Selection of Respirators

The company is to evaluate the respiratory hazard(s) in each workplace, identify relevant workplace and user factors, and base respirator selection on these factors. Included are estimates of employee exposures to respiratory hazard(s) and an identification of the contaminant s chemical state and physical form. This selection includes appropriate protective respirators for use in IDLH atmospheres, and limits 

FIGURE 24.11 Respirator selection flow chart. (Courtesy of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.) 

Filter classifications are marked on the filter or filter package. These classifications are N-Series Not Oil Resistant (approved for non-oil particulate contaminants such as dust, fumes, or mists not containing oil) R-Series Oil Resistant (approved for all particulate contaminants, including those containing oil such as dusts, mists, or fumes—time restriction of 8 hours when oils are present) and P-Series Oil Proof (approved for all particulate contaminants including those containing oil such as dust, fumes, or mists). (See manufacturer s time use restrictions on packaging.) 

FIGURE 24.12 Example of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). (Courtesy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.) 

The respirators selected shall be adequate to protect the health of the employee and ensure compliance with all other OSHA statutory and regulatory requirements, under routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations. The respirator selected shall be appropriate for the chemical state and physical form of the contaminant. 

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Testing Requirements of Peroxidizable Compounds Tests for the Presence of Peroxides Characteristics of Chemical-Resistant Materials Selection of Protective Laboratory Garments Protective Clothing Levels Selection of Laboratory Gloves Selection of Respirator Cartridges and Filters Effects of Electrical Current on the Human Body Electrical Requirements of Common Laboratory Devices... 

Respiratory protection including selection of respirators on the basis of exposure to VCM concentrations from less than 10 ppm to above 3600 ppm, and establishment and maintenance of a respiratory protection program,... 

TABLE 15. Guide for Selection of Respirators Type of respirator... 

The selection of respirator is based on the nature of respiratory hazards such as permissible exposure limits, established concentration immediately dangerous to life, actual concentration of hazardous substances, and amount of oxygen. When using filters, the ambient air must contain at least 20% oxygen at sea level. Filter protection should not be used for unknown contaminants and contaminants fliat are immediately dangerous to life and health. 

The following recommendations are given by NIOSH/OSHA for the selection of respirator for dibutyl phthalate ... 

The selection of respirator must be done with a full consideration of these many factors which require specialized knowledge going beyond this discussion. Further information on this subject can be found in the specialized monograph. ... 

The purpose of the Respirator Decision Logic is to assure technical accuracy and uniformity between substances in the selection of respirators and to provide necessary criteria to support this selection. The decision logic is a step-by-step elimination of inappropriate respirators until only those that are acceptable remain. Judgment by persons knowledgeable of inhalation hazards and respiratory protection equipment is essential to ensure appropriate selection of respirators. 

Most organic chemical materials used in antiblocking, release, and slip additives have low toxicity and volatihty (solvents were almost completely eliminated from release agents). The most important danger comes from particulate materials and among those fi om silica. The following recommendations are given by NIOSH/OSHA for the selection of respirator for amorphous silica ... 

The selection of respirator is based on the nature of respiratory hazards such as permissible exposure limits, established concentration immediately dangerous to life, actual... 

Procedures must exist for the proper selection of respirators. 

The administrator will develop detailed written standard operating procedures for the selection of respirators using 1910.134(d) and the following guidehnes . Detailed proce-... 

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