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RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM:
Requirements for Air-Purifying Respirators
Table of Contents

I. OVERVIEW

A. Introduction

B. Responsibilities

C. Regulatory Background and University Policy

D. Necessity for Respirators

E. Required versus Voluntary Use

F. What PIs/Supervisors Need to Do on a Continuing Basis

G. Cost

H. Cleaning, Disinfecting, Maintenance and Repair

II. PROCEDURES FOR ACQUIRING A RESPIRATOR

Step 1: Hazard Evaluation

Step 2: Medical Evaluation

Step 3: Respirator Selection

Step 4: Fit Testing

Step 5: Training

III. TYPES OF RESPIRATORS

A. Air-Purifying Respirators

B. Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators

C. Additional Resources for Understanding Respirator Design and Function

IV. SELECTION OF THE PROPER RESPIRATOR

A. Guidelines for Selection

B. Limitations of Air-Purifying Respirators That May Disqualify Them From Use

V. AIR PURIFYING ELEMENTS

A. General Warning

B. Particulate-Filter Units

1. Filter Efficiency

2. Filter Efficiency Degradation

3. Selection Guide for Particulate Filters

C. Chemical Cartridges: Gas and Vapor Contaminants

1. Acidic (Acid Gases)

2. Alkaline

3. Mercury Vapor

4. Organic (organic vapors, OV)

5. NIOSH-Prohibited Cartridges

D. Combination Fiilters

VI. REQUIRED VERSUS VOLUNTARY USE

A. Distinction Between Types of Use

B. Voluntary Use Responsibilities

VII. PROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS

A. Foundations of Proper Use

B. Impediments to Face Seal Protection

C. User Seal Check

D. Continuing Respirator Effectiveness

VIII. CLEANING AND DISINFECTING

A. Cleaning Schedule

B. Cleaning Procedures

IX. STORAGE AND INSPECTION

A. Basic Inspection Before Each Use

B. Identification of Filters, Cartridges, and Canisters

C. Filter Service Life

D. Routine Inspection and Maintenance Checklist

LIST OF TABLES

Respirators for Organic Contaminants

NIOSH-Prohibited Cartridges

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Information For Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under The Standard

Appendix B: Medical Evaluation for Respirator Use

Appendix C: OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire