
or scheduling major maintenance for weekends or
For example, information on the type and levels of times when few workers are present.
hazardous airborne exposures in your workplace and
on the engineering and administrative controls When engineering controls are not feasible, or
available to you should be used when evaluating the while engineering controls are being installed or
need for a respirator program. maintained, or whenever there is an emergency,
appropriate respirators must be used.
The vendor who supplies your engineering controls
may be able to help you determine whether the controls Does your workplace have (check the box to indicate
will adequately protect your employees from respira- yes, and check all that apply):
tory hazards. You must evaluate the level of contami- q Sufficient engineering controls to prevent illness
nation in your workplace after the engineering controls or diseases caused by breathing hazardous air in the
are installed, as explained in Section (d) of this guide. workplace
How do I know what type of respirator is suitable for q Sufficient administrative controls to prevent illness
protecting the employees’ health? If you did not check both of the boxes above,
Proper selection of respiratory protection equipment the Respiratory Protection standard does apply to
involves the evaluation of the workplace environment, your workplace, and you must develop a written
types of job functions that are performed in the respiratory protection program that is specific to
workplace, identification of reasonably foreseeable your workplace.
emergencies, employee health conditions, and unique
facial characteristics that may affect proper use. Section
(d) of this guide provides further information about
selecting a suitable respirator.
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Is employee rotation acceptable as an interim Additionally, you are required to ensure that certain
administrative control while engineering control requirements of the respiratory protection program are
measures are being developed and implemented? followed by employees who wear a respirator voluntar-
Rotation is an acceptable practice for less-toxic ily (that is, they wear respirators even though respirator
contaminants. It is never permitted for protection use is not required by either you or OSHA).
against cancer-causing substances. In addition, many (c)(1) Program development and implementation
of OSHA’s substance-specific health standards contain
ceiling limits that may limit the use of employee You are required to develop and implement a written
rotation. If respirators are also necessary to protect the respiratory protection program and to update it as
health of the employee while engineering controls are necessary.
being developed, they must be provided. Program Development
You must develop a written respiratory protection
Section (b): Definitions program that includes procedures for the use of
This section of the Respiratory Protection standard respirators in any work area where protection from
contains definitions of terms used in the text of the airborne hazards is required. The procedures in your
standard. The definitions clarify the requirements of program must be specific to your particular workplace.
the standard. The definitions from the final Respiratory All required elements of the respiratory protection
Protection standard (63 FR 1152; January 8, 1998), and program must be in writing.
from the final Assigned Protection Factors standard
Why a written program?
(71 FR 50122; August 24, 2006), have been combined
under Attachment 1 to facilitate ease of use. The program must be in writing because health
and safety programs are usually more effectively
The terms are contained in paragraph (b) of the implemented and evaluated if the procedures are
standard. The full text of the final Respiratory Protection available in a written form for study and review. Also, a
standard (63 FR 1152), with the new definitions and written respiratory protection program is the best way
Table of APF values (Assigned Protection Factors to ensure that the unique characteristics of the worksite
standard), 71 FR 50122, is provided in Attachment 3. are taken into account. Developing the written program
As OSHA developed this Small Entity Compliance encourages you to thoroughly assess and document
Guide, the sections were written using the terms from information pertaining to respiratory hazards posed to
the standard. As you review this document, if you have your employees both during normal operating condi-
any questions about a term that is used, you should tions and during reasonably foreseeable emergencies.
review the definition of the term in Attachment 1 to Program Content
clarify exactly what is being discussed. The terms You are required to include procedures for the following
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and Employee elements (as applicable) in your respiratory protection
Exposure are both defined (see Attachment 1 of this program:
guide.) PELs are OSHA’s enforceable exposure limit
values and should not be confused with threshold • Selecting appropriate respirators for use in the
limit/exposure limit values (TLVs) or recommended workplace.
exposure limits (RELs). These and other terms from the • Training employees in the proper use of respirators
APF standard can be found in Attachment 1 of this (including putting them on and removing them), the
guide. limitations on their use, and their maintenance.
• Providing medical evaluation of employees who
Section (c): Respiratory protection must use respirators.
program
• Fit testing tight-fitting respirators.
Whenever respirator use is required by the employer or
• Using respirators properly in routine situations as
by OSHA, this section of the Respiratory Protection
well as in reasonably foreseeable emergencies.
standard dictates that the employer must:
• Ensuring adequate air supply, quantity, and flow of
• Develop a written respiratory protection program
breathing air for atmosphere-supplying respirators.
with procedures that are specific to your worksite;
• Establishing and adhering to schedules for cleaning,
• Implement the program and update it as necessary;
disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, removing
and
from service or discarding, and otherwise maintain-
• Assign a qualified program administrator to run and ing respirators.
evaluate the program.
SMALL ENTITY COMPLIANCE GUIDE FOR THE 13
R E S P I R ATO RY P R OT E C T I O N S TA N DA R D
• Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the program. respirator user with the advisory information in
The checklist in this section on establishing a written Appendix D of the standard. This appendix provides
respiratory protection program at page 16 provides a basic information on the proper use of respirators for
quick list to use for guidance on the required content of employees who are voluntary users of the equipment
the respiratory protection program. and thus are not required to undergo training. These
precautions can be presented to the employee either
Program Implementation and Updating verbally or in a written form. (See section (k) of this
Once you have established a written program that guide on Training and information.)
covers all the required elements that apply to your
Applicable components of the respiratory protection
workplace, you then must ensure that the program is
program
appropriately implemented. Implementation of the
program must be administered and overseen by your You must ensure that the following elements of your
program administrator. respiratory protection program are implemented for
voluntary respirator users:
Once your program has been implemented you
must ensure that it is updated as necessary to reflect (i) If filtering facepieces are the only respirator being
relevant changes in the workplace. That is, you need to worn voluntarily, you are only required to provide the
revise the elements of the program that have been employee with a copy of Appendix D and make sure
affected by changes that relate to respiratory hazards that the respirator itself is not creating a hazard, such
in work areas. For example, you need to revise the as dermatitis from a dirty respirator.
appropriate sections of your written program if new (ii) Elements of the program that apply to voluntary
processes or new chemicals are introduced into the users (using respirators other than filtering facepieces
workplace that could impact respirator use. (i.e., dust masks) involve:
In addition, if you make any changes in the types • Provisions for medical evaluation of employees.
of respirators used or in any of the other elements of • Establishing and adhering to schedules for cleaning,
the respiratory protection program, you must make disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, removing
appropriate revisions to the written program and from service or discarding, and otherwise maintain-
ensure that they are implemented. ing respirators.
(c)(2) Where respirator use is not required Implementation of the elements of the program
Voluntary use is when an employee chooses to wear for a voluntary respirator user will ensure that the
a respirator even though the use of a respirator is not respirator is used properly and does not create a hazard
required by either you or by an OSHA standard. to the user.
• A dirty respirator could cause dermatitis.
What is meant by voluntary use of respirator
equipment? • A dirty or poorly disinfected respirator could cause
Where respirator use is not required, you must ensure an unnecessary inhalation hazard.
that all employees who use a respirator voluntarily • A respirator wearer’s health could be jeopardized
are provided with certain basic information on proper due to an undetected medical condition (e.g.,
respirator use. Additionally, you must ensure that asthma, heart condition.)
employees are included in your program provisions for
What types of respirators do the voluntary use
medical evaluations, and for cleaning, storage, and
requirements apply to?
maintenance of respirators, as applicable.
This requirement applies primarily to tight-fitting
Providing basic information to voluntary respirator negative pressure APRs, but would also apply to
users powered APRs if an employee elected to voluntarily
You may allow an employee to use a respirator volun- use this type of respirator.
tarily if you determine that the respirator itself will not
Do I need to have a written respiratory protection
present: a hazard to the employee due to misuse; other
program if only voluntary users wear respirators at
hazards or conditions in the workplace; or a hazard to
my facility?
an individual employee, based on medical conditions.
In such cases, you may provide employees with No, if the only respirators being worn voluntarily are
respirators or allow them to use their own respiratory filtering facepieces (dust masks).
protection. (See (c)(2) of the standard.) If you allow Yes, if other respirators, such as elastomeric APRs or
such use of a respirator, you must provide the voluntary powered APRs, are being used voluntarily. In this case,
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
your written program needs to include only the types of relatively simple respirators, knowledge of this
elements that pertain to voluntary users, e.g., a section guide and materials supplied by the manufacturer may
on medical evaluations, and one on inspection, care, be sufficient for you, or a designated employee, to
and maintenance. serve as the program administrator.
When employees choose to voluntarily use respira- If more dangerous substances are present, if the
tors in the workplace, you must provide the employee potential for high exposures exists, or if more complex
with a copy of the mandatory document found in respirators are used, the program administrator must
Appendix D of the standard. have more extensive experience and/or training. In
these circumstances, you may need to seek out the
Who is responsible for any costs associated with
expertise needed or obtain appropriate training.
voluntary use of a respirator?
You are not required to pay for filtering facepiece Is there a list of approved training courses my program
respirators used voluntarily by employees. administrator can attend?
If the employer determines that any voluntary No, OSHA does not provide a training course
respirator use is permissible, the employer must specifically to train respiratory protection program
provide the respirator users with the information administrators, nor does OSHA require program
contained in Appendix D of the standard (“Information administrators to attend a specified course. OSHA
for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required only requires the program administrator to have an
Under the Standard.”) adequate level of training or experience to deal with
the complexity of the respiratory protection program
If you permit the use of respirators other than at the worksite.
filtering facepieces, you must pay for required medical
evaluations for voluntary users and provide voluntary You may want to check with trade associations or
users with appropriate facilities and time to clean, adult education programs run by universities or techni-
disinfect, maintain, and store respirators. cal and vocational schools in your area. The OSHA
Consultation Program can help you identify appropriate
(c)(3) Program administrator training courses, or, if you hire a consultant to help you
You must designate a program administrator to run the with your respiratory protection program, he or she
program and evaluate its effectiveness. may be able to provide training.
An individual is qualified to be a program How will OSHA determine that a person is experienced
administrator if he or she has appropriate training or and/or trained to be a respiratory protection program
experience in accord with the program’s level of administrator?
complexity. This training or experience is appropriate Usually, the OSHA compliance officer will review the
if it enables the program administrator to fulfill the written program and interview the respiratory protec-
minimum requirements of recognizing, evaluating, and tion program administrator. Questions asked during the
controlling the hazards in your workplace. For example, interview are likely to focus on determining how famil-
if your program requires air-supplying respirators for iar the program administrator is with the OSHA Respi-
use in immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) ratory Protection standard and the use and application
environments, your program administrator must have of the respirators at the particular workplace. Significant
training and experience pertaining to the use of this deficiencies in the written program also could indicate a
type of equipment. Similarly, if you do not use air- lack of training and understanding of the standard.
supplying respirators and do not have significant Only one person can fulfill the primary responsibili-
respiratory hazards at your workplace, someone with ties of running the program, unless your company
less experience or training might be able to effectively has more than one worksite. In that case, you may
serve in this position. have a program administrator for each site. Ordinarily,
Ultimately, the appropriate qualifications for your however, you cannot divide the responsibilities among
program administrator must be determined based on several employees. Requiring an administrator with
the particular respiratory hazards that exist, or that are sole responsibility helps ensure the integrity of the pro-
reasonably anticipated, at your workplace. gram by maintaining continuous oversight from one
person. Nonetheless, the administrator may rely on
How do I, or a designated employee, become a
other employees to help run parts of the respiratory
qualified program administrator?
protection program (e.g., fit testing, medical evaluations).
If your workers are exposed only to nuisance dusts and
relatively low-toxicity materials, and they use only a few One of the program administrator’s primary respon-
sibilities is to evaluate the program. Although OSHA
16
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
• The location and movement of other personnel and Mists are tiny droplets of liquid suspended in the air.
equipment Oil mists can be produced from lubricants used in
- Would the mobility of your employees or the metal-cutting operations, acid mists from electroplat-
presence of moving machinery entangle the ing, and paint-spray mist from spraying operations.
airlines of atmosphere-supplying respirators? Gases are materials that exist as individual molecules in
the air at room temperature. Examples are welding
(d)(1)(ii) Selected respirator must be certified by gases, such as acetylene and nitrogen, and carbon
the National Institute for Occupational Safety and monoxide produced from internal combustion engines.
Health (NIOSH)
Vapors are the gaseous form of substances that are
All respirators must be certified by NIOSH and used in normally in the solid or liquid state at room tempera-
compliance with the conditions of certification. ture and pressure. They are formed by evaporation.
(d)(1)(iii) Employers need to identify and evaluate Most solvents produce vapors. Examples include
worksite hazards toluene and methylene chloride.
• Identify the respiratory hazards to which your Suggestions for Measuring or Making “Reasonable”
employees are exposed and evaluate these hazards. Estimates of Employee Exposures
• Determine the state and physical form of the • Personal monitoring is the most accurate way of ob-
respiratory hazard. taining employee exposure information. Sampling
- Are they solids, liquids, or gases? equipment and analytical methods are available for
- Are they particulate, radioactive or chemical substances regulated by OSHA’s Air Contaminants
substances? standard (29 CFR 1910.1000 and 29 CFR 1926.55).
OSHA has specific monitoring requirements for its
• Estimate or measure employee exposures to the substance-specific standards (e.g., benzene or as-
hazards. bestos). See subpart Z of 29 CFR parts 1910 and
• Assume IDLH atmospheres if unable to estimate an 1926, for OSHA’s substance-specific standards.
employee’s exposure. • If there is no specific monitoring requirement, you
can also estimate exposures by monitoring fixed
Potential Respiratory Hazards:
locations or by sampling for short time periods. If
Listed below are potential respiratory hazards: you do this, you should measure under worst-case
Dusts and fibers are solid particles dispersed into the conditions to be sure that you are providing ade-
workplace atmosphere through mechanical processes quate protection for your employees. For example,
such as crushing, grinding, drilling, abrading, blasting, even though employees generally move about and
shaking or physiological processes such as coughing, do not spend most of their work shift near the
sneezing. Examples include: silica, metal dust in source of emissions, if you select a respirator based
baghouses, and asbestos. Once an employee’s hands on a reading obtained from a fixed sample collected
and garments, boots, and respirators are contaminated close to the source of the emission, the respirator
with lead or asbestos, other employees can also be selected is more likely to provide adequate
exposed just by handling, or shaking, the contaminated employee protection. Similarly, although process
equipment. emissions under non-peak conditions will obviously
be less than at peak conditions, a respirator selected
Biological hazards include living organisms such as
on the basis of a reading obtained from a spot sam-
bacteria (e.g., Legionella pneumophila which causes
ple taken when the emissions are highest (when the
Legionnaires’ Disease), viruses (e.g., coronavirus which
process is operating at peak conditions) is more
causes severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS]),
likely to provide sufficient protection.
fungi, and other organisms, as well as dead organisms
or parts of organisms. Examples of the latter include • Data may be available from previous exposure
ground parts of plants (e.g., flour) and parts of animals measurements. For example, studies may have
(e.g., dead skin cells/dander). been conducted in your industry. Your trade
association may have data, or manufacturers of
Fumes are solid particles that are formed when a metal
products or materials used in your workplace may
or other solid vaporizes and the molecules condense (or
have conducted laboratory tests that provide
solidify) in cool air. Examples are metal fumes from
employee exposure data. To generalize from data
smelting or welding. Fumes also may be formed from
obtained from these sources or an industry-wide
processes such as plastic injection or extrusion molding.
survey, however, you must show that the conditions
18
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
compliance with all other OSHA requirements under air-purifying filter), employers must ensure that the APF
routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency is appropriate to the mode of operation in which the
situations respirator is being used.
The General Duty Clause of the OSH Act requires you to A copy of the new APF table is provided below, at page
protect your employees from all hazardous substances, 24, in section (d) of this guide. Footnote 4 of Table I
even those not regulated by OSHA. Consult the Mate- relates to the testing of Powered Air-Purifying Respira-
rial Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) sent by your supplier if tors (PAPRs) and Supplied-air Respirators (SAR) with
you have questions about the toxicity of a particular helmets or hoods to demonstrate that these respirators
substance. For further assistance in ascertaining can perform at the higher APF of 1,000 instead of the
whether substances used in your workplace that are not overall APF of 25 for this class. As a result of OSHA’s
regulated by OSHA are hazardous, you may contact rulemaking, the 25/1000 APF is given to some hood/
OSHA. (See list of OSHA Offices at page 118.) helmet PAPRs and supplied-air respirators (SARs).
Other OSHA regulations that might apply include
the Air Contaminants standard, 29 CFR 1910.1000, the (d)(3)(i)(B) You must select respirators after
substance-specific standards, appropriate safety considering the Maximum Use Concentrations in
regulations such as the Hazardous Waste Operations your workplace under which respirators are used
and Emergency Response standard, 29 CFR 1910.120,
paragraph (g)(2), and many construction and maritime Maximum use concentration (MUC) means the
standards. maximum atmospheric concentration of a hazardous
substance from which an employee can be expected
What is a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)? to be protected when wearing a respirator, and is
Employee exposure means exposure to a concentration determined by the assigned protection factor of the
of an airborne contaminant that would occur if the respirator or class of respirators and the exposure limit
employee were not using respiratory protection. OSHA of the hazardous substance. The MUC usually can be
permissible exposure limits (PELs) establish the determined mathematically by multiplying the assigned
maximum level of a specific airborne hazard that an protection factor specified for a respirator by the
employee can be exposed to, averaged over an 8-hour permissible exposure limit, short-term exposure limit,
workday (8-hour time-weighted average, or TWA) or ceiling limit, peak limit, or any other exposure limit
over a specified portion of a workday (e.g., a 15-minute used for the hazardous substance. Basically, under the
short-term exposure limit, or STEL). Likewise, the action MUC, employers must: (1) select a respirator for
level (AL), which is one-half the PEL, is calculated in the employee use that maintains the employee’s exposure
same manner as the PEL, and is the level at or above to the hazardous substance, when measured outside
which provisions of substance-specific standards can the respirator, at or below the MUC; (2) not apply MUCs
be triggered. (PELs are listed in 29 CFR 1910.1000, and to conditions that are immediately dangerous to life or
1926.55. See also the substance-specific standards health (IDLH); instead, they must use respirators listed
for general industry, maritime, longshoring, and for IDLH conditions in paragraph (d)(2) of the Respira-
construction.) tory Protection standard; and, (3) set the maximum
MUC at that lower limit when the calculated MUC
(d)(3)(i)(A) You must select respirators according to exceeds the IDLH level for a hazardous substance, or
Assigned Protection Factors (APF) the performance limits of the cartridge or canister.
Selection of respirators must be made in accordance How to use APFs and MUCs
with the assigned protection factor (APF) of the
respirator, as well as the workplace and exposure APFs are used to select the appropriate class of respira-
factors. (See final APF standard; 71 FR 50122.) tors that will provide the necessary level of protection
under routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency
APF means the workplace level of respiratory protec- situations. The airborne hazardous exposure can be
tion that a respirator or class of respirators is expected from a particulate or a gas or vapor. The APF for the
to provide to employees when the employer imple- class of respirators will remain the same. The APF value
ments a continuing, effective respiratory protection can only be applied to a class of respirators when the
program as specified by 29 CFR 1910.134. respirators are properly selected and used in compli-
Employers must use the APFs listed in Table I, at page ance with the Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR
24, to select a respirator that meets or exceeds the 1910.134). Also, for gases and vapors, additional car-
required level of employee protection. When using a tridges and canisters may by needed. (see paragraph
combination respirator (e.g., airline respirators with an (d)(3)(iii); see change schedules of this guide.)
MUCs for mixtures must satisfy the following equation: 1) has an NIOSH-certified end-of-service-life indica-
tor (ESLI), or
Em = (C1 divided by L1 + C2 divided by L2) +…..(Cn divided
by Ln) 2) if there is no ESLI, employers must calculate the
service life of canisters and cartridges for employees
Where:
who are wearing respirators.
Em is the equivalent exposure for the mixture
You do not want to have situations where the
C is the concentration of a particulate contaminant
canisters or cartridges become saturated and the gases
L is the exposure limit for that substance
or vapors break through, allowing the contaminants
The value of Em shall not exceed unity (1).
to get inside the respirator and into your workers’
There are exceptions to this equation, or situations breathing zones.
in which it is inappropriate to use this equation.
What is an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI)?
Examples of such situations are:
An ESLI is a mechanism for warning the user that a
• Whenever an APF=10 times the PEL puts the
respirator is approaching the end of its ability to
employee into an IDLH atmosphere or puts them
provide protection. The warning appears on the
into a lower explosive limit (LEL) situation, then a
cartridge itself. For example, after a period of use, an
negative pressure respirator must not be used.
indicator on a cartridge with sorbent material will signal
• OSHA does not allow negative pressure respirators that protection against organic vapors is approaching
to be used for methylene chloride (except for saturation or is no longer effective. (The ESLI for a
emergency escape), so if employees are exposed carbon-monoxide canister involves a color change
above the PEL they are already in violation of the when the sorbent material is exhausted.)
methylene chloride standard [(29 CFR 1910.1052(g)(2)
The final standard requires the use of ESLIs where they
rather than 1910.134(d)(3)(B)]. Using the MUC
are available and appropriate for the employer’s work-
calculation for a half facepiece negative pressure
place, whether or not warning properties exist for a
respirator used for MeCl would be an example an
contaminant. If there is no ESLI available, the employer
inappropriate use of the MUC.
is required to develop a cartridge/canister change
• For a mixture of toluene and xylene, a half facepiece schedule based on available information and data that
respirator should be allowed to be used in a mixture describe the service life of the sorbent elements against
situation as long as C1/L1 + C2/L2 was less than E the contaminant present in the employer’s workplace
times the APF (10), e.g., 300ppm Toluene /100ppm and that will ensure that sorbent elements are replaced
PEL + 650ppm Xylene/100ppm PEL = 9.5, so the before they are exhausted. Reliance on odor thresholds
respirator could be used “according to the MUC and other warning properties is not permitted in the
calculation.” However, this concentration would be final rule as the sole basis for determining that an air-
extremely irritating to the eyes, and a full facepiece purifying respirator will afford adequate protection
would be more appropriate. against exposure to gas and vapor contaminants.
To the extent that NIOSH-certified end of-service-life
indicators are available, OSHA finds that there are
20
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
considerable benefits to their use. Thus far, however, q Temperature, humidity and air flow through the
NIOSH has only certified ESLIs for a few cartridges or cartridge or canister.
canisters (for example, mercury vapor, carbon monox-
ide, ethylene oxide and hydrogen sulfide). Therefore, q Employees’ work rates.
employers are more likely to have to establish change q The presence of other potentially interfering
schedules to ensure that cartridges and canisters are substances.
changed before their end-of-service-life.
You should assume worst-case conditions to avoid
Why not just rely on the worker’s ability to detect the breakthrough earlier than anticipated.
odor of the substance when the gas or vapor breaks
You should document the information relied upon
through?
and the basis for the change schedules you use in your
You may not rely on the detection of odor as protection written respiratory protection program.
against respiratory hazards posed by gases and vapors
because: Where can I get help for developing change schedules?
