Masks And Respirators

OSHA Standard CFR 1910.134 (a) (2)
Respirators shall be provided by the employer when such equipment is necessary to protect the health of the employee. The employer shall provide the respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended.
Click here to view the 29 CFR Part 1910.134 Respiratory Protection Medical Form
OSHA Standard CFR 1910.134 states that fit testing is required for face respirators. Fit testing must be performed before an employee first starts wearing a respirator in the work environment, whenever a different respirator facepiece is used, and at least annually thereafter.

Click here to see our Gases & Airborne Particulates-related signs and labels!

Respiratory Hazrds And Types Of Contaminants

1. Particulates - A particle is a piece of matter which varies in size, from the very large and visible to the eye to the extremely minute. The three main classifications are:

Dusts: solid particles in the air
Mists: particles in liquid form
Fumes: solid matter that is burned or liquefied

Air-Purifying Protection needed for Particulates

Filters, if particulates are present
Filter/Cartridge Combination, if gases or vapors are also present, which is likely when applying aerosols such as paint or pesticides

2. Gases and Vapors - Many applications may have a gas or a vapor present. Some have a very distinct odor, while others may be odorless and colorless.

Gases are fluids that at normal temperature and pressure do not have a shape volume and can expand indefinitely
Vapors are the gaseous phase of matter that normally exists in a liquid or solid state at room temperature

Air-Purifying Protection needed for Gases and/or Vapors

Cartridges or gas canisters if only gases and/or vapors are present
Filter/Cartridge Combination if particulates are also present with gas and/or vapors

IDLH: Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health
These environments require very specific respiratory protection. You should never use air-purifying respirators in these applications. ADLH Environments include:

Containment concentrations at or above IDLH limits.
- Check the MSDS or the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards for this information.
Containment concentrations at or above 10% of the LEL
Less than 19.5% Oxygen

Respiratory Protection required for IDLH environments

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Pressure Demand Airline Respirator with Escape Cylinder

For protection against gases and vapors, employers must rely on an end of service life indicator or implement a cartridge change schedule that is based on objective information and that will ensure that canisters or cartridges are changed before the end of their service life.