Subpart E Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment
1926.95
Criteria for personal protective equipment.
1926.96
Occupational foot protection.
1926.97
(Reserved)
1926.98
(Reserved)
1926.99
(Reserved)
1926.100
Head protection
1926.101 Hearing
protection
1926.102
Eye and face protection
1926.103
Respiratory protection
1926.104
Safety belts, lifelines, and lanyards
1926.105
Safety nets
1926.106
Working over or near water.
1926.107
Definitions applicable to this subpart.
Authority: Sec. 107,
Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (Construction Safety Act) (40
U.S.C. 333); Secs. 4, 6, 8, Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29
U.S.C. 653, 655, 657); Secretary of Labor's Order 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41
FR 25059), 9-83 (48 FR 35736), or 1-90 (55 FR 9033), or 6-96 (62 FR 111),
5-2002 (67 FR 65008), or 5-2007 (72 FR 31160) as applicable; and 29 CFR part
11.
1926.95 Criteria for personal
protective equipment.
(a) Application.
Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face,
head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective
shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and
reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes
or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants
encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function
of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact. STD
1-1.13 STD 1-6.1
(b) Employee-owned
equipment. Where employees provide their own protective equipment, the employer
shall be responsible to assure its adequacy, including proper maintenance, and
sanitation of such equipment.
(c) Design.
All personal protective equipment shall be of safe design and construction for
the work to be performed.
(d) Payment for protective equipment.
(1) Except as provided by paragraphs
(d)(2) through (d)(6) of this section, the protective equipment, including
personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply with this part, shall be
provided by the employer at no cost to employees.
(2) The employer is not required to
pay for non-specialty safety-toe protective footwear (including steel-toe shoes
or steel-toe boots) and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear, provided
that the employer permits such items to be worn off the job-site.
(3) When the employer provides
metatarsal guards and allows the employee, at his or her request, to use shoes
or boots with built-in metatarsal protection, the employer is not required to
reimburse the employee for the shoes or boots.
(4) The employer is not required to
pay for:
(i) Everyday clothing,
such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes, and normal work boots; or
(ii) Ordinary clothing,
skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as
winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary
sunglasses, and sunscreen.
(5) The employer must pay for
replacement PPE, except when the employee has lost or intentionally damaged the
PPE.
(6) Where an employee provides
adequate protective equipment he or she owns pursuant to paragraph (b) of this
section, the employer may allow the employee to use it and is not required to
reimburse the employee for that equipment. The employer shall not require an
employee to provide or pay for his or her own PPE, unless the PPE is excepted
by paragraphs (d)(2) through (d)(5) of this section.
(7) This section shall become effective
on February 13, 2008. Employers must implement the PPE payment requirements no
later than May 15, 2008.
Note to Sec. 1926.95(d): When the provisions of
another OSHA standard specify whether or not the employer must pay for specific
equipment, the payment provisions of that standard shall prevail.
1926.96
Occupational foot protection.
Safety-toe footwear
for employees shall meet the requirements and specifications in American
National Standard for Men's Safety-Toe Footwear, Z41.1-1967.
1926.97 Reserved.
1926.98 Reserved.
1926.99 Reserved.
1926.100 Head
Protection
(a) Employees
working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact,
or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns, shall be
protected by protective helmets.
(b) Helmets for the
protection of employees against impact and penetration of falling and flying
objects shall meet the specifications contained in American National Standards
Institute, Z89.1-1969, Safety Requirements for Industrial Head Protection.
(c) Helmets
for the head protection of employees exposed to high voltage electrical shock
and burns shall meet the specifications contained in American National
Standards Institute, Z89.2-1971.
1926.101 Hearing
protection
(a) Wherever it is
not feasible to reduce the noise levels or duration of exposures to those
specified in Table D-2, Permissible Noise Exposures, in 1926.52, ear protective
devices shall be provided and used.
(b) Ear protective
devices inserted in the ear shall be fitted or determined individually by
competent persons.
(c) Plain cotton
is not an acceptable protective device.
