Contents

Main Page
Manufacture of Asphalt Roofing Products
Occupational Exposure to Asphalt Fumes
Guidelines for Protecting Workers
References
Abbreviations
Glossary
Appendix

Appendix

Respiratory protection may be needed if available engineering controls and work practices are ineffective in keeping asphalt fume exposures below the NIOSH REL of 5 mg/m3 (total particulates measured as a 15-min ceiling) or other applicable State or Federal standards. However, respirator use should be the last resort for controlling exposures. If respirators are required at the work site, the employer is responsible for ensuring that respirators are NIOSH-approved and that all OSHA regulations pertaining to the implementation of a respirator program are followed. Important elements of these OSHA regulations include the following [29 CFR 1910.134]:

• An evaluation of the worker’s ability to perform the work while wearing a respirator
• Regular training of workers
• Periodic environmental monitoring
• Respirator fit-testing, maintenance, inspection, cleaning, and storage
• Periodic changing of cartridges
• Cartridge testing for service life

No NIOSH-approved respirator filter cartridge or canister exists specifically for asphalt fumes or aerosols. But the respirators listed below can reduce exposures:

• Any half-face piece, air-purifying respirator equipped with a combination R100 or P100 filter and an OV (organic vapor) cartridge
• Any powered, air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with a hood, helmet, or loose-fitting face piece equipped with a combination high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and OV cartridge.

Note: The appropriate respirator filters are R100, P100, or HEPA, as listed under 42 CFR 84 [NIOSH 1996]. The appropriate OV cartridge or canister should contain a charcoal sorbent.

A comprehensive assessment of workplace exposures should always be performed to ensure that the proper respiratory protection is used. Other types of respirators can provide a higher level of protection and may be required under certain conditions (e.g., work in confined spaces) [NIOSH 1987a,b].

Workers may voluntarily choose to use respiratory protection when asphalt fume exposures are below the NIOSH REL or other applicable Federal and State standards. When respirators are used voluntarily by workers, the employer needs only to establish those respirator program elements necessary to filtering-face piece respirators (e.g., any 95 or assure that the respirator itself is not a hazard 100 series filter) can be used without a [29 CFR 1910.134]. The exception is that respirator program when used voluntarily.