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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT |
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Respirator Protection - Minimal Acceptable Respirator Program |
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| When respirator use is required, the employer is responsible for providing
approved (1910.134 (d)(1)(ii)) respirators and for developing written standard operating
procedures for their selection, use, and care (1910.134 (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(iv), (c)(1)(v)).
Respirators should be selected based on the hazards to which the worker is exposed (1910.134 (d)(1)(ii)). The respirator type is usually specified in the work procedures by a qualified individual supervising the respiratory protective program. In selecting the correct respirator for a given circumstance, many factors must be taken into consideration, e.g., the nature of the hazard, location of the hazardous area, employee's health, work activity, and respirator characteristics, capabilities, and limitations. Although all of the above factors at the worksite must be considered, the first consideration in respirator selection must be to determine if an oxygen deficiency exists. NIOSH approval for supplied-air and air-purifying respirators is valid only for atmospheres containing greater than 19.5 percent oxygen. If oxygen deficiency is not an issue, then the contaminant(s) and their concentration(s) must be determined. Click on the term below for an outline of the selection process based on oxygen content and contaminants.
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