1926.102 Eye and
face protection
(a) General
(1)
Employees shall be provided with eye and face protection equipment when
machines or operations present potential eye or face injury from physical,
chemical, or radiation agents.
(2) Eye
and face protection equipment required by this Part shall meet the requirements
specified in American National Standards Institute, Z87.1-1968, Practice for
Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection.
(3) Employees
whose vision requires the use of corrective lenses in spectacles, when required
by this regulation to wear eye protection, shall be protected by goggles or
spectacles of one of the following types:
(i)
Spectacles whose protective lenses provide optical correction;
(ii)
Goggles that can be worn over corrective spectacles without disturbing the
adjustment of the spectacles;
(iii)
Goggles that incorporate corrective lenses mounted behind the protective
lenses.
(4) Face
and eye protection equipment shall be kept clean and in good repair. The use of
this type equipment with structural or optical defects shall be prohibited.
(5) Table
E-1 shall be used as a guide in the selection of face and eye protection for
the hazards and operations noted.
TABLE E-1 - Eye and
Face Protector Selection Guide
1. GOGGLES, Flexible Fitting
- Regular Ventilation
2. GOGGLES, Flexible Fitting
- Hooded Ventilation
3. GOGGLES, Cushioned Fitting
- Rigid Body
4. SPECTACLES, Metal Frame,
with Sideshields (1)
5. SPECTACLES, Plastic Frame -
with Sideshields (1)
6. SPECTACLES, Metal-Plastic
Frame - with Sideshields (1)
7. WELDING GOGGLES, Eyecup
Type - Tinted Lenses (2)
7A. CHIPPING GOGGLES, Eyecup
Type - Clear Safety Lenses
8. WELDING GOGGLES, Coversepc
Type - Tinted Lenses (2)
8A. CHIPPING GOGGLES,
Coverspec Type - Clear Safety Lenses
9. WELDING GOGGLES, Coverspec
Type - Tinted Plate Lens (2)
10. FACE SHIELD (Available
with Plastic or Mesh Window)
11. WELDING HELMETS (2)
Footnote(1)
Non-side shield spectacles are available for limited hazard use requiring only
frontal protection.
Footnote(2)
See Table E-2, in paragraph (b) of this section, Filter Lens Shade Numbers for
Protection Against Radiant Energy.
Applications
_______________________________________________________________________
| |
| | Recommended protectors:
Operation |
Hazards | Bold type numbers signify
| | preferred protection
__________________|________________________|____________________________
| |
Acetylene-Burning,| Sparks, harmful rays, | 7, 8, 9.
Acetylene-Cutting,| molten
metal, flying |
Acetylene-Welding |
particles............ |
__________________|________________________|____________________________
| |
Chemical Handling | Splash,
acid burns, | 2, 10 (For sever exposure
|
fumes................ | add 10 over 2).
__________________|________________________|____________________________
| |
Chipping..........| Flying
particles.......| 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7A, 8A.
__________________|________________________|____________________________
| |
Electric (arc) | Sparks, intense rays, | 9, 11,(11 in combination
welding...........| molten
metal..........| with 4, 5, 6, in tinted
| | lenses advisable)
__________________|________________________|____________________________
| |
Furnace operations| Glare,
heat, molten | 7, 8, 9 (For severe
|
metal.................| exposure add 10).
__________________|________________________|____________________________
| |
Grinding-Light....| Flying
particles.......| 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10.
__________________|________________________|____________________________
| |
Grinding-Heavy....| Flying
particles.......| 1, 3, 7A, 8A (For severe
| | exposure add 10)
__________________|________________________|____________________________
| |
Laboratory........| Chemical
splash, | 2 (10 when in combination
| glass
breakage........| with 4, 5, 6).
__________________|________________________|____________________________
| |
Machining.........| Flying
particles.......| 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10.
__________________|________________________|____________________________
| |
Molten metals.....| Heat,
glare, sparks, | 7, 8, (10 in combination
|
splash................| with 4, 5, 6, in tinted lenses)
__________________|________________________|____________________________
| |
Spot welding......| Flying
particles, | 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10
|
sparks................|
__________________|________________________|____________________________
(6)
Protectors shall meet the following minimum requirements:
(i)
They shall provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which
they are designed.
