Revisions to the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) became effective on April 8, 1998. Incorporated within the preamble of this ruling were changes to OSHA regulations for several chemicals or substances, which are listed as subheadings in blue text throughout this appendix. These subheadings, which are also the titles of the affected standards within 29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926, are followed by the standard number(s) in parentheses and the OSHA respirator requirements. Fit testing is required by OSHA for all tight-fitting air-purifying respirators. Please consult 29 CFR 1910.134 for the full content of the changes that apply. For all of the chemicals listed in this appendix, any respirators that are permitted at higher environmental concentrations can be used at lower concentrations.
Revisions to the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) became effective on April 8, 1998. Incorporated within the preamble of this ruling were changes to OSHA regulations for several chemicals or substances, which are listed as subheadings in blue text throughout this appendix. These subheadings, which are also the titles of the affected standards within 29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926, are followed by the standard number(s) in parentheses and the OSHA respirator requirements. Fit testing is required by OSHA for all tight-fitting air-purifying respirators. Please consult 29 CFR 1910.134 for the full content of the changes that apply. For all of the chemicals listed in this appendix, any respirators that are permitted at higher environmental concentrations can be used at lower concentrations.
Employees engaged in handling operations involving the carcinogens listed below must be provided with, and required to wear and use, a half-mask filter-type respirator for dusts, mists, and fumes. A respirator affording higher levels of protection than this respirator may be substituted.
13 Carcinogens (4-Nitrobiphenyl, etc.) (1910.1003) 2-Acetylaminofluorene 4-Dimethylaminoazobenezene beta-Naphthylamine 4-Aminodiphenyl Ethyleneimine 4-Nitrobiphenyl Benzidine Methyl chloromethyl ether N-Nitrosodimethylamine bis-Chloromethyl ether alpha-Naphthylamine beta-Propiolactone 3,3′-Dichlorobenzidine (and its salts)(2) Supplied-air respirator with half-mask facepiece.
< or = 100 ppm or maximum use concentration of cartridges or canisters, whichever is lower (1) Full-facepiece respirator with (A) organic vapor cartridges,(B) organic vapor gas mask, chin-style, or (C) organic vapor gas mask canister, front- or back-mounted;(2) Supplied-air respirator with full facepiece; or
(3) Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece.
< or = 4,000 ppm Supplied-air respirator operated in positive-pressure mode with full facepiece, helmet, suit, or hood. > 4,000 ppm or unknown concentration (1) Supplied-air and auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece in positive-pressure mode; or(2) Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece in positive-pressure mode.
Firefighting Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece in positive-pressure mode. Escape (1) Any organic vapor respirator; or(2) Any self-contained breathing apparatus.
(2) Any half-mask supplied air respirator.
< or = 500 µg/m3 (1) Full facepiece air-purifying respirator equipped with high-efficiency filter*;(2) Any full-facepiece supplied-air respirator; or
(3) Any full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus.
< or = 10,000 µg/m3 (1) Powered air-purifying respirators in all inlet face coverings with high-efficiency filters*; or(2) Half-mask supplied-air respirators operated in positive-pressure mode.
< or = 20,000 µg/m3 Supplied-air respirator with full facepiece, hood, or helmet or suit, operated in positive-pressure mode. > 20,000 µg/m3, unknown concentrations, or firefighting Any full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus operated in positive-pressure mode.* A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-disperesed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
(2) Any half-mask* supplied-air respirator.
< or = 500 µg/m3 (1) Front- or back-mounted gas mask equipped with high-efficiency filter** and acid gas canister;(2) Any full-facepiece supplied-air respirator; or
(3) Any full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus.
< or = 10,000 µg/m3 Half-mask* supplied-air respirator operated in positive-pressure mode. < or = 20,000 µg/m3 Supplied-air respirator with full facepiece, hood, or helmet or suit, operated in positive-pressure mode. > 20,000 µg/m3, unknown concentrations, or firefighting Any full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus operated in positive-pressure mode.* Half-mask respirators shall not be used for protection against arsenic trichloride, as it is rapidly absorbed through the skin.
** A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-disperesed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
* A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
(2) Full-facepiece gas mask with chin-style canisters*.
< or = 100 ppm Full-facepiece powered air-purifying respirator with organic vapor canister*. < or = 1,000 ppm Supplied-air respirator with full facepiece in positive-pressure mode. > 1,000 ppm or unknown concentration (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece in positive-pressure mode; or(2) Full-facepiece positive-pressure supplied-air respirator with auxiliary self-contained air supply.
Escape (1) Any organic vapor gas mask; or(2) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece.
Firefighting Full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus in positive-pressure mode. * Canisters must have a minimum service life of four (4) hours when tested at 150 ppm benzene, at a flow rate of 64 liters per minute (LPM), 25°C, and 85% relative humidity for non-powered air-purifying respirators. The flow rate shall be 115 LPM and 170 LPM, respectively, for tight-fitting and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators.(2) Any powered air-purifying respirator equipped with approved butadiene or organic vapor cartridges or canisters. Cartridges or canisters shall be replaced every [1] hour; or
(3) Continuous-flow supplied-air respirator equipped with a hood or helmet.
