|
|
Tuberculosis |
|
Comparison of Respiratory Protection for TB Standard (29 CFR
1910.139) with 29 CFR 1910.134 |
|
|
|
The following tables compare the language of the prior
respiratory protection standard with the wording of the revised
standard. The tables are organized according to the paragraph
sequencing of the old standard. Therefore, the paragraphs in
the new standard will at times appear out of sequence, in order
to pair them correctly with the earlier language. The entire text
for both standards, except for definitions and the appendices
appears on these tables.
Table of Contents
Applicability, Permissible Practice, &
Definitions |
Old 1910.139 |
Old Language |
New 1910.134 |
New Language |
|
[Applied in General Industry with other regulations in
Shipyards (1915.154), Marine Terminals (1917.92), Longshoring
(1918.102), and Construction (1926.103).] |
intro |
This section applies to General Industry (part 1910),
Shipyards (part 1915), Marine Terminals (part 1917), Longshoring
(part 1918), and Construction (part 1926). |
(a)(1) |
In the control of those occupational diseases caused by
breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes,
mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors, the primary objective
shall be to prevent atmospheric contamination. This shall be
accomplished as far as feasible by accepted engineering control
measures (for example, enclosure or confinement of the operation,
general and local ventilation, and substitution of less toxic
materials). When effective engineering controls are not feasible,
or while they are being instituted, appropriate respirators shall
be used pursuant to this section. |
(a)(1) |
Language unchanged |
(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. The employer shall be
responsible for the establishment and maintenance of a
respiratory protection program which shall include the
requirements outlined in paragraph (b) of this section. |
(a)(2) |
Language unchanged, except reference to "paragraph
(b)" is now "paragraph (c)" |
(a)(3) |
The employee shall use the provided respiratory protection in
accordance with instructions and training received. |
-- |
[The revised standard does not establish any requirements for
employees, although paragraph (l) does require the
employer to ensure that the program is properly
implemented.] |
-- |
Nothing Comparable |
(b) |
Definitions. The following definitions are important terms
used in the respiratory protection standard in this section [text
of definition is omitted, but defined terms are listed below].
- Air-purifying respirator
- Assigned protection factor (APF) [Reserved]
- Atmosphere-supplying respirator
- Canister or cartridge
- Demand respirator
- Emergency situation
- Employee exposure
- End-of-service-life indicator (ESLI)
- Escape-only respirator
- Filter or air purifying element
- Filtering facepiece (dust mask)
- Fit factor
- Fit test
- Helmet
- High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
- Hood
- Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH)
- Interior structural firefighting
- Loose-fitting facepiece
- Maximum use concentration (MUC) [Reserved]
- Negative pressure respirator (tight fitting)
- Oxygen deficient atmosphere
- Physician or other licensed health care professional
(PLHCP)
- Positive pressure respirator
- Powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
- Pressure demand respirator
- Qualitative fit test (QLFT)
- Quantitative fit test (QNFT)
- Respiratory inlet covering
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Service life
- Supplied-air respirator (SAR) or airline respirator
- Tight-fitting facepiece
|
Respiratory Protection Program Requirements |
Old 1910.139 |
Old Language |
New 1910.134 |
New Language |
(b) |
Requirements for a minimal acceptable program |
(c) |
Respiratory protection program. This paragraph requires the
employer to develop and implement a written respiratory
protection program with required worksite-specific procedures and
elements for required respirator use. The program must be
administered by a suitably trained program administrator. In
addition, certain program elements may be required for voluntary
use to prevent potential hazards associated with the use of the
respirator. The Small Entity Compliance Guide contains criteria
for the selection of a program administrator and a sample program
that meets the requirements of this paragraph. Copies of the
Small Entity Compliance Guide will be available on or about April
8, 1998 from the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration's Office of Publications, Room N 3101, 200
Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20210, (202-219-4667). |
(b)(1) |
Written standard operating procedures governing the selection
and use of respirators shall be established. |
(c)(1) |
In any workplace where respirators are necessary to protect
the health of the employee or whenever respirators are required
by the employer, the employer shall establish and implement a
written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific
procedures. The program shall be updated as necessary to reflect
those changes in workplace conditions that affect respirator use.
The employer shall include in the program the following
provisions of this section, as applicable:
|
(b)(2) |
Respirators shall be selected on the basis of hazards to which the worker is exposed. |
(c)(1)(i) |
Procedures for selecting respirators for use in the
workplace;
[See also paragraph (d) - Respirator selection]
|
(c)(1)(iv) |
Procedures for proper use of respirators in routine and
reasonably foreseeable emergency situations;
[See also paragraph (g) - Respirator use] |
(b)(3) |
The user shall be instructed and trained in the proper use of
respirators and their limitations. |
(c)(1)(vii)
|
Training of employees in the respiratory hazards to which
they are potentially exposed during routine and emergency
situations. |
(c)(1)(viii) |
Training of employees in the proper use of respirators,
including putting on and removing them, any limitations on their
use, and their maintenance; and
[See also paragraph (k) - Training & information] |
-- |
[Nothing comparable as a program requirement although (e)(5)
requires that employees have the opportunity to have fit testing
and to receive fitting instruction.] |
(c)(1)(iii) |
Fit testing procedures for tight-fitting respirators;
[See also paragraph (f) - Fit testing] |
(b)(4) |
[Reserved] |
-- |
-- |
(b)(5)-(7) |
(5) Respirators shall be regularly cleaned and disinfected.
Those used by more than one worker shall be thoroughly cleaned
and disinfected after each use.
(6) Respirators shall be stored in a convenient, clean, and
sanitary location.
(7) Respirators used routinely shall be inspected during
cleaning. Worn or deteriorated parts shall be replaced.
Respirators for emergency use such as self-contained devices
shall be thoroughly inspected at least once a month and after
each use. |
(c)(1)(v) |
Procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing,
inspecting, repairing, discarding, and otherwise maintaining
respirators; |
(c)(1)(vi) |
Procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow for atmosphere-supplying respirators;
[See also details in paragraph (h)-Maintenance] |
(b)(8) |
Appropriate surveillance of work area conditions and degree
of employee exposure or stress shall be maintained. |
(g)(2)(i) |
Appropriate surveillance shall be maintained of work area
conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress... [See
continuation of requirement in table below on Respirator
Use] |
(b)(9) |
There shall be regular inspection and evaluation to determine
the continued effectiveness of the program. |
(c)(1)(ix) |
Procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the
program.
[See also details in paragraph (l)- Program
evaluation] |
(b)(10) |
Persons should not be assigned to tasks requiring use of
respirators unless it has been determined that they are
physically able to perform the work and use the equipment. The
local physician shall determine what health and physical
conditions are pertinent. The respirator user's medical
status should be reviewed periodically (for instance,
annually). |
(c)(1)(ii) |
Medical evaluations of employees
[See also paragraph (e)- Medical evaluations & Appendix
C-Medical evaluation] |
(b)(11) |
Respirators shall be selected from among those jointly
approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health under the
provisions of 30 CFR part 11. |
(d)(1)(ii) |
The employer shall select a NIOSH-certified respirator. The
respirator shall be used in compliance with the conditions of its
certification. |
-- |
Nothing comparable |
(c)(2)(i)-(ii) |
(2) Where respirator use is not required:
(i) An employer may provide respirators at the request of
employees or permit employees to use their own respirators, if
the employer determines that such respirator use will not in
itself create a hazard. If the employer determines that any
voluntary respirator use is permissible, the employer shall
provide the respirator users with the information contained in
Appendix D to this section ("Information for Employees
Using Respirators When Not Required Under the
Standard"); and
(ii) In addition, the employer must establish and implement
those elements of a written respiratory protection program
necessary to ensure that any employee using a respirator
voluntarily is medically able to use that respirator, and that
the respirator is cleaned, stored, and maintained so that its use
does not present a health hazard to the user. Exception:
Employers are not required to include in a written respiratory
protection program those employees whose only use of respirators
involves the voluntary use of filtering facepieces (dust
masks).
[See Appendix D-Voluntary respirator use program] |
-- |
Nothing comparable |
(c)(4) |
The employer shall provide respirators, training, and medical
evaluations at no cost to the employee. |
Respirator Selection |
Old 1910.139 |
Old Language |
New 1910.134 |
New Language |
(c) |
Selection of respirators. Proper selection of respirators
shall be made according to the guidance of American National
Standard Practices for Respiratory Protection Z88.2-1969. |
(d) |
Selection of respirators. This paragraph requires the
employer to evaluate respiratory hazard(s) in the workplace,
identify relevant workplace and user factors, and base respirator
selection on these factors. The paragraph also specifies
appropriately protective respirators for use in IDLH atmospheres,
and limits the selection and use of air-purifying
respirators. |
(d)(1)(i) |
The employer shall select and provide an appropriate
respirator based on the respiratory hazard(s) to which the worker
is exposed and workplace and user factors that affect respirator
performance and reliability. |
(d)(1)(iii) |
The employer shall identify and evaluate the respiratory
hazard(s) in the workplace; this evaluation shall include a
reasonable estimate of employee exposures to respiratory
hazard(s) and an identification of the contaminant's chemical
state and physical form. Where the employer cannot identify or
reasonably estimate the employee exposure, the employer shall
consider the atmosphere to be IDLH. |
(d)(1)(iv) |
The employer shall select respirators from a sufficient
number of respirator models and sizes so that the respirator is
acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user. |
-- |
Nothing comparable
[Respirators for dangerous atmosphere are addressed in paragraph
(e), "Use of respirators." Comparable language in new
standard is paired with it below.] |
(d)(3)(i)-(iii) |
Respirators for atmospheres that are not IDLH.
(i) The employer shall provide a respirator that is adequate to
protect the health of the employee and ensure compliance with all
other OSHA statutory and regulatory requirements, under routine
and reasonable foreseeable emergency situations.
(A) Assigned Protection Factors (APFs) [Reserved]
(B) Maximum Use Concentration (MUC) [Reserved]
(ii) The respirator selected shall be appropriate for the
chemical state and physical form of the contaminant.
(iii) For protection against gases and vapors, the employer
shall provide:
(A) An atmosphere-supplying respirator, or
(B) An air-purifying respirator, provided that:
(1) The respirator is equipped with an end-of-service-life
indicator (ESLI) certified by NIOSH for the containment; or
(2) If there is no ESLI appropriate for conditions in the
employer's workplace, the employer implements a change
schedule for canisters and cartridges that is based on objective
information or data that will ensure that canisters and
cartridges are changed before the end of their service life. The
employer shall describe in the respirator program the information
and data relied upon and the basis for the canister and cartridge
change schedule and the basis for reliance on the data.
(iv) For protection against particulates, the employer shall
provide:
(A) An atmosphere-supplying respirator; or
(B) 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;
or
(C) For contaminants consisting primarily of particles with mass
median aerodynamic diameters (MMAD) of at least 2 micrometers, an
air-purifying respirator equipped with any filter certified for
particulates by NIOSH. |
-- |
Nothing comparable |
Table I. |
TABLE I.--Assigned Protection Factors [Reserved] |
Air Quality |
Old 1910.139 |
Old Language |
New 1910.134 |
New Language |
(d) |
Air quality. |
(i) |
Breathing air quality and use. This paragraph requires the
employer to provide employees using atmosphere-supplying
respirators (supplied-air and SCBA) with breathing gases of high
purity. |
(d)(1) |
Compressed air, compressed oxygen, liquid air, and liquid
oxygen used for respiration shall be of high purity. Oxygen
shall meet the requirements of the United States Pharmacopoeia
for medical or breathing oxygen. Breathing air shall meet at
least the requirements of the specification for Grade D breathing
air as described in Compressed Gas Association Specification
G-7.1-1966. Compressed oxygen shall not be used in supplied-air
respirators or in open circuit self-contained breathing apparatus
that have previously used compressed air. Oxygen must never be
used with air line respirators. |
(i)(1)(i)-(ii) |
(1) The employer shall ensure that compressed oxygen, liquid
air, and liquid oxygen used for respiration accords with the
following specifications:
(i) Compressed and liquid oxygen shall meet the United States
Pharmacopoeia requirements for medical or breathing oxygen;
and
(ii) Compressed breathing air shall meet at least the
requirements for Grade D breathing air described in
ANSI/Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specification for Air,
G-7.1-1989, to include:
(A) Oxygen content (v/v) of 19.5-23.5%;
(B) Hydrocarbon (condensed) content of 5 milligrams per cubic
meter of air or less;
(C) Carbon monoxide (CO) content of 10 ppm or less;
(D) Carbon dioxide content of 1,000 ppm or less, and
(E) Lack of noticeable odor |
(i)(2) |
The employer shall ensure that compressed oxygen is not used
in atmosphere-supplying respirators that have previously used
compressed air. |
(i)(3) |
The employer shall ensure that oxygen concentrations greater
than 23.5% are used only in equipment designed for oxygen service
or distribution. |
(i)(4)(ii)-(iii) |
(4) The employer shall ensure that cylinders used to supply breathing air to respirators meet the following requirements:
(ii) Cylinders of purchased breathing air have a certificate of
analysis from the supplier that the breathing air meets the
requirements for Grade D breathing air; and
(iii) The moisture content in the cylinder does not exceed a dew
point of -50 °F (-45.6 °C) at 1 atmosphere pressure.
|
(d)(2)(i) |
Cylinders shall be tested and maintained as prescribed in the
Shipping Container Specification Regulations of the Department of
Transportation (49 CFR Part 178). |
(i)(4)(i) |
(4) The employer shall ensure that cylinders used to supply
breathing air to respirators meet the following requirements:
(i) Cylinders are tested and maintained as prescribed in the Shipping
Container Specification Regulations of the Department of
Transportation (49 CFR part 173 and part 178); |
(d)(2)(ii) |
The compressor for supplying air shall be equipped with
necessary safety and standby devices. A breathing air-type
compressor shall be used. Compressors shall be constructed and
situated so as to avoid entry of contaminated air into the system
and suitable in-line air purifying sorbent beds and filters
installed to further assure breathing air quality. A receiver of
sufficient capacity to enable the respirator wearer to escape
from a contaminated atmosphere in event of compressor failure,
and alarms to indicate compressor failure and overheating shall
be installed in the system. If an oil-lubricated compressor is
used, it shall have a high-temperature or carbon monoxide alarm,
or both. If only a high-temperature alarm is used, the air from
the compressor shall be frequently tested for carbon monoxide to
insure that it meets the specifications is paragraph (d)(1) of
this section.
|
(i)(5)(i)-(iv) |
(5) The employer shall ensure that compressors used to supply
breathing air to respirators are constructed and situated so as
to:
(i) Prevent entry of contaminated air into the air-supply
system;
(ii) Minimize moisture content so that the dew point at 1
atmosphere pressure is 10 degrees F (5.56°C) below the
ambient temperature.
(iii) Have suitable in-line air-purifying sorbent beds and
filters to further ensure breathing air quality. Sorbent beds and
filters shall be maintained and replaced or refurbished
periodically following the manufacturer's instructions.
(iv) Have a tag containing the most recent change date and
signature of the person authorized by the employer to perform the
change. The tag shall be maintained at the compressor.
|
(i)(6) | For compressors that are not oil-lubricated, the employer shall ensure that carbon monoxide levels in the breathing air do not
exceed 10 ppm.
|
(i)(7) |
For oil-lubricated compressors, the employer shall use a
high-temperature or carbon monoxide alarm, or both, to monitor
carbon monoxide levels. If only high-temperature alarms are used,
the air supply shall be monitored at intervals sufficient to
prevent carbon monoxide in the breathing air from exceeding 10
ppm. |
(d)(3) |
Air line couplings shall be incompatible with outlets for
other gas systems to prevent inadvertent servicing of air line
respirators with nonrespirable gases or oxygen. |
(i)(8) |
The employer shall ensure that breathing air couplings are
incompatible with outlets for nonrespirable worksite air or other
gas systems. No asphyxiating substance shall be introduced into
breathing air lines. |
(d)(4) |
Breathing gas containers shall be marked in accordance with
American National Standard method of Marking Portable Compressed
Gas Containers to identify the Material Contained, Z48.1-1954;
Federal Specification BB-A-1034a, June 21, 1968, Air, Compressed
for Breathing Purposes; or Interim Federal Specification
GG-B-00675b, April 27, 1965, Breathing Apparatus,
Self-Contained. |
(i)(9) |
The employer shall use breathing gas containers marked in
accordance with the NIOSH respirator certification standard 42
CFR part 84. |
Medical Evaluation |
Old 1910.139 |
Old Language |
New 1910.134 |
New Language |
-- |
[The old Respiratory protection standard did not address
medical evaluation in detail, but did address "fit for
duty" and medical status evaluations by physicians in
paragraph (b)(10). See above.] |
(e)
|
Medical evaluation
Using a respirator may place a
physiological burden on employees that varies with the type of
respirator worn, the job and workplace conditions in which the
respirator is used, and the medical status of the employee.
Accordingly, this paragraph specifies the minimum requirements
for medical evaluation that employers must implement to determine
the employee's ability to use a respirator. |
(e)(1) |
General. The employer shall provide a medical evaluation to
determine the employee's ability to use a respirator, before
the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator in
the workplace. The employer may discontinue an employee's
medical evaluations when the employee is no longer required to
use a respirator. |
-- |
Nothing comparable |
(e)(2)(i)-(ii) |
(2) Medical evaluation procedures. (i) The employer shall
identify a physician or other licensed health care professional
(PLHCP) to perform medical evaluations using a medical
questionnaire or an initial medical examination that obtains the
same information as the medical questionnaire.
(ii) The medical evaluation shall obtain the information
requested by the questionnaire in Sections 1 and 2, Part A of
Appendix C of this section. |
(e)(3)(i)-(ii) |
(3) Follow-up medical examination.
(i) The employer shall ensure that a follow-up medical
examination is provided for an employee who gives a positive
response to any question among questions 1 through 8 in Section
2, Part A of Appendix C or whose initial medical examination
demonstrates the need for a follow-up medical examination.
(ii) The follow-up medical examination shall include any medical
tests, consultations, or diagnostic procedures that the PLHCP
deems necessary to make a final determination. |
-- |
Nothing Comparable |
(e)(4)(i)-(ii) |
(4) Administration of the medical questionnaire and
examinations. (i) The medical questionnaire and examinations
shall be administered confidentially during the employee's
normal working hours or at a time and place convenient to the
employee. The medical questionnaire shall be administered in a
manner that ensures that the employee understands its
content.
(ii) The employer shall provide the employee with an opportunity
to discuss the questionnaire and examination results with the
PLHCP. |
(e)(5)(i)-(iii) |
(5) Supplemental information for the PLHCP.
(i) The following information must be provided to the PLHCP
before the PLHCP makes a recommendation concerning an
employee's ability to use a respirator:
(A) The type and weight of the respirator to be used by the
employee;
(B) The duration and frequency of respirator use (including use
for rescue and escape);
(C) The expected physical work effort;
(D) Additional protective clothing and equipment to be worn;
and
(E) Temperature and humidity extremes that may be
encountered.
(ii) Any supplemental information provided previously to the
PLHCP regarding an employee need not be provided for a subsequent
medical evaluation if the information and the PLHCP remain the
same.
(iii) The employer shall provide the PLHCP with a copy of the
written respiratory protection program and a copy of this
section.
Note to Paragraph (e)(5)(iii): When the employer replaces a
PLHCP, the employer must ensure that the new PLHCP obtains this
information, either by providing the documents directly to the
PLHCP or having the documents transferred from the former PLHCP
to the new PLHCP. However, OSHA does not expect employers to have
employees medically reevaluated solely because a new PLHCP has
been selected. |
-- |
Nothing comparable |
(e)(6)(i)-(ii) |
(6) Medical determination. In determining the employee's ability to use a respirator, the employer shall: (i) Obtain a
written recommendation regarding the employee's ability to
use the respirator from the PLHCP. The recommendation shall
provide only the following information:
(A) Any limitations on respirator use related to the medical
condition of the employee, or relating to the workplace
conditions in which the respirator will be used, including
whether or not the employee is medically able to use the
respirator;
(B) The need, if any, for follow-up medical evaluations; and
(C) A statement that the PLHCP has provided the employee with a
copy of the PLHCP's written recommendation.
(ii) If the respirator is a negative pressure respirator and the
PLHCP finds a medical condition that may place the employee's
health at increased risk if the respirator is used, the employer
shall provide a PAPR if the PLHCP's medical evaluation finds
that the employee can use such a respirator; if a subsequent
medical evaluation finds that the employee is medically able to
use a negative pressure respirator, then the employer is no
longer required to provide a PAPR. |
(e)(7)(i)-(iv) |
(7) Additional medical evaluations. At a minimum, the
employer shall provide additional medical evaluations that comply
with the requirements of this section if:
(i) An employee reports medical signs or symptoms that are
related to ability to use a respirator;
(ii) A PLHCP, supervisor, or the respirator program
administrator informs the employer that an employee needs to be
reevaluated;
(iii) Information from the respiratory protection program,
including observations made during fit testing and program
evaluation, indicates a need for employee reevaluation; or
(iv) A change occurs in workplace conditions (e.g., physical
work effort, protective clothing, temperature) that may result in
a substantial increase in the physiological burden placed on an
employee |
Fit Testing |
Old 1910.139 |
Old Language |
New 1910.134 |
New Language |
-- |
[The old standard did not address fit testing in detail, but
paragraph (e)(5)(i)-(iii) (see below) did require that training
provide the opportunity to respirator wearers to have respirators
properly fitted; that workers receive fitting instructions
including demonstrations and practice; the facepiece be fit
checked each time it is donned; qualified individuals fit
facepiece and lenses to ensure good vision, comfort, and a
gas-tight seal when a worker must wear corrective lenses as part
of the facepiece; and when corrective spectacles or goggles are
worn, they do not affect the fit of the facepiece.] |
(f) |
Fit testing. This paragraph requires that, before an employee
may be required to use any respirator with a negative or positive
pressure tight-fitting facepiece, the employee must be fit tested
with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that
will be used. This paragraph specifies the kinds of fit tests
allowed, the procedures for conducting them, and how the results
of the fit tests must be used. |
(f)(1) |
The employer shall ensure that employees using a
tight-fitting facepiece respirator pass an appropriate
qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT) as
stated in this paragraph. |
(f)(2) |
The employer shall ensure that an employee using a
tight-fitting facepiece respirator is fit tested prior to initial
use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece
(size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually
thereafter. |
(f)(3) |
The employer shall conduct an additional fit test whenever
the employee reports, or the employer, PLHCP, supervisor, or
program administrator makes visual observations of, changes in
the employee's physical condition that could affect
respirator fit. Such conditions include, but are not limited to,
facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious
change in body weight. |
(f)(4) |
If after passing a QLFT or QNFT, the employee subsequently
notifies the employer, program administrator, supervisor, or
PLHCP that the fit of the respirator is unacceptable, the
employee shall be given a reasonable opportunity to select a
different respirator facepiece and to be retested. |
(f)(5) |
The fit test
shall be administered using an OSHA-accepted QLFT or QNFT
protocol. The OSHA- accepted QLFT and QNFT protocols and
procedures are contained in Appendix A of this section. |
(f)(6)
|
QLFT may only be used to fit test negative pressure
air-purifying respirators that must achieve a fit factor of 100
or less. |
(f)(7) |
If the fit factor, as determined through an OSHA-accepted
QNFT protocol, is equal to or greater than 100 for tight-fitting
half facepieces, or equal to or greater than 500 for
tight-fitting full facepieces, the QNFT has been passed with that
respirator. |
-- |
Nothing Comparable |
(f)(8)(i)-(iii) |
(8) Fit testing of tight-fitting atmosphere-supplying
respirators and tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators
shall be accomplished by performing quantitative or qualitative
fit testing in the negative pressure mode, regardless of the mode
of operation (negative or positive pressure) that is used for
respiratory protection.
(i) Qualitative fit testing of these respirators shall be
accomplished by temporarily converting the respirator user's
actual facepiece into a negative pressure respirator with
appropriate filters, or by using an identical negative pressure
air-purifying respirator facepiece with the same sealing surfaces
as a surrogate for the atmosphere-supplying or powered
air-purifying respirator facepiece.
(ii) Quantitative fit testing of these respirators shall be
accomplished by modifying the facepiece to allow sampling inside
the facepiece in the breathing zone of the user, midway between
the nose and mouth. This requirement shall be accomplished by
installing a permanent sampling probe onto a surrogate facepiece,
or by using a sampling adapter designed to temporarily provide a
means of sampling air from inside the facepiece.
(iii) Any modifications to the respirator facepiece for fit
testing shall be completely removed, and the facepiece restored
to NIOSH-approved configuration, before that facepiece can be
used in the workplace.
[See Appendix A] |
Use of Respirators |
Old 1910.139 |
Old Language |
New 1910.134 |
New Language |
(e)
(e)(1) |
Use of respirators.
Standard procedures shall be developed for respirator use. These
should include all information and guidance necessary for their
proper selection, use, and care. Possible emergency and routine
uses of respirators should be anticipated and planned for. |
(g) |
Use of respirators. This paragraph requires employers to
establish and implement procedures for the proper use of
respirators. These requirements include prohibiting conditions
that may result in facepiece seal leakage, preventing employees
from removing respirators in hazardous environments, taking
actions to ensure continued effective respirator operation
throughout the work shift, and establishing procedures for the
use of respirators in IDLH atmospheres or in interior structural
situations. |
(e)(2) |
The correct respirator shall be specified for each job. The
respirator type is usually specified in the work procedures by a
qualified individual supervising the respiratory protective
program. The individual issuing them shall be adequately
instructed to insure that the correct respirator is issued. |
(c)(3) |
The employer shall designate a program administrator who is
qualified by appropriate training or experience that is
commensurate with the complexity of the program to administer or
oversee the respiratory protection program and conduct the
required evaluations of program effectiveness. |
(e)(3) |
Written procedures shall be prepared covering safe use of
respirators in dangerous atmospheres that might be encountered in
normal operations or in emergencies. Personnel shall be familiar
with these procedures and the available respirators. |
(d)(2)(i)-(iii) |
(2) Respirators for IDLH atmospheres. (i) The employer shall
provide the following respirators for employee use in IDLH
atmospheres:
(A) A full facepiece pressure demand SCBA certified by NIOSH for
a minimum service life of thirty minutes, or
(B) A combination full facepiece pressure demand supplied-air
(SAR) with auxiliary self-contained air supply.
(ii) Respirators provided only for escape from IDLH atmospheres
shall be NIOSH-certified for escape from the atmosphere in which
they will be used.
(iii) All oxygen-deficient atmospheres shall be considered IDLH.
Exception: If the employer demonstrates that, under all
foreseeable conditions, the oxygen concentration can be
maintained within the ranges specified in Table II of this
section (i.e., for the altitudes set out in the table), then any
atmosphere-supplying respirator may be used. |
Table II |
TABLE II-Altitude (ft.) Oxygen deficient Atmospheres (%
02) for which the employer may rely on
atmosphere-supplying respirators. |
(e)(3)(i)-(iii) |
(i) In areas where the wearer, with failure of the
respirator, could be overcome by a toxic or oxygen-deficient
atmosphere, at least one additional man shall be present.
Communications (visual, voice, or signal line) shall be
maintained between both or all individuals present. Planning
shall be such that one individual will be unaffected by any
likely incident and have the proper rescue equipment to be able
to assist the other(s) in case of emergency.
(ii) When self-contained breathing apparatus or hose masks with
blowers are used in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or
health, standby men must be present with suitable rescue
equipment.
(iii) Persons using air line respirators in atmospheres
immediately hazardous to life or health shall be equipped with
safety harnesses and safety lines for lifting or removing persons
from hazardous atmospheres or other and equivalent provisions for
the rescue of persons from hazardous atmospheres shall be sued. A
standby man or men with suitable self-contained breathing
apparatus shall be at the nearest fresh air base for emergency
reuse. |
(g)(3)(i)-(vi) |
(3) Procedures for IDLH atmospheres, the employer shall
ensure that:
(i) One employee or, when needed, more than one employee is
located outside the IDLH atmosphere;
(ii) Visual, voice, or signal line communication is maintained
between the employee(s) in the IDLH atmosphere and the
employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmosphere;
(iii) The employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmosphere are
trained and equipped to provide effective emergency rescue;
(iv) The employer or designee is notified before the employee(s)
located outside the IDLH atmosphere enter the IDLH atmosphere to
provide emergency rescue;
(v) The employer or designee authorized to do so by the
employer, once notified, provides necessary assistance
appropriate to the situation;
(vi) Employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmospheres are
equipped with:
(A) Pressure demand or other positive pressure SCBAs, or a
pressure demand or other positive pressure supplied-air
respirator with auxiliary SCBA, and either
(B) Appropriate retrieval equipment for removing the employee(s)
who enter(s) these hazardous atmospheres where retrieval
equipment would contribute to the rescue of the employee(s) and
would not increase the overall risk resulting from entry; or
(C) Equivalent means for rescue where retrieval equipment is not
required under paragraph (g)(3)(vi)(B). |
-- |
Nothing comparable |
(g)(4)(i)-(iii) |
(4) Procedures for interior structural firefighting. In
addition to the requirements set forth under paragraph (g)(3), in
interior structural fires, the employer shall ensure that:
(i) At least two employees enter the IDLH atmosphere and remain
in visual or voice contact with one another at all times;
(ii) At least two employees are located outside the IDLH
atmosphere; and
(iii) All employees engaged in interior structural firefighting
use SCBAs.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): One of the two individuals located
outside the IDLH atmosphere may be assigned to an additional
role, such as incident commander in charge of the emergency or
safety officer, so long as this individual is able to perform
assistance or rescue activities without jeopardizing the safety
or health of any firefighter working at the incident.
Note 2 to paragraph (g): Nothing in this section is meant to
preclude firefighters from performing emergency rescue activities
before an entire team has assembled. |
(e)(4) |
Respiratory protection is no better than the respirator in
use, even though it is worn conscientiously. Frequent random
inspections shall be conducted by a qualified individual to
assure that respirators are properly selected, used, cleaned, and
maintained. |
(g)(2)(i)-(iii)
|
(2) Continuing respirator effectiveness. (i) Appropriate
surveillance shall be maintained of work area conditions and
degree of employee exposure or stress. When there is a change in
work area conditions or degree of employee exposure or stress
that may affect respirator effectiveness, the employer shall
reevaluate the continued effectiveness of the respirator.
(ii) The employer shall ensure that employees leave the
respirator use area:
(A) To wash their faces and respirator facepieces as necessary
to prevent eye or skin irritation associated with respirator use;
or
(B) If they detect vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in
breathing resistance, or leakage of the facepiece; or
(C) To replace the respirator or the filter, cartridge, or
canister elements.
(iii) If the employee detects vapor or gas breakthrough, changes
in breathing resistance, or leakage of the facepiece, the
employer must replace or repair the respirator before allowing
the employee to return to the work area. |
(l)(1)-(2) |
(l) Program evaluation. This section requires the employer to
conduct evaluations of the workplace to ensure that the written
respiratory protection program is being properly implemented, and
to consult employees to ensure that they are using the
respirators properly.
(1) The employer shall conduct evaluations of the workplace as
necessary to ensure that the provisions of the current written
program are being effectively implemented and that it continues
to be effective.
(2) The employer shall regularly consult employees required to
use respirators to assess the employees' views on program
effectiveness and to identify any problems. Any problems that are
identified during this assessment shall be corrected. Factors to
be assessed include, but are not limited to:
(i) Respirator fit (including the ability to use the respirator
without interfering with effective workplace performance);
(ii) Appropriate respirator selection for the hazards to which
the employee is exposed;
(iii) Proper respirator use under the workplace conditions the
employee encounters; and
(iv) Proper respirator maintenance. |
(e)(5) |
For safe use of any respirator, it is essential that the user
be properly instructed in its selection, use, and maintenance,
Both supervisors and workers shall be so instructed by competent
persons. Training shall provide the men an opportunity to handle
the respirator, have it fitted properly, test its
face-piece-to-face seal, wear it in normal air for a long
familiarity period, and, finally to wear it in a test
atmosphere. |
(k) |
(k) Training and information. This paragraph requires the
employer to provide effective training to employees who are
required to use respirators. The training must be comprehensive,
understandable, and recur annually, and more often if necessary.
This paragraph also requires the employer to provide the basic
information on respirators in Appendix D of this section to
employees who wear respirators when not required by this section
or by the employer to do so. |
(e)(5)(i) |
Every respirator wearer shall receive fitting instructions
including demonstrations and practice in how the respirator
should be worn, how to adjust it, and how to determine if it fits
properly. (continued below) |
(k)(1)(i)-(vii) |
(1) The employer shall ensure that each employee can
demonstrate knowledge of at least the following: (i) Why the
respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or
maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the
respirator;
(ii) What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator
are;
(iii) How to use the respirator effectively in emergency
situations, including situations in which the respirator
malfunctions;
(iv) How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals
of the respirator;
(v) What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the
respirator;
(vi) How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit
or prevent the effective use of respirators; and
(vii) The general requirements of this section; |
(k)(2) |
The training shall be conducted in a manner that is
understandable to the employee. |
(k)(3) |
The employer shall provide the training prior to requiring
the employee to use a respirator in the workplace. |
(k)(4) |
An employer who is able to demonstrate that a new employee
has received training within the last 12 months that addresses
the elements specified in paragraph (k)(1)(i) through (vii) is
not required to repeat such training provided that, as required
by paragraph (k)(1), the employee can demonstrate knowledge of
those element(s). Previous training not repeated initially by the
employer must be provided no later than 12 months from the date
of the previous training. |
(e)(5) and (e)(5)(i) cont'd. |
|
(k)(5)(i)-(iii)
|
(5) Retraining shall be administered annually, and when the
following situations occur: (i) Changes in the workplace or the
type of respirator render previous training obsolete;
(ii) Inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of the
respirator indicate that the employee has not retained the
requisite understanding or skill; or
(iii) Any other situation arises in which retraining appears
necessary to ensure safe respirator use. |
(k)(6) |
The basic advisory information on respirators, as presented
in Appendix D of this section, shall be provided by the employer
in any written or oral format, to employees who wear respirators
when such use is not required by this section or by the
employer. |
(e)(5)(i) cont. |
Respirators shall not be worn when conditions prevent a good
face seal. Such conditions may be a growth of beard, sideburns, a
skull cap that projects under the facepiece, or temple pieces on
glasses. Also, the absence of one or both dentures can seriously
affect the fit of a facepiece. The worker's diligence in
observing these factors shall be evaluated by periodic check. To
assure proper protection, the facepiece fit shall be checked by
the wearer each time he puts on the respirator. This may be done
by following the manufacturer's facepiece instructions. |
(g)(1)(i) |
(1) Facepiece seal protection.
