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NIOSH Publication No. 2001-127:Asphalt Fume Exposures During the |
August 2001 |
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Contents
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Main Page | |
Manufacture of Asphalt Roofing Products | |
Occupational Exposure to Asphalt Fumes | |
Guidelines for Protecting Workers | |
References | |
Abbreviations | |
Glossary | |
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]:
No NIOSH-approved respirator filter cartridge or canister exists specifically for asphalt fumes or aerosols. But the respirators listed below can reduce exposures:
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.
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