Respirator protection factors

Runnion, V. (2003) OS HA to Issue Proposed Rule on Assigned Respirator Protection Factors, Clayton Groups Services, 4636 E. Marginal Way S 140, Seattle, WA, 98134, 206-763-7364. Available at vrunnion claytongrp.com. 

Explain what is meant by respirator protection factor. 

Class B—Non-IDLH based on oxygen level between 19.5 and 21 percent, but classified as dangerous due to the airborne presence of toxic or poisonous substance Below IDLH level, but greater than the protection factor offered by air-purifying respirators. 

The nominal protection factor (NPE) describes the level of protection afforded by a specific respirator ... 

Table 13.9 Assigned Protection Factors for Respirators and Breathing Apparatus ...

No matter what type of respirator is used, it is of the utmost importance that the revised respiratory standard is adhered to. The revised standard stresses training, documentation, written programs, medical surveillance, fit testing, and a variety of other subjects pertinent to respirators. Of particular interest to the authors is the new approach toward action levels, protection factors, and fit testing. Another important change is OSHAs latest approach on voluntary respirator use. With the new standard in effect, those workers previously considered to be voluntarily wearing respirators should be much better protected. 

Assigned protection factor This was not included in the standard. However, the latest documentation indicates that OSHA will eventually add APFs into the standard. For now, employers should rely on the best available information when selecting the appropriate respirator. 

Assigned protection factor (APF) The minimum level of respiratory protection that a respirator can be expected to provide, assuming it is properly fitted, worn, and functioning. APFs are assigned by NIOSH. 

Maximum use concentration (MUC) The maximum atmospheric concentration of contaminants in which a respirator cartridge or filter is recommended for use. Can be approximated by multiplying the PEL for the contaminant of concern by the assigned protection factor. 

Table 11.18 Nominal protection factors of respirators and breathing apparatus...

Protection Factor (PF) The ratio of contaminant concentration outside of the respirator facepiece to that inside. It is taken as an indication of fit. PF values are established by manufacturers for specific types of respirators and are indicators only. Actual protection will depend on how a specific respirator fits a specific individual. Refer also to Fit Factor. 

The main adverse factor working with actinide materials is airborne dust. Personal protection should include respirators, protective clothing, surgical gloves, suitable footwear, use of wet processes wherever possible, and in operations involving... 

The protection afforded by a respirator is usually expressed as the protection factor (PF), i.e. the ratio of the concentration of agent outside to that inside the respirator. Respirators are tested on real people using simulated agents most testing is carried out in the laboratory, but work-place/field testing is increasingly being used. 

Each subsequent line lists a maximum use concentration (MUC) followed by the classes of respirators that are acceptable for use up to the MUC. Codes for the various categories of respirators, and Assigned Protection Factors (APFs) for these respirators, are listed in Table 3 (page xx). Individual respirator classes are separated by diagonal lines (/). More protective respirators may be worn. The symbol is followed by the classes of respirators that are acceptable for emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or entry into IDLH conditions. Escape indicates that the respirators are to be used only... 

The choice of facepiece depends on the level of protection needed - that is, the assigned protection factor (APF) needed. See Table 3 (page xx) for APFs of respirator classes, and see Reconunendations for Respirator Selection (page xiv) for more information. 

Research and development in personal protective equipment has yielded vastly improved protection for the military and, to some extent, civilian first responders. However, the use of even the most up-to-date respirator is greatly restricted by the necessity of air monitoring, time of exposure limitations, and relatively low protection factors. Civilian first responders are also hampered by the weight, size, and heat of the protective suits. Aside from issues surrounding the equipment itself, policy and regulation also influence use and effectiveness of personal protective equipment. As listed below, the committee recommends that research and development continue to focus on better and more effective equipment, but also recommends that current policy and procedures be reviewed as well. 

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