(ii)
They shall be reasonably comfortable when worn under the designated conditions.
(iii)
They shall fit snugly and shall not unduly interfere with the movements of the
wearer.
(iv) They shall
be durable.
(v) They shall
be capable of being disinfected.
(vi)
They shall be easily cleanable.
(7) Every
protector shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification only of the
manufacturer.
(8) When
limitations or precautions are indicated by the manufacturer, they shall be
transmitted to the user and care taken to see that such limitations and
precautions are strictly observed.
(b) Protection
against radiant energy
(1)
Selection of shade numbers for welding filter. Table E-2 shall be used as a
guide for the selection of the proper shade numbers of filter lenses or plates
used in welding. Shades more dense than those listed may be used to suit the
individual's needs.
TABLE
E-2 - FILTER LENS SHADE NUMBERS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST
RADIANT ENERGY
__________________________________________________________________
|
| Shade
Welding
operation | number
_______________________________________________________|__________
|
Shielded metal-arc welding
1/16-, 3/32-, 1/8-, 5/32- |
inch diameter electrodes..............................|
10
Gas-shielded arc welding
(nonferrous) 1/16-, 3/32-, |
1/8-, 5/32-inch diameter
electrodes...................| 11
Gas-shielded arc welding
(ferrous) 1/16-, 3/32-, 1/8-, |
5/32-inch diameter
electrodes.........................| 12
Shielded metal-arc welding
3/16-, 7/32-, 1/4-inch |
diameter
electrodes...................................| 12
5/16-, 3/8-inch diameter
electrodes....................| 14
Atomic hydrogen
welding................................| 10-14
Carbon-arc
welding.....................................| 14
Soldering..............................................|
2
Torch
brazing..........................................| 3 or 4
Light cutting, up to 1
inch............................| 3 or 4
Medium cutting, 1 inch to 6
inches.....................| 4 or 5
Heavy cutting, over 6
inches...........................| 5 or 6
Gas welding (light), up to
1/8-inch....................| 4 or 5
Gas welding (medium), 1/8-inch
to 1/2-inch.............| 5 or 6
Gas welding (heavy), over
1/2-inch.....................| 6 or 8
_______________________________________________________|__________
(2) Laser
protection.
(i)
Employees whose occupation or assignment requires exposure to laser beams shall
be furnished suitable laser safety goggles which will protect for the specific
wavelength of the laser and be of optical density (O.D.) adequate for the
energy involved. Table E-3 lists the maximum power or energy density for which
adequate protection is afforded by glasses of optical densities from 5 through
8.
TABLE E-3 - SELECTING LASER SAFETY GLASS
___________________________________________________________
|
Intensity, CW
| Attenuation
maximum power
|_______________________________________
density
| |
(watts/cm(2) | Optical
density | Attenuation
|
(O.D.) | factor
__________________|____________________|__________________
| |
10(-2)
| 5 | 10(5)
10(-1)
| 6 | 10(6)
1.0
| 7 | 10(7)
10.0 |
8 | 10(8)
__________________|____________________|__________________
Output levels falling between
lines in this table shall require the higher optical density.
(ii)
All protective goggles shall bear a label identifying the following data:
(a)
The laser wavelengths for which use is intended;
(b)
The optical density of those wavelengths;
(c)
The visible light transmission.
1926.103 Respiratory
Protection
Note: The
requirements applicable to construction work under this section are identical
to those set forth at 29 CFR 1910.134 of this chapter.
1926.104 Safety
belts, lifelines, and lanyards
(a) Lifelines,
safety belts, and lanyards shall be used only for employee safeguarding. Any
lifeline, safety belt, or lanyard actually subjected to in-service loading, as
distinguished from static load testing, shall be immediately removed from
service and shall not be used again for employee safeguarding.
(b) Lifelines shall
be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage or structural member
capable of supporting a minimum dead weight of 5,400 pounds.