• Most toxic substances do not have appropriate You need to consult with your respirator supplier or
sensory (odor or irritant) warning properties. manufacturer for guidance on developing change
schedules specific to your work conditions. Some
• Some chemicals have odors that are only detectable
suppliers have prepared materials that may assist you
above their established exposure limits, meaning
with developing change schedules for your worksite.
that the employees will smell the chemical only after
Other possible sources of help include your trade
they have already been exposed to unsafe levels of
associations, which may be gathering published infor-
the contaminant.
mation, such as breakthrough test data (i.e., how long it
• An individual’s ability to perceive particular odors takes a substance to break through the cartridge or can-
may differ quite markedly from the population ister and get into the facepiece). There is a model (the
average due to any of a variety of innate, chronic, or MultiVapor model) for estimating cartridge and canister
acute physiological conditions. For example, about breakthrough periods for gases and/or vapors. The
10 percent of people have a markedly impaired software is available from NIOSH. (See information
sense of smell. from NIOSH on the MultiVapor model at Attachment 5
• There is no good screening mechanism to identify in this guide.)
persons with sensory-receptor problems. Furthermore, a specific rule of thumb also will help
Continuing exposure to the odor usually results in employers determine cartridge and canister schedules.
diminution or even disappearance of the smell These are as follows:
sensation. This phenomenon is known as olfactory
fatigue. When this happens, the employee unknow- Rule of Thumb
ingly gets used to the contaminant breaking through
the cartridge/canister and loses the ability to detect Experimental work can allow for a generalization
its smell. or “rule of thumb” that broadly covers service life of
cartridges exposed to chemicals. One such Rule of
What must be considered when developing change Thumb for estimating vapor cartridge service life
schedules? is found in chapter 36 of the American Industrial
Employers must develop cartridge-change schedules Hygiene Association publication “The Occupational
based on available data or information that can be Environment – Its Evaluation and Control.”
relied upon to ensure that cartridges are changed
before the end of their useful service life. It suggests that:
You need to consider the following factors in develop- • If the chemical’s boiling point is > 70° C and
ing change schedules: the concentration is less than 200 ppm you can
expect a service life of 8 hours at a normal work
q The contaminants the respirator is to protect
rate.
against.
• Service life is inversely proportional to work rate.
q The concentrations of contaminants in the work
area. • Reducing concentration by a factor of 10 will
increase service life by a factor of 5.
q Frequency of use (e.g., is the respirator used
continuously or intermittently throughout the
shift);
SMALL ENTITY COMPLIANCE GUIDE FOR THE 21
R E S P I R ATO RY P R OT E C T I O N S TA N DA R D
as high efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA), or
• Humidity above 85% will reduce service life by
50%. - filters certified by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84.
These generalizations can be used in concert with • Air-purifying respirators with any filter certified for
other methods of predicting service life for specific particulates by NIOSH for protection against
contaminants. contaminants consisting primarily of particles with
mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMAD) of at
least two micrometers (µm).
Whenever a cartridge has become saturated or a Local OSHA offices can help to determine whether
contaminant has broken through the cartridge, the or not contaminants in your workplace consist primarily
respirator must be taken out of service so that the of particles of two micrometers or more.
cartridge can be replaced.
What types of particulate filters are available for air-
In general, The MultiVapor model (Attachment 5)
purifying respirators (APRs)?
and The Rule of Thumb can be used to calculate the
service life of a respirator cartridge or canister, when Particulate-removing filters are used to protect employ-
the calculations are made using information about the ees from toxic dusts and fibers, such as lead and
canisters or cartridges themselves in combination with asbestos, fumes, mists, and radioactive and biological
additional information about the workplace conditions. materials (such as grain dusts, bacteria, and viruses).
The information about the canisters or cartridges may Powered and non-powered APRs require different
be obtained from the respirator manufacturers. Calcula- particulate filters. Appropriate protection against partic-
tions for either the MultiVapor model or the Rule of ulates for powered APRs is provided by HEPA filters.
Thumb require information about the workplace, as There are nine filter types for use with non-powered
well. The Rule of Thumb provides a rough estimate APRs approved by NIOSH, and they are based on three
of the service life. Attachment 5 is a NIOSH table of levels of filter efficiency and three levels of resistance to
cartridges and canisters by APFs that may provide degradation by oil. The three levels of filter efficiency
assistance as well. are 95, 99, and 99.97 percent and are referred to as 95,
99 and 100 filters, respectively. The efficiency of a filter
(d)(3)(iv) Respiratory protection for particulates
is based upon the percent of the most penetrating size
What are my options for protection against particle (0.3 micrometers in diameter) that it can
particulates? exclude (e.g., a 95 filter can exclude 95% of particles of
You have three options: this size).
• Atmosphere-supplying respirators. The three levels of oil resistance are N (not oil
resistant), R (oil resistant) and P (oilproof). The most
• Air-purifying respirators (including filtering face-
common commercially available cartridges are the
pieces)
“N95” (not oil resistant and 95 percent efficient) and
- with filters certified by NIOSH under 30 CFR part 11 “P100” (oilproof and 99.97 percent efficient). N-series
N95 95 X
N99 99 X
N100 99.97 X
R95 95 X
R99 99 X
R100 99.97 X
P95 95 X
P99 99 X
P100 99.97 X
The P100 is comparable to the HEPA filter that is used with PAPRs.
22
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
filters are not required to demonstrate resistance to the • You can also contact the American Industrial
potentially “degrading” effects of oils and are, there- Hygiene Association (AIHA), 2700 Prosperity Ave.,
fore, not intended for use in workplace atmospheres Suite 250, Fairfax, Virginia, 22031, for advice and
that contain oily aerosols. In this context, “degrading” information on exposure measurement and estima-
tion. Members of AIHA’s Exposure Assessment
means that exposure to an agent may cause an in-
Strategies Committee are knowledgeable in
crease in filter penetration measured under laboratory worker exposure measurement and estimation.
test conditions. R and P series filters must demonstrate (See: http://www.aiha.org/Content.)
oil resistance when tested with dioctyl phthalate (DOP), • The National Library of Medicine provides free
which is described as a “highly degrading” oil aerosol. online help about chemical hazards. Through
As a result, both R and P filters can be used in work- TOXNET, located at: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov, you
place atmospheres that contain oily aerosols, as well as can search a number of databases on toxicology,
those that do not. hazardous chemicals, hazardous biological atmos-
pheres, and other related subjects for information
The nine different types of particulate respirator on respiratory hazards.
filter types are listed in the table on page 22.
CHECKLIST FOR RESPIRATOR SELECTION
Do I need to use particulate filters with ESLI? √ Check that the following has been done at your
There are no ESLI for particulate-removing filters. Work- facility:
ers should be trained to change the filters when they q Respiratory hazards in your workplace have been
experience difficulty breathing through the filter. This is identified and evaluated.
usually an indication that the filter has become loaded q Employee exposures that have not been, or
with particulate. cannot be, evaluated must be considered IDLH.
Where can I go for help? q Respirators are NIOSH-certified, and used under
the conditions of certification.
Sources of help include:
q Respirators are selected based on the workplace
• NIOSH Respirator Selection Logic. U.S. Department hazards evaluated and workplace and user factors
of Health and Human Services, Public Health Serv- affecting respirator performance and reliability.
ice, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health. Request DHHS
q Respirators are selected based on the APFs and
calculated MUCs.
(NIOSH) Publication No. 2005-100. NIOSH also has
a help line. The telephone number is 1-800-35 q A sufficient number of respirator sizes and models
NIOSH or http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2005- are provided for selection purposes.
100/default.html
For IDLH atmospheres:
• American National Standard for Respiratory
Protection (ANSI Z88.2). American National q Full facepiece pressure demand SARs with
Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street, New York, auxiliary SCBA unit or full facepiece pressure
New York, 10036. See: global.ihs.ANSI Z88.2 demand SCBAs, with a minimum service life of
30 minutes, are provided.
• Respirator manufacturers provide advice through
product literature, sales staff, and telephone help q Respirators used for escape only are NIOSH-
lines. The Industrial Safety Equipment Association certified for the atmosphere in which they will
(ISEA) has contact information. ISEA can be be used.
reached at: 1901 N. Moore Street, Suite 808, q Oxygen deficient atmospheres must be
Arlington, Virginia, 22209, or (703) 525-1695. considered IDLH (d)(2)(B)(iii).
• Chemical manufacturers may provide information
on the nature and properties of substances to For Non-IDLH atmospheres:
which your employees may be exposed. You q Respirators selected are appropriate for the APFs
should be able to obtain information from the and MUCs.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) provided by
the supplier of the substance.
q Respirators selected are appropriate for the
chemical nature and physical form of the
• You can contact the American Conference of contaminant.
Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), 6500
Glenway Ave., Bldg. D-7, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45211- q Air-purifying respirators used for protection
4438, for advice and information on exposure against gases and vapors are equipped with ESLIs
measurement and estimation and other related or a change schedule has been implemented.
industrial hygiene subjects. ACGIH has published q Air-purifying respirators used for protection
the ACGIH Ventilation Manual, which contains against particulates are equipped with NIOSH-
calculations applied to certain situations to estimate certified HEPA filters or other filters certified by
employee exposures. NIOSH for particulates under 42 CFR part 84.
Type of Respirator 1, 2 Quarter Mask Half Mask Full Facepiece Helmet/Hood Loose-Fitting Facepiece
3. Supplied-Air Respirator
(SAR) or Airline
Respirator
• Demand mode — 10 50 — —
• Pressure-demand or — 50 1,000 — —
other positive pressure
mode
4. Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus (SCBA)
• Demand mode — 10 50 50 —
Notes:
1 Employers may select respirators assigned for use in higher workplace concentrations of a hazardous substance for
use at lower concentrations of that substance, or when required respirator use is independent of concentration.
2 The assigned protection factors in Table I are only effective when the employer implements a continuing, effective
respirator program as required by this section (29 CFR 1910.134), including training, fit testing, maintenance, and use
requirements.
3 This APF category includes filtering facepieces, and half masks with elastomeric facepieces.
4 The employer must have evidence provided by the respirator manufacturer that testing of these respirators demon-
strates performance at a level of protection of 1,000 or greater to receive an APF of 1,000. This level of performance can
best be demonstrated by performing a WPF or SWPF study or equivalent testing. Absent such testing, all other PAPRs
and SARs with helmets/hoods are to be treated as loose-fitting facepiece respirators, and receive an APF of 25.
5 These APFs do not apply to respirators used solely for escape. For escape respirators used in association with specific
substances covered by 29 CFR 1910 subpart Z, employers must refer to the appropriate substance-specific standards in
that subpart. Escape respirators for other IDLH atmospheres are specified by 29 CFR 1910.134(d)(2)(ii).
24
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Air-purifying respirators
Air-purifying respirators, which remove contaminants from the air.
Atmosphere-supplying respirators
Atmosphere-supplying respirators, which provide clean air from an uncontaminated source
26
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Table II: Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres evaluated for the use of a respirator, he or she cannot
be assigned to a job that requires a respirator.
Altitude (ft) Oxygen deficient atmospheres
(% O2) for which the employer When do I need to provide an employee with a medical
may rely on any atmosphere- evaluation?
supplying respirator The medical evaluation must be provided before the
Less than 3001 16.0-19.5 employee is fit tested and uses the respirator in your
workplace for the first time.
3001-4000 16.4-19.5
Are medical evaluations required for all types of
4001-5000 17.1-19.5
respirators?
5001-6000 17.8-19.5
Medical evaluations are required for both positive
6001-7000 18.5-19.5 pressure and negative pressure respirators. When
7001-8000 1 19.3-19.5 elastomeric or supplied-air respirators are worn
voluntarily by employees (not required by you or
1 Above 8,000 feet the exception does not apply. Oxygen-enriched OSHA), you must ensure that the employees are
breathing air must be supplied above 14,000 feet.
medically able to wear the respirators and that they are
provided with the necessary information as required in
Section (e): Medical evaluation the standard. (See Attachment 2 at page 61.) The
This section of the Respiratory Protection standard procedures for making this medical determination must
requires employers to implement medical evaluations be part of your written respiratory protection program.
to determine an employee’s ability to use a respirator. When your employees voluntarily wear dust masks
This requirement is necessary because using a (filtering facepiece respirators), no medical examination
respirator may place a burden on an employee’s health. is required.
This burden varies according to a number of factors, Do I need to provide medical evaluations for seasonal
such as the weight and breathing resistance of the and temporary employees?
respirator and the workplace conditions under which
the respirator is worn. If seasonal or temporary employees are required to
wear a respirator, you must provide them with medical
Examples of some medical conditions that may be evaluations. The frequency or length of an employee’s
associated with sudden incapacitation, or may interfere term of employment does not affect the requirement
with safe use of a respirator or specific type of for medical evaluations.
respirator, include:
• Cardiovascular and respiratory disease, such as high (e)(2) Medical evaluation procedures
blood pressure, angina, asthma, chronic bronchitis, This portion of the standard specifies that the medical
or emphysema. evaluation can be performed by using the mandatory
• Cardiovascular damage caused by heart attack or portions of the medical questionnaire found in
stroke. Appendix C of the Respiratory Protection standard.
The mandatory portions of this Appendix in the final
• Reduced lung function caused by factors such as standard are under:
smoking or prior exposure to respiratory hazards.
Appendix C to § 1910.134: OSHA Respirator Medical
• Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy. Evaluation Questionnaire (Mandatory)
• Musculoskeletal disorders, such as lower back pain. Appendix C - Part A. Section 1. (Mandatory) - every
• Psychological conditions, such as claustrophobia employee who has been selected to use any type of
and severe anxiety. respirator must answer all 12 questions.
This list provides examples of only some medical Appendix C - Part A. Section 2. (Mandatory) - Questions
conditions that may interfere with safe use of a respira- 1 through 9 must be answered by every employee
tor, or specific type of respirator. In addition, certain who has been selected to use any type of respirator.
medications may interfere with safe use of a respirator. Questions 10 to 15 must also be answered by every
employee who has been selected to use either a full-
(e)(1) Employer provided medical evaluations facepiece respirator or a self-contained breathing
The employer must provide an employee with a apparatus (SCBA). For employees who have been
medical evaluation to determine his or her ability to use selected to use other types of respirators, answering
a respirator. If an employee refuses to be medically questions 10 - 15 is optional.
28
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Who pays for the medical evaluation? This information includes:
You must pay for the medical evaluation and any • The type and weight of the respirator to be worn by
related expenses, including travel costs, incurred by the worker.
your employee during the evaluation. • The duration and frequency of respirator use (in-
How can I ensure that a employee’s medical evaluation cluding use for rescue and escape).
remains confidential? • The level of physical effort that the employee would
You must provide your employees with instructions on be expending while wearing a respirator.
how to deliver or send the completed questionnaire to • Additional personal protective clothing and equip-
the PLHCP who will review it. This can be done, for ment that the employee would wear.
example, by supplying them with stamped, pre-
• The temperature and humidity extremes that may
addressed envelopes for mailing their completed
be encountered in the work environment where
questionnaires to the PLHCP.
respirator use is required.
If an employee does not speak English or cannot read, • In addition, you must provide the PLHCP with the
how can I make sure that he or she understands the following:
questions on the medical questionnaire?
- A copy of your written respiratory protection
You can send the employee directly to a PLHCP who program.
is able to help the employee fill out the questionnaire.
For non-English speakers, you may want to consider - A copy of the Respiratory Protection standard.
supplying an interpreter to help the PLHCP interpret the Why do I need to provide the PLHCP with a copy of
questionnaire for your employee. The standard does the written respiratory protection program and the
not require you to hire a professional interpreter; Respiratory Protection standard?
instead, you may use an English-speaking family
This requirement helps ensure that PLHCPs have a
member or friend of the employee, or another
thorough understanding of their duties and responsibil-
employee who speaks both English and the employee’s
ities in the medical evaluation process. Your written
language, who can help the employee fill out the
respiratory protection program will provide the PLHCP
questionnaire.
with critical information about the working conditions
Employee’s Right to Contact the PLHCP that could increase the burden placed on the
The standard requires you to inform employees that a employee’s health during respirator use.
PLHCP is available to discuss the medical questionnaire Does the PLHCP need to visit the worksite to perform a
with them, and to allow employees to discuss the medical evaluation?
results of their questionnaire with the PLHCP. This
No, the supplemental information required in this
discussion will enable employees and PLHCPs to clarify
portion of the standard should be sufficient for the
questions that were asked on the questionnaire, and for
PLHCP to make a valid recommendation on the
employees to explain answers that they provided.
employee’s ability to wear a respirator. OSHA, however,
How can I notify employees about how to contact the encourages PLHCPs to visit the worksite if they believe
PLHCP? the information obtained there would be useful to them.
You could post the PLHCP’s name and telephone If I select a new PLHCP, do I need to have my employees
number in a location that is easily accessible to all reevaluated?
employees (such as a lunchroom or break area). You
No, but you must make sure that the new PLHCP has
could also include the information in a separate sheet
the information required in this section. You must either
with the medical questionnaire.
provide the information directly to the new PLHCP, or
(e)(5) Supplemental information for the PLHCP you must make sure that the information is transferred
from the former PLHCP to the new PLHCP.
This portion of the Respiratory Protection standard
requires you to provide the PLHCP with specific How often do I need to provide the PLHCP with
information to be used to make the determination supplemental information?
about an employee’s ability to use a respirator.
You need to supply the information to the PLHCP only
when the conditions of respirator use change.
30
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
CHECKLIST FOR MEDICAL EVALUATION
Section (f): Fit testing
√ Check that the following has been done at your This section of the Respiratory Protection standard
facility: requires you to conduct fit testing on all employees
q All employees have been evaluated to determine who are required to wear a respirator that includes a
their ability to wear a respirator prior to being fit tight-fitting facepiece. Fit testing is a procedure used to
tested for or wearing a respirator for the first time determine how well a respirator “fits”—that is, whether
in your workplace. the respirator forms a seal on the user’s face. If a good
q A physician or other licensed healthcare profes- facepiece-to-face seal is not achieved, the respirator will
sional (PLHCP) has been identified to perform the provide a lower level of protection than it was designed
medical evaluations. to provide. For example, without a good seal, the
q The medical evaluations obtain the information respirator can allow contaminants to leak into the user’s
requested in Sections 1 and 2, Part A of breathing air. The APFs for the specific classes of
Appendix C of the standard, 29 CFR 1910.134. respirators in the final Respiratory Protection standard
(See Attachment 3 at page 67)
(Table I: Assigned Protection Factors) only apply if the
q Employees are provided follow-up medical exams respirators are properly selected and used in compli-
if they answer positively to any of questions 1
ance with the full respirator program, including initial fit
through 8 in Section 2, Part A of Appendix C of the
standard, or if their medical examination reveals testing when necessary. Fit testing must be performed
that a follow-up exam is needed. before initial use and at least annually thereafter.
q Medical evaluations are administered confiden- This section also describes:
tially during normal work hours, and in a manner
that is understandable to employees. • What types of respirators must be fit tested.
q Employees are provided the opportunity to discuss • How often fit testing must be conducted.
the medical evaluation results with the PLHCP.
• What procedures must be used.
q The following supplemental information is
provided to the PLHCP before he or she makes a • How the results of fit testing should be used to
decision about respirator use: guide respirator selection.
• Type and weight of the respirator.
Examples of respirators that need to be fit tested
• Duration and frequency of respirator use.
(tight-fitting facepieces)
• Expected physical work effort.
• Additional protective clothing to be worn. Air-purifying respirators remove contaminants from the air
• Potential temperature and humidity extremes.
• Written copies of the respiratory protection
Half mask Filtering Facepiece
program and the Respiratory Protection
Dust mask
standard are provided to the PLHCP.
APF=10
q Written recommendations are obtained from the
PLHCP regarding each employee’s ability to wear Needs to be fit tested
a respirator, and that the PLHCP has given the
worker a copy of these recommendations.
q Employees who are medically unable to wear a
negative pressure respirator are provided with a
powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) if they are
found by the PLHCP to be medically able to use a
PAPR. (29 CFR 1910.1034(e)(6)(ii).)
Employees are given additional medical evaluations Half mask Elastomeric
when:
Respirator
q The employee reports symptoms related to his or APF=10
her ability to use a respirator.
Needs to be fit tested
q The PLHCP, respiratory protection program
administrator, or supervisor determines that a
medical reevaluation is necessary.
q Information from the respiratory protection
program suggests a need for reevaluation.
q Workplace conditions have changed in a way that
could potentially place an increased physiological
burden on the employee.
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Occupational Safety and
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Examples of tight-fitting facepieces Examples of the two major types of respirators that
require fit testing, negative pressure (air-purifying) and
Half mask Filtering Facepiece positive pressure (atmosphere-supplying)
Dust mask
APF=10 Air-purifying respirator,
which removes
contaminants from the air
Half mask Filtering Facepiece;
Dust mask
Needs to be fit tested
APF=10
Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus (SCBA)
Atmosphere-supplying, or
Supplied-air respirator (SAR),
which provides clean air from
an uncontaminated source
Needs to be fit tested
APF=10,000
Full Facepiece Elastomeric
Respirator
APF=50
34
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
(f)(1) Respirators that require fit testing After another respirator is selected, you must
You must ensure that quantitative or qualitative fit conduct a new fit test on the employee’s replacement
testing is conducted for all employees required to wear equipment.
either positive or negative pressure tight-fitting face- An employee might determine that the facepiece
piece respirators. This includes both air-purifying and does not establish an effective facepiece-to-face seal,
atmosphere-supplying respirators operating in either a for example, upon detecting a worksite contaminant
positive or negative pressure mode, but does not while wearing the respirator with new cartridges, or an
include any loose-fitting facepieces. employee might hear or feel air leaking around the
facepiece-to-face seal. The employee’s determination
Must I perform fit testing for workers who voluntarily
also can be based on factors unrelated to the particular
wear tight-fitting facepiece respirators?
worksite. For example, the employee might find that he
No. If an employee chooses to wear a tight-fitting or she can not wear the respirator for extended periods
facepiece respirator (including a negative pressure air- without experiencing irritation or pain.
purifying respirator or a filtering facepiece (dust mask))
in a worksite environment where such equipment is not (f)(5) Fit testing procedures: general fit testing
required, you are not required to conduct fit testing. procedures
You must ensure that all fit testing conducted for
(f)(2) When fit testing must be conducted: general
employees required to wear tight-fitting facepiece
requirements
respirators follows the OSHA-approved protocols.
You must ensure that fit testing is conducted for all
Detailed protocols for qualitative and quantitative fit
employees required to wear tight-fitting facepiece
testing are provided as part of the standard at Appendix
respirators as follows:
A. Attachment 3 provides a copy of the standard. These
• Prior to initial use. protocols specify that you must have on hand during
fit testing all types and sizes of respirators that are
• Whenever an employee switches to a different tight-
available for use at the worksite. This allows you to
fitting facepiece respirator (for example, a different
ensure that each employee is tested with the same type
size, make or model).
of respirator (make, model, style, and size) that he or
• At least annually. she will wear at the worksite.
(f)(3) When fit testing must be conducted: changes (f)(6) Limitation on use of qualitative fit testing
in the respirator wearer’s physical condition
The table at the end of this chapter summarizes accept-
You must ensure that an additional fit test is conducted able means of fit testing (QLFT and QNFT) for different
if an employee experiences a change in physical types of respirators. For more information, consult
condition that could affect the seal on a tight-fitting OSHA’s website at http://www.osha.gov.
facepiece respirator. This requirement is triggered by a
Qualitative fit tests (QLFT) are those using Bitrex,
physical change:
Saccharin, Irritant smoke, or Isoamyl acetate as
• Reported by the respirator user. challenge agents.
• Observed by you, a physician or other licensed QLFT may be used to fit test all positive pressure
healthcare professional, the supervisor, or the respirators (air-supplying and PAPRs). Your use of
program administrator. qualitative fit testing on negative pressure air-purifying
Physical changes in the employee that might affect respirators is limited to those that must achieve a fit
the facepiece-to-face seal could include, for example, factor of 100 or less. Dividing the fit factor of 100 by a
an obvious change in body weight, facial scarring, standard safety factor of 10 indicates that the negative
extensive dental work, or cosmetic surgery. pressure air-purifying respirators that have successfully
completed a qualitative fit test can be relied on to reduce
(f)(4) When fit testing must be conducted: an employee’s exposure by a protection factor of 10. The
unacceptable fit as determined by an employee safety factor of 10 is used because protection factors that
after fit testing employees achieve at work sites tend to be much lower
If, after fit testing, an employee reports that his or her than the fit factors achieved during fit testing.
respirator does not fit properly, you must allow the In practice, this means that any negative pressure
employee a reasonable opportunity to select a different air-purifying respirator (APR) may be qualitatively fit
tight-fitting facepiece respirator. tested if the APR is to be used in workplace atmos-
pheres where the level of the hazardous contaminant is
36
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
whether a sampling adapter can be temporarily journal describing the protocol, and explaining how test
installed in the facepiece. data support the accuracy and reliability of the protocol.
Any modifications made to a respirator for testing When a protocol meets one of these criteria, the
purposes must be removed before use. Agency conducts a notice-and-comment rulemaking
under Section 6(b)(7) of the OSH Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C.
If temporary modifications cannot be made, you will 655). The purpose of this provision was to allow for the
need to permanently convert the facepiece to allow for development of new technology for fit tests, allowing
testing. If you permanently convert the facepiece – for for faster and better fit test methods, as well as new fit
example, by drilling a hole in the respirator facepiece to test choices for employers. As OSHA noted in the
insert the probe – you cannot repair the hole and put proposal, the CNP REDON protocol met the second of
the respirator back in service. Once a hole is drilled in these criteria (68 FR 33887; June 6, 2003).
the facepiece, the respirator can only be used for fit
testing purposes. It is no longer approved for workplace Acceptable Fit Testing Methods
use.
Respirator QNFT QLFT
What is the CNP REDON Fit Test? Half Face, Negative Pressure,
The CNP REDON protocol requires the performance APR (<100 fit factor) Yes Yes
of three different test exercises followed by two Full face, Negative Pressure,
redonnings of the respirator, while the CNP protocol APR (<100 fit factor) used in
approved previously by OSHA specifies eight test atmospheres up to 10 times the PEL Yes Yes
exercises, including one redonning of the respirator. In
addition to amending the standard to include the CNP Full face, Negative Pressure,
REDON protocol, this rulemaking made several editorial APR (>100 fit factor) Yes No
and non-substantive technical revisions to the Standard PAPR Yes Yes
associated with the CNP REDON protocol and the Supplied-Air Respirators (SAR), or
previously approved CNP protocol. SCBA used in Negative Pressure
This additional quantitative fit testing protocol, the (Demand Mode) (>100 fit factor) Yes No
controlled negative pressure (CNP) REDON fit testing SCBA - Structural Fire Fighting,
protocol, is now included in Appendix A of the final Positive Pressure Yes Yes
Respiratory Protection standard. (See Attachment 3 at
page 67.) The protocol affects, in addition to general SCBA/SAR - IDLH, Positive Pressure Yes Yes
industry, OSHA respiratory protection standards for Mouthbit Respirators Fit Testing
shipyard employment and construction. Not Required
Are any new fit test methods being developed? Loose-fitting Respirators Fit Testing
(e.g., hoods, helmets) Not Required
Yes, OSHA approved a new fit test, see Attachment 3 at
page 67 of the guide.
Examples of respirators that require fit testing
The Respiratory Protection standard included a
(tight-fitting) are depicted on following pages. In cases
provision for the development of new, faster, less costly
in which elastomeric facepieces are used, remember
fit tests. Part II of Appendix A of the Respiratory
that elastomeric facepieces are made from natural or
Protection standard, at Attachment 3 of this guide,
synthetic rubber or silicone; EPDM is an acronym for a
specifies, in part, the procedure individuals must follow
specific type of rubber, that is, Ethylene propylene diene
to submit new fit testing protocols for the Agency’s
M-class rubber.
consideration. The criteria OSHA uses for determining
whether to propose adding a fit testing protocol to the
Respiratory Protection standard include: (1) A test
report prepared by an independent government
research laboratory (e.g., Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory (LLNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory
(LANL), the National Institute for Standards and
Technology) stating that the laboratory tested the
protocol and found it to be accurate and reliable; (2) an
article published in a peer-reviewed industrial hygiene
Half mask Filtering Facepiece Half mask Elastomeric Respirator Full Facepiece Elastomeric Respirator
Dust mask APF=10 APF=50
APF=10 Needs to be fit tested Needs to be fit tested
Needs to be fit tested
38
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Tight-Fitting Full Facepiece Tight-Fitting Half Facepiece
Powered Air-Purifying Respirator Powered Air-Purifying Respirator
(PAPR) (PAPR)
APF= 1,000 APF= 50
Needs to be fit tested Needs to be fit tested
Atmosphere-supplying respirators
Atmosphere-supplying respirators, which provide clean air from an uncontaminated source.
Respirators are designed to reduce a worker’s exposure Surgical masks and surgical (N95) respirators are used
to airborne contaminants. Respirators come in various as a physical barrier to protect the user from hazards,
sizes and must be individually selected to fit the such as large droplets of: splashes or sprays of human
wearer’s face and to provide a tight seal. A proper seal and animal blood; any unfixed tissue, organs, tissue
between the user’s face and the respirator forces the and organ cultures (including those from experimental
inhaled air through the respirator’s filter material and animals); other secretions that are visibly contaminated
not through gaps between the face and the respirator. with blood; and, all body fluids in situations where it is
Both the filtering facepiece (N95) respirators and the difficult or impossible to differentiate between body
surgical (N95) respirators must be fit tested to ensure fluids. Surgical masks, by themselves, are not designed
that a proper seal exists between the employee’s face to seal tightly against the user’s face and are not subject
and the respirator. Both of the respirators provide to fit testing. Surgical masks are not designed or
protection from exposures to airborne influenza flu certified to prevent the inhalation of small airborne
viruses. Whenever respirators are required by particles that are not visible to the naked eye but may
employees (e.g., N95 and Surgical N95 respirators), still be capable of causing infection.
they must be NIOSH-certified and selected and used in
compliance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection
standard.
40
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
CHECKLIST FOR FIT TESTING
Section (g): Use of respirators
√ Check all the fit tests listed below that are used at As part of your written program, you must establish
your facility: and implement procedures for the proper use of
respirators in both routine jobs and emergencies.
q Employees who are using tight-fitting respirator
Specific procedures are required to:
facepieces have passed an appropriate fit test
prior to being required to use a respirator. • Prevent leaks in the respirator facepiece seal.
q Fit testing is conducted with the same make, • Prevent employees from removing respirators in
model, style and size that the employee will be hazardous environments.
expected to use at the worksite.
• Ensure that respirators operate effectively through-
q Fit tests are conducted annually and when
out the work shift.
different respirator facepieces are to be used.
q Provisions are made to conduct additional fit tests • Protect employees entering IDLH atmospheres and
in the event of physical changes in the employee interior structural firefighting situations.
that may affect respirator fit.
(g)(1) Preventing leaks in the facepiece seal
q Employees are given the opportunity to select a
different respirator facepiece, and be retested if Facepiece seals and valves are important in tight-fitting
their respirator fit is unacceptable to them. respirators. Tight-fitting respirators should be able to
q Fit tests are administered using OSHA-accepted provide a complete seal to the face. If there is a leak in
QNFT or QLFT protocols. the seal of a tight-fitting respirator or valve, then the
respirator cannot effectively reduce the wearer’s
q QLFT is only used to fit test either PAPRs, SCBAs,
exposures to respiratory hazards. You must be sure that
or negative pressure APRs that must achieve a fit
factor of 100 or less. nothing interferes with the seal of the respirator to the
employee’s face or with the valves. You must also
q QNFT is used in all situations where a negative
ensure that employees check the seal of a tight-fitting
pressure respirator is intended to protect
workers from contaminant concentrations respirator by conducting a user seal check each time
greater than 10 times the PEL. the employee dons the respirator.
q When QNFT is used to fit negative pressure Conditions that can interfere with the seal or valve
respirators, a minimum fit factor of 100 is are specified in the standard and include:
achieved for tight-fitting half facepieces and 500
• Facial hair;
for full facepieces.
• Facial scars;
For tight-fitting atmosphere-supplying respirators
and powered air-purifying respirators: • Jewelry or headgear that projects under the face-
q Fit tests are conducted in the negative pressure piece seal;
mode. • Missing dentures; and
q QLFT is achieved by temporarily converting the • Corrective glasses or goggles or other protective
facepiece into a negative pressure respirator with equipment such as:
appropriate filters, or by using an identical
negative pressure APR. - Face shields
q QNFT is achieved by modifying the facepiece to - Protective clothing
allow for sampling inside the mask midway
- Helmets
between the nose and mouth. If the facepiece is
permanently converted during fit testing, the - Eyeglass insert or spectacle kits
respirator is no longer approved for workplace
Employees may use this equipment with tight-fitting
use.
respirators if you ensure that the equipment is worn in
a way that:
• Does not interfere with the face-to-facepiece seal.
• Does not distort the employee’s vision.
• Does not cause physical harm to the employee (e.g.,
if the eyeglass insert did not fit properly so that the
tight fit of the respirator caused the insert to press
against his or her forehead, eyes, or temples).
How are user seal checks conducted? Example of a worker performing a user seal check on
a half mask elastomeric air-purifying respirator
To conduct a user seal check, the employee performs a
negative or positive pressure fit check.
For the negative pressure check, the employee:
• covers the respirator inlets (cartridges, canisters, or
seals)
• gently inhales, and
• holds breath for 10 seconds.
The facepiece should collapse on the worker’s face
and remain collapsed.
For the positive pressure check, the worker:
• covers the respirator exhalation valve(s), and
• exhales.
42
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
(g)(2) Continuing respirator effectiveness employees – to ensure that employees continue to
You must be aware of conditions in work areas where receive adequate respiratory protection.
employees are using respirators. You must also allow When must employees leave the exposure areas to
employees to leave the respirator use area to perform maintain the integrity of their respirators?
any activity that involves removing or adjusting a
To maintain their respirators, employees may, from
respirator facepiece, or if there is any indication that a
time to time, need to leave the area where respirator
respirator may not be fully effective. If there is any
use is required and go to a safe area free of respiratory
indication that they are not functioning properly, you
hazards and contaminants.
must repair or discard and replace respirators before
allowing employees to return to an area in which Employees must leave the respirator use area:
respirator use is required. • If the employee needs to wash his or her face or the
Workplace conditions include the following: respirator facepiece to prevent eye or skin irritation
associated with respirator use.
• The level of the contaminant in relation to the APF
• If the employee detects vapor or gas breakthrough
• The size and configuration of the workspace
(that is, the cartridge or canister is saturated with
• Ease of employee communication contaminant and needs to be changed).
• Ease or difficulty of the work or rate of activity • If the employee notices that the facepiece is leaking.
• The type of workplace tasks and proximity to the • If the employee observes a change in breathing
source of contamination, e.g., cutting wood on a resistance (that is, the filter is full of dust or other
band saw would differ from hand polishing a wood particles and needs to be changed).
veneer on furniture.
• If the respirator or parts of the respirator, such as
• Workplace conditions such as temperature and valves or straps, are not working properly and need
humidity or the location and movement of other to be replaced.
personnel and equipment.
Employees need a “safe area” in the workplace
How can I conduct appropriate surveillance? where they can safely remove their respirators to wash
“Appropriate surveillance” means that you must or conduct the maintenance necessary to ensure the
routinely look for any changes that may affect the respirator’s adequate operation. Through training and
effectiveness of a respirator. You must look for changes supervision, employees must know the conditions of
in the work area, such as changes in work tasks or respirator use that require them to leave the exposure
processes, that can result in changes in the hazard or areas and go to a safe area.
the time period of exposure, or that put the employee in Where does the safe area need to be located?
closer proximity to the hazard. Another change might
The safe area must be located in a place that is free of
be the addition of new machinery that would cause an
respiratory hazards or contamination. As long as these
employee to exert more energy and breathe harder.
conditions are met, the safe area can be in a location
By “appropriate surveillance” OSHA means that you that minimizes interruptions to work flow.
must routinely observe employees as they work while
wearing respirators. By observing respirator use under How often do respirators need to be replaced or
actual workplace conditions, you can determine: repaired?
• Whether other protective equipment is interfering There is no required replacement schedule for
with respirator use. respirators in general. However, damaged respirators
cannot properly protect workers. Respirators need to be
• Whether a change in working conditions may result replaced or repaired when one or more of their compo-
in exposure to new contaminants or an increase in nents is missing, damaged, or visibly deteriorated.
contaminant exposure.
• Whether employees are experiencing discomfort, (g)(3) Procedures for Immediately Dangerous to Life
such as skin irritation or breakthrough of contami- or Health atmospheres and for interior structural
nants through cartridges and canisters. firefighting
If any of these conditions exist, you must make This section of the Respiratory Protection standard
adjustments – such as providing a more protective contains requirements for respirator use in IDLH
respirator or a different size or style of respirator, or environments. The standard defines IDLH as “an
altering work practices to reduce the stress on atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life,
44
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Is voice communication the only acceptable method designated representative may be a properly trained
for employees in the IDLH environment and standby employee or response team, or local firefighting and
personnel to communicate with one another? emergency rescue personnel. In any case, proper
No, communication can be in the form of signal lines. It arrangements and procedures must be in place before
is advisable to have several means of communication you can allow your employees to enter an IDLH envi-
systems available, in the event that one form of com- ronment. Once notified, you must provide necessary
munication fails. assistance appropriate to the situation.
This provision of the standard ensures that you
What is appropriate training and equipment for the
know when an emergency has occurred so that you or
standby personnel?
your designated representative can send in immediate
You must train the standby personnel to: additional assistance to help in the rescue.
• Provide effective emergency rescue; and When should standby personnel enter the IDLH
• Notify you or your designated representative before environment?
the standby personnel enter the IDLH atmosphere to Under most circumstances, standby personnel should
attempt an emergency rescue. not enter the IDLH environment until you or your desig-
You must equip your standby personnel with the nated representative has responded to the notification
following: acknowledging that an emergency exists, that rescue
• Pressure demand or other positive pressure SCBAs, personnel are entering the IDLH environment, and that
or a pressure demand or other positive pressure emergency response units are on their way to provide
supplied-air respirator with auxiliary SCBA; and additional assistance. You must provide standby
personnel (rescuers) with proper respiratory equip-
• Either appropriate retrieval equipment for removing ment, and you must train and prepare your standby
the employees inside the IDLH atmosphere where personnel to facilitate rescue attempts.
retrieval equipment would contribute to the rescue
of the employees inside the IDLH atmosphere and This notification provision does not require that
would not increase the overall risk resulting from standby employees should wait indefinitely for you or
entry; or your authorized designee to respond to notification
before entering the IDLH atmosphere when your
• Equivalent means for rescue where retrieval equip- employees inside are in danger and standby personnel
ment could increase the overall risk resulting from are appropriately trained and equipped to provide
entry. assistance. In the majority of cases, however, rescuers
• For employees involved in interior structural fire- should not enter the IDLH environment until receiving
fighting, standby personnel must be equipped with some response from you (i.e., you or your designated
SCBAs. representative should know that the rescuers are
entering and emergency response units should be on
Rescue personnel must be properly trained and
their way to the incident).
protected before they enter the IDLH environment. The
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response How must I provide appropriate assistance in
standard (29 CFR 1910.120) and the Permit-Required emergencies?
Confined Spaces standard (29 CFR 1910.146) provide
Once you or your designated representative has been
guidance on the training and protective equipment that
notified, you or your representative must provide the
is required. Situations exist in which retrieval lines
necessary assistance appropriate for the situation. You
(harnesses, wristlets, anklets) may pose an entangle-
must make sure that:
ment problem, especially in areas in which air lines or
electrical cords are present in the work areas in which • Rescue operations are carried out appropriately
the IDLH atmosphere occurs. Most of the time, • Rescuers are provided with proper respiratory
however, rescue with retrieval equipment is effective, equipment
and much safer for the rescuers because the standby
• Designated employees are adequately prepared to
personnel do not have to enter the IDLH atmosphere.
conduct rescue attempts
If there is an emergency, can the standby provide You may not always need to send standby person-
immediate rescue assistance? nel into the hazardous atmosphere. In some cases, the
Your standby personnel must inform either you or employee within the IDLH environment will be able to
your designated representative before attempting get out on his or her own, or retrieval equipment may
emergency rescue within an IDLH environment. Your
46
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Section (h): Maintenance and care accomplish this you must have a system of respirator
of respirators care and maintenance as a component of your respira-
tory protection program. Regular care and maintenance
You must provide respirator users with equipment
is important to ensure that the equipment functions as
that is clean, sanitary, and in good working order. To
designed and protects the user from the threat of illness
or death.
CHECKLIST FOR PROPER USE OF
RESPIRATORS Your system of respirator care and maintenance
must provide for:
√ Check your facility to be certain that:
• cleaning and disinfection procedures
q Employees using tight-fitting respirators have no
conditions, such as facial hair, that would interfere • proper storage
with a face-to-facepiece seal or valve function.
• regular inspections
q Employees wear corrective glasses, goggles, or
• repair methods
other protective equipment in a manner that does
not interfere with the face-to-facepiece seal or
(h)(1) Cleaning and disinfecting
valve function.
Respirator equipment must be regularly cleaned and
q Employees perform user seal checks prior to each
use of a tight-fitting respirator. disinfected according to specified procedures (See
Appendix B-2 of the standard; a copy of the standard is
q There are procedures for conducting ongoing
provided at Attachment 3 of this guide) or according
surveillance of the work area for conditions that
affect respirator effectiveness, and that, when to manufacturer specifications that are of equivalent
such conditions exist, you take steps to address effectiveness.
those situations. Cleaning and disinfection procedures are divided into
q Employees are permitted to leave their work area the following:
to conduct respirator maintenance, such as
• Disassembly of components
washing the facepiece, or to replace respirator
parts. • Cleaning and disinfecting
q Employees do not return to their work area until • Rinsing, drying and reassembly
their respirator has been repaired or replaced in
the event of a breakthrough, a leak in the face- • Testing
piece, or a change in breathing resistance. How often must respirators be cleaned and disinfected?
q There are procedures for respirator use in IDLH
atmospheres and during interior structural The frequency of cleaning and disinfecting or sanitizing
firefighting to ensure that: the appropriate number respirators will depend in part on whether your em-
of standby personnel are deployed; standby ployees share the equipment or are issued respirators
personnel and workers in the IDLH environ- for their exclusive use. Worksite conditions also dictate
ment maintain communication; standby personnel cleaning frequency; e.g., working in a dirty environment
are properly trained, equipped, and prepared; you will require that the respirator facepiece, in particular,
will be notified when standby personnel enter an be cleaned more frequently. The frequency must be
IDLH atmosphere; and you will respond appropri-
noted in your written respiratory protection plan.
ately to this notification.
At a minimum:
q Standby personnel are equipped with a pressure
demand or other positive pressure SCBA, or a If a respirator is...
positive pressure supplied-air respirator with an
• issued for the exclusive use of an individual
escape SCBA, and appropriate retrieval equipment
or other means for rescue. employee, the equipment must be cleaned and
disinfected as often as necessary to be maintained
q Procedures for interior structural firefighting
in clean and sanitary condition.
require that: at least two employees enter the
IDLH atmosphere and remain in contact with one • used by more than one employee, the equipment
another at all times; at least two standby person- must be cleaned and disinfected before being used
nel are used; and all firefighting employees use by different individuals.
SCBAs.
• maintained for use in emergencies, testing, and
training exercises, the equipment must be cleaned
and disinfected after each use.
The frequency of and procedures for inspections When must I replace or repair respirators?
depend on whether the respirator is designed for You must replace or repair respirators that are not
non-emergency, emergency, or escape-only use. working properly. Respirators should not be used if
All respirator inspections must include: they are defective in any way. You must replace or
repair a defective respirator whenever the employee
• A check of respirator function, tightness of connec-
detects vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in
tions, and the condition of the various parts, includ-
breathing resistance, or facepiece leakage, and before
ing, but not limited to the facepiece, head straps,
allowing the employee to return to the work area where
valves, connecting tubes, and cartridges, canisters,
respirator use is required.
or filters. A visual inspection of the respirator may
identify parts that may be missing, distorted, Who performs the repair work?
blocked, loose, deteriorated, or otherwise interfere Respirators may be repaired only by an appropriately
with proper performance. (See (g)(2) of the trained person who must use NIOSH-certified parts
standard.)
48
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
that are designed for the particular respirator being
repaired. q SCBAs and emergency respirators are inspected
monthly and checked for proper functioning
Valves, regulators, and alarms must be adjusted before and after each use.
and repaired only by the manufacturer or a technician
q Emergency escape-only respirators are inspected
trained by the manufacturer.
before being carried into the workplace for use.
What are some examples of when a respirator should Inspections include:
be removed from service?
q Check of respirator function.
• An alarm system is not functioning on an SCBA.
q Tightness of connections.
• A respirator strap, buckle, or connection is damaged q Condition of the facepiece, head straps, valves,
or missing. cartridges, and other parts.
• The mask portion of a respirator is misshapen or de- q Condition of elastomeric parts.
graded and can no longer form a good seal around
For SCBAs, inspections include:
the user’s face.
q Check that cylinders are fully charged.
q Check that regulators function properly.
CHECKLIST FOR RESPIRATOR MAINTENANCE q Check that warning devices function properly.
AND CARE
For emergency use respirators, inspections include:
√ Check to make sure that your facility has met the
following requirements: q Certification by documenting the inspection, and
by tagging the information either to the respirator
Cleaning and disinfecting: or its compartment, or storing it with inspection
q Respirators are provided that are clean, sanitary, reports.
and in good working order. Repairs:
q Respirators are cleaned and disinfected using the q Respirators that have failed inspection are taken
procedures specified in Appendix B-2 of the out of service.
standard.
q Repairs are made only by trained personnel.
Respirators are cleaned and disinfected:
q Only NIOSH-certified parts are used.
q As often as necessary when issued for the
q Reducing and admission valves, regulators and
exclusive use of one employee.
alarms are adjusted or repaired only by the
q Before being worn by different individuals. manufacturer or a technician trained by the
q After each use for emergency use respirators. manufacturer.
q After each use for respirators used for fit testing
and training.
Storage: Section (i): Breathing air quality
and use
q Respirators are stored to protect them from
damage from the elements, and from becoming This section of the Respiratory Protection standard
deformed. requires you to provide employees who are wearing
atmosphere-supplying respirators with breathing air of
Emergency respirators are stored:
high purity. Respirators that supply breathing air are
q To be accessible to the work area. generally used in highly hazardous work environments.
q In compartments marked as such. It is critical that such respirator systems provide quality
q In accord with manufacturer’s instructions. breathing air and that the equipment operates reliably.
Air compressors capture air from the surrounding envi- Types of Breathing Air
ronment, filter it, remove oil (if necessary), compress it Compressed air is the most common type of breathing-
to increase its density, and deliver the air through a sys- air system used in worksite applications because it is
tem of regulators that brings the air back down to a the most convenient and least expensive. Compressed
breathable pressure for the respirator user. air is provided either through compressed air cylinders
With SCBA units, the pressurized breathing air is or air compressors at relatively high pressures.
transferred from the tank to the respirator user through Regulators are used to ensure that breathing air
regulators that decrease the pressure to a level that a supplied to respirators is provided at pressures that
human can breathe. Because there is a fixed amount of are safe for employees to breathe.
air in the tank, the user can only rely on it for a given Other types of breathing air systems include liquid
period of time. That time varies based on the size of air, compressed oxygen, and liquid oxygen. Liquid air
the tank, the amount of pressure in the tank, and the is air that exists in a liquid state, which is achieved by
physical effort required by the respirator user. Use compressing purified air and chilling it to a temperature
times range from 20 minutes for low pressure tanks below the boiling point of its principal components (i.e.,
(2,500 psi) to 45 minutes for high pressure tanks (4,500 nitrogen and oxygen). Compressed oxygen systems are
psi) with moderate physical effort. used in limited applications because they present a
The air delivered by both types of systems is at significant fire hazard. Liquid oxygen is quite expensive
slightly greater than atmospheric pressure, which as- and also presents a significant fire hazard. It is generally
sists in preventing contaminated air from seeping used only in very specialized applications.
through gaps in the facepiece.
(i)(1)(i) Compressed and liquid oxygen
Breathing air that is supplied "on demand" rather
than provided constantly to the user, as in a constant Such forms of compressed oxygen must meet the U.S.
flow type device, is able to be used with a large, Pharmacopeia requirements for medical or breathing
compressed air cylinder of breathable air or a bank of oxygen.
cylinders set up in cascading fashion. Cascading (i)(1)(ii) Compressed breathing air
breathing air assemblies can be designed to provide
breathing air from several assemblies. A pressure Any compressed breathing air must meet at least
reducing regulator is supplied to deliver the correct the requirements for Grade D breathing air described
in “Compressed Gas Association Commodity
50
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Specification for Air” (CGA G-7.1-1989). This specifica- D breathing air. This certification will provide you
tion requires that: with a reasonable assurance that the breathing air
(A) Oxygen content in compressed breathing air must supplied to your employees is safe.
be 19.5 to 23.5 percent of the total volume of air. • Cylinder contents must have a moisture level that
(B) Condensed hydrocarbon content in compressed does not exceed a dew point of minus 50° Fahren-
breathing air must be 5 milligrams (mg) per each cubic heit (F) (minus 45.6° Celsius [C]) at 1 atmosphere
meter (m3) of air or less. pressure. (Dew point refers to the temperature at
which the air is saturated with moisture.) This
(C) Carbon monoxide content in compressed breathing requirement prevents respirator valves from
air must be 10 parts per million (ppm) or less. freezing when excess moisture accumulates on the
(D) Carbon dioxide content in compressed breathing air valves, which can cause blockages in the flow of
must be 1,000 ppm or less. breathing air. You should verify with the supplier
(E) There must be a lack of any noticeable odor from that the breathing air meets this requirement.
the compressed breathing air. (i)(5)-(7) Compressor use
(i)(2)&(3) Oxygen use You must ensure that compressors used with
atmosphere-supplying respirators provide breathing
Explosion/fire hazard from compressor oil and grease.
air according to the following requirements:
You must prohibit employees from using compressed
oxygen in respirators that have previously been used (i)(5)(i) Location of compressor during use
with compressed air. The reason for this prohibition is
that oil and grease can be introduced into respirator The location of an air compressor during use is very
airlines used for compressed air, posing a danger of fire important to maintain the purity of the supplied breath-
or explosion from the high pressure oxygen coming in ing air. For this reason, an air compressor in use must
contact with the oil or grease. Airline systems contain be located so that the air intake component is not
inline filters for capturing impurities so that the drawing from areas that contain:
respirator user will not inhale the oil or grease. • Combustion exhaust from vehicles or the
Explosion/fire hazard from high concentration oxygen. compressor itself.
You must ensure that employees use oxygen • Plant process exhaust, which should be exhausted
concentrations greater than 23.5 percent only with to the outside by the facility’s ventilation system.
equipment designed specifically for oxygen service and • Contaminated air from hazardous work areas.
distribution. Such equipment is specifically designed to
minimize the risk of fire or explosion posed by the high (i)(5)(ii) Low moisture content of ambient air
concentration of oxygen. The moisture content of compressed air must be kept to a
(i)(4) Cylinder use minimum to prevent freezing of respirator valves at cold
temperatures, which can cause blockages in the flow of
You must ensure that cylinders used with atmosphere- breathing air. To ensure a low moisture content, the dew
supplying respirators meet the following requirements: point at 1 atmosphere must be 10° F (5.56° C) below the
• Cylinders of breathing air must be tested and main- ambient temperature (e.g., in plant).
tained according to Department of Transportation
Are there any systems for keeping moisture from
(DOT) Shipping Container Specification Regulations
getting into a compressor?
(49 CFR Parts 173 and 178), which include provisions
for the construction, testing, and maintenance of Water traps or desiccators can keep moisture out of a
cylinders. These steps are necessary to prevent compressor. These systems remove the water from the
explosions that can result from a rupture in a breath- air as it is run through the compressor, ensuring a cer-
ing air cylinder under high pressure. (Additional tain level of dryness when it comes out. Such systems,
guidance is available in 29 CFR 1910.101(b), which like all other parts of a compressor, must be maintained
includes provisions for in-plant handling and in accord with the manufacturer’s instructions to prop-
storage of compressed gas cylinders.) erly remove the moisture.
• Cylinders of purchased breathing air must be (i)(5)(iii) Inline air purification
accompanied by a certificate from the supplier
Suitable air-purifying beds and filters must be used in
indicating that the contents of each cylinder have
the supply lines to ensure delivery of a continuous flow
been tested and found to meet the criteria for Grade
of Grade D breathing air to the respirator user. (A
(i)(6) Compressors that are not oil lubricated Although the electrochemical devices tend to be
more expensive, they are also more accurate (i.e., they
With this type of compressor, you must ensure that have a 5 percent error rate). Also, such devices must be
carbon monoxide in the breathing air is less than or calibrated periodically (usually monthly) to achieve ac-
equal to 10 ppm. This can be achieved by: curate readings. Calibration services provide traceable
• Locating the compressor’s air intake component in calibrations using a wide variety of multimeter devices.
an area free of contaminants Newer generations of electrochemical sensors use
• Conducting continuous or frequent monitoring of a meter with built-in advanced features that enhance
the breathing air supply reliability and repeatability. These may also have
auto-zero features to eliminate manual calibration. The
• Using inline carbon monoxide filters
carbon monoxide meter shows carbon monoxide levels
• Using high-temperature alarms or shut-off devices (0–1000 ppm) on a large, backlit liquid crystal display
(LCD) and have hold functions to store and display the
(i)(7) Compressors that are oil lubricated
maximum carbon monoxide level.
With this type of compressor, carbon monoxide can be
Chemical detector tubes have an error rate of 10
generated when oil enters the combustion chamber
to 15 percent. Carbon monoxide filters (i.e., filters that
and is partially combusted. Therefore, you must ensure
convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide) with
that the compressor operates with a carbon monoxide
color-change indicators may not be used as carbon
alarm or a high-temperature alarm. Carbon monoxide
monoxide monitors because the color change indicates
alarms provide better protection than high-temperature
the presence of moisture, not carbon monoxide.
alarms because the high-temperature alarms only
detect carbon monoxide generated in the combustion Other devices, such as carbon monoxide probes and
aspirator kits provide additional functions. Probes have
52
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
both light-emitting diodes (LED) that provide backlight-
CHECKLIST FOR BREATHING AIR QUALITY
ing for indicators and beepers that trigger with
AND USE
increasing frequency as carbon monoxide levels rise.
Optional aspirator kits let the user draw flue gas √ Check that at your facility:
samples up to 370 degrees C (700 degrees F). General
Must each of these methods be used for compressors q Compressed breathing air meets the requirements
that are not oil lubricated? for Grade D breathing air.
No, you must use whichever of the above methods are q Compressed oxygen is not used in respirators that
necessary to ensure that carbon monoxide does not have previously used compressed air.
contaminate the breathing air. In some cases, one q Oxygen concentrations greater than 23.5 percent
method may be all that is needed. In other cases, you are used only in equipment designed for oxygen
may be required to use more than one of these service or distribution.
methods. q Breathing air couplings are incompatible with
outlets for other gas systems.
You must evaluate your own worksite conditions
to determine which measures are needed to prevent q Breathing gas containers are marked in
carbon monoxide from contaminating breathing air. accord with the NIOSH certification standard.
q Carbon monoxide levels are monitored for both
(i)(8) Precautions regarding couplings oil and gas compressors.
You must ensure that couplings used on airlines for Breathing Air Cylinders
atmosphere-supplying respirators are incompatible q Cylinders are tested and maintained according to
with outlets for nonbreathable worksite air or other gas DOT 49 CFR Parts 173 and 178.
systems. This precaution must be taken to avoid the q A certificate of analysis for breathing air has been
chance of inadvertently connecting a respirator to a obtained from the supplier.
source other than the breathing air. Such a mistake
q Moisture content in the cylinder does not exceed
could result in serious illness or death. Also, you must
a dew point of -50°F at 1 atmosphere pressure.
ensure that at no time is an asphyxiating substance
introduced into a respirator’s airlines. For example, an Compressors
inert gas such as nitrogen must not be used to purge or q Are constructed and situated to prevent contami-
clean breathing airlines. nated air from getting into the system.
q Are set up to minimize the moisture content.
(i)(9) Labeling of breathing gas containers
q Are equipped with in-line air-purifying sorbent
You must ensure that breathing air containers are beds and filters that are maintained or replaced
labeled in keeping with the NIOSH respirator certifica- following manufacturer’s instructions.
tion standard (42 CFR 84). The NIOSH standard incorpo-
q Are tagged with information on the most recent
rates ANSI’s Method of Marking Portable Compressed change date of the filter and an authorizing
Gas Containers to Identify Material Contained (Z48.1- signature.
1971). Proper labeling of containers will avoid the possi-
q Carbon monoxide does not exceed 10 ppm in the
bility of confusion when connecting the breathing air breathing air from compressors that are not oil-
source to the respirator. lubricated.
q High-temperature or carbon monoxide alarms are
used on oil-lubricated compressors; monitor the
air often enough to ensure that carbon monoxide
does not exceed 10 ppm if only a high-tempera-
ture alarm is used.
56
Occupational Safety and
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• Are you confident that you are using your respirator How long do I need to retain fit test records?
correctly? Fit test records must be retained for respirator users
• Are you confident that your respirator is performing until the next fit test is administered.
adequately?
Do I need to retain records of fit tests for employees
who are no longer using respirators?
CHECKLIST FOR PROGRAM EVALUATION No, fit test records do not need to be retained for these
employees.
√ Check that your facility:
q Conducts workplace evaluations as necessary to (m)(3) Written respiratory protection program
ensure that the written respiratory protection You must retain a written copy of your current
program is being effectively implemented. respiratory protection program.
q Regularly consults with employees required to
wear respirators to assess their views on the (m)(4) Access to records
respiratory protection program and to identify Written materials required to be retained must be made
problems with respirator fit, selection, use and available upon request to the affected employees, their
maintenance. designated representatives (29 CFR 1910.1020), and to
q Corrects any problems identified during assess- OSHA. (See also 29 CFR 1910.1020 at: http://www.osha.
ments. gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=
STANDARDS&p_id=10027.)
Do I need to allow employees and OSHA to make
Section (m): Recordkeeping copies of these materials?
You must retain certain records to: Yes, you need to make these materials available for
inspection and for copying.
• assist you in auditing the adequacy of your respira-
tory protection program Must employees be allowed access to the records of
other employees?
• facilitate employee involvement
No, each affected employe can have access to his or her
• allow OSHA to inspect your records and make
records only.
compliance determinations
APF Assigned Protection Factor (see definition) TLV Threshold Limit Value (see definition)
APR Air-purifying respirator (see definition) WPF Workplace Protection Factor (see definition
below under “Protection factor study”)
Ci Concentration measured inside the
respirator facepiece Definitions
Co Concentration measured outside the Terms preceded by an asterisk (*) refer to definitions
respirator that can be found in paragraph (b) (“Definitions”) of
DFM Dust, fume, and mist filter OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR
1910.134).
DOP Dioctylphthalate (see definition)
*Air-purifying respirator: A respirator with an air-purify-
EPF Effective Protection Factor (see definition
ing filter, cartridge, or canister that removes specific air
below under “Protection factor study”)
contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-
HEPA High efficiency particulate air filter (see purifying element.
definition)
*Assigned protection factor (APF): means the workplace
IDLH Immediately dangerous to life or health level of respiratory protection that a respirator or class
(see definition) of respirators is expected to provide to employees when
LANL Los Alamos National Laboratory the employer implements a continuing, effective respi-
ratory protection program as specified by this section.
LASL Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
58
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
*Atmosphere-supplying respirator: A respirator that *High-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA): A filter that
supplies the respirator user with breathing air from a is at least 99.97% efficient in removing monodispersed
source independent of the ambient atmosphere, and particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter. The equivalent
includes SARs and SCBA units. NIOSH 42 CFR 84 particulate filters are the N100, R100,
*Canister or cartridge: A container with a filter, sorbent, and P100 filters.
or catalyst, or combination of these items, which *Hood: A respiratory inlet covering that completely
removes specific contaminants from the air passed covers the head and neck and may also cover portions
through the container. of the shoulders and torso.
Continuous flow respirator: An atmosphere-supplying *Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH): An
respirator that provides a continuous flow of breathable atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life,
air to the respirator facepiece. would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or
*Demand respirator: An atmosphere-supplying would impair an individual’s ability to escape from a
respirator that admits breathing air to the facepiece dangerous atmosphere.
only when a negative pressure is created inside the *Interior structural firefighting: The physical activity of
facepiece by inhalation. fire suppression, rescue or both, inside of buildings or
Dioctylphthalate (DOP): An aerosolized agent used for enclosed structures which are involved in a fire situa-
quantitative fit testing. tion beyond the incipient stage. (See 29 CFR 1910.155).
Elastomeric: A respirator facepiece made of a natural *Loose-fitting facepiece: A respiratory inlet covering
or synthetic elastic material such as natural rubber, that is designed to form a partial seal with the face.
silicone, or synthetic rubber. *Maximum use concentration (MUC): The maximum
*Emergency situation: Any occurrence such as, but not atmospheric concentration of a hazardous substance
limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or from which an employee can be expected to be
failure of control equipment that may or does result in protected when wearing a respirator, and is determined
an uncontrolled significant release of an airborne by the assigned protection factor of the respirator or
contaminant. class of respirators and the exposure limit of the
hazardous substance. The MUC can be determined
*Employee exposure: Exposure to a concentration mathematically by multiplying the assigned protection
of an airborne contaminant that would occur if the factor specified for a respirator by the required OSHA
employee were not using respiratory protection. permissible exposure limit, short-term exposure limit,
*End-of-service-life indicator (ESLI): A system that or ceiling limit. When no OSHA exposure limit is
warns the respirator user of the approach of the end of available for a hazardous substance, an employer must
adequate respiratory protection, for example, that the determine an MUC on the basis of relevant available
sorbent is approaching saturation or is no longer information and informed professional judgment.
effective. *Negative pressure respirator (tight-fitting): A
*Escape-only respirator: A respirator intended to be respirator in which the air pressure inside the facepiece
used only for emergency exit. is negative during inhalation with respect to the
*Filter or air-purifying element: A component used in ambient air pressure outside the respirator.
respirators to remove solid or liquid aerosols from the *Oxygen deficient atmosphere: An atmosphere with an
inspired air. oxygen content below 19.5% by volume.
*Filtering facepiece (or dust mask): A negative Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): An occupational
pressure particulate respirator with a filter as an integral exposure limit specified by OSHA.
part of the facepiece or with the entire facepiece *Physician or other licensed healthcare professional
composed of the filtering medium. (PLHCP): An individual whose legally permitted scope
*Fit factor: A quantitative estimate of the fit of a particular of practice (i.e., license, registration, or certification)
respirator to a specific individual, and typically estimates allows him or her to independently provide, or be
the ratio of the concentration of a substance in ambient delegated the responsibility to provide, some or all of
air to its concentration inside the respirator when worn. the healthcare services required by paragraph (e) of
*Fit test: The use of a protocol to qualitatively or quan- this section.
titatively evaluate the fit of a respirator on an individual. *Positive pressure respirator: A respirator in which the
*Helmet: A rigid respiratory inlet covering that also pro- pressure inside the respiratory inlet covering exceeds
vides head protection against impact and penetration. the ambient air pressure outside the respirator.
60
Occupational Safety and
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Attachment 2:
Checklists
62
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
CHECKLIST FOR FIT TESTING CHECKLIST FOR PROPER USE OF
√ Check all the fit tests listed below that are used at RESPIRATORS
your facility: √ Check your facility to be certain that:
q Employees who are using tight-fitting respirator q Employees using tight-fitting respirators have no
facepieces have passed an appropriate fit test conditions, such as facial hair, that would interfere
prior to being required to use a respirator. with a face-to-facepiece seal or valve function.
q Fit testing is conducted with the same make, q Employees wear corrective glasses, goggles, or
model, style and size that the employee will be other protective equipment in a manner that does
expected to use at the worksite. not interfere with the face-to-facepiece seal or
q Fit tests are conducted annually and when valve function.
different respirator facepieces are to be used. q Employees perform user seal checks prior to each
q Provisions are made to conduct additional fit tests use of a tight-fitting respirator.
in the event of physical changes in the employee q There are procedures for conducting ongoing
that may affect respirator fit. surveillance of the work area for conditions that
q Employees are given the opportunity to select a affect respirator effectiveness, and that, when
different respirator facepiece, and be retested if such conditions exist, you take steps to address
their respirator fit is unacceptable to them. those situations.
q Fit tests are administered using OSHA-accepted q Employees are permitted to leave their work area
QNFT or QLFT protocols. to conduct respirator maintenance, such as
washing the facepiece, or to replace respirator
q QLFT is only used to fit test either PAPRs, SCBAs, parts.
or negative pressure APRs that must achieve a fit
factor of 100 or less. q Employees do not return to their work area until
their respirator has been repaired or replaced in
q QNFT is used in all situations where a negative the event of a breakthrough, a leak in the face-
pressure respirator is intended to protect piece, or a change in breathing resistance.
workers from contaminant concentrations
greater than 10 times the PEL. q There are procedures for respirator use in IDLH
atmospheres and during interior structural
q When QNFT is used to fit negative pressure firefighting to ensure that: the appropriate number
respirators, a minimum fit factor of 100 is of standby personnel are deployed; standby
achieved for tight-fitting half facepieces and 500 personnel and workers in the IDLH environ-
for full facepieces. ment maintain communication; standby personnel
For tight-fitting atmosphere-supplying respirators are properly trained, equipped, and prepared; you
and powered air-purifying respirators: will be notified when standby personnel enter an
IDLH atmosphere; and you will respond appropri-
q Fit tests are conducted in the negative pressure ately to this notification.
mode.
q Standby personnel are equipped with a pressure
q QLFT is achieved by temporarily converting the demand or other positive pressure SCBA, or a
facepiece into a negative pressure respirator with positive pressure supplied-air respirator with an
appropriate filters, or by using an identical escape SCBA, and appropriate retrieval equipment
negative pressure APR. or other means for rescue.
q QNFT is achieved by modifying the facepiece to q Procedures for interior structural firefighting
allow for sampling inside the mask midway require that: at least two employees enter the
between the nose and mouth. If the facepiece is IDLH atmosphere and remain in contact with one
permanently converted during fit testing, the another at all times; at least two standby person-
respirator is no longer approved for workplace nel are used; and all firefighting employees use
use. SCBAs.
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
CHECKLIST FOR BREATHING AIR QUALITY CHECKLIST FOR TRAINING AND INFORMATION
AND USE √ Check that your facility provides the following:
√ Check that at your facility:
Demonstration of employees’ knowledge of:
General
q Why the respirator is necessary and the conse-
q Compressed breathing air meets the requirements quences of improper fit, use, or maintenance.
for Grade D breathing air.
q The limitations and capabilities of the respirator.
q Compressed oxygen is not used in respirators that
have previously used compressed air. q How to effectively use the respirator in emergency
situations, including respirator malfunction.
q Oxygen concentrations greater than 23.5 percent
are used only in equipment designed for oxygen q How to inspect, put on, remove, use and check
service or distribution. the seals of the respirator.
q Breathing air couplings are incompatible with q Maintenance and storage procedures.
outlets for other gas systems.
q The general requirements of the Respiratory
q Breathing gas containers are marked in Protection standard.
accord with the NIOSH certification standard.
q How to recognize medical signs and symptoms
q Carbon monoxide levels are monitored for both
that may limit or prevent effective use of the
oil and gas compressors.
respirator.
Breathing Air Cylinders
√ Check that your facility satisfies the general
q Cylinders are tested and maintained according to requirements of the respirator standard by providing
DOT 49 CFR Parts 173 and 178. the following:
q A certificate of analysis for breathing air has been
q Training that is understandable to employees.
obtained from the supplier.
q Moisture content in the cylinder does not exceed q Training prior to employee use of a respirator.
a dew point of -50°F at 1 atmosphere pressure. q Retraining as specified below:
Compressors • Annually.
q Are constructed and situated to prevent contami-
• Upon changes in workplace conditions that
nated air from getting into the system.
affect respirator use.
q Are set up to minimize the moisture content.
• When knowledge and skills for respirator use
q Are equipped with in-line air-purifying sorbent are not retained by the employee.
beds and filters that are maintained or replaced
following manufacturer’s instructions. • Whenever retraining appears necessary to
q Are tagged with information on the most recent ensure safe respirator use.
change date of the filter and an authorizing q Appendix D of the standard to voluntary users.
signature.
q Carbon monoxide does not exceed 10 ppm in the
breathing air from compressors that are not oil-
lubricated.
q High-temperature or carbon monoxide alarms are
used on oil-lubricated compressors; monitor the
air often enough to ensure that carbon monoxide
does not exceed 10 ppm if only a high-tempera-
ture alarm is used.
q Regularly consults with employees required to q Retains a copy of the current respiratory
wear respirators to assess their views on the protection program.
respiratory protection program and to identify q Provides access to the above records by affected
problems with respirator fit, selection, use and employees and OSHA.
maintenance.
q Corrects any problems identified during assess-
ments.
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Attachment 3 Canister or cartridge means a container with a filter,
Respiratory Protection Standard sorbent, or catalyst, or combination of these items,
which removes specific contaminants from the air
This section applies to General Industry (part 1910), passed through the container.
Shipyards (part 1915), Marine Terminals (part 1917),
Longshoring (part 1918), and Construction (part Demand respirator means an atmosphere-supplying
1926). respirator that admits breathing air to the facepiece
only when a negative pressure is created inside the
1910.134(a) facepiece by inhalation.
Permissible practice.
Emergency situation means any occurrence such as,
1910.134(a)(1) but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of con-
In the control of those occupational diseases caused tainers, or failure of control equipment that may or
by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, does result in an uncontrolled significant release of
fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors, an airborne contaminant.
the primary objective shall be to prevent atmos-
pheric contamination. This shall be accomplished as Employee exposure means exposure to a concentra-
far as feasible by accepted engineering control tion of an airborne contaminant that would occur if
measures (for example, enclosure or confinement of the employee were not using respiratory protection.
the operation, general and local ventilation, and sub-
stitution of less toxic materials). When effective engi- End-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) means a system
neering controls are not feasible, or while they are that warns the respirator user of the approach of the
being instituted, appropriate respirators shall be end of adequate respiratory protection, for example,
used pursuant to this section. that the sorbent is approaching saturation or is no
longer effective.
1910.134(a)(2)
Respirators shall be provided by the employer when Escape-only respirator means a respirator intended
such equipment is necessary to protect the health of to be used only for emergency exit.
the employee. The employer shall provide the respi-
rators which are applicable and suitable for the pur- Filter or air purifying element means a component
pose intended. The employer shall be responsible for used in respirators to remove solid or liquid aerosols
the establishment and maintenance of a respiratory from the inspired air.
protection program which shall include the require-
ments outlined in paragraph (c) of this section. Filtering facepiece (dust mask) means a negative
pressure particulate respirator with a filter as an inte-
1910.134(b) gral part of the facepiece or with the entire facepiece
Definitions. composed of the filtering medium.
The following definitions are important terms used
in the respiratory protection standard in this section. Fit factor means a quantitative estimate of the fit of a
particular respirator to a specific individual, and typi-
Air-purifying respirator means a respirator with an cally estimates the ratio of the concentration of a
air-purifying filter, cartridge, or canister that removes substance in ambient air to its concentration inside
specific air contaminants by passing ambient air the respirator when worn.
through the air-purifying element.
Fit test means the use of a protocol to qualitatively
Assigned protection factor (APF) means the work- or quantitatively evaluate the fit of a respirator on an
place level of respiratory protection that a respirator individual. (See also Qualitative fit test QLFT and
or class of respirators is expected to provide to em- Quantitative fit test QNFT.)
ployees when the employer implements a continu-
ing, effective respiratory protection program as Helmet means a rigid respiratory inlet covering that
specified by this section. also provides head protection against impact and
penetration.
Atmosphere-supplying respirator means a respirator
that supplies the respirator user with breathing air
from a source independent of the ambient atmos-
phere, and includes supplied-air respirators (SARs)
and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units.
Loose-fitting facepiece means a respiratory inlet Quantitative fit test (QNFT) means an assessment of
covering that is designed to form a partial seal with the adequacy of respirator fit by numerically measur-
the face. ing the amount of leakage into the respirator.
Maximum use concentration (MUC) means the max- Respiratory inlet covering means that portion of a
imum atmospheric concentration of a hazardous respirator that forms the protective barrier between
substance from which an employee can be expected the user’s respiratory tract and an air-purifying de-
to be protected when wearing a respirator, and is de- vice or breathing air source, or both. It may be a
termined by the assigned protection factor of the res- facepiece, helmet, hood, suit, or a mouthpiece respi-
pirator or class of respirators and the exposure limit rator with nose clamp.
of the hazardous substance. The MUC can be deter-
mined mathematically by multiplying the assigned Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) means
protection factor specified for a respirator by the re- an atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the
quired OSHA permissible exposure limit, short-term breathing air source is designed to be carried by the
exposure limit, or ceiling limit. When no OSHA expo- user.
sure limit is available for a hazardous substance, an
employer must determine an MUC on the basis of Service life means the period of time that a respira-
relevant available information and informed profes- tor, filter or sorbent, or other respiratory equipment
sional judgment. provides adequate protection to the wearer.
Negative pressure respirator (tight fitting) means a Supplied-air respirator (SAR) or airline respirator
respirator in which the air pressure inside the face- means an atmosphere-supplying respirator for
piece is negative during inhalation with respect to which the source of breathing air is not designed to
the ambient air pressure outside the respirator. be carried by the user.
Oxygen deficient atmosphere means an atmosphere This section means this Respiratory Protection stan-
with an oxygen content below 19.5% by volume. dard.
Physician or other licensed healthcare professional Tight-fitting facepiece means a respiratory inlet cov-
(PLHCP) means an individual whose legally permit- ering that forms a complete seal with the face.
ted scope of practice (i.e., license, registration, or
certification) allows him or her to independently pro- User seal check means an action conducted by the
vide, or be delegated the responsibility to provide, respirator user to determine if the respirator is prop-
erly seated to the face.
68
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
1910.134(c) 1910.134(c)(1)(vii)
Respiratory protection program. Training of employees in the respiratory hazards to
This paragraph requires the employer to develop which they are potentially exposed during routine
and implement a written respiratory protection pro- and emergency situations;
gram with required worksite-specific procedures and
elements for required respirator use. The program 1910.134(c)(1)(viii)
must be administered by a suitably trained program Training of employees in the proper use of respira-
administrator. In addition, certain program elements tors, including putting on and removing them, any
may be required for voluntary use to prevent poten- limitations on their use, and their maintenance; and
tial hazards associated with the use of the respirator.
1910.134(c)(1)(ix)
Note: The Small Entity Compliance Guide Procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness
contains criteria for the selection of a program of the program.
administrator and a sample program that meets
the requirements of this paragraph. 1910.134(c)(2)
Where respirator use is not required:
1910.134(c)(1)
In any workplace where respirators are necessary to 1910.134(c)(2)(i)
protect the health of the employee or whenever res- An employer may provide respirators at the request
pirators are required by the employer, the employer of employees or permit employees to use their own
shall establish and implement a written respiratory respirators, if the employer determines that such res-
protection program with worksite-specific proce- pirator use will not in itself create a hazard. If the em-
dures. The program shall be updated as necessary to ployer determines that any voluntary respirator use
reflect those changes in workplace conditions that af- is permissible, the employer shall provide the respi-
fect respirator use. The employer shall include in the rator users with the information contained in Appen-
program the following provisions of this section, as dix D to this section (“Information for Employees
applicable: Using Respirators When Not Required Under the
Standard”); and
1910.134(c)(1)(i)
Procedures for selecting respirators for use in the 1910.134(c)(2)(ii)
workplace; In addition, the employer must establish and imple-
ment those elements of a written respiratory protec-
1910.134(c)(1)(ii) tion program necessary to ensure that any employee
Medical evaluations of employees required to use using a respirator voluntarily is medically able to use
respirators; that respirator, and that the respirator is cleaned,
stored, and maintained so that its use does not pres-
1910.134(c)(1)(iii) ent a health hazard to the user. Exception: Employers
Fit testing procedures for tight-fitting respirators; are not required to include in a written respiratory
protection program those employees whose only
1910.134(c)(1)(iv) use of respirators involves the voluntary use of filter-
Procedures for proper use of respirators in routine ing facepieces (dust masks).
and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations;
1910.134(c)(3)
1910.134(c)(1)(v) The employer shall designate a program administra-
Procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, tor who is qualified by appropriate training or experi-
storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding, and other- ence that is commensurate with the complexity of
wise maintaining respirators; the program to administer or oversee the respiratory
protection program and conduct the required evalua-
1910.134(c)(1)(vi) tions of program effectiveness.
Procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity,
and flow of breathing air for atmosphere-supplying 1910.134(c)(4)
respirators; The employer shall provide respirators, training, and
medical evaluations at no cost to the employee.
1910.134(d)(1 1910.134(d)(2)(ii)
General requirements. Respirators provided only for escape from IDLH at-
mospheres shall be NIOSH-certified for escape from
1910.134(d)(1)(i) the atmosphere in which they will be used.
The employer shall select and provide an appropri-
ate respirator based on the respiratory hazard(s) to 1910.134(d)(2)(iii)
which the worker is exposed and workplace and user All oxygen-deficient atmospheres shall be consid-
factors that affect respirator performance and relia- ered IDLH. Exception: If the employer demonstrates
bility. that, under all foreseeable conditions, the oxygen
concentration can be maintained within the ranges
1910.134(d)(1)(ii) specified in Table II of this section (i.e., for the alti-
The employer shall select a NIOSH-certified respira- tudes set out in the table), then any atmosphere-sup-
tor. The respirator shall be used in compliance with plying respirator may be used.
the conditions of its certification.
1910.134(d)(3)
1910.134(d)(1)(iii) Respirators for atmospheres that are not IDLH.
The employer shall identify and evaluate the respira-
tory hazard(s) in the workplace; this evaluation shall 1910.134(d)(3)(i)
include a reasonable estimate of employee expo- The employer shall provide a respirator that is ade-
sures to respiratory hazard(s) and an identification of quate to protect the health of the employee and en-
the contaminant’s chemical state and physical form. sure compliance with all other OSHA statutory and
Where the employer cannot identify or reasonably regulatory requirements, under routine and reason-
estimate the employee exposure, the employer shall ably foreseeable emergency situations.
consider the atmosphere to be IDLH.
1910.134(d)(3)(i)(A)
1910.134(d)(1)(iv) Assigned Protection Factors (APFs) Employers must
The employer shall select respirators from a suffi- use the assigned protection factors listed in Table I to
cient number of respirator models and sizes so that select a respirator that meets or exceeds the required
the respirator is acceptable to, and correctly fits, the level of employee protection. When using a combi-
user. nation respirator (e.g., airline respirators with an air-
purifying filter), employers must ensure that the
1910.134(d)(2) assigned protection factor is appropriate to the mode
Respirators for IDLH atmospheres. of operation in which the respirator is being used.
1910.134(d)(2)(i)
The employer shall provide the following respirators
for employee use in IDLH atmospheres:
70
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Table I: Assigned Protection Factors5
use at lower concentrations of that substance, or when required respirator use is independent of concentration.
2 The assigned protection factors in Table I are only effective when the employer implements a continuing, effective
respirator program as required by this section (29 CFR 1910.134), including training, fit testing, maintenance, and use
requirements.
3 This APF category includes filtering facepieces, and half masks with elastomeric facepieces.
4 The employer must have evidence provided by the respirator manufacturer that testing of these respirators demonstrates
performance at a level of protection of 1,000 or greater to receive an APF of 1,000. This level of performance can best be
demonstrated by performing a WPF or SWPF study or equivalent testing. Absent such testing, all other PAPRs and
SARs with helmets/hoods are to be treated as loose-fitting facepiece respirators, and receive an APF of 25.
5 These APFs do not apply to respirators used solely for escape. For escape respirators used in association with specific
substances covered by 29 CFR 1910 subpart Z, employers must refer to the appropriate substance-specific standards in
that subpart. Escape respirators for other IDLH atmospheres are specified by 29 CFR 1910.134(d)(2)(ii).
1910.134(d)(3)(i)(B) 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)
Maximum Use Concentration (MUC) For protection against gases and vapors, the em-
ployer shall provide:
1910.134(d)(3)(i)(B)(1)
The employer must select a respirator for employee 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(A)
use that maintains the employee’s exposure to the An atmosphere-supplying respirator, or
hazardous substance, when measured outside the
respirator, at or below the MUC. 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B)
An air-purifying respirator, provided that:
1910.134(d)(3)(i)(B)(2)
Employers must not apply MUCs to conditions that 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B)(1)
are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH); The respirator is equipped with an end-of-service-life
instead, they must use respirators listed for IDLH indicator (ESLI) certified by NIOSH for the contami-
conditions in paragraph (d)(2) of this standard. nant; or
1910.134(d)(3)(i)(B)(3) 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B)(2)
When the calculated MUC exceeds the IDLH level for If there is no ESLI appropriate for conditions in the
a hazardous substance, or the performance limits of employer’s workplace, the employer implements a
the cartridge or canister, then employers must set change schedule for canisters and cartridges that is
the maximum MUC at that lower limit. based on objective information or data that will en-
sure that canisters and cartridges are changed before
1910.134(d)(3)(ii) the end of their service life. The employer shall de-
The respirator selected shall be appropriate for the scribe in the respirator program the information and
chemical state and physical form of the contaminant. data relied upon and the basis for the canister and
1910.134(e)(3)(i)
Table II: Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres
The employer shall ensure that a follow-up medical
examination is provided for an employee who gives
Altitude (ft.) Oxygen deficient atmospheres
a positive response to any question among ques-
(% O2) for which the employer
tions 1 through 8 in Section 2, Part A of Appendix C
may rely on atmosphere-
or whose initial medical examination demonstrates
supplying respirators
the need for a follow-up medical examination.
Less than 3,001 16.0-19.5
1910.134(e)(3)(ii)
3,001-4,000 16.4-19.5
The follow-up medical examination shall include any
4,001-5,000 17.1-19.5
medical tests, consultations, or diagnostic proce-
5,001-6,000 17.8-19.5
dures that the PLHCP deems necessary to make a
6,001-7,000 18.5-19.5
final determination.
7,001-8,0001 19.3-19.5
1910.134(e)(4)
1Above 8,000 feet the exception does not apply. Oxygen-
Administration of the medical questionnaire and
enriched breathing air must be supplied above 14,000 feet.
examinations.
1910.134(e) 1910.134(e)(4)(i)
Medical evaluation. The medical questionnaire and examinations shall
Using a respirator may place a physiological burden be administered confidentially during the employee’s
on employees that varies with the type of respirator normal working hours or at a time and place conven-
worn, the job and workplace conditions in which the ient to the employee. The medical questionnaire
respirator is used, and the medical status of the em- shall be administered in a manner that ensures that
ployee. Accordingly, this paragraph specifies the the employee understands its content.
minimum requirements for medical evaluation that
employers must implement to determine the em- 1910.134(e)(4)(ii)
ployee’s ability to use a respirator. The employer shall provide the employee with an
opportunity to discuss the questionnaire and exami-
1910.134(e)(1) nation results with the PLHCP.
General. The employer shall provide a medical eval-
uation to determine the employee’s ability to use a
72
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
1910.134(e)(5) The recommendation shall provide only the follow-
Supplemental information for the PLHCP. ing information:
1910.134(e)(5)(i) 1910.134(e)(6)(i)(A)
The following information must be provided to the Any limitations on respirator use related to the med-
PLHCP before the PLHCP makes a recommendation ical condition of the employee, or relating to the
concerning an employee’s ability to use a respirator: workplace conditions in which the respirator will be
used, including whether or not the employee is med-
1910.134(e)(5)(i)(A) ically able to use the respirator;
(A) The type and weight of the respirator to be used
by the employee; 1910.134(e)(6)(i)(B)
The need, if any, for follow-up medical evaluations;
1910.134(e)(5)(i)(B) and
The duration and frequency of respirator use (includ-
ing use for rescue and escape); 1910.134(e)(6)(i)(C)
A statement that the PLHCP has provided the em-
1910.134(e)(5)(i)(C) ployee with a copy of the PLHCP’s written recom-
The expected physical work effort; mendation.
1910.134(e)(5)(i)(D) 1910.134(e)(6)(ii)
Additional protective clothing and equipment to be If the respirator is a negative pressure respirator and
worn; and the PLHCP finds a medical condition that may place
the employee’s health at increased risk if the respira-
1910.134(e)(5)(i)(E) tor is used, the employer shall provide a PAPR if the
Temperature and humidity extremes that may be en- PLHCP’s medical evaluation finds that the employee
countered. can use such a respirator; if a subsequent medical
evaluation finds that the employee is medically able
1910.134(e)(5)(ii) to use a negative pressure respirator, then the em-
Any supplemental information provided previously ployer is no longer required to provide a PAPR.
to the PLHCP regarding an employee need not be
provided for a subsequent medical evaluation if the 1910.134(e)(7)
information and the PLHCP remain the same. Additional medical evaluations. At a minimum, the
employer shall provide additional medical evalua-
1910.134(e)(5)(iii) tions that comply with the requirements of this sec-
The employer shall provide the PLHCP with a copy of tion if:
the written respiratory protection program and a
copy of this section. 1910.134(e)(7)(i)
An employee reports medical signs or symptoms
Note to Paragraph (e)(5)(iii): When the employer re- that are related to ability to use a respirator;
places a PLHCP, the employer must ensure that the
new PLHCP obtains this information, either by pro- 1910.134(e)(7)(ii)
viding the documents directly to the PLHCP or hav- A PLHCP, supervisor, or the respirator program ad-
ing the documents transferred from the former ministrator informs the employer that an employee
PLHCP to the new PLHCP. However, OSHA does not needs to be reevaluated;
expect employers to have employees medically
reevaluated solely because a new PLHCP has been 1910.134(e)(7)(iii)
selected. Information from the respiratory protection program,
including observations made during fit testing and
1910.134(e)(6) program evaluation, indicates a need for employee
Medical determination. In determining the em- reevaluation; or
ployee’s ability to use a respirator, the employer
shall: 1910.134(e)(7)(iv)
A change occurs in workplace conditions (e.g., physi-
1910.134(e)(6)(i) cal work effort, protective clothing, temperature) that
Obtain a written recommendation regarding the em- may result in a substantial increase in the physiologi-
ployee’s ability to use the respirator from the PLHCP. cal burden placed on an employee.
74
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
1910.134(g)(1)(i)(A) respirator before allowing the employee to return to
Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the work area.
the facepiece and the face or that interferes with
valve function; or 1910.134(g)(3)
Procedures for IDLH atmospheres. For all IDLH at-
1910.134(g)(1)(i)(B) mospheres, the employer shall ensure that:
Any condition that interferes with the face-to-face-
piece seal or valve function. 1910.134(g)(3)(i)
One employee or, when needed, more than one em-
1910.134(g)(1)(ii) ployee is located outside the IDLH atmosphere;
If an employee wears corrective glasses or goggles
or other personal protective equipment, the em- 1910.134(g)(3)(ii)
ployer shall ensure that such equipment is worn in a Visual, voice, or signal line communication is main-
manner that does not interfere with the seal of the tained between the employee(s) in the IDLH atmos-
facepiece to the face of the user. phere and the employee(s) located outside the IDLH
atmosphere;
1910.134(g)(1)(iii)
For all tight-fitting respirators, the employer shall en- 1910.134(g)(3)(iii)
sure that employees perform a user seal check each The employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmos-
time they put on the respirator using the procedures phere are trained and equipped to provide effective
in Appendix B-1 or procedures recommended by the emergency rescue;
respirator manufacturer that the employer demon-
strates are as effective as those in Appendix B-1 of 1910.134(g)(3)(iv)
this section. The employer or designee is notified before the em-
ployee(s) located outside the IDLH atmosphere enter
1910.134(g)(2) the IDLH atmosphere to provide emergency rescue;
Continuing respirator effectiveness.
1910.134(g)(2)(i) 1910.134(g)(3)(v)
Appropriate surveillance shall be maintained of work The employer or designee authorized to do so by the
area conditions and degree of employee exposure or employer, once notified, provides necessary assis-
stress. When there is a change in work area condi- tance appropriate to the situation;
tions or degree of employee exposure or stress that
may affect respirator effectiveness, the employer 1910.134(g)(3)(vi)
shall reevaluate the continued effectiveness of the Employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmospheres
respirator. are equipped with:
1910.134(g)(2)(ii) 1910.134(g)(3)(vi)(A)
The employer shall ensure that employees leave the Pressure demand or other positive pressure SCBAs,
respirator use area: or a pressure demand or other positive pressure sup-
plied-air respirator with auxiliary SCBA; and either
1910.134(g)(2)(ii)(A)
To wash their faces and respirator facepieces as nec- 1910.134(g)(3)(vi)(B)
essary to prevent eye or skin irritation associated Appropriate retrieval equipment for removing the
with respirator use; or employee(s) who enter(s) these hazardous atmos-
pheres where retrieval equipment would contribute
1910.134(g)(2)(ii)(B) to the rescue of the employee(s) and would not in-
If they detect vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in crease the overall risk resulting from entry; or
breathing resistance, or leakage of the facepiece; or
1910.134(g)(3)(vi)(C)
1910.134(g)(2)(ii)(C) Equivalent means for rescue where retrieval equip-
To replace the respirator or the filter, cartridge, or ment is not required under paragraph (g)(3)(vi)(B).
canister elements.
1910.134(g)(4)
1910.134(g)(2)(iii) Procedures for interior structural firefighting. In addi-
If the employee detects vapor or gas breakthrough, tion to the requirements set forth under paragraph
changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the (g)(3), in interior structural fires, the employer shall
facepiece, the employer must replace or repair the ensure that:
1910.134(h)(1) 1910.134(h)(3)(i)
Cleaning and disinfecting. The employer shall pro- The employer shall ensure that respirators are in-
vide each respirator user with a respirator that is spected as follows:
clean, sanitary, and in good working order. The em-
ployer shall ensure that respirators are cleaned and 1910.134(h)(3)(i)(A)
disinfected using the procedures in Appendix B-2 of All respirators used in routine situations shall be in-
this section, or procedures recommended by the res- spected before each use and during cleaning;
pirator manufacturer, provided that such procedures
are of equivalent effectiveness. The respirators shall 1910.134(h)(3)(i)(B)
be cleaned and disinfected at the following intervals: All respirators maintained for use in emergency situ-
ations shall be inspected at least monthly and in ac-
1910.134(h)(1)(i) cordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations,
Respirators issued for the exclusive use of an em- and shall be checked for proper function before and
ployee shall be cleaned and disinfected as often as after each use; and
necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition;
1910.134(h)(3)(i)(C)
1910.134(h)(1)(ii) Emergency escape-only respirators shall be in-
Respirators issued to more than one employee shall spected before being carried into the workplace for
be cleaned and disinfected before being worn by dif- use.
ferent individuals;
1910.134(h)(3)(ii)
1910.134(h)(1)(iii) The employer shall ensure that respirator inspec-
Respirators maintained for emergency use shall be tions include the following:
cleaned and disinfected after each use; and
76
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
1910.134(h)(3)(ii)(A) 1910.134(h)(4)(ii)
A check of respirator function, tightness of connec- Repairs shall be made according to the manufac-
tions, and the condition of the various parts includ- turer’s recommendations and specifications for the
ing, but not limited to, the facepiece, head straps, type and extent of repairs to be performed; and
valves, connecting tube, and cartridges, canisters or
filters; and 1910.134(h)(4)(iii)
Reducing and admission valves, regulators, and
1910.134(h)(3)(ii)(B) alarms shall be adjusted or repaired only by the
A check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs manufacturer or a technician trained by the manu-
of deterioration. facturer.
1910.134(h)(3)(iii) 1910.134(i)
In addition to the requirements of paragraphs Breathing air quality and use.
(h)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section, self-contained breath- This paragraph requires the employer to provide
ing apparatus shall be inspected monthly. Air and employees using atmosphere-supplying respirators
oxygen cylinders shall be maintained in a fully (supplied-air and SCBA) with breathing gases of high
charged state and shall be recharged when the pres- purity.
sure falls to 90% of the manufacturer’s recom-
mended pressure level. The employer shall 1910.134(i)(1)
determine that the regulator and warning devices The employer shall ensure that compressed air, com-
function properly. pressed oxygen, liquid air, and liquid oxygen used
for respiration accords with the following specifica-
1910.134(h)(3)(iv) tions:
For respirators maintained for emergency use, the
employer shall: 1910.134(i)(1)(i)
Compressed and liquid oxygen shall meet the United
1910.134(h)(3)(iv)(A) States Pharmacopoeia requirements for medical or
Certify the respirator by documenting the date the in- breathing oxygen; and
spection was performed, the name (or signature) of
the person who made the inspection, the findings, 1910.134(i)(1)(ii)
required remedial action, and a serial number or Compressed breathing air shall meet at least the re-
other means of identifying the inspected respirator; quirements for Grade D breathing air described in
and ANSI/Compressed Gas Association Commodity
Specification for Air, G-7.1-1989, to include:
1910.134(h)(3)(iv)(B)
Provide this information on a tag or label that is at- 1910.134(i)(1)(ii)(A)
tached to the storage compartment for the respirator, Oxygen content (v/v) of 19.5-23.5%;
is kept with the respirator, or is included in inspec-
tion reports stored as paper or electronic files. This 1910.134(i)(1)(ii)(B)
information shall be maintained until replaced fol- Hydrocarbon (condensed) content of 5 milligrams
lowing a subsequent certification. per cubic meter of air or less;
1910.134(h)(4) 1910.134(i)(1)(ii)(C)
Repairs. The employer shall ensure that respirators Carbon monoxide (CO) content of 10 ppm or less;
that fail an inspection or are otherwise found to be
defective are removed from service, and are dis- 1910.134(i)(1)(ii)(D)
carded or repaired or adjusted in accordance with Carbon dioxide content of 1,000 ppm or less; and
the following procedures:
1910.134(i)(1)(ii)(E)
1910.134(h)(4)(i) Lack of noticeable odor.
Repairs or adjustments to respirators are to be made
only by persons appropriately trained to perform 1910.134(i)(2)
such operations and shall use only the respirator The employer shall ensure that compressed oxygen
manufacturer’s NIOSH-approved parts designed for is not used in atmosphere-supplying respirators that
the respirator; have previously used compressed air.
1910.134(i)(5)(i) 1910.134(k)
Prevent entry of contaminated air into the air-supply Training and information.
system; This paragraph requires the employer to provide ef-
fective training to employees who are required to
1910.134(i)(5)(ii) use respirators. The training must be comprehen-
Minimize moisture content so that the dew point at 1 sive, understandable, and recur annually, and more
atmosphere pressure is 10 degrees F (5.56 deg.C) often if necessary. This paragraph also requires the
below the ambient temperature; employer to provide the basic information on respi-
rators in Appendix D of this section to employees
1910.134(i)(5)(iii) who wear respirators when not required by this sec-
Have suitable in-line air-purifying sorbent beds and tion or by the employer to do so.
filters to further ensure breathing air quality. Sorbent
beds and filters shall be maintained and replaced or 1910.134(k)(1)
refurbished periodically following the manufacturer’s The employer shall ensure that each employee can
instructions. demonstrate knowledge of at least the following:
1910.134(i)(5)(iv) 1910.134(k)(1)(i)
Have a tag containing the most recent change date Why the respirator is necessary and how improper
and the signature of the person authorized by the fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the pro-
employer to perform the change. The tag shall be tective effect of the respirator;
maintained at the compressor.
1910.134(k)(1)(ii)
1910.134(i)(6) What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator
For compressors that are not oil-lubricated, the em- are;
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
1910.134(k)(1)(iii) 1910.134(k)(5)(iii)
How to use the respirator effectively in emergency Any other situation arises in which retraining ap-
situations, including situations in which the respira- pears necessary to ensure safe respirator use.
tor malfunctions;
1910.134(k)(6)
1910.134(k)(1)(iv) The basic advisory information on respirators, as
How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check presented in Appendix D of this section, shall be pro-
the seals of the respirator; vided by the employer in any written or oral format,
to employees who wear respirators when such use is
1910.134(k)(1)(v) not required by this section or by the employer.
What the procedures are for maintenance and stor-
age of the respirator; 1910.134(l)
Program evaluation.
1910.134(k)(1)(vi) This section requires the employer to conduct evalu-
How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that ations of the workplace to ensure that the written
may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators; respiratory protection program is being properly im-
and plemented, and to consult employees to ensure that
they are using the respirators properly.
1910.134(k)(1)(vii)
The general requirements of this section. 1910.134(l)(1)
The employer shall conduct evaluations of the work-
1910.134(k)(2) place as necessary to ensure that the provisions of
The training shall be conducted in a manner that is the current written program are being effectively im-
understandable to the employee. plemented and that it continues to be effective.
1910.134(k)(3) 1910.134(l)(2)
The employer shall provide the training prior to re- The employer shall regularly consult employees re-
quiring the employee to use a respirator in the work- quired to use respirators to assess the employees’
place. views on program effectiveness and to identify any
problems. Any problems that are identified during
1910.134(k)(4) this assessment shall be corrected. Factors to be as-
An employer who is able to demonstrate that a new sessed include, but are not limited to:
employee has received training within the last 12
months that addresses the elements specified in 1910.134(l)(2)(i)
paragraph (k)(1)(i) through (vii) is not required to Respirator fit (including the ability to use the respira-
repeat such training provided that, as required by tor without interfering with effective workplace per-
paragraph (k)(1), the employee can demonstrate formance);
knowledge of those element(s). Previous training not
repeated initially by the employer must be provided 1910.134(l)(2)(ii)
no later than 12 months from the date of the previ- Appropriate respirator selection for the hazards to
ous training. which the employee is exposed;
1910.134(k)(5) 1910.134(l)(2)(iii)
Retraining shall be administered annually, and when Proper respirator use under the workplace conditions
the following situations occur: the employee encounters; and
1910.134(k)(5)(i) 1910.134(l)(2)(iv)
Changes in the workplace or the type of respirator Proper respirator maintenance.
render previous training obsolete;
1910.134(m)
1910.134(k)(5)(ii) Recordkeeping.
Inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of This section requires the employer to establish and
the respirator indicate that the employee has not re- retain written information regarding medical evalua-
tained the requisite understanding or skill; or tions, fit testing, and the respirator program. This in-
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Occupational Safety and
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Appendix A to §1910.134: 7. The following criteria shall be used to help deter-
mine the adequacy of the respirator fit:
Fit Testing Procedures (Mandatory)
(a) Chin properly placed;
(b) Adequate strap tension, not overly tightened;
Part I. OSHA-Accepted Fit Test Protocols
(c) Fit across nose bridge;
(d) Respirator of proper size to span distance from
A. Fit Testing Procedures -- General Requirements
nose to chin;
(e) Tendency of respirator to slip;
The employer shall conduct fit testing using the fol-
(f) Self-observation in mirror to evaluate fit and
lowing procedures. The requirements in this appen-
respirator position.
dix apply to all OSHA-accepted fit test methods, both
QLFT and QNFT.
8. The test subject shall conduct a user seal check, ei-
ther the negative and positive pressure seal checks
1. The test subject shall be allowed to pick the most
described in Appendix B-1 of this section or those
acceptable respirator from a sufficient number of
recommended by the respirator manufacturer which
respirator models and sizes so that the respirator is
provide equivalent protection to the procedures in
acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user.
Appendix B-1. Before conducting the negative and
positive pressure checks, the subject shall be told to
2. Prior to the selection process, the test subject shall
seat the mask on the face by moving the head from
be shown how to put on a respirator, how it should
side-to-side and up and down slowly while taking in
be positioned on the face, how to set strap tension
a few slow deep breaths. Another facepiece shall be
and how to determine an acceptable fit. A mirror
selected and retested if the test subject fails the user
shall be available to assist the subject in evaluating
seal check tests.
the fit and positioning of the respirator. This instruc-
tion may not constitute the subject’s formal training
9. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair
on respirator use, because it is only a review.
growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing
surface, such as stubble beard growth, beard, mus-
3. The test subject shall be informed that he/she is
tache or sideburns which cross the respirator sealing
being asked to select the respirator that provides the
surface. Any type of apparel which interferes with a
most acceptable fit. Each respirator represents a dif-
satisfactory fit shall be altered or removed.
ferent size and shape, and if fitted and used properly,
will provide adequate protection.
10. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing
during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a
4. The test subject shall be instructed to hold each
physician or other licensed health care professional,
chosen facepiece up to the face and eliminate those
as appropriate, to determine whether the test subject
that obviously do not give an acceptable fit.
can wear a respirator while performing her or his du-
ties.
5. The more acceptable facepieces are noted in case
the one selected proves unacceptable; the most
11. If the employee finds the fit of the respirator un-
comfortable mask is donned and worn at least five
acceptable, the test subject shall be given the oppor-
minutes to assess comfort. Assistance in assessing
tunity to select a different respirator and to be
comfort can be given by discussing the points in the
retested.
following item A.6. If the test subject is not familiar
with using a particular respirator, the test subject
12. Exercise regimen. Prior to the commencement of
shall be directed to don the mask several times and
the fit test, the test subject shall be given a descrip-
to adjust the straps each time to become adept at
tion of the fit test and the test subject’s responsibili-
setting proper tension on the straps.
ties during the test procedure. The description of the
process shall include a description of the test exer-
6. Assessment of comfort shall include a review of
cises that the subject will be performing. The respira-
the following points with the test subject and allow-
tor to be tested shall be worn for at least 5 minutes
ing the test subject adequate time to determine the
before the start of the fit test.
comfort of the respirator:
(a) Position of the mask on the nose
13. The fit test shall be performed while the test sub-
(b) Room for eye protection
ject is wearing any applicable safety equipment that
(c) Room to talk
may be worn during actual respirator use which
(d) Position of mask on face and cheeks
could interfere with respirator fit.
When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, (a) Odor Threshold Screening
they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The
rainbow is a division of white light into many Odor threshold screening, performed without
beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long wearing a respirator, is intended to determine if
round arch, with its path high above, and its two the individual tested can detect the odor of
ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, isoamyl acetate at low levels.
according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one
end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When (1) Three 1 liter glass jars with metal lids are
a man looks for something beyond reach, his required.
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
(2) Odor-free water (e.g., distilled or spring (11) If the test subject correctly identifies the jar
water) at approximately 25 deg. C (77 deg. F) containing the odor test solution, the test sub-
shall be used for the solutions. ject may proceed to respirator selection and fit
testing.
(3) The isoamyl acetate (IAA) (also known a3
isopentyl acetate) stock solution is prepared by (b) Isoamyl Acetate Fit Test
adding 1 ml of pure IAA to 800 ml of odor-free
water in a 1 liter jar, closing the lid and shaking (1) The fit test chamber shall be a clear 55-gallon
for 30 seconds. A new solution shall be pre- drum liner suspended inverted over a 2-foot di-
pared at least weekly. ameter frame so that the top of the chamber is
about 6 inches above the test subject’s head. If
(4) The screening test shall be conducted in a no drum liner is available, a similar chamber
room separate from the room used for actual fit shall be constructed using plastic sheeting. The
testing. The two rooms shall be well-ventilated inside top center of the chamber shall have a
to prevent the odor of IAA from becoming evi- small hook attached.
dent in the general room air where testing takes
place. (2) Each respirator used for the fitting and fit
testing shall be equipped with organic vapor
(5) The odor test solution is prepared in a sec- cartridges or offer protection against organic va-
ond jar by placing 0.4 ml of the stock solution pors.
into 500 ml of odor-free water using a clean
dropper or pipette. The solution shall be shaken (3) After selecting, donning, and properly adjust-
for 30 seconds and allowed to stand for two to ing a respirator, the test subject shall wear it to
three minutes so that the IAA concentration the fit testing room. This room shall be separate
above the liquid may reach equilibrium. This so- from the room used for odor threshold screen-
lution shall be used for only one day. ing and respirator selection, and shall be well-
ventilated, as by an exhaust fan or lab hood, to
(6) A test blank shall be prepared in a third jar by prevent general room contamination.
adding 500 cc of odor-free water.
(4) A copy of the test exercises and any pre-
(7) The odor test and test blank jar lids shall be pared text from which the subject is to read
labeled (e.g., 1 and 2) for jar identification. La- shall be taped to the inside of the test chamber.
bels shall be placed on the lids so that they can
be peeled off periodically and switched to main- (5) Upon entering the test chamber, the test sub-
tain the integrity of the test. ject shall be given a 6-inch by 5-inch piece of
paper towel, or other porous, absorbent, single-
(8) The following instruction shall be typed on a ply material, folded in half and wetted with 0.75
card and placed on the table in front of the two ml of pure IAA. The test subject shall hang the
test jars (i.e., 1 and 2): “The purpose of this test wet towel on the hook at the top of the chamber.
is to determine if you can smell banana oil at a An IAA test swab or ampule may be substituted
low concentration. The two bottles in front of for the IAA wetted paper towel provided it has
you contain water. One of these bottles also been demonstrated that the alternative IAA
contains a small amount of banana oil. Be sure source will generate an IAA test atmosphere
the covers are on tight, then shake each bottle with a concentration equivalent to that gener-
for two seconds. Unscrew the lid of each bottle, ated by the paper towel method.
one at a time, and sniff at the mouth of the bot-
tle. Indicate to the test conductor which bottle (6) Allow two minutes for the IAA test concen-
contains banana oil.” tration to stabilize before starting the fit test ex-
ercises. This would be an appropriate time to
(9) The mixtures used in the IAA odor detection talk with the test subject; to explain the fit test,
test shall be prepared in an area separate from the importance of his/her cooperation, and the
where the test is performed, in order to prevent purpose for the test exercises; or to demon-
olfactory fatigue in the subject. strate some of the exercises.
(10) If the test subject is unable to correctly iden- (7) If at any time during the test, the subject de-
tify the jar containing the odor test solution, the tects the banana-like odor of IAA, the test is
IAA qualitative fit test shall not be performed. failed. The subject shall quickly exit from the
The entire screening and testing procedure shall be (8) If the first response is negative, ten more
explained to the test subject prior to the conduct of squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test sub-
the screening test. ject is again asked whether the saccharin is
tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the
(a) Taste threshold screening. The saccharin taste sweet taste during the second ten squeezes, the
threshold screening, performed without wearing a screening test is completed. The taste threshold
respirator, is intended to determine whether the is noted as twenty regardless of the number of
individual being tested can detect the taste of sac- squeezes actually completed.
charin.
(9) If the second response is negative, ten more
(1) During threshold screening as well as during squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test sub-
fit testing, subjects shall wear an enclosure ject is again asked whether the saccharin is
about the head and shoulders that is approxi- tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the
mately 12 inches in diameter by 14 inches tall sweet taste during the third set of ten squeezes,
with at least the front portion clear and that al- the screening test is completed. The taste
lows free movements of the head when a respi- threshold is noted as thirty regardless of the
rator is worn. An enclosure substantially similar number of squeezes actually completed.
to the 3M hood assembly, parts # FT 14 and # FT
15 combined, is adequate. (10) The test conductor will take note of the
number of squeezes required to solicit a taste
(2) The test enclosure shall have a 3/4-inch (1.9 response.
cm) hole in front of the test subject’s nose and
mouth area to accommodate the nebulizer nozzle. (11) If the saccharin is not tasted after 30
squeezes (step 10), the test subject is unable to
(3) The test subject shall don the test enclosure. taste saccharin and may not perform the sac-
Throughout the threshold screening test, the charin fit test.
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Note to paragraph 3. (a): If the test subject eats (8) After generating the aerosol, the test subject
or drinks something sweet before the screening shall be instructed to perform the exercises in
test, he/she may be unable to taste the weak section I. A. 14. of this appendix.
saccharin solution.
(9) Every 30 seconds the aerosol concentration
(12) If a taste response is elicited, the test sub- shall be replenished using one half the original
ject shall be asked to take note of the taste for number of squeezes used initially (e.g., 5, 10 or
reference in the fit test. 15).
(13) Correct use of the nebulizer means that ap- (10) The test subject shall indicate to the test
proximately 1 ml of liquid is used at a time in conductor if at any time during the fit test the
the nebulizer body. taste of saccharin is detected. If the test subject
does not report tasting the saccharin, the test is
(14) The nebulizer shall be thoroughly rinsed in passed.
water, shaken dry, and refilled at least each
morning and afternoon or at least every four (11) If the taste of saccharin is detected, the fit is
hours. deemed unsatisfactory and the test is failed. A
different respirator shall be tried and the entire
(b) Saccharin solution aerosol fit test procedure. test procedure is repeated (taste threshold
screening and fit testing).
(1) The test subject may not eat, drink (except
plain water), smoke, or chew gum for 15 min- (12) Since the nebulizer has a tendency to clog
utes before the test. during use, the test operator must make peri-
odic checks of the nebulizer to ensure that it is
(2) The fit test uses the same enclosure de- not clogged. If clogging is found at the end of
scribed in 3. (a) above. the test session, the test is invalid.
(3) The test subject shall don the enclosure 4. BitrexTM (Denatonium Benzoate) Solution Aerosol
while wearing the respirator selected in section Qualitative Fit Test Protocol
I. A. of this appendix. The respirator shall be
properly adjusted and equipped with a particu- The BitrexTM (Denatonium benzoate) solution
late filter(s). aerosol QLFT protocol uses the published saccharin
test protocol because that protocol is widely ac-
(4) A second DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation cepted. Bitrex is routinely used as a taste aversion
Medication Nebulizer or equivalent is used to agent in household liquids which children should not
spray the fit test solution into the enclosure. be drinking and is endorsed by the American Med-
This nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distin- ical Association, the National Safety Council, and the
guish it from the screening test solution nebu- American Association of Poison Control Centers. The
lizer. entire screening and testing procedure shall be ex-
plained to the test subject prior to the conduct of the
(5) The fit test solution is prepared by adding 83 screening test.
grams of sodium saccharin to 100 ml of warm
water. (a) Taste Threshold Screening.
(6) As before, the test subject shall breathe The Bitrex taste threshold screening, performed
through the slightly open mouth with tongue without wearing a respirator, is intended to deter-
extended, and report if he/she tastes the sweet mine whether the individual being tested can de-
taste of saccharin. tect the taste of Bitrex.
(7) The nebulizer is inserted into the hole in the (1) During threshold screening as well as during
front of the enclosure and an initial concentra- fit testing, subjects shall wear an enclosure
tion of saccharin fit test solution is sprayed into about the head and shoulders that is approxi-
the enclosure using the same number of mately 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter by 14
squeezes (either 10, 20 or 30 squeezes) based on inches (35.6 cm) tall. The front portion of the en-
the number of squeezes required to elicit a taste closure shall be clear from the respirator and
response as noted during the screening test. A allow free movement of the head when a respi-
minimum of 10 squeezes is required. rator is worn. An enclosure substantially similar
(3) The test subject shall don the test enclosure. (12) If a taste response is elicited, the test sub-
Throughout the threshold screening test, the ject shall be asked to take note of the taste for
test subject shall breathe through his or her reference in the fit test.
slightly open mouth with tongue extended. The
subject is instructed to report when he/she de- (13) Correct use of the nebulizer means that ap-
tects a bitter taste proximately 1 ml of liquid is used at a time in
the nebulizer body.
(4) Using a DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Med-
ication Nebulizer or equivalent, the test conduc- (14) The nebulizer shall be thoroughly rinsed in
tor shall spray the Threshold Check Solution water, shaken to dry, and refilled at least each
into the enclosure. This Nebulizer shall be morning and afternoon or at least every four
clearly marked to distinguish it from the fit test hours.
solution nebulizer.
(b) Bitrex Solution Aerosol Fit Test Procedure.
(5) The Threshold Check Solution is prepared by
adding 13.5 milligrams of Bitrex to 100 ml of 5% (1) The test subject may not eat, drink (except
salt (NaCl) solution in distilled water. plain water), smoke, or chew gum for 15 min-
utes before the test.
(6) To produce the aerosol, the nebulizer bulb is
firmly squeezed so that the bulb collapses com- (2) The fit test uses the same enclosure as that
pletely, and is then released and allowed to fully described in 4. (a) above.
expand.
(3) The test subject shall don the enclosure
(7) An initial ten squeezes are repeated rapidly while wearing the respirator selected according
and then the test subject is asked whether the to section I. A. of this appendix. The respirator
Bitrex can be tasted. If the test subject reports shall be properly adjusted and equipped with
tasting the bitter taste during the ten squeezes, any type particulate filter(s).
the screening test is completed. The taste
threshold is noted as ten regardless of the num- (4) A second DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation
ber of squeezes actually completed. Medication Nebulizer or equivalent is used to
spray the fit test solution into the enclosure.
(8) If the first response is negative, ten more This nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distin-
squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test sub- guish it from the screening test solution nebu-
ject is again asked whether the Bitrex is tasted. If lizer.
the test subject reports tasting the bitter taste
during the second ten squeezes, the screening (5) The fit test solution is prepared by adding
test is completed. The taste threshold is noted 337.5 mg of Bitrex to 200 ml of a 5% salt (NaCl)
as twenty regardless of the number of squeezes solution in warm water.
actually completed.
(6) As before, the test subject shall breathe
(9) If the second response is negative, ten more through his or her slightly open mouth with
squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test sub- tongue extended, and be instructed to report if
ject is again asked whether the Bitrex is tasted. If he/she tastes the bitter taste of Bitrex.
the test subject reports tasting the bitter taste
during the third set of ten squeezes, the screen- (7) The nebulizer is inserted into the hole in the
ing test is completed. The taste threshold is front of the enclosure and an initial concentra-
noted as thirty regardless of the number of tion of the fit test solution is sprayed into the en-
squeezes actually completed. closure using the same number of squeezes
(either 10, 20 or 30 squeezes) based on the num-
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
ber of squeezes required to elicit a taste re- irritant smoke in the general atmosphere.
sponse as noted during the screening test.
(b) Sensitivity Screening Check
(8) After generating the aerosol, the test subject
shall be instructed to perform the exercises in The person to be tested must demonstrate his
section I. A. 14. of this appendix. or her ability to detect a weak concentration of
the irritant smoke.
(9) Every 30 seconds the aerosol concentration
shall be replenished using one half the number (1) The test operator shall break both ends of a
of squeezes used initially (e.g., 5, 10 or 15). ventilation smoke tube containing stannic chlo-
ride, and attach one end of the smoke tube to a
(10) The test subject shall indicate to the test low flow air pump set to deliver 200 milliliters
conductor if at any time during the fit test the per minute, or an aspirator squeeze bulb. The
taste of Bitrex is detected. If the test subject test operator shall cover the other end of the
does not report tasting the Bitrex, the test is smoke tube with a short piece of tubing to pre-
passed. vent potential injury from the jagged end of the
smoke tube.
(11) If the taste of Bitrex is detected, the fit is
deemed unsatisfactory and the test is failed. A (2) The test operator shall advise the test subject
different respirator shall be tried and the entire that the smoke can be irritating to the eyes,
test procedure is repeated (taste threshold lungs, and nasal passages and instruct the sub-
screening and fit testing). ject to keep his/her eyes closed while the test is
performed.
5. Irritant Smoke (Stannic Chloride) Protocol
(3) The test subject shall be allowed to smell a
This qualitative fit test uses a person’s response to weak concentration of the irritant smoke before
the irritating chemicals released in the “smoke” pro- the respirator is donned to become familiar with
duced by a stannic chloride ventilation smoke tube its irritating properties and to determine if
to detect leakage into the respirator. he/she can detect the irritating properties of the
smoke. The test operator shall carefully direct a
(a) General Requirements and Precautions small amount of the irritant smoke in the test
subject’s direction to determine that he/she can
(1) The respirator to be tested shall be equipped detect it.
with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or
P100 series filter(s). (c) Irritant Smoke Fit Test Procedure
(2) Only stannic chloride smoke tubes shall be (1) The person being fit tested shall don the res-
used for this protocol. pirator without assistance, and perform the re-
quired user seal check(s).
(3) No form of test enclosure or hood for the test
subject shall be used. (2) The test subject shall be instructed to keep
his/her eyes closed.
(4) The smoke can be irritating to the eyes,
lungs, and nasal passages. The test conductor (3) The test operator shall direct the stream of ir-
shall take precautions to minimize the test sub- ritant smoke from the smoke tube toward the
ject’s exposure to irritant smoke. Sensitivity faceseal area of the test subject, using the low
varies, and certain individuals may respond to a flow pump or the squeeze bulb. The test opera-
greater degree to irritant smoke. Care shall be tor shall begin at least 12 inches from the face-
taken when performing the sensitivity screening piece and move the smoke stream around the
checks that determine whether the test subject whole perimeter of the mask. The operator shall
can detect irritant smoke to use only the mini- gradually make two more passes around the
mum amount of smoke necessary to elicit a re- perimeter of the mask, moving to within six
sponse from the test subject. inches of the respirator.
(5) The fit test shall be performed in an area with (4) If the person being tested has not had an in-
adequate ventilation to prevent exposure of the voluntary response and/or detected the irritant
person conducting the fit test or the build-up of smoke, proceed with the test exercises.
The following quantitative fit testing procedures (4) The sampling instrument shall be selected so
have been demonstrated to be acceptable: Quantita- that a computer record or strip chart record may
tive fit testing using a non-hazardous test aerosol be made of the test showing the rise and fall of
(such as corn oil, polyethylene glycol 400 [PEG 400], the test agent concentration with each inspira-
di-2-ethyl hexyl sebacate [DEHS], or sodium chlo- tion and expiration at fit factors of at least 2,000.
ride) generated in a test chamber, and employing in- Integrators or computers that integrate the
strumentation to quantify the fit of the respirator; amount of test agent penetration leakage into
Quantitative fit testing using ambient aerosol as the the respirator for each exercise may be used
test agent and appropriate instrumentation (conden- provided a record of the readings is made.
sation nuclei counter) to quantify the respirator fit;
Quantitative fit testing using controlled negative (5) The combination of substitute air-purifying
pressure and appropriate instrumentation to meas- elements, test agent and test agent concentra-
ure the volumetric leak rate of a facepiece to quantify tion shall be such that the test subject is not ex-
the respirator fit. posed in excess of an established exposure limit
for the test agent at any time during the testing
1. General process, based upon the length of the exposure
and the exposure limit duration.
(a) The employer shall ensure that persons admin-
istering QNFT are able to calibrate equipment and (6) The sampling port on the test specimen res-
perform tests properly, recognize invalid tests, pirator shall be placed and constructed so that
calculate fit factors properly and ensure that test no leakage occurs around the port (e.g., where
equipment is in proper working order. the respirator is probed), a free air flow is al-
lowed into the sampling line at all times, and
(b) The employer shall ensure that QNFT equip- there is no interference with the fit or perform-
ment is kept clean, and is maintained and cali- ance of the respirator. The in-mask sampling de-
brated according to the manufacturer’s vice (probe) shall be designed and used so that
instructions so as to operate at the parameters for the air sample is drawn from the breathing zone
which it was designed. of the test subject, midway between the nose
and mouth and with the probe extending into
the facepiece cavity at least 1/4 inch.
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
(7) The test setup shall permit the person ad- (3) A reasonably stable test agent concentration
ministering the test to observe the test subject shall be measured in the test chamber prior to
inside the chamber during the test. testing. For canopy or shower curtain types of
test units, the determination of the test agent’s
(8) The equipment generating the test atmos- stability may be established after the test sub-
phere shall maintain the concentration of test ject has entered the test environment.
agent constant to within a 10 percent variation
for the duration of the test. (4) Immediately after the subject enters the test
chamber, the test agent concentration inside the
(9) The time lag (interval between an event and respirator shall be measured to ensure that the
the recording of the event on the strip chart or peak penetration does not exceed 5 percent for
computer or integrator) shall be kept to a mini- a half mask or 1 percent for a full facepiece res-
mum. There shall be a clear association be- pirator.
tween the occurrence of an event and its being
recorded. (5) A stable test agent concentration shall be ob-
tained prior to the actual start of testing.
(10) The sampling line tubing for the test cham-
ber atmosphere and for the respirator sampling (6) Respirator restraining straps shall not be
port shall be of equal diameter and of the same over-tightened for testing. The straps shall be
material. The length of the two lines shall be adjusted by the wearer without assistance from
equal. other persons to give a reasonably comfortable
fit typical of normal use. The respirator shall not
(11) The exhaust flow from the test chamber be adjusted once the fit test exercises begin.
shall pass through an appropriate filter (i.e.,
high efficiency particulate filter) before release. (7) The test shall be terminated whenever any
single peak penetration exceeds 5 percent for
(12) When sodium chloride aerosol is used, the half masks and 1 percent for full facepiece respi-
relative humidity inside the test chamber shall rators. The test subject shall be refitted and
not exceed 50 percent. retested.
(13) The limitations of instrument detection shall (8) Calculation of fit factors.
be taken into account when determining the fit
factor. (i) The fit factor shall be determined for the
quantitative fit test by taking the ratio of the
(14) Test respirators shall be maintained in average chamber concentration to the con-
proper working order and be inspected regu- centration measured inside the respirator for
larly for deficiencies such as cracks or missing each test exercise except the grimace exer-
valves and gaskets. cise.
Where ff1, ff2, ff3, etc. are the fit factors for (3) Check the following conditions for the ade-
exercises 1, 2, 3, etc. quacy of the respirator fit: Chin properly placed;
Adequate strap tension, not overly tightened; Fit
(9) The test subject shall not be permitted to across nose bridge; Respirator of proper size to
wear a half mask or quarter facepiece respirator span distance from nose to chin; Tendency of
unless a minimum fit factor of 100 is obtained, the respirator to slip; Self-observation in a mir-
or a full facepiece respirator unless a minimum ror to evaluate fit and respirator position.
fit factor of 500 is obtained.
(4) Have the person wearing the respirator do a
(10) Filters used for quantitative fit testing shall user seal check. If leakage is detected, deter-
be replaced whenever increased breathing re- mine the cause. If leakage is from a poorly fit-
sistance is encountered, or when the test agent ting facepiece, try another size of the same
has altered the integrity of the filter media. model respirator, or another model of respirator.
3. Ambient aerosol condensation nuclei counter (5) Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
(CNC) quantitative fit testing protocol. operating the Portacount and proceed with the
test.
The ambient aerosol condensation nuclei counter
(CNC) quantitative fit testing (Portacount TM ) protocol (6) The test subject shall be instructed to per-
quantitatively fit tests respirators with the use of a form the exercises in section I. A. 14. of this ap-
probe. The probed respirator is only used for quanti- pendix.
tative fit tests. A probed respirator has a special sam-
pling device, installed on the respirator, that allows (7) After the test exercises, the test subject shall
the probe to sample the air from inside the mask. A be questioned by the test conductor regarding
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Occupational Safety and
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the comfort of the respirator upon completion of lidity of the CNP fit tests are determined by the de-
the protocol. If it has become unacceptable, an- gree to which the in-mask pressure tracks the test
other model of respirator shall be tried. pressure during the system measurement time of
approximately five seconds. Instantaneous feedback
(b) Portacount Test Instrument. in the form of a real-time pressure trace of the in-
mask pressure is provided and used to determine
(1) The Portacount will automatically stop and test validity and quality. A minimum fit factor pass
calculate the overall fit factor for the entire set of level of 100 is necessary for a half-mask respirator
exercises. The overall fit factor is what counts. and a minimum fit factor of at least 500 is required
The Pass or Fail message will indicate whether for a full facepiece respirator. The entire screening
or not the test was successful. If the test was a and testing procedure shall be explained to the test
Pass, the fit test is over. subject prior to the conduct of the screening test.
(2) Since the pass or fail criterion of the Porta- (a) CNP Fit Test Requirements.
count is user programmable, the test operator
shall ensure that the pass or fail criterion meet (1) The instrument shall have a non-adjustable
the requirements for minimum respirator per- test pressure of 15.0 mm water pressure.
formance in this Appendix.
(2) The CNP system defaults selected for test
(3) A record of the test needs to be kept on file, pressure shall be set at -- 15 mm of water (-0.58
assuming the fit test was successful. The record inches of water) and the modeled inspiratory
must contain the test subject’s name; overall fit flow rate shall be 53.8 liters per minute for per-
factor; make, model, style, and size of respirator forming fit tests.
used; and date tested.
(Note: CNP systems have built-in capability to
4. Controlled negative pressure (CNP) quantitative fit conduct fit testing that is specific to unique work
testing protocol. rate, mask, and gender situations that might
apply in a specific workplace. Use of system de-
The CNP protocol provides an alternative to aerosol fault values, which were selected to represent
fit test methods. The CNP fit test method technology respirator wear with medium cartridge resist-
is based on exhausting air from a temporarily sealed ance at a low-moderate work rate, will allow
respirator facepiece to generate and then maintain a inter-test comparison of the respirator fit.)
constant negative pressure inside the facepiece. The
rate of air exhaust is controlled so that a constant (3) The individual who conducts the CNP fit test-
negative pressure is maintained in the respirator dur- ing shall be thoroughly trained to perform the
ing the fit test. The level of pressure is selected to test.
replicate the mean inspiratory pressure that causes
leakage into the respirator under normal use condi- (4) The respirator filter or cartridge needs to be
tions. With pressure held constant, air flow out of the replaced with the CNP test manifold. The inhala-
respirator is equal to air flow into the respirator. tion valve downstream from the manifold either
Therefore, measurement of the exhaust stream that needs to be temporarily removed or propped
is required to hold the pressure in the temporarily open.
sealed respirator constant yields a direct measure of
leakage air flow into the respirator. The CNP fit test (5) The employer must train the test subject to
method measures leak rates through the facepiece hold his or her breath for at least 10 seconds.
as a method for determining the facepiece fit for
negative pressure respirators. The CNP instrument (6) The test subject must don the test respirator
manufacturer Occupational Health Dynamics of without any assistance from the test administra-
Birmingham, Alabama also provides attachments tor who is conducting the CNP fit test. The respi-
(sampling manifolds) that replace the filter cartridges rator must not be adjusted once the fit-test
to permit fit testing in an employee’s own respirator. exercises begin. Any adjustment voids the test,
To perform the test, the test subject closes his or her and the test subject must repeat the fit test.
mouth and holds his/her breath, after which an air
pump removes air from the respirator facepiece at a (7) The QNFT protocol shall be followed accord-
pre-selected constant pressure. The facepiece fit is ing to section I. C. 1. of this appendix with an ex-
expressed as the leak rate through the facepiece, ex- ception for the CNP test exercises.
pressed as milliliters per minute. The quality and va-
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Table A-1. CNP REDON Quantitative Fit Testing Protocol
Facing Forward Stand and breathe normally, Face forward, while holding breath
without talking, for 30 seconds. for 10 seconds.
Bending Over Bend at the waist, as if going to touch Face parallel to the floor, while
his or her toes, for 30 seconds. holding breath for 10 seconds
Head Shaking For about three seconds, shake head Face forward, while holding breath
back and forth vigorously several times for 10 seconds.
while shouting.
REDON 1 Remove the respirator mask, loosen all Face forward, while holding breath
facepiece straps, and then redon the for 10 seconds.
respirator mask.
REDON 2 Remove the respirator mask, loosen all Face forward, while holding breath
facepiece straps, and then redon the for 10 seconds.
respirator mask again.
(c) After completing the test exercises, the test ad- B. The application must include a detailed descrip-
ministrator must question each test subject regard- tion of the proposed new fit test protocol. This appli-
ing the comfort of the respirator. When a test subject cation must be supported by either:
states that the respirator is unacceptable, the em-
ployer must ensure that the test administrator re- 1. A test report prepared by an independent govern-
peats the protocol using another respirator model. ment research laboratory (e.g., Lawrence Livermore
National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Labora-
(d) Employers must determine the overall fit factor tory, the National Institute for Standards and Tech-
for each test subject by calculating the harmonic nology) stating that the laboratory has tested the
mean of the fit testing exercises as follows: protocol and had found it to be accurate and reliable;
or
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Occupational Safety and
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Appendix B-2 to §1910.134: 1. Hypochlorite solution (50 ppm of chlorine) made
by adding approximately one milliliter of laundry
Respirator Cleaning Procedures
bleach to one liter of water at 43 deg. C (110 deg. F);
(Mandatory) or,
These procedures are provided for employer use 2. Aqueous solution of iodine (50 ppm iodine) made
when cleaning respirators. They are general in na- by adding approximately 0.8 milliliters of tincture of
ture, and the employer as an alternative may use the iodine (6-8 grams ammonium and/or potassium io-
cleaning recommendations provided by the manu- dide/100 cc of 45% alcohol) to one liter of water at 43
facturer of the respirators used by their employees, deg. C (110 deg. F); or,
provided such procedures are as effective as those
listed here in Appendix B- 2. Equivalent effectiveness 3. Other commercially available cleansers of equiva-
simply means that the procedures used must accom- lent disinfectant quality when used as directed, if
plish the objectives set forth in Appendix B-2, i.e., their use is recommended or approved by the respi-
must ensure that the respirator is properly cleaned rator manufacturer.
and disinfected in a manner that prevents damage to
the respirator and does not cause harm to the user. E. Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43
deg. C [110 deg. F] maximum), preferably running
I. Procedures for Cleaning Respirators water. Drain. The importance of thorough rinsing
cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or disinfec-
A. Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters. Disassem- tants that dry on facepieces may result in dermatitis.
ble facepieces by removing speaking diaphragms, In addition, some disinfectants may cause deteriora-
demand and pressure-demand valve assemblies, tion of rubber or corrosion of metal parts if not com-
hoses, or any components recommended by the pletely removed.
manufacturer. Discard or repair any defective parts.
F. Components should be hand-dried with a clean
B. Wash components in warm (43 deg. C [110 deg. F] lint-free cloth or air-dried.
maximum) water with a mild detergent or with a
cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. A stiff G. Reassemble facepiece, replacing filters, car-
bristle (not wire) brush may be used to facilitate the tridges, and canisters where necessary.
removal of dirt.
H. Test the respirator to ensure that all components
C. Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43 work properly.
deg. C [110 deg. F] maximum), preferably running
water. Drain.
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Shortness of breath: Yes/No 7. Do you currently take medication for any of the
Shortness of breath when walking fast on level following problems?
ground or walking up a slight hill or incline: Breathing or lung problems: Yes/No
Yes/No Heart trouble: Yes/No
Shortness of breath when walking with other Blood pressure: Yes/No
people at an ordinary pace on level ground: Seizures (fits): Yes/No
Yes/No
Have to stop for breath when walking at your own 8. If you’ve used a respirator, have you ever had any
pace on level ground: Yes/No of the following problems? (If you’ve never used a
Shortness of breath when washing or dressing respirator, check the following space and go to ques-
yourself: Yes/No tion 9:)
Shortness of breath that interferes with your job: Eye irritation: Yes/No
Yes/No Skin allergies or rashes: Yes/No
Coughing that produces phlegm (thick sputum): Anxiety: Yes/No
Yes/No General weakness or fatigue: Yes/No
Coughing that wakes you early in the morning: Any other problem that interferes with your use of
Yes/No a respirator: Yes/No
Coughing that occurs mostly when you are lying
down: Yes/No 9. Would you like to talk to the health care profes-
Coughing up blood in the last month: Yes/No sional who will review this questionnaire about your
Wheezing: Yes/No answers to this questionnaire: Yes/No
Wheezing that interferes with your job: Yes/No
Questions 10 to 15 below must be answered by
Chest pain when you breathe deeply: Yes/No
every employee who has been selected to use either
Any other symptoms that you think may be related a full-facepiece respirator or a self-contained breath-
to lung problems: Yes/No ing apparatus (SCBA). For employees who have
been selected to use other types of respirators, an-
5. Have you ever had any of the following cardiovas- swering these questions is voluntary.
cular or heart problems?
Heart attack: Yes/No 10. Have you ever lost vision in either eye (temporar-
Stroke: Yes/No ily or permanently): Yes/No
Angina: Yes/No
11. Do you currently have any of the following vision
Heart failure: Yes/No
problems?
Swelling in your legs or feet (not caused by
Wear contact lenses: Yes/No
walking): Yes/No
Wear glasses: Yes/No
Heart arrhythmia (heart beating irregularly): Yes/No
Color blind: Yes/No
High blood pressure: Yes/No
Any other eye or vision problem: Yes/No
Any other heart problem that you’ve been told
about: Yes/No
12. Have you ever had an injury to your ears, includ-
ing a broken ear drum: Yes/No
6. Have you ever had any of the following cardiovas-
cular or heart symptoms?
13. Do you currently have any of the following hear-
Frequent pain or tightness in your chest: Yes/No ing problems?
Pain or tightness in your chest during physical Difficulty hearing: Yes/No
activity: Yes/No
Wear a hearing aid: Yes/No
Pain or tightness in your chest that interferes with
Any other hearing or ear problem: Yes/No
your job: Yes/No
In the past two years, have you noticed your heart 14. Have you ever had a back injury: Yes/No
skipping or missing a beat: Yes/No
Heartburn or indigestion that is not related to 15. Do you currently have any of the following mus-
eating: Yes/ No culoskeletal problems?
Any other symptoms that you think may be related Weakness in any of your arms, hands, legs, or feet:
to heart or circulation problems: Yes/No Yes/No
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Occupational Safety and
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writing, typing, drafting, or performing light as- 18. Provide the following information, if you know it,
sembly work; or standing while operating a drill for each toxic substance that you’ll be exposed to
press (1-3 lbs.) or controlling machines. when you’re using your respirator(s):
Moderate (200 to 350 kcal per hour): Yes/No
If “yes,” how long does this period last during the Name of the first toxic sustance:_________________
average shift:____________hrs.____________mins. ________________________________________________
Estimated maximum exposure level per
Examples of moderate work effort are sitting while
shift:___________________________________________
nailing or filing; driving a truck or bus in urban traf-
fic; standing while drilling, nailing, performing as- Duration of exposure per
sembly work, or transferring a moderate load shift:___________________________________________
(about 35 lbs.) at trunk level; walking on a level sur- Name of the second toxic sub-
face about 2 mph or down a 5-degree grade about stance:_________________________________________
3 mph; or pushing a wheelbarrow with a heavy Estimated maximum exposure level per
load (about 100 lbs.) on a level surface. shift:___________________________________________
Heavy (above 350 kcal per hour): Yes/No Duration of exposure per
shift:___________________________________________
If “yes,” how long does this period last during the
average shift:____________hrs.____________mins. Name of the third toxic sub-
stance:_________________________________________
Examples of heavy work are lifting a heavy load
Estimated maximum exposure level per
(about 50 lbs.) from the floor to your waist or
shift:___________________________________________
shoulder; working on a loading dock; shoveling;
standing while bricklaying or chipping castings; Duration of exposure per
walking up an 8-degree grade about 2 mph; climb- shift:___________________________________________
ing stairs with a heavy load (about 50 lbs.). The name of any other toxic substances that you’ll
be exposed to while using your respirator:
13. Will you be wearing protective clothing and/or ________________________________________________
equipment (other than the respirator) when you’re ________________________________________________
using your respirator: Yes/No ________________________________________________
If “yes,” describe this protective clothing and/or ________________________________________________
equipment:_____________________________________ ________________________________________________
________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
14. Will you be working under hot conditions (tem- 19. Describe any special responsibilities you’ll have
perature exceeding 77 deg. F): Yes/No while using your respirator(s) that may affect the
safety and well-being of others (for example, rescue,
15. Will you be working under humid conditions: security):
Yes/No __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
16. Describe the work you’ll be doing while you’re __________________________________________________
using your respirator(s)____________________________ __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
10 0
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Attachment 4: 1. Purpose
Sample Program ____________________________ has determined that
Small Entity Compliance Guide: Sample Respiratory employees in the Prep, Coating, Assembly, and Mainte-
Protection Program (fill in blanks with your company’s/ nance departments are exposed to respiratory hazards
facility’s information). during routine operations. These hazards include wood
dust, particulates, and vapors, and in some cases repre-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
sent Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH)
1. Purpose conditions. The purpose of this program is to ensure
2. Scope and Application that all ____________________________ employees are
3. Responsibilities protected from exposure to these respiratory hazards.
• Program Administrator
• Supervisors Engineering controls, such as ventilation and substitu-
• Workers tion of less toxic materials, are the first line of defense
at ____________________________; however, engineering
4. Program Elements
controls have not always been feasible for some of our
• Selection Procedures: Program Administration, operations, or have not always completely controlled
Change Schedules the identified hazards. In these situations, respirators
• Medical Evaluation and other protective equipment must be used. Respira-
• Fit Testing tors are also needed to protect employees’ health
• Respirator Use during emergencies. The work processes requiring res-
• Air Quality pirator use at ____________________________ are outlined
• Cleaning, Maintenance, Change Schedules, and in Table 1 in the Scope and Application section of this
Storage program.
• Training
5. Program Evaluation In addition, some employees have expressed a desire
6. Documentation and Recordkeeping to wear respirators during certain operations that do
not require respiratory protection. As a general policy
____________________________ will review each of these
requests on a case-by-case basis. If the use of respira-
tory protection in a specific case will not jeopardize the
health or safety of the employee(s), ___________________
_________________ will provide respirators for voluntary
use. As outlined in the Scope and Application section of
this program, voluntary respirator use is subject to cer-
tain requirements of this program.
3. Responsibilities
Supervisors: supervisors are responsible for ensuring
Program Administrator: the Program Administrator
that the respiratory protection program is implemented
is responsible for administering the respiratory protec-
in their particular areas. In addition to being knowledge-
tion program. Duties of the program administrator in-
able about the program requirements for their own pro-
clude:
tection, supervisors must also ensure that the program
• Identifying work areas, processes or tasks that re- is understood and followed by the workers under their
quire workers to wear respirators, and evaluating charge. Note: Workers participating in the respiratory
hazards. protection program do so at no cost to themselves.
• Ensuring adequate air quantity, quality, and flow of Duties of the supervisor include:
breathing air for atmosphere-supplying respirators.
• Ensuring that employees under their supervision (in-
(See (c)(1) of the standard.)
cluding new hires) have received appropriate train-
• Selection of respiratory protection options. ing, fit testing, and annual medical evaluation.
• Monitoring respirator use to ensure that respirators • Ensuring the availability of appropriate respirators
are used in accord with their certifications. and accessories.
• Arranging for and/or conducting training. • Being aware of tasks requiring the use of respiratory
• Ensuring proper storage, cleaning, inspections, and protection.
maintenance of respiratory protection equipment. • Enforcing the proper use of respiratory protection
• Conducting qualitative fit testing with Bitrex. when necessary.
• Administering the medical surveillance program. • Ensuring that respirators are properly cleaned,
maintained, inspected, and stored according to the
• Maintaining records required by the program.
respiratory protection plan.
• Evaluating the program.
• Ensuring that respirators fit well and do not cause
• Updating written program, as needed. discomfort.
• The Program Administrator for____________________
is ________________________.
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Occupational Safety and
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• Continually monitoring work areas and operations - Respirators are selected based on the workplace
to identify respiratory hazards. hazards evaluated, and workplace and user factors
• Coordinating with the Program Administrator on affecting respirator performance and reliability.
how to address respiratory hazards or other con- • Respirators are selected based on the Assigned Pro-
cerns regarding the program. tection Factors (APFs) and calculated Maximum Use
• Ensuring adequate air quantity, quality, and flow of Concentrations (MUCs).
breathing air for atmosphere-supplying respirators. • A sufficient number of respirator sizes and models
(See (c)(1) of the standard.) must be provided to the employee during fit testing
to identify the acceptable respirator that correctly fits
Employees: each employee has the responsibility: the users.
• To wear his or her respirator when and where • For IDLH atmospheres:
required and in the manner in which they were - Full facepiece pressure demand SARs with auxil-
trained. iary SCBA unit or full facepiece pressure demand
• Care for and maintain their respirators as instructed, SCBAs, with a minimum service life of 30 minutes,
and store them in a clean, sanitary location. must be provided.
• Inform their supervisor if the respirator no longer fits - Respirators used for escape only are NIOSH-certi-
well, and request a new one that fits properly. fied for the atmosphere in which they will be used.
• Inform their supervisor or the Program Administra- - Oxygen deficient atmospheres are considered
tor of any respiratory hazards that they feel are not IDLH.
adequately addressed in the workplace and of any • For Non-IDLH atmospheres, respirators are:
other concerns that they have regarding the program. - Selected as appropriate for the APFs and MUCs.
• Inform their supervisor of need for a medical - Selected as appropriate for the chemical nature
reevaluation. and physical form of the contaminant.
- Equipped with end-of-service-life indicators
4. Program Elements (ESLIs) if the respirators (APRs) are used for
Selection Procedures – The Program protection against gases and vapors. If there is
Administrator: no ESLI, then a change schedule must be
• Will select respirators to be used on site, based on implemented.
the hazards to which workers are exposed and in ac- - Equipped with NIOSH-certified HEPA filters (or
cord with all applicable OSHA standards. other filters certified by NIOSH for particulates
• Will conduct a hazard evaluation for each operation, under 42 CFR part 84) if the respirators (APRs) are
process, or work area where airborne contaminants to be used for protection against particulates.
may be present in routine operations or during an • When monitoring is contracted out, an example of
emergency. the type of statement needed in the respirator pro-
• Monitoring can be contracted out. gram is: _________________________________________
currently has a contract with ______________________
• The hazard evaluation will include: to provide monitoring when needed.
- Identification and development of a list of Note: Table 2 at the end of this program contains
hazardous substances used in the workplace, by the sampling data on which this section was based.
department or work process. The results of the current hazard evaluation are the
- Review of work processes to determine where po- following:
tential exposures to these hazardous substances - Prep-sanding: Ventilation controls on some
may occur. This review is to be conducted by sur- sanders are in place, but employees continue to
veying the workplace, reviewing process records, be exposed to respirable wood dust at 2.5 - 7.0
and talking with employees and supervisors. mg/m3 (8-hour time-weighted average, or TWA).
- Exposure monitoring to quantify potential Half facepiece APRs with P100 filters and goggles
hazardous exposures. are required for employees sanding wood pieces.
PAPRs will be available for employees who are
- If worker exposures have not been, or cannot be,
unable to wear an APR.
evaluated they must be considered IDLH.
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Occupational Safety and
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Table 2: Hazard Assessment (Sample Program) - Date of Assessment
Dip Coat Tank Possible IDLH IDLH Pressure demand SAR; confined
Cleaner space entry procedures as specified
in the Confined Space Program for
this workplace
Preparation Respirable wood dust 2.5 - 7.0 mg/m3 15 mg/m3 Half facepiece APRs with P100 filters
Sanding and goggles
Preparation Methylene Chloride 70 ppm 25 ppm PEL Awaiting the installation of ventila-
cleaning/clean 12.5 ppm AL tion; until then, SAR hood with con-
and strip 125 ppm STEL tinuous flow
Assembly Respirable wood dust 2.5 - 6.0 mg/m3 15 mg/m3 Although ventilation has been pro-
IDLH vided, employees still experience res-
pirable dust; half facepiece APRs with
P100 filters and goggles; PAPRs can
be made available to workers who
cannot wear half mask APRs; substi-
tution of aqueous-based glues will
eliminate exposures to formalde-
hyde, methylene chloride, and epoxy
resins
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
• A copy of this program, and a copy of the Respira- - Prior to being allowed to wear any respirator with
tory Protection standard. a tight fitting facepiece.
• The list of hazardous substances by work area, and - Annually.
for each employee requiring evaluation, his or her - When there are changes in the employee’s physi-
work area or job. cal condition that could affect respiratory fit (e.g.,
• The employee’s title, proposed respirator type and obvious change in body weight, facial scarring,
weight, length of time required to wear the respira- etc.).
tor, expected physical work load (light, moderate, • Employees will be fit tested with the make, model,
or heavy), potential temperature and humidity and size of respirator that they will actually wear.
extremes, and any additional protective clothing
required. • Employees will be provided with several models
and sizes of respirators so that they may find an
Any employee required for medical reasons to wear optimal fit.
a positive pressure air purifying respirator will be • Fit testing of PAPRs is to be conducted in the nega-
provided with a powered air purifying respirator. tive pressure mode. The Program Administrator will
After an employee has received clearance and begun to conduct fit tests following the OSHA approved Bi-
wear his or her respirator, additional medical evalua- trex Solution Aerosol QLFT Protocol in Appendix A
tions will be provided if: of the Respiratory Protection standard. The Program
Administrator has determined that QNFT is not re-
• The employee reports signs and/or symptoms quired for the respirators used under current condi-
related to their ability to use a respirator, such as tions at ____________________________. If conditions
shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains, or affecting respirator use change, the Program Admin-
wheezing. istrator will evaluate on a case-by-case basis
• The PLHCP _________or supervisor informs the whether QNFT is required.
Program Administrator that the employee needs to
be reevaluated, additional medical evaluation will be Respirator Use - Responsibilities for Employees are
provided. that they:
• Information from this program, including observa- • Will use their respirators under conditions specified
tions made during fit testing and program evalua- by this program, and in accord with the training they
tion, indicates a need for reevaluation. receive on the use of each particular model. In addi-
• An example of the PLHCP’s or the supervisor’s tion, the respirator must not be used in a manner for
observations that additional medical evaluation is which it is not certified by NIOSH or by its manufac-
needed could be that there has been a change in turer.
workplace conditions that may result in an increased • Must conduct user seal checks each time that they
physiological burden on the employee. wear their respirator.
• Must use either the positive or negative pressure
A list of ____________________________ employees cur- check (depending on which test works best for
rently included in medical surveillance is provided in them) specified in Appendix B-1 of the Respiratory
Table 3 of this program. All examinations and question- Protection standard.
naires are to remain confidential between the employee
and the physician. • Must leave the work area to go to the locker room to
maintain their respirator for the following reasons:
• The following work areas have been identified as - Workers cleaning wood pieces or assembled fur-
having foreseeable emergencies: niture in the Prep department will work with a
buddy. If one of the workers experiences a respira-
- Spray Booth Cleaning Area - spill of hazardous tor malfunction, he/she shall signal this to their
waste buddy. The buddy must immediately stop what he
- Dip Coat Area - malfunction of ventilation system, or she is doing to escort the worker to the Prep
leak in supply system staging area where the worker can safely remove
- Coatings Storage Area - spill or leak of hazardous the SAR.
substances
• When the alarm sounds, employees in the affected IDLH Procedures
department must immediately don their emergency • The Program Administrator has identified the fol-
escape respirator, shut down their process equip- lowing area as presenting the potential for IDLH
ment, and exit the work area. conditions:
• All other employees must immediately evacuate the • Dip Coat Tank Cleaning:
building. ____________________________‘s Emergency - Maintenance workers will be periodically required
Action Plan describes these procedures (including to enter the dip tank to perform scheduled or
proper evacuation routes and rally points) in greater unscheduled maintenance.
detail.
- In such cases, workers will follow the permit-
• Emergency escape respirators are located in: required confined space entry procedures
- Locker #1 in the Spray Booth Area specified in the ____________________________
- Storage cabinet #3 in the Dip Coat/Drying Area Confined Space Program.
- Locker #4 in the Coatings Storage Area - As specified above, the Program Administrator
has determined that workers entering this area
• Respiratory protection in these instances is for es- must wear a pressure demand SAR.
cape purposes only. ____________________________
employees are not trained as emergency respon- - In addition, an appropriately trained and equipped
ders, and are not authorized to act in such a manner. standby person must remain outside the dip tank
and maintain constant voice and visual communi-
cation with the worker.
Respirator Malfunction
- In the event of an emergency requiring the
1. APR Respirator Malfunction: standby person to enter the IDLH environment,
• For any malfunction of an APR (e.g., breakthrough, the standby person must immediately notify the
facepiece leakage, or improperly working valve), the Program Administrator and will proceed with res-
respirator wearer must inform his or her supervisor cue operations in accord with rescue procedures
that the respirator no longer functions, and go to the outlined in the ____________________________
designated safe area to maintain the respirator. The Confined Space Program.
supervisor must ensure that the employee receives
the needed parts to repair the respirator, or is pro- Air Quality
vided with a new respirator.
• For supplied-air respirators, only Grade D breathing
2. Atmosphere-Supplying Respirator Malfunction: air is to be used in the cylinders.
• All workers wearing atmosphere-supplying respira- • The Program Administrator will coordinate deliver-
tors will work with a buddy. ies of compressed air with the company’s vendor,
• Buddies should assist workers who experience an Compressed Air Inc., and require Compressed Air
SAR malfunction as follows: Inc. to certify that the air in the cylinders meets the
specifications of Grade D breathing air.
- If a worker in the spray booth experiences a mal-
function of an SAR, he or she should signal to the • The Program Administrator will maintain a mini-
mum air supply of one fully charged replacement
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
cylinder for each SAR unit. In addition, cylinders • Worn or deteriorated parts will be replaced prior to
may be recharged as necessary from the breathing use.
air cascade system located near the respirator stor- • No components will be replaced or repairs made be-
age area. yond those recommended by the manufacturer.
• The air for this system is provided by ____________’s • Repairs to regulators or alarms of atmosphere-
supplier, and deliveries of new air are coordinated supplying respirators will be conducted by the
by the Program Administrator. manufacturer.
• The following checklist will be used when inspecting
Cleaning, Maintenance and Change Schedules respirators:
and Storage
- Facepiece:
Cleaning
n cracks, tears, or holes
- Respirators are to be regularly cleaned and disin-
fected at the designated respirator cleaning sta- n facemask distortion
tion located in the employee locker room. n cracked or loose lenses/faceshield
- Respirators issued for the exclusive use of a em- - Valves:
ployee are to be cleaned as often as necessary, n Residue or dirt
but at least once a day for workers in the Prep and
Assembly departments. n Cracks or tears in valve material
- Wash the facepiece and associated parts in a mild n cracks or dents in housing
detergent with warm water. Do not use organic n proper cartridge for hazard
solvents.
- Air Supply Systems:
- Rinse completely in clean warm water.
n breathing air quality/grade
- Wipe the respirator with disinfectant wipes (70%
n condition of supply hoses
Isopropyl Alcohol) to kill germs.
n hose connections
- Air dry in a clean area.
n settings on regulators and valves
- Reassemble the respirator and replace any defec-
tive parts. • Employees are permitted to leave their work area
and go to a designated area that is free of respira-
- Place in a clean, dry plastic bag or other airtight
tory hazards when they need to wash their face and
container.
respirator facepiece to prevent any eye or skin irrita-
• Note: The Program Administrator will ensure an ad- tion, or to replace the filter, cartridge or canister, or
equate supply of appropriate cleaning and disinfec- when they detect vapor or gas breakthrough or
tion material at the cleaning station. If supplies are leakage in the facepiece or detect any other damage
low, employees should contact their supervisor, who to the respirator or its components.
will inform the Program Administrator.
Change Schedules
Maintenance - Employees wearing APRs or PAPRs with P100 fil-
• Respirators are to be properly maintained at all ters for protection against wood dust and other
times to ensure that they function properly and ade- particulates need to change the cartridges on their
quately protect the employee. respirators when they first begin to experience dif-
ficulty breathing (i.e., resistance) while wearing
• Maintenance involves a thorough visual inspection
their masks.
for cleanliness and defects.
- Temporarily take the respirator out of service until How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check
it can be repaired. the seals of the respirator;
- Perform a simple fix on the spot such as replacing What the procedures are for maintenance and stor-
a headstrap. age of the respirator;
- Dispose of the respirator due to an irreparable How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that
problem or defect. may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators;
and
• When a respirator is taken out of service, the respi-
rator will be tagged out of service, and the employee The general requirements of the Respiratory Protec-
will be given a replacement of the same make, tion standard.
model and size. • Supervisors will ensure that employees will be re-
• If the employee is not given a replacement of the trained annually or as needed (e.g., if they change
same make, model and size, then the employee departments and need to use a different respirator).
must be fit tested. An employer who is able to demonstrate that a new
employee has received training within the last 12
months that addresses the elements specified in
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
paragraph (k)(1)(i) through (vii) is not required to re- • List factors to be evaluated (see (l)(2).)
peat such training provided that, as required by • Problems identified will be noted in an inspection
paragraph (k)(1), the employee can demonstrate log and corrected by the Program Administrator.
knowledge of those element(s).
• These findings will be reported to _________________
Previous training not repeated initially by the em- management, and the report will list plans to correct
ployer must be provided no later than 12 months deficiencies in the respirator program and target
from the date of the previous training. dates for implementing those corrections.
Retraining shall be administered annually, and when
the following situations occur: 6. Documentation and Recordkeeping
Changes in the workplace or the type of respirator • A written copy of this program and the OSHA
render previous training obsolete; standard is kept in the Program Administrator’s
Inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use office and is available to all employees who wish to
of the respirator indicate that the worker has not review it.
retained the requisite understanding or skill; or • Also maintained in the Program Administrator’s
Any other situation arises in which retraining ap- office are copies of training materials.
pears necessary to ensure safe respirator use. • Copies of fit test records (see (m)(2) of the
The basic advisory information on respirators, as standard). These records will be updated as new fit
presented in Appendix D of the Respiratory Protec- tests are conducted.
tion standard, shall be provided by the employer in • These records will be updated as new employees
any written or oral format to employees who wear are trained and as existing employees receive
respirators when such use is not required by this refresher training.
section or by the employer.
• The Program Administrator will also maintain copies
of the records for all employees covered under the
5. Program Evaluation respirator program (except medical records).
• The Program Administrator will conduct periodic • The completed medical questionnaire and the
evaluations of the workplace to ensure that the pro- PLHCP's documented findings are confidential and
visions of this program are being implemented. will remain at ____________________________. The
• The evaluations will include regular consultations company will only retain the physician’s written
with employees who use respirators and their su- recommendation regarding each employee’s ability
pervisors, site inspections, air monitoring and a re- to wear a respirator.
view of records.
Table 3: A list of __________________________ employees currently included in the medical surveillance program.
Date of Listing.
11 2
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Attachment 6:
NIOSH Tables of Cartridges and Canisters by APFs (Modified to OSHA APFs)
Table 1: Particulate Respirators
Assigned protection1 factor Type of Respirator
5 Quarter mask respirator
10 Any air-purifying elastomeric half mask respirator equipped
with appropriate type of particulate filter.2
Appropriate filtering facepiece respirator.2,3
Any air-purifying full facepiece respirator equipped with
appropriate type of particulate filter.2
Any negative pressure (demand) supplied-air respirator
equipped with a half mask.
25 Any powered air-purifying respirator equipped with a loose-fitting
hood or helmet and a high efficiency (HEPA) filter.
Any continuous flow supplied-air respirator equipped with a
hood or helmet.
50 Any air-purifying full facepiece respirator equipped with
N-100, R-100, or P-100 filter(s).4
Any powered air-purifying respirator equipped with a tight-fitting
facepiece (half or full facepiece) and a high-efficiency filter.
Any negative pressure (demand) supplied-air respirator equipped
with a full facepiece.
Any continuous flow supplied-air respirator equipped with a
tight-fitting facepiece (half or full facepiece).
Any negative pressure (pressure demand) self-contained respirator
equipped with a half or full facepiece.
1,000 Any pressure-demand, or other positive pressure mode,
supplied-air respirator equipped with a full facepiece
Any powered air-purifying respirator with helmet or hood for which
the employer has provided evidence provided by the respirator
manufacturer that testing of these respirators demonstrates
performance at a level of protection of 1,000 or greater.
10,000 Any pressure-demand, or other positive pressure mode self-
contained respirator equipped with a full facepiece.
Any pressure-demand self contained breathing apparatus
respirator equipped with a full facepiece helmet or hood.
1 The protection offered by a given respirator is contingent upon (1) the respirator user adhering to complete program requirements
(such as the ones required by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134), (2) the use of NIOSH-certified respirators in their approved configuration, and
(3) individual fit testing to rule out those respirators that cannot achieve a good fit on individual workers.
2 “Appropriate” means that the filter medium will provide protection against the particulate in question. See step 4.0 for information on
1 The protection offered by a given respirator is contingent upon (1) the respirator user adhering to complete program requirements
(such as the ones required by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134), (2) the use of NIOSH-certified respirators in their approved configuration, and
(3) individual fit testing to rule out those respirators that cannot achieve a good fit on individual workers.
2 Select a cartridge/canister certified to be used for the specific class of chemicals or the specific gas/vapor found in your workplace.
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Table 3: Combination Gas/Vapor and Particulate Respirators
Assigned protection1 factor Type of Respirator
10 Any air-purifying half mask respirator equipped with appropriate
gas/vapor cartridges2 in combination with appropriate type of
particulate filter.3
Any full facepiece respirator with appropriate gas/vapor cartridges2
in combination with appropriate type of particulate filter.3
Any negative pressure (demand) supplied-air respirator equipped
with a half mask.
25 Any powered air-purifying respirator with a loose-fitting hood or
helmet that is equipped with an appropriate gas/vapor cartridge2 in
combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter.
Any continuous flow supplied-air respirator equipped with a hood
or helmet.
50 Any air-purifying full facepiece respirator equipped with appropriate
gas/vapor cartridges2 in combination with an N-100, R-100 or P-100
filter or an appropriate canister2 incorporating an N-100, P-100 or
R-100 filter.
Any powered air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece
(half or full facepiece) equipped with appropriate gas/vapor
cartridges2 in combination with a high-efficiency filter or an
appropriate canister2 incorporating a high-efficiency filter.
Any negative pressure (demand) supplied-air respirator equipped
with a full facepiece.
Any continuous flow supplied-air respirator equipped with a tight-
fitting facepiece (half or full facepiece).
Any negative pressure (demand) self-contained respirator equipped
with a full facepiece.
1,000 Any pressure-demand supplied-air respirator equipped with a half
or full mask.
10,000 Any pressure-demand self-contained respirator equipped with a
full facepiece.
Any pressure-demand supplied-air respirator equipped with a full
facepiece in combination with an auxiliary pressure-demand self-
contained breathing apparatus.
1 The protection offered by a given respirator is contingent upon (1) the respirator user adhering to complete program requirements
(such as the ones required by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.134), (2) the use of NIOSH-certified respirators in their approved configuration, and
(3) individual fit testing to rule out those respirators that cannot achieve a good fit on individual workers.
2 Select a cartridge/canister certified to be used for the specific class of chemicals or the specific gas/vapor found in your workplace.
3 “Appropriate” means that the filter medium will provide protection against the particulate in question.
NIOSH publication 2005-100, Respirator Selection.
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Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Recognition Program (SHARP). Eligibility for Susan Harwood Training and
participation includes, but is not limited to, Education Grants
receiving a full-service, comprehensive OSHA provides grants to nonprofit organizations to
consultation visit, correcting all identified hazards, provide worker education and training on serious
and developing an effective injury and illness job hazards and avoidance/prevention strategies.
prevention program.
Information and Publications
Cooperative Programs OSHA has a variety of educational materials
OSHA offers cooperative programs to help prevent and electronic tools available on its website at
fatalities, injuries and illnesses in the workplace. www.osha.gov. These include Safety and Health
Topics Pages, Safety Fact Sheets, Expert Advisor
n OSHA’s Alliance Program
software, copies of regulations and compliance
Through the Alliance Program, OSHA works with directives, videos and other information for
groups committed to worker safety and health employers and workers. OSHA’s software programs
to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries, and and eTools walk you through safety and health
illnesses. These groups include businesses, trade issues and common problems to find the best
or professional organizations, unions, consulates, solutions for your workplace.
faith- and community-based organizations, and
educational institutions. OSHA and the groups OSHA’s extensive publications help explain OSHA
work together to develop compliance assistance standards, job hazards, and mitigation strategies
tools and resources, share information with and provide assistance in developing effective injury
workers and employers, and educate workers and and illness prevention programs.
employers about their rights and responsibilities.
n Challenge Program For a listing of free publications, visit OSHA’s
This program helps employers and workers website at www.osha.gov or call 1-800-321-OSHA
improve their injury and illness prevention (6742).
programs and implement an effective system to
prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses. QuickTakes
OSHA’s free, twice-monthly online newsletter,
n OSHA Strategic Partnership Program (OSPP)
QuickTakes, offers the latest news about OSHA
Partnerships are formalized through tailored
initiatives and products to assist employers and
agreements designed to encourage, assist and
workers in finding and preventing workplace
recognize partner efforts to eliminate serious
hazards. To sign up for QuickTakes, visit OSHA’s
hazards and achieve model workplace safety and
website at www.osha.gov and click on QuickTakes
health practices.
at the top of the page.
n Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)
The VPP recognize employers and workers Contacting OSHA
in private industry and federal agencies who To order additional copies of this publication, to get
have implemented effective injury and illness a list of other OSHA publications, to ask questions
prevention programs and maintain injury and or to get more information, to contact OSHA’s
illness rates below national Bureau of Labor free consultation service, or to file a confidential
Statistics averages for their respective industries. complaint, contact OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742),
In VPP, management, labor, and OSHA work (TTY) 1-877-889-5627 or visit www.osha.gov.
cooperatively and proactively to prevent fatalities,
injuries, and illnesses.
For assistance, contact us.
OSHA Training Institute We are OSHA. We can help.
Education Centers It’s confidential.
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are a national network of nonprofit organizations
authorized by OSHA to conduct occupational safety
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118
Occupational Safety and
Health Administration
Notes