Respirator Selection and Use
Selection and use of respirators shall be based on the hazards to which the worker is exposed, the work environment, and the characteristics and limitations of the respirator. Respiratory protective equipment shall be used only for the purpose intended, and no modifications of the equipment shall be made.
For protection against gases and vapors, the following forms of protection may be used:
- An atmosphere-supplying respirator.
- An air-purifying respirator, provided that:
- The respirator is equipped with an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for the contaminant.
- If there is no ESLI appropriate for conditions in the employer's workplace, the respirator filters and cartridges are replaced after every eight hours of cumulative use.
For protection against particulates, any of the following forms of protection may be used:
- An atmosphere-supplying respirator.
- An air-purifying respirator equipped with a filter certified by NIOSH under 30 CFR Part 11 as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, or an air-purifying respirator equipped with a filter certified for particulates by NIOSH under 42 CFR Part 84.
- For contaminants that consist primarily of particles with mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMAD) of at least two micrometers, an air-purifying respirator equipped with any filter certified for particulates by NIOSH.
The Department of Environmental Health and Safety is available to provide consultation on proper respirator selection (Cambridge Campus: (617) 495 - 2060; Longwood Campus: (617) 432 - 1720)
NIOSH Approvals
All respiratory protective equipment used shall carry the NIOSH approval.
Respirator Designation
The supervisor shall contact the Environmental Health and Safety Department to evaluate each applicable job and task to get recommendations for appropriate respirators. Respiratory protection requirements for all new or revised processes shall be determined during the technical review of such processes.
Factors That Influence Respirator Selection
Nature of the hazard - this factor has several important aspects.
- The physical state of the air contaminant; i.e., dust, fume, mist, gas, or chemical vapor. The physical state determines some limitations of the respirator.
- The relative toxicity of the material; e.g., trichloroethylene is more toxic than 1,1,1-trichloroethane; brazing fumes from cadmium alloys are more toxic than fumes from steel alloys; etc.
- The rate at which the contaminant affects the human body. For example, excessive concentrations of silica dust, although hazardous, will not cause an immediate effect; however, an excessive concentration of chlorine gas can overcome an individual almost instantly, making escape impossible.
- The possibility exists that more than one air contaminant in different physical states may be involved.
- Extent of the hazard - this factor includes the anticipated airborne concentrations and physical area in which the hazard exists.
- Work requirements and conditions - this factor includes proximity to the source of the airborne contamination and physical restriction of the working area.
Procedure for Respirator Selection
Determine hazard classification, i.e., oxygen deficiency or toxic contaminant (gases, particulate, or combination) and type of respiratory protection recommended.
Appendix I identifies specific airborne hazards and respirator use codes.
Using the tables in Appendix I through N and the respirator use code determined from Step 2, select the corresponding respirator type.
- Appendix I - Respirator Selection Guide by Operation Hazard (i.e. painting, asbestos removal, machining, etc.)
- Appendix J - Respirator Selection Guide by Gas / Vapor Inhalation Hazard
- Appendix K - Respirator Selection Guide by Dust Inhalation Hazard
- Appendix M - Respirator Selection Guide by Mist Inhalation Hazard
- Appendix M - Respirator Selection Guide by Fume Inhalation Hazard
- Appendix N provides a description of respirator filter classifications established by 42 CFR 84.
Important Note: These tables are intended to be used as general guides to respirator selection according to hazard classification. Since the actual respirator selection will depend on exposure level and duration to chemical stressors, it is important for the employee to confirm proper respirator selection through his/her supervisor and/or the UOS Safety Compliance Officer before choosing a respirator to wear.
Voluntary Use of Respiratory Protection in Non-Hazardous Atmospheres
OSHA requires that voluntary use of respirators, when not required by the company, must be controlled as strictly as under required circumstances. To prevent violations of the Respiratory Protection Standard, UOS Employees are not allowed voluntary use of their own or company supplied respirators of any type in non-hazardous atmospheres.
Exception: Employees whose only use of respirators involves the voluntary use of filtering (non-sealing) face pieces (dust masks).