(i) The employer shall not permit respirators with tight-fitting
facepieces to be worn by employees who have:
(A) Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface to the
facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve function;
or
(B) Any condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece
seal or valve function. |
(g)(1)(iii) |
For all tight-fitting respirators, the employer shall ensure
that the employees perform a user seal check each time they put
on the respirator using the procedures in Appendix B-1 or
procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer that the
employer demonstrates are as effective as those in Appendix B-1
of this section.
[See Appendix B-1] |
(e)(5)(ii) |
Providing respiratory protection for individuals wearing
corrective glasses is a serious problem. A proper seal cannot be
established if the temple bars of the eye glasses extend through
the sealing edge of the full facepiece. As a temporary measure,
glasses with short temple bars or without temple bars may be
taped to the wearer's head. Wearing of contact lenses in
contaminated atmospheres with a respirator shall not be allowed.
Systems have been developed for mounting corrective lenses inside
full facepieces. When a workman must wear corrective lenses as
part of the facepiece, the facepiece and lenses shall be fitted
by qualified individuals to provide good vision, comfort, and a
gas-tight seal.
|
(g)(1)(ii) |
If an employee wears corrective glasses or goggles or other
personal equipment, the employer shall ensure that the equipment
is worn in a manner that does not interfere with the seal of the
facepiece to the face of the user. |
(e)(5)(iii) |
If corrective spectacles or goggles are required, they shall be
worn so as not to affect the fit of the facepiece. Proper
selection of equipment will minimize or avoid this problem. |
(f)(1)(i)-(iv) |
Maintenance and care of respirators. A program for
maintenance and care of respirators shall be adjusted to the type
of plant, working conditions, and hazards involved, and shall
include the following basic services:
(i) Inspection for defects (including a leak check),
(ii) Cleaning and disinfecting,
(iii) Repair,
(iv) Storage
Equipment shall be properly maintained to retain its original
effectiveness |
(h) |
Maintenance and care of respirators. This paragraph requires
the employer to provide for the cleaning and disinfecting,
storage, inspection, and repair of respirators used by the
employees. |
(f)(2)(i)-(iv) |
(i) All respirators shall be inspected routinely before and
after each use. A respirator that is not routinely used but is
kept ready for emergency use shall be inspected after each use
and at least monthly to assure that it is in satisfactory working
condition.
(ii) Self-contained breathing apparatus shall be inspected
monthly. Air and oxygen cylinders shall be fully charged
according to the manufacturer's instructions. It shall be
determined that the regulator and warning devices function
properly.
(iii) Respirator inspection shall include a check of the
tightness of the connections and the condition of the facepiece,
headbands, valves, connecting tube, and canisters. Rubber or
elastomer parts shall be inspected for pliability and signs of
deterioration. Stretching and manipulating rubber or elastomer
parts with a massaging action will keep them pliable and flexible
and prevent them from taking a set during storage.
(iv) A record shall be kept of inspection dates and findings
for respirators maintained for emergency use.
|
(h)(3)(i)-(iv) |
(3) Inspection. (i) The employer shall ensure that
respirators are inspected as follows:
(A) All respirators used in routine situations shall be
inspected before each use and during cleaning;
(B) All respirators maintained for use in emergency situations
shall be inspected at least monthly and in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations, and shall be checked for
proper function before and after each use; and
(C) Emergency escape-only respirators shall be inspected before
being carried into the workplace for use.
(ii) The employer shall ensure that respirator inspections
include the following:
(A) A check of the respirator function, tightness of
connections, and the condition of the various parts including,
but not limited to, the facepiece, head straps, valves,
connecting tube, and cartridges, canisters or filters; and
(B) A check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of
deterioration.
(iii) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (h)(3)(i)
and (ii) of this section, self-contained breathing apparatus
shall be inspected monthly. Air and oxygen cylinders shall be
maintained in a fully charged state and shall be recharged when
the pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer's recommended
pressure level. The employer shall determine that the regulator
and warning devices function properly.
(iv) For respirators maintained for emergency use, the
employer shall:
(A) Certify the respirator by documenting the date the
inspection was performed, the name (or signature) of the person
who made the inspection, the findings, required remedial action,
and a serial number or other means of identifying the inspected
respirator; and
(B) Provide this information on a tag or label that is attached
to the storage compartment for the respirator, is kept with the
respirator, or is included in inspection reports stored as paper
or electronic files. This information shall be maintained until
replaced following a subsequent certification. |
(f)(3) |
Routinely uses respirators shall be collected, cleaned, and
disinfected as frequently as necessary to insure that proper
protection is provided for the wearer. Respirators maintained for
emergency use shall be cleaned and disinfected after each
use. |
(h)(1)(i)-(iv) |
(1) Cleaning and disinfecting. The employer shall provide
each respirator user with a respirator that is clean, sanitary,
and in good working order. The employer shall ensure that
respirators are cleaned and disinfected using the procedures in
Appendix B-2 of this section, or procedures recommended by the
respirator manufacturer, provided that such procedures are of
equivalent effectiveness. The respirators shall be cleaned and
disinfected at the following intervals:
(i) Respirators issued for the exclusive use of an employee
shall be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to be
maintained in a sanitary condition;
(ii) Respirators issued to more than one employee shall be
cleaned and disinfected before being worn by different
individuals;
(iii) Respirators maintained for emergency use shall be cleaned
and disinfected after each use; and
(iv) Respirators used in fit testing and training shall be
cleaned and disinfected after each use.
[See Appendix B-2] |
(f)(4) |
Replacement or repairs shall be done by experienced persons
with parts designed for the respirator. No attempt shall be made
to replace components or to make adjustment or repairs beyond the
manufacturer's recommendations. Reducing or admission valves
or regulators shall be returned to the manufacturer or to a
trained technician for adjustment or repair. |
(h)(4)(i)-(iii) |
(4) Repairs. The employer shall ensure that respirators that
fail an inspection or are otherwise found to be defective are
removed from service, and are discarded or repaired or adjusted
in accordance with the following procedures.
(i) Repairs or adjustments to respirators are to be made only by
persons appropriately trained to perform such operations and
shall use only the respirator manufacturer's NIOSH-approved
parts designed for the respirator;
(ii) Repairs shall be made according to the manufacturer's
recommendations and specifications for the type and extent of
repairs to be performed; and
(iii) Reducing and admission valves, regulators, and alarms
shall be adjusted or repaired only by the manufacturer or a
technician trained by the manufacturer. |
(f)(5)(i)-(iii) |
(i) After inspection, cleaning, and necessary repair,
respirators shall be stored to protect against dust, sunlight,
heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture, or damaging chemicals.
Respirators placed at stations and work areas for emergency use
should be quickly accessible at all times and should be stored in
compartments built for the purpose. The compartments should be
clearly marked. Routinely used respirators, such as dust
respirators, may be placed in plastic bags. Respirators should
not be stored in such places as lockers or tool boxes unless they
are in carrying cases or cartons.
(ii) Respirators should be packed or stored so that the
facepiece and exhalation valve will rest in a normal position and
function will not be impaired by the elastomer setting in an
abnormal position.
(iii) Instructions for proper storage of
emergency respirators, such as gas masks and self-contained
breathing apparatus, are found in "use and care"
instructions usually mounted inside the carrying case lid. |
(h)(2)(i)-(ii) |
(2) Storage. The employer shall ensure that respirators are
stored as follows:
(i) All respirators shall be stored to protect them from damage,
contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive
moisture, and damaging chemicals, and they shall be packed or
stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation
valve.
(ii) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (h)(2)(i)
of this section, emergency respirators shall be:
(A) Kept accessible to work area;
(B) Stored in compartments or in covers that are clearly marked
as containing emergency respirators; and
(C) Stored in accordance with any applicable manufacturer
instructions.
|
Identification of filters, cartridges, and canisters |
Old 1910.139 |
Old Language |
New 1910.134 |
New Language |
(g) |
Identification of gas mask canisters. |
(j) |
Identification of filters, cartridges, and canisters. The
employer shall ensure that all filters, cartridges and canisters
used in the workplace are labeled and color coded with the NIOSH
approval label and that the label is not removed and remains
legible. |
(g)(1) |
The primary means of identifying a gas mask canister shall be by
means of properly worded labels. The secondary means of
identifying a gas mask canister shall be by a color code. |
(g)(2) |
All who issue or use gas masks falling within the scope of this
section shall see that all gas mask canisters purchased or used
by them are properly labeled and colored in accordance with these
requirements before they are placed in service and that the
labels and colors are properly maintained at all times thereafter
until the canisters have completely served their purpose. |
(g)(3)(i)-(ii) |
On each canister shall appear in bold letters the following:
(i) Canister for__________________
(Name for atmospheric contaminant)
or
Type N Gas Mask Canister
(ii) In addition, essentially the following wording shall appear
beneath the appropriate phrase on the canister label: "For
respiratory protection in atmospheres containing not more
than_______ percent by volume of______________________."
(Name of atmospheric contaminant) |
(g)(4) |
Canisters having a special high-efficiency filter for
protection against radionuclides and other highly toxic
particulates shall be labeled with a statement of the type and
degree of protection afforded by the filter. The label shall be
affixed to the neck end of, or to the gray stripe which is around
and near the top of, the canister. The degree of protection shall
be marked as the percent of penetration of the canister by a
0.3-micron-diameter dioctyl phthalate (DOP) smoke at a flow rate
of 85 liters per minute. |
|
Nothing comparable |
(g)(5) |
Each canister shall have a label warning that gas masks
should be used only in atmospheres containing sufficient oxygen
to support life (at least 16 percent by volume), since gas mask
canisters are only designed to neutralize or remove contaminants
from the air. |
(g)(6) |
Each gas mask canister shall be painted a distinctive color
or combination of colors indicated in Table I-1. All colors used
shall be such that they are clearly identifiable by the user and
clearly distinguishable from one another. The color coating used
shall offer a high degree of resistance to chipping, scaling,
peeling, blistering, fading, and the effects of the ordinary
atmospheres to which they may be exposed under normal conditions
of storage and use. Appropriately colored pressure sensitive tape
may be used for the stripes.
Table I-1 |
Recordkeeping |
Old 1910.139 |
Old Language |
New 1910.134 |
New Language |
|
Nothing comparable |
(m) |
Recordkeeping. This section requires the employer to
establish and retain written information regarding medical
evaluations, fit testing, and the respirator program. This
information will facilitate employee involvement in the
respirator program, assist the employer in auditing the adequacy
of the program, and provide a record for compliance
determinations by OSHA. |
(m)(1) |
Medical evaluation. Records of medical evaluations required
by this section must be retained and made available in accordance
with 29 CFR 1910.1020. |
(m)(2) |
Fit testing. (i) The employer shall establish a record of the
qualitative and quantitative fit tests administered to an
employee including:
(A) The name or identification of the employee tested;
(B) Type of fit test performed;
(C) Specific make, model, style, and size of respirator
tested;
(D) Date of test; and
(E) The pass/fail results for QLFTs or the fit factor and strip
chart recording or other recording of the test results for
QNFTs.
(ii) Fit test records shall be retained for respirator users
until the next fit test is administered. |
(m)(3) |
A written copy of the current respirator program shall be
retained by the employer. |
(m)(4) |
Written materials required to be retained under this
paragraph shall be made available upon request to affected
employees and to the Assistant Secretary or designee for
examination and copying. |
Appendicies |
Old 1910.139 |
Old Language |
New 1910.134 |
New Language |
|
Nothing comparable |
Appen. A |
Fit Testing Procedures (Mandatory) |
Appen. B-1 |
User Seal Check Procedures (Mandatory) |
Appen. B-2 |
Respirator Cleaning Procedures (Mandatory) |
Appen. C |
OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire
(Mandatory) |
Appen. D |
Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required
Under the Standard (Non-Mandatory) |
|