< or = 50 ppm (1) Air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with approved butadiene or organic vapor cartridges or canisters. Cartridges or canisters shall be replaced every [1] hour; or(2) Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) equipped with a tight-fitting facepiece and approved butadiene or organic vapor cartridges. PAPR cartridges shall be replaced every [1] hour.
< or = 1,000 ppm Supplied-air respirator equipped with a half-mask or full facepiece and operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. > 1,000 ppm, unknown concentration, or firefighting (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus equipped with a full facepiece and operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode; or(2) Any supplied-air respirator equipped with a full facepiece and operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Escape from IDLH conditions IDLH is 2,000 ppm) (1) Any positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus with an appropriate service life; or(2) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with a front- or back-mounted butadiene or organic vapor canister.
(2) Supplied-air respirator with a loose-fitting hood or helmet facepiece operated in continuous-flow mode.
< or = 250 µg/m3 (1) Full-facepiece air-purifying respirator equipped with a high-efficiency filter*;(2) Powered air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting half-mask equipped with a high-efficiency filter*; or
(3) Supplied-air respirator with a tight-fitting half-mask operated in continuous-flow mode.
< or = 1,250 µg/m3 (1) Powered air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting full facepiece equipped with a high-efficiency filter*; or(2) Supplied-air respirator with a tight-fitting full facepiece operated in continuous-flow mode.
< or = 5,000 µg/m3 Supplied-air respirator with half-mask or full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. > 5,000 µg/m3 or unknown concentration (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode; or(2) Supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode and equipped with an auxiliary escape-type self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand mode.
Firefighting Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.Note: Quantitative fit testing is required for all tight-fitting air-purifying respirators where airborne concentration of cadmium exceeds 10 times the TWA PEL (10 X 5 µg/m3 = 50 µg/m3). A full-facepiece respirator is required when eye irritation is expected.
* A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
(2) Any particulate filter respirator or combination chemical cartridge and particulate filter respirator for coke oven emissions.
Any concentrations (1) Type C supplied-air respirator operated in pressure-demand or continuous-flow mode;(2) Powered air-purifying particulate filter respirator for dust and mist; or
(3) Powered air-purifying particulate filter respirator or combination chemical cartridge and particulate filter respirator for coke oven emissions.
* A disposable respirator means the filter element is an inseparable part of the respirator.
** A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
Notes: Self-contained breathing apparatus are not required but are permitted respirators.
Supplied-air respirators are not required but are permitted under the following conditions:
Cotton dust concentration not greater than 10X the PEL: Any supplied air respirator; not greater than 100X the PEL: Any supplied-air respirator with full facepiece, helmet, or hood; greater than 100X the PEL: Supplied-air respirator operated in positive-pressure mode.
(2) any self-contained breathing apparatus.
< or = 50 ppb (1) Any supplied-air respirator with full facepiece, helmet, or hood; or(2) any self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece.
< or = 1,000 ppb Type C supplied-air respirator operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure or continuous-flow mode. < or = 2,000 ppb Type C supplied-air respirator with full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode, or with full facepiece, helmet, or hood operated in continuous-flow mode. > 2,000 ppb or entry and escape from unknown concentrations (1) A combination respirator which includes a Type C supplied-air respirator with full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure or continuous-flow mode and an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand or positive-pressure mode; or(2) Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Firefighting Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.(2) Continuous-flow supplied-air respirator (positive-pressure) equipped with hood, helmet, or suit.
> 2,000 ppm or unknown concentrations (1) Positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus equipped with full facepiece; or(2) Positive-pressure full-facepiece supplied-air respirator equipped with an auxiliary positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.
Firefighting Positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus equipped with full facepiece. Escape Any respirator described above.(2) Type C supplied-air respirator, demand type or continuous flow type, with full facepiece, hood, or helmet.
> 75 ppm (100 X PEL) or unknown concentrations (emergencies) (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus with positive-pressure full-facepiece; or(2) Combination supplied-air, full-facepiece positive-pressure respirator with auxiliary self-contained air supply.
Firefighting Self-contained breathing apparatus with positive-pressure in full facepiece. Escape (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus in demand or pressure-demand mode; or(2) Full-face mask respirator with chin-style or front- or back-mounted type industrial size canister specifically approved for protection against formaldehyde.
* A half-mask respirator with cartridges specifically approved for protection against formaldehyde can be substituted for the full-facepiece respirator providing that effective gas-proof goggles are provided and used in combination with the half-mask respirator.(2) Half-mask* supplied-air respirator operated in positive-pressure mode.
< or = 100 mg/m3 (2000 X PEL) Supplied-air respirators with full facepiece, hood, helmet, or suit, operated in positive-pressure mode. > 100 mg/m3, unknown concentration, or firefighting Full-facepiece, self-contained breathing apparatus operated in positive-pressure mode. * Full facepiece is required if the lead aerosols cause eye or skin irritation at the use concentrations. ** A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.(2) Half-mask* supplied-air respirator operated in demand (negative pressure) mode.
< or = 1.25 mg/m3 (1) Loose-fitting hood or helmet powered air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters**; or(2) Hood or helmet supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode (e.g., Type CE abrasive blasting respirators operated in a continuous-flow mode).
< or = 2.5 mg/m3 (1) Full-facepiece air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters**;(2) Tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters**;
(3) Full-facepiece supplied-air respirator operated in demand mode;
(4) Half-mask* or full-facepiece supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode; or
(5) Full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus operated in demand mode.
< or = 50 mg/m3 Half-mask* supplied-air respirator operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. < or = 100 mg/m3 Full-facepiece supplied-air respirator operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (e.g., Type CE abrasive blasting respirators operated in a continuous-flow mode). > 100 mg/m3, unknown concentration, or firefighting Full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.* Full facepiece is required if the lead aerosols cause eye or skin irritation at the use concentrations.
** A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
(2) Full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus operated in negative-pressure (demand) mode.
< or = 5,000 ppm (200 X PEL) (1) Continuous-flow supplied-air respirator, full-facepiece;(2) Pressure-demand supplied-air respirator, full-facepiece; or
(3) Positive-pressure full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus.
> 5,000 ppm or unknown concentration (1) Positive-pressure full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus; or(2) Full-facepiece pressure-demand supplied-air respirator with an auxiliary self-contained air supply.
Firefighting Positive-pressure full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus. Emergency escape (1) Any continuous-flow or pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus; or(2) Gas mask with organic vapor canister.
(2) Full-facepiece positive-pressure demand supplied-air respirator with auxiliary self-contained air supply.
Escape (1) Any full-facepiece air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency* cartridges**; or(2) Any positive-pressure or continuous-flow self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece or hood.
Firefighting Full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus in positive-pressure demand mode.* A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
** Combination High-Efficiency/Organic Vapor Cartridges shall be used whenever Methylenedianiline is in liquid form or a process requiring heat is used.
(2) Type C supplied-air respirator, demand type, with half facepiece; or
(3) Any chemical cartridge respiratorchemical cartridge respirator with an organic vapor cartridge which provides a service life of at least 1 hour for concentrations of vinyl chloride up to 10 ppm.
< or = 25 ppm (1) Powered air-purifying respirator with hood, helmet, full or half facepiece, and a canister which provides a service life of at least 4 hours for concentrations of vinyl chloride up to 25 ppm; or(2) Gas mask with front- or back-mounted canister which provides a service life of at least 4 hours for concentrations of vinyl chloride up to 25 ppm.
< or = 100 ppm (1) Combination Type C supplied-air respirator, demand type, with full facepiece, and auxiliary self-contained air supply; or(2) Open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece, in demand mode; or
(3) Type C supplied-air respirator, demand type, with full facepiece.
< or = 1,000 ppm Type C supplied-air respirator, continuous-flow type, with full or half facepiece, helmet, or hood. < or = 3,600 ppm (1) Combination Type C supplied-air respirator, pressure demand type, with full or half facepiece, and auxiliary self-contained air supply; or(2) Combination type continuous-flow supplied-air respirator with full or half facepiece and auxiliary self-contained air supply.
> 3,600 ppm or unknown concentration Open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus, pressure-demand type, with full facepiece.Some employers and consumers are considering purchasing escape hoods or other respirators to protect themselves against potential terrorist threats, including biological and chemical substances. This guidance will provide information on what respirators are, how they work, and what is needed for a respirator to provide protection.
If available and used correctly, a respirator can selectively reduce the exposure you might otherwise receive. Respirators have been used for many years in the workplace, where employers have programs to make sure the proper masks are selected and that the respirator fits. When consumers use respirators, they don’t have such support, so this fact sheet includes lots of background information to help consumers understand the limitations and cautions that need to be considered. The goal is to avoid unintended problems that might occur through lack of understanding or a false sense of security.
As a first step, plan how to respond if an emergency happens. A respirator is only one small part of that plan. There may be situations in which it’s simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside, a process known as “shelter-in-place,” as a means of survival. Use available information to assess the situation. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you may want to take this kind of action. The US Department of Homeland Security offers information on shelter-in-place and other emergency planning recommendations on its Internet site, and through a toll-free number, 1-800-BE-READY.
Respiratory protection is effective only if:
Each type of respirator can come in several varieties, each with its own set of cautions, limitations, and restrictions of use. Some respirators require testing to ensure a tight fit to the face, and should not be used with facial hair. Others use a nose clip and mouthpiece, which is clenched between your teeth, similar to a snorkel. Some respirators prevent the user from talking while others have speaking capabilities. Every respirator contaminated with hazardous chemicals should be decontaminated and disposed of properly.
All respirators require training to be properly used. Sometimes you can practice using your own respirator. Some escape respirators come in a package that must remain sealed until use, so you need to be trained using a special “practice” version. Training is extremely important in regard to the storage, maintenance, use, and discarding of the respirator. This information is provided by the supplier of the respirator (i.e. seller, distributor, or manufacturer).
If you do not use a respirator correctly, it is very likely that it will not protect you-and may even hurt you. The following information will help you understand what a respirator is, and how it should be used.
A respirator is a device to protect you from inhaling dangerous substances, such as chemicals and infectious particles. There are several different types of respirators, as described below.
Escape respirators are designed to be used only in an emergency, and only to escape from a dangerous area to a safe area. There are several escape respirators on the market. Many of them use a hood with a neck seal instead of a facepiece. They are typically designed for one-time use for a short period, typically 15 minutes to 1 hour. They may be available in a variety of sizes and will fit most adults. Individuals with small or very large neck sizes may not be able to use some escape hood designs-check the supplier product information before purchasing.
Particulate respirators are the simplest, least expensive, and least protective of the respirator types available. These respirators only protect against particles. They do not protect against chemicals, gases, or vapors, and are intended only for low hazard levels. The commonly known “N-95” filtering facepiece respirator is one type of particulate respirator, often used in hospital to protect against infectious agents. Particulate respirators are “air-purifying respirators” because they clean particles out of the air as you breathe. Even if you can’t see the particles, there may be too many in the air for this respirator to provide adequate protection.
Gas masks are also known as “air-purifying respirators” because they filter or clean chemical gases and possibly particles out of the air as you breathe. This respirator includes a facepiece or mask, and a filter/cartridge (if the filter is in a metal shell it is called a “canister”). Straps secure the facepiece to the head. The cartridge may have a filter to remove particles (such as a biological weapon), charcoal (to remove certain chemicals), both, or other parts. When the user inhales, air is pulled through the filter.
Gas Masks are effective only if used with the correct cartridge or filter (these terms are often used interchangeably) for a particular biological or chemical substance. Selecting the proper filter can be a complicated process. There are cartridges available that protect against more than one hazard, but there is no “all-in-one” filter that protects against all substances. You need to know what hazards you will face in order to be certain you are choosing the right filters.
Powered air-purifying respirators use a fan to blow air through the filter to the user. They are easier to breathe through and they need a fully charged battery to work properly. They use the same filters as gas masks, so you need to know what the hazard is, and how much of it is in the air.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is the respirator commonly used by firefighters. These use their own air tank to supply clean air, so you don’t need to worry about filters. They also protect against higher concentrations of dangerous chemicals. However, they are very heavy (30 pounds or more), and require very special training to use and to maintain them. Also, the air tanks typically last an hour or less depending upon their rating and how hard you are breathing.
At the end of this Fact Sheet, you will find a list of questions you should ask before purchasing a Gas Mask or Escape Respirator.
These respirators must be selected for protection against a specific hazard.
The cautions, limitations and restriction of use provided with the respirator must be strictly followed. If your mask does not make a tight seal all the way around your face when you inhale, you may breathe contaminated air that leaks around the edges of the face seal. Anything that prevents the face mask from fitting tightly against your face, such as a beard or long sideburns, may cause leakage. Some respirators come in different styles and sizes, and fit different people differently because people’s faces have different shapes. You also need training to know how to correctly put the mask on and wear it correctly. This information should be provided by the supplier of the respirator.
Gas Masks and Escape Respirators reduce exposure to the hazard, but if the exposure is such that it goes beyond what the filter is capable of handling (either because the amount of toxic gas or particles is more than what the filter is designed to handle, or because the exposure lasts longer than what the filter is designed to handle), the filter may not be effective in providing required protection. Also, there may be a small amount of leakage even if the fit of the respirator has been tested. If so, and if there is large amount of a toxic chemical in the outside air, even that small leakage can be dangerous.
Breathing through a respirator is harder than breathing in open air. People with lung diseases such as asthma or emphysema, elderly people, and others may have trouble breathing. Some people with claustrophobia may not be able to wear a mask or hooded respirator. Some people with vision problems may have trouble seeing while wearing a mask or hood (there are special masks for people who need glasses).
There are a variety of problems with fit and use of respirators for children, especially small children and infants. For example, currently available masks are unlikely to fit the faces of small children and infants. As with respirator use by anybody, fit-testing, training, and proper use and maintenance are essential.
Cartridges, filters, and masks get old. Cartridges can have a limited life. If the filter cartridges that attach to the mask are outdated, have been open to the air or are damaged, you are not protected. Cartridges that contain charcoal or other chemicals for filtering the air should be in air-tight packages. If cartridges are open or not packed in air-tight packaging, they should not be used. Even cartridges in original packaging have expiration dates that should be checked before purchase. Also, over time your mask can get old and break down. Keep your mask in a clean, dry place, away from extreme heat or cold. Inspect it according to the manufacturers instructions.
The filter cartridges protect against only certain inhaled airborne substances. Some dangerous chemicals are absorbed through the skin. Properly selected and worn gas masks and escape respirators must be combined with protective clothing to completely prevent injury from these chemicals.
Gas Masks do not provide oxygen. If used in an environment with low oxygen levels, such as a fire, you are in danger of suffocation.
It’s important to read the manufacturer’s information if your main concern is to be able to escape from a smoke-filled building. Smoke particles can rapidly clog gas mask filters, and filters with special chemicals are needed to protect against carbon monoxide and other gases that may occur in a fire. Not all gas masks and escape respirators protect against these hazards. Some components, including hoods and facepieces, of many of the gas masks and escape respirators may melt if exposed to a fire.
That depends on how much filtering capacity the respirator has and the amount of hazard in the air – the more chemical or biological hazard in the air (higher concentration), the shorter the time your filter will last. There is no absolute time limit, and it will vary by each respirator model’s capacities. That’s why your emergency plan must include some idea of how to get to a safe area before the filtering capabilities of the mask runs out.
No agency in the U.S. tests and certifies respirators for use by the general public, however, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tests and certifies respirators for use by workers to protect against workplace hazards. Respirators certified by NIOSH will say “NIOSH Approved” and may have a certification number. However, NIOSH only certifies respirators against specific hazards. Just because a respirator is certified does not mean it will protect against ALL hazards. NIOSH-certified respirators are supplied with Approval Labels that identify the hazards that the respirator is approved to protect against. If you are buying a respirator, you should check the Approval Label to be sure that it has been certified against the hazards you want protection against.
Employees engaged in handling operations involving the carcinogens listed below must be provided with, and required to wear and use, a half-mask filter-type respirator for dusts, mists, and fumes. A respirator affording higher levels of protection than this respirator may be substituted.
13 Carcinogens (4-Nitrobiphenyl, etc.) (1910.1003) 2-Acetylaminofluorene 4-Dimethylaminoazobenezene beta-Naphthylamine 4-Aminodiphenyl Ethyleneimine 4-Nitrobiphenyl Benzidine Methyl chloromethyl ether N-Nitrosodimethylamine bis-Chloromethyl ether alpha-Naphthylamine beta-Propiolactone 3,3′-Dichlorobenzidine (and its salts)(2) Supplied-air respirator with half-mask facepiece.
< or = 100 ppm or maximum use concentration of cartridges or canisters, whichever is lower (1) Full-facepiece respirator with (A) organic vapor cartridges,(B) organic vapor gas mask, chin-style, or (C) organic vapor gas mask canister, front- or back-mounted;(2) Supplied-air respirator with full facepiece; or
(3) Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece.
< or = 4,000 ppm Supplied-air respirator operated in positive-pressure mode with full facepiece, helmet, suit, or hood. > 4,000 ppm or unknown concentration (1) Supplied-air and auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece in positive-pressure mode; or(2) Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece in positive-pressure mode.
Firefighting Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece in positive-pressure mode. Escape (1) Any organic vapor respirator; or(2) Any self-contained breathing apparatus.
(2) Any half-mask supplied air respirator.
< or = 500 µg/m3 (1) Full facepiece air-purifying respirator equipped with high-efficiency filter*;(2) Any full-facepiece supplied-air respirator; or
(3) Any full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus.
< or = 10,000 µg/m3 (1) Powered air-purifying respirators in all inlet face coverings with high-efficiency filters*; or(2) Half-mask supplied-air respirators operated in positive-pressure mode.
< or = 20,000 µg/m3 Supplied-air respirator with full facepiece, hood, or helmet or suit, operated in positive-pressure mode. > 20,000 µg/m3, unknown concentrations, or firefighting Any full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus operated in positive-pressure mode.* A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-disperesed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
(2) Any half-mask* supplied-air respirator.
< or = 500 µg/m3 (1) Front- or back-mounted gas mask equipped with high-efficiency filter** and acid gas canister;(2) Any full-facepiece supplied-air respirator; or
(3) Any full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus.
< or = 10,000 µg/m3 Half-mask* supplied-air respirator operated in positive-pressure mode. < or = 20,000 µg/m3 Supplied-air respirator with full facepiece, hood, or helmet or suit, operated in positive-pressure mode. > 20,000 µg/m3, unknown concentrations, or firefighting Any full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus operated in positive-pressure mode.* Half-mask respirators shall not be used for protection against arsenic trichloride, as it is rapidly absorbed through the skin.
** A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-disperesed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
* A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
(2) Full-facepiece gas mask with chin-style canisters*.
< or = 100 ppm Full-facepiece powered air-purifying respirator with organic vapor canister*. < or = 1,000 ppm Supplied-air respirator with full facepiece in positive-pressure mode. > 1,000 ppm or unknown concentration (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece in positive-pressure mode; or(2) Full-facepiece positive-pressure supplied-air respirator with auxiliary self-contained air supply.
Escape (1) Any organic vapor gas mask; or(2) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece.
Firefighting Full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus in positive-pressure mode. * Canisters must have a minimum service life of four (4) hours when tested at 150 ppm benzene, at a flow rate of 64 liters per minute (LPM), 25°C, and 85% relative humidity for non-powered air-purifying respirators. The flow rate shall be 115 LPM and 170 LPM, respectively, for tight-fitting and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators.(2) Any powered air-purifying respirator equipped with approved butadiene or organic vapor cartridges or canisters. Cartridges or canisters shall be replaced every [1] hour; or
(3) Continuous-flow supplied-air respirator equipped with a hood or helmet.
< or = 50 ppm (1) Air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with approved butadiene or organic vapor cartridges or canisters. Cartridges or canisters shall be replaced every [1] hour; or(2) Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) equipped with a tight-fitting facepiece and approved butadiene or organic vapor cartridges. PAPR cartridges shall be replaced every [1] hour.
< or = 1,000 ppm Supplied-air respirator equipped with a half-mask or full facepiece and operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. > 1,000 ppm, unknown concentration, or firefighting (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus equipped with a full facepiece and operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode; or(2) Any supplied-air respirator equipped with a full facepiece and operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Escape from IDLH conditions IDLH is 2,000 ppm) (1) Any positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus with an appropriate service life; or(2) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with a front- or back-mounted butadiene or organic vapor canister.
(2) Supplied-air respirator with a loose-fitting hood or helmet facepiece operated in continuous-flow mode.
< or = 250 µg/m3 (1) Full-facepiece air-purifying respirator equipped with a high-efficiency filter*;(2) Powered air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting half-mask equipped with a high-efficiency filter*; or
(3) Supplied-air respirator with a tight-fitting half-mask operated in continuous-flow mode.
< or = 1,250 µg/m3 (1) Powered air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting full facepiece equipped with a high-efficiency filter*; or(2) Supplied-air respirator with a tight-fitting full facepiece operated in continuous-flow mode.
< or = 5,000 µg/m3 Supplied-air respirator with half-mask or full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. > 5,000 µg/m3 or unknown concentration (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode; or(2) Supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode and equipped with an auxiliary escape-type self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand mode.
Firefighting Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.Note: Quantitative fit testing is required for all tight-fitting air-purifying respirators where airborne concentration of cadmium exceeds 10 times the TWA PEL (10 X 5 µg/m3 = 50 µg/m3). A full-facepiece respirator is required when eye irritation is expected.
* A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
(2) Any particulate filter respirator or combination chemical cartridge and particulate filter respirator for coke oven emissions.
Any concentrations (1) Type C supplied-air respirator operated in pressure-demand or continuous-flow mode;(2) Powered air-purifying particulate filter respirator for dust and mist; or
(3) Powered air-purifying particulate filter respirator or combination chemical cartridge and particulate filter respirator for coke oven emissions.
* A disposable respirator means the filter element is an inseparable part of the respirator.
** A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
Notes: Self-contained breathing apparatus are not required but are permitted respirators.
Supplied-air respirators are not required but are permitted under the following conditions:
Cotton dust concentration not greater than 10X the PEL: Any supplied air respirator; not greater than 100X the PEL: Any supplied-air respirator with full facepiece, helmet, or hood; greater than 100X the PEL: Supplied-air respirator operated in positive-pressure mode.
(2) any self-contained breathing apparatus.
< or = 50 ppb (1) Any supplied-air respirator with full facepiece, helmet, or hood; or(2) any self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece.
< or = 1,000 ppb Type C supplied-air respirator operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure or continuous-flow mode. < or = 2,000 ppb Type C supplied-air respirator with full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode, or with full facepiece, helmet, or hood operated in continuous-flow mode. > 2,000 ppb or entry and escape from unknown concentrations (1) A combination respirator which includes a Type C supplied-air respirator with full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure or continuous-flow mode and an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand or positive-pressure mode; or(2) Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.
Firefighting Self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.(2) Continuous-flow supplied-air respirator (positive-pressure) equipped with hood, helmet, or suit.
> 2,000 ppm or unknown concentrations (1) Positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus equipped with full facepiece; or(2) Positive-pressure full-facepiece supplied-air respirator equipped with an auxiliary positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.
Firefighting Positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus equipped with full facepiece. Escape Any respirator described above.(2) Type C supplied-air respirator, demand type or continuous flow type, with full facepiece, hood, or helmet.
> 75 ppm (100 X PEL) or unknown concentrations (emergencies) (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus with positive-pressure full-facepiece; or(2) Combination supplied-air, full-facepiece positive-pressure respirator with auxiliary self-contained air supply.
Firefighting Self-contained breathing apparatus with positive-pressure in full facepiece. Escape (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus in demand or pressure-demand mode; or(2) Full-face mask respirator with chin-style or front- or back-mounted type industrial size canister specifically approved for protection against formaldehyde.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit wholesale safety vest.
* A half-mask respirator with cartridges specifically approved for protection against formaldehyde can be substituted for the full-facepiece respirator providing that effective gas-proof goggles are provided and used in combination with the half-mask respirator.(2) Half-mask* supplied-air respirator operated in positive-pressure mode.
< or = 100 mg/m3 (2000 X PEL) Supplied-air respirators with full facepiece, hood, helmet, or suit, operated in positive-pressure mode. > 100 mg/m3, unknown concentration, or firefighting Full-facepiece, self-contained breathing apparatus operated in positive-pressure mode. * Full facepiece is required if the lead aerosols cause eye or skin irritation at the use concentrations. ** A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.(2) Half-mask* supplied-air respirator operated in demand (negative pressure) mode.
< or = 1.25 mg/m3 (1) Loose-fitting hood or helmet powered air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters**; or(2) Hood or helmet supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode (e.g., Type CE abrasive blasting respirators operated in a continuous-flow mode).
< or = 2.5 mg/m3 (1) Full-facepiece air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters**;(2) Tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters**;
(3) Full-facepiece supplied-air respirator operated in demand mode;
(4) Half-mask* or full-facepiece supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode; or
(5) Full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus operated in demand mode.
< or = 50 mg/m3 Half-mask* supplied-air respirator operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode. < or = 100 mg/m3 Full-facepiece supplied-air respirator operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (e.g., Type CE abrasive blasting respirators operated in a continuous-flow mode). > 100 mg/m3, unknown concentration, or firefighting Full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.* Full facepiece is required if the lead aerosols cause eye or skin irritation at the use concentrations.
** A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
(2) Full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus operated in negative-pressure (demand) mode.
< or = 5,000 ppm (200 X PEL) (1) Continuous-flow supplied-air respirator, full-facepiece;(2) Pressure-demand supplied-air respirator, full-facepiece; or
(3) Positive-pressure full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus.
> 5,000 ppm or unknown concentration (1) Positive-pressure full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus; or(2) Full-facepiece pressure-demand supplied-air respirator with an auxiliary self-contained air supply.
Firefighting Positive-pressure full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus. Emergency escape (1) Any continuous-flow or pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus; or(2) Gas mask with organic vapor canister.
(2) Full-facepiece positive-pressure demand supplied-air respirator with auxiliary self-contained air supply.
Escape (1) Any full-facepiece air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency* cartridges**; or(2) Any positive-pressure or continuous-flow self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece or hood.
Firefighting Full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus in positive-pressure demand mode.* A high-efficiency filter means a filter that is at least 99.97% efficient against mono-dispersed particles of 0.3 µm (micrometers) in diameter or higher.
** Combination High-Efficiency/Organic Vapor Cartridges shall be used whenever Methylenedianiline is in liquid form or a process requiring heat is used.
(2) Type C supplied-air respirator, demand type, with half facepiece; or
(3) Any chemical cartridge respirator with an organic vapor cartridge which provides a service life of at least 1 hour for concentrations of vinyl chloride up to 10 ppm.
< or = 25 ppm (1) Powered air-purifying respirator with hood, helmet, full or half facepiece, and a canister which provides a service life of at least 4 hours for concentrations of vinyl chloride up to 25 ppm; or(2) Gas mask with front- or back-mounted canister which provides a service life of at least 4 hours for concentrations of vinyl chloride up to 25 ppm.
< or = 100 ppm (1) Combination Type C supplied-air respirator, demand type, with full facepiece, and auxiliary self-contained air supply; or(2) Open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece, in demand mode; or
(3) Type C supplied-air respirator, demand type, with full facepiece.
< or = 1,000 ppm Type C supplied-air respirator, continuous-flow type, with full or half facepiece, helmet, or hood. < or = 3,600 ppm (1) Combination Type C supplied-air respirator, pressure demand type, with full or half facepiece, and auxiliary self-contained air supply; or(2) Combination type continuous-flow supplied-air respirator with full or half facepiece and auxiliary self-contained air supply.
> 3,600 ppm or unknown concentration Open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus, pressure-demand type, with full facepiece.Some employers and consumers are considering purchasing escape hoods or other respirators to protect themselves against potential terrorist threats, including biological and chemical substances. This guidance will provide information on what respirators are, how they work, and what is needed for a respirator to provide protection.
If available and used correctly, a respirator can selectively reduce the exposure you might otherwise receive. Respirators have been used for many years in the workplace, where employers have programs to make sure the proper masks are selected and that the respirator fits. When consumers use respirators, they don’t have such support, so this fact sheet includes lots of background information to help consumers understand the limitations and cautions that need to be considered. The goal is to avoid unintended problems that might occur through lack of understanding or a false sense of security.
As a first step, plan how to respond if an emergency happens. A respirator is only one small part of that plan. There may be situations in which it’s simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside, a process known as “shelter-in-place,” as a means of survival. Use available information to assess the situation. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you may want to take this kind of action. The US Department of Homeland Security offers information on shelter-in-place and other emergency planning recommendations on its Internet site, and through a toll-free number, 1-800-BE-READY.
Respiratory protection is effective only if:
Each type of respirator can come in several varieties, each with its own set of cautions, limitations, and restrictions of use. Some respirators require testing to ensure a tight fit to the face, and should not be used with facial hair. Others use a nose clip and mouthpiece, which is clenched between your teeth, similar to a snorkel. Some respirators prevent the user from talking while others have speaking capabilities. Every respirator contaminated with hazardous chemicals should be decontaminated and disposed of properly.
All respirators require training to be properly used. Sometimes you can practice using your own respirator. Some escape respirators come in a package that must remain sealed until use, so you need to be trained using a special “practice” version. Training is extremely important in regard to the storage, maintenance, use, and discarding of the respirator. This information is provided by the supplier of the respirator (i.e. seller, distributor, or manufacturer).
If you do not use a respirator correctly, it is very likely that it will not protect you-and may even hurt you. The following information will help you understand what a respirator is, and how it should be used.
A respirator is a device to protect you from inhaling dangerous substances, such as chemicals and infectious particles. There are several different types of respirators, as described below.
Escape respirators are designed to be used only in an emergency, and only to escape from a dangerous area to a safe area. There are several escape respirators on the market. Many of them use a hood with a neck seal instead of a facepiece. They are typically designed for one-time use for a short period, typically 15 minutes to 1 hour. They may be available in a variety of sizes and will fit most adults. Individuals with small or very large neck sizes may not be able to use some escape hood designs-check the supplier product information before purchasing.
Particulate respirators are the simplest, least expensive, and least protective of the respirator types available. These respirators only protect against particles. They do not protect against chemicals, gases, or vapors, and are intended only for low hazard levels. The commonly known “N-95” filtering facepiece respirator is one type of particulate respirator, often used in hospital to protect against infectious agents. Particulate respirators are “air-purifying respirators” because they clean particles out of the air as you breathe. Even if you can’t see the particles, there may be too many in the air for this respirator to provide adequate protection.
Gas masks are also known as “air-purifying respirators” because they filter or clean chemical gases and possibly particles out of the air as you breathe. This respirator includes a facepiece or mask, and a filter/cartridge (if the filter is in a metal shell it is called a “canister”). Straps secure the facepiece to the head. The cartridge may have a filter to remove particles (such as a biological weapon), charcoal (to remove certain chemicals), both, or other parts. When the user inhales, air is pulled through the filter.
Gas Masks are effective only if used with the correct cartridge or filter (these terms are often used interchangeably) for a particular biological or chemical substance. Selecting the proper filter can be a complicated process. There are cartridges available that protect against more than one hazard, but there is no “all-in-one” filter that protects against all substances. You need to know what hazards you will face in order to be certain you are choosing the right filters.
Powered air-purifying respirators use a fan to blow air through the filter to the user. They are easier to breathe through and they need a fully charged battery to work properly. They use the same filters as gas masks, so you need to know what the hazard is, and how much of it is in the air.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is the respirator commonly used by firefighters. These use their own air tank to supply clean air, so you don’t need to worry about filters. They also protect against higher concentrations of dangerous chemicals. However, they are very heavy (30 pounds or more), and require very special training to use and to maintain them. Also, the air tanks typically last an hour or less depending upon their rating and how hard you are breathing.
At the end of this Fact Sheet, you will find a list of questions you should ask before purchasing a Gas Mask or Escape Respirator.
These respirators must be selected for protection against a specific hazard.
The cautions, limitations and restriction of use provided with the respirator must be strictly followed. If your mask does not make a tight seal all the way around your face when you inhale, you may breathe contaminated air that leaks around the edges of the face seal. Anything that prevents the face mask from fitting tightly against your face, such as a beard or long sideburns, may cause leakage. Some respirators come in different styles and sizes, and fit different people differently because people’s faces have different shapes. You also need training to know how to correctly put the mask on and wear it correctly. This information should be provided by the supplier of the respirator.
Gas Masks and Escape Respirators reduce exposure to the hazard, but if the exposure is such that it goes beyond what the filter is capable of handling (either because the amount of toxic gas or particles is more than what the filter is designed to handle, or because the exposure lasts longer than what the filter is designed to handle), the filter may not be effective in providing required protection. Also, there may be a small amount of leakage even if the fit of the respirator has been tested. If so, and if there is large amount of a toxic chemical in the outside air, even that small leakage can be dangerous.
Breathing through a respirator is harder than breathing in open air. People with lung diseases such as asthma or emphysema, elderly people, and others may have trouble breathing. Some people with claustrophobia may not be able to wear a mask or hooded respirator. Some people with vision problems may have trouble seeing while wearing a mask or hood (there are special masks for people who need glasses).
There are a variety of problems with fit and use of respirators for children, especially small children and infants. For example, currently available masks are unlikely to fit the faces of small children and infants. As with respirator use by anybody, fit-testing, training, and proper use and maintenance are essential.
Cartridges, filters, and masks get old. Cartridges can have a limited life. If the filter cartridges that attach to the mask are outdated, have been open to the air or are damaged, you are not protected. Cartridges that contain charcoal or other chemicals for filtering the air should be in air-tight packages. If cartridges are open or not packed in air-tight packaging, they should not be used. Even cartridges in original packaging have expiration dates that should be checked before purchase. Also, over time your mask can get old and break down. Keep your mask in a clean, dry place, away from extreme heat or cold. Inspect it according to the manufacturers instructions.
The filter cartridges protect against only certain inhaled airborne substances. Some dangerous chemicals are absorbed through the skin. Properly selected and worn gas masks and escape respirators must be combined with protective clothing to completely prevent injury from these chemicals.
Gas Masks do not provide oxygen. If used in an environment with low oxygen levels, such as a fire, you are in danger of suffocation.
It’s important to read the manufacturer’s information if your main concern is to be able to escape from a smoke-filled building. Smoke particles can rapidly clog gas mask filters, and filters with special chemicals are needed to protect against carbon monoxide and other gases that may occur in a fire. Not all gas masks and escape respirators protect against these hazards. Some components, including hoods and facepieces, of many of the gas masks and escape respirators may melt if exposed to a fire.
That depends on how much filtering capacity the respirator has and the amount of hazard in the air – the more chemical or biological hazard in the air (higher concentration), the shorter the time your filter will last. There is no absolute time limit, and it will vary by each respirator model’s capacities. That’s why your emergency plan must include some idea of how to get to a safe area before the filtering capabilities of the mask runs out.
No agency in the U.S. tests and certifies respirators for use by the general public, however, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tests and certifies respirators for use by workers to protect against workplace hazards. Respirators certified by NIOSH will say “NIOSH Approved” and may have a certification number. However, NIOSH only certifies respirators against specific hazards. Just because a respirator is certified does not mean it will protect against ALL hazards. NIOSH-certified respirators are supplied with Approval Labels that identify the hazards that the respirator is approved to protect against. If you are buying a respirator, you should check the Approval Label to be sure that it has been certified against the hazards you want protection against.
The company is the world’s best hand held face shield supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.