(c) Lifelines used on
rock-scaling operations, or in areas where the lifeline may be subjected to
cutting or abrasion, shall be a minimum of 7/8-inch wire core manila rope. For
all other lifeline applications, a minimum of 3/4-inch manila or equivalent,
with a minimum breaking strength of 5,400 pounds, shall be used.
(d) Safety belt
lanyard shall be a minimum of 1/2-inch nylon, or equivalent, with a maximum
length to provide for a fall of no greater than 6 feet. The rope shall have a
nominal breaking strength of 5,400 pounds.
(e) All safety belt
and lanyard hardware shall be drop forged or pressed steel, cadmium plated in
accordance with type 1, Class B plating specified in Federal Specification
QQ-P-416. Surface shall be smooth and free of sharp edges.
(f) All safety
belt and lanyard hardware, except rivets, shall be capable of withstanding a
tensile loading of 4,000 pounds without cracking, breaking, or taking a permanent
deformation.
1926.105 Safety
nets
(a) Safety nets shall
be provided when workplaces are more than 25 feet above the ground or water
surface, or other surfaces where the use of ladders, scaffolds, catch
platforms, temporary floors, safety lines, or safety belts is impractical.
(b) Where safety net
protection is required by this part, operations shall not be undertaken until
the net is in place and has been tested.
(c)
(1) Nets
shall extend 8 feet beyond the edge of the work surface where employees are
exposed and shall be installed as close under the work surface as practical but
in no case more than 25 feet below such work surface. Nets shall be hung with
sufficient clearance to prevent user's contact with the surfaces or structures
below. Such clearances shall be determined by impact load testing.
(2) It is
intended that only one level of nets be required for bridge construction.
(d) The mesh size of
nets shall not exceed 6 inches by 6 inches. All new nets shall meet accepted
performance standards of 17,500 foot-pounds minimum impact resistance as
determined and certified by the manufacturers, and shall bear a label of proof
test. Edge ropes shall provide a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.
(e) Forged steel
safety hooks or shackles shall be used to fasten the net to its supports.
(f) Connections
between net panels shall develop the full strength of the net.
1926.106 Working over or near water.
(a) Employees working over or near water, where
the danger of drowning exists, shall be provided with U.S. Coast Guard-approved
life jacket or buoyant work vests.
(b) Prior to and after each use, the buoyant
work vests or life preservers shall be inspected for defects which would alter
their strength or buoyancy. Defective units shall not be used.
(c) Ring buoys with at least 90 feet of line
shall be provided and readily available for emergency rescue operations.
Distance between ring buoys shall not exceed 200 feet.
(d) At least one lifesaving skiff shall be
immediately available at locations where employees are working over or adjacent
to water.
1926.107 Definitions applicable to this
subpart.
(a) "Contaminant" means any material
which by reason of its action upon, within, or to a person is likely to cause
physical harm.
(b) "Lanyard" means a rope, suitable
for supporting one person. One end is fastened to a safety belt or harness and
the other end is secured to a substantial object or a safety line.
(c) "Lifeline" means a rope, suitable
for supporting one person, to which a lanyard or safety belt (or harness) is
attached.
(d) "O.D." means optical density and
refers to the light refractive characteristics of a lens.
(e) "Radiant energy" means energy that
travels outward in all directions from its sources.
(f) "Safetybelt" means a device,
usually worn around the waist which, by reason of its attachment to a lanyard
and lifeline or a structure, will prevent a worker from falling.
Subpart I ‑
Personal Protective Equipment
1910.132 General
requirements.
1910.133 Eye
and face protection.
1910.134 Respiratory
protection.
1910.135 Head
protection.
1910.136 Foot
protection.
1910.137 Electrical
protective equipment.
1910.138 Hand
Protection
Appendix A References
for further information (Non‑mandatory)
Appendix B Non‑mandatory
Compliance Guidelines for Hazard Assessment and Personal Protective Equipment
Selection
SUBPART I ‑‑ Personal
Protective Equipment
AUTHORITY: Sections 4, 6, and 8
of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 653, 655, and
657); Secretary of Labor's Order No. 12-71 (36 FR 8754), 8-76 (41 FR 25059),
9-83 (48 FR 35736), 1-90 (55 FR 9033), 6-96 (62 FR 111), 3-2000 (65 FR 50017),
5-2002 (67 FR 65008), or 5-2007 (72 FR 31160), as applicable, and 29 CFR Part
1911.
1910.132 General requirements.
(a) Application.
Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face,
head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective
shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and
reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes
or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants
encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function
of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.
STD 1‑1.13 STD 1‑6.1
STEP
(b) Employee‑owned
equipment. Where employees provide their own protective equipment, the employer
shall be responsible to assure its adequacy, including proper maintenance, and
sanitation of such equipment.
(c) Design. All
personal protective equipment shall be of safe design and construction for the
work to be performed.
(d) Hazard assessment
and equipment selection.
(1)
The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or
are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective
equipment (PPE). If such hazards are present, or likely to be present, the
employer shall:
(i)
Select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will protect
the affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment;
(ii)
Communicate selection decisions to each affected employee; and,
(iii)
Select PPE that properly fits each affected employee.
Note: Non‑mandatory
Appendix B contains an example of procedures that would comply with the
requirement for a hazard assessment.
(2)
The employer shall verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has
been performed through a written certification that identifies the workplace
evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed; the
date(s) of the hazard assessment; and, which identifies the document as a
certification of hazard assessment.
(e) Defective and
damaged equipment. Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not
be used.
(f) Training.
(1)
The employer shall provide training to each employee who is required by this
section to use PPE. Each such employee shall be trained to know at least the
following:
(i)
When PPE is necessary;
(ii)
What PPE is necessary;
(iii)
How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE;
(iv)
The limitations of the PPE; and,
(v)
The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE.
(2)
Each affected employee shall demonstrate an understanding of the training
specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, and the ability to use PPE
properly, before being allowed to perform work requiring the use of PPE.
(3)
When the employer has reason to believe that any affected employee who has
already been trained does not have the understanding and skill required by
paragraph (f)(2) of this section, the employer shall retrain each such
employee. Circumstances where retraining is required include, but are not
limited to, situations where:
(i)
Changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete; or
(ii)
Changes in the types of PPE to be used render previous training obsolete; or
(iii)
Inadequacies in an affected employee's knowledge or use of assigned PPE indicate
that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill.
(4)
The employer shall verify that each affected employee has received and
understood the required training through a written certification that contains
the name of each employee trained, the date(s) of training, and that identifies
the subject of the certification.
(g) Paragraphs (d)
and (f) of this section apply only to 1910.133, 1910.135, 1910.136, and
1910.138. Paragraphs (d) and (f) of this section do not apply to 1910.134 and
1910.137.
(h) Payment for protective
equipment.
(1) Except as provided by
paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(6) of this section, the protective equipment,
including personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply with this part,
shall be provided by the employer at no cost to employees.
(2) The employer is not required
to pay for non-specialty safety-toe protective footwear (including steel-toe
shoes or steel-toe boots) and non-specialty prescription safety eyewear,
provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off the job-site.
(3) When the employer provides
metatarsal guards and allows the employee, at his or her request, to use shoes
or boots with built-in metatarsal protection, the employer is not required to
reimburse the employee for the shoes or boots.
(4) The employer is not required
to pay for:
(i) The logging boots required by
29 CFR 1910.266(d)(1)(v);
(ii) Everyday clothing, such as
long-sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes, and normal work boots; or
(iii) Ordinary clothing, skin
creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter
coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary
sunglasses, and sunscreen.
(5) The employer must
pay for replacement PPE, except when the employee has lost or intentionally
damaged the PPE.
(6) Where an employee
provides adequate protective equipment he or she owns pursuant to paragraph (b)
of this section, the employer may allow the employee to use it and is not
required to reimburse the employee for that equipment. The employer shall not
require an employee to provide or pay for his or her own PPE, unless the PPE is
excepted by paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(5) of this section.
(7) This paragraph (h)
shall become effective on February 13, 2008. Employers must implement the PPE
payment requirements no later than May 15, 2008.
Note to Sec. 1910.132(h): When the provisions of another
OSHA standard specify whether or not the employer must pay for specific
equipment, the payment provisions of that standard shall prevail.
1910.133 Eye and face
protection.
(a) General
requirements.
(1)
The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or
face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles,
molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or
vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.
(2)
The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses eye protection that
provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable
side protectors (e.g. clip‑on or slide‑on side shields) meeting the
pertinent requirements of this section are acceptable.
(3)
The employer shall ensure that each affected employee who wears prescription
lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards wears eye
protection that incorporates the prescription in its design, or wears eye
protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the
proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses.
(4)
Eye and face PPE shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the
manufacturer.
(5)
The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses equipment with
filter lenses that have a shade number appropriate for the work being performed
for protection from injurious light radiation. The following is a listing of
appropriate shade numbers for various operations.
Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiant Energy
____________________________________________________________________
Minimum(*)
Operations Electrode Size
1/32 in. Arc Current Protective
Shade
_____________________________________________________________________
Shielded metal
arc welding Less than 3
......... Less than 60 ... 7
3-5
................. 60-160 ......... 8
5-8
................. 160-250 ........ 10
More than 8
......... 250-550 ........ 11
_____________________________________________________________________
Gas metal arc
welding and
flux cored
arc
welding less than 60 ... 7
60-160 ......... 10
160-250 ........ 10
250-500 ........ 10
_____________________________________________________________________
Gas Tungsten
arc
welding less than 50 ... 8
50-150 ......... 8
150-500
........ 10
_____________________________________________________________________
Air carbon (Light)
............. less than 500 .. 10
Arc cutting (Heavy)
............. 500-1000 ....... 11
_____________________________________________________________________
Plasma arc
welding less than 20 ... 6
20-100 ......... 8
100-400 ........ 10
400-800
........ 11
_____________________________________________________________________
Plasma arc (light)(**)
......... less than 300 .. 8
cutting (medium)(**)
........ 300-400 ........ 9
(heavy)(**)
......... 400-800 ........ 10
_____________________________________________________________________
Torch
brazing ................ 3
Torch
soldering ................ 2
Carbon arc
welding ................ 14
_____________________________________________________________________
Filter Lenses for
Protection Against Radiant Energy
_____________________________________________________________________
Minimum(*)
Operations Plate
thickness-inches Plate thickness-mm Protective
Shade
_____________________________________________________________________
Gas Welding:
Light Under 1/8
............ Under 3.2 ......... 4
Medium 1/8 to 1/2
........... 3.2 to 12.7 ....... 5
Heavy Over 1/2
............. Over 12.7 ......... 6
_____________________________________________________________________
Oxygen cutting:
Light Under 1
.............. Under 25 .......... 3
Medium 1 to 6
............... 25 to 150 ......... 4
Heavy Over 6
............... Over 150 .......... 5
______________________________________________________________________
Footnote(*) As a rule of
thumb, start with a shade that is too dark
to see the weld zone. Then go
to a lighter shade which gives
sufficient view of the weld
zone without going below the minimum. In
oxyfuel gas welding or cutting
where the torch produces a high yellow
light, it is desirable to use
a filter lens that absorbs the yellow
or sodium line in the visible
light of the (spectrum) operation.
Footnote(**) These values
apply where the actual arc is clearly
seen. Experience has shown
that lighter filters may be used when the
arc is hidden by the
workpiece.
(b)
Criteria for protective eye and face devices.
(1) Protective eye and face devices
purchased after July 5, 1994 shall comply with ANSI Z87.1‑1989,
``American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and
Face Protection,'' which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6.,
or shall be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective.
(2) Eye and face protective devices
purchased before July 5, 1994 shall comply with the ANSI ``USA standard for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection,'' Z87.1‑1968, which is
incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated by
the employer to be equally effective.
1910.134 Respiratory
Protection. This section applies to General Industry (part 1910),
Shipyards (part 1915), Marine Terminals (part 1917), Long shoring (part 1918),
and Construction (part 1926).
(a) Permissible
practice.
(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.
(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 (c) of this
section.
(b)
Definitions. The following definitions are important terms used in the
respiratory protection standard in this section.
"Air‑purifying
respirator" means a respirator with an air‑purifying filter,
cartridge, or canister that removes specific air contaminants by passing
ambient air through the air‑purifying element.
“Assigned
protection factor (APF)“means the workplace level of respiratory protection
that a respirator or class of respirators is expected to provide to employees
when the employer implements a continuing, effective respiratory protection
program as specified by this section.
"Atmosphere‑supplying
respirator" means a respirator that supplies the respirator
user with breathing air from a source independent of the
ambient atmosphere, and includes supplied‑air respirators (SARs) and
self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units.
"Canister or cartridge" means a
container with a filter, sorbent, or catalyst, or combination of these items,
which removes specific contaminants from the air passed through the container.
"Demand
respirator" means an atmosphere‑supplying respirator that admits
breathing air to the facepiece only when a negative pressure is created inside
the facepiece by inhalation.
"Emergency
situation" means any occurrence such as, but not limited to, equipment
failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment that may or
does result in an uncontrolled significant release of an airborne contaminant.
"Employee
exposure" means exposure to a concentration of an airborne contaminant
that would occur if the employee were not using respiratory protection.
"End‑of‑service‑life
indicator (ESLI)" means a system that warns the respirator user
of the approach of the end of
adequate respiratory protection, for example, that the sorbent is approaching
saturation or is no longer effective.
"Escape‑only
respirator" means a respirator intended to be used only for emergency
exit.
"Filter
or air purifying element" means a component used in respirators to
remove
solid or liquid aerosols from the
inspired air.
"Filtering
facepiece (dust mask)" means a negative pressure particulate
respirator
with a filter as an integral part
of the facepiece or with the entire facepiece
composed of the filtering medium.
"Fit factor"
means a quantitative estimate of the fit of a particular respirator to a
specific individual, and
typically estimates the ratio of the concentration of a substance in ambient
air to its concentration inside the respirator when worn.
"Fit
test" means the use of a protocol to qualitatively or quantitatively
evaluate the fit of a respirator on an individual. (See also Qualitative fit
test QLFT and Quantitative fit test QNFT.)
"Helmet"
means a rigid respiratory inlet covering that also provides head protection
against impact and penetration.
"High
efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter" means a filter that is at
least 99.97% efficient in removing monodisperse particles of 0.3 micrometers in
diameter. The equivalent NIOSH 42 CFR 84 particulate filters are the N100,
R100, and P100 filters.
"Hood"
means a respiratory inlet covering that completely covers the head and neck and
may also cover portions of the shoulders and torso.
"Immediately
dangerous to life or health (IDLH)" means an atmosphere that poses an
immediate threat to life, would
cause irreversible adverse health effects, or would impair an individual's
ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere.
"Interior
structural firefighting" means the physical activity of fire
suppression, rescue or both, inside of buildings or enclosed structures which
are involved in a fire situation beyond the incipient stage. (See 29 CFR
1910.155)
"Loose‑fitting
facepiece" means a respiratory inlet covering that is designed to form
a partial seal with the face.
“Maximum use
concentration (MUC)” means the maximum atmospheric concentration of a
hazardous substance from which an employee can be expected to be protected when
wearing a respirator, and is determined by the assigned protection factor of
the respirator or class of respirators and the exposure limit of the hazardous
substance. The MUC can be determined mathematically by multiplying the assigned
protection factor specified for a respirator by the required OSHA permissible
exposure limit, short-term exposure limit, or ceiling limit. When no OSHA
exposure limit is available for a hazardous substance, an employer must
determine an MUC on the basis of relevant available information and informed
professional judgment.
"Negative
pressure respirator (tight fitting)" means a respirator in which the
air pressure inside the facepiece is negative during inhalation with respect to
the ambient air pressure outside the respirator.
"Oxygen
deficient atmosphere means" an atmosphere with an oxygen content below
19.5% by volume.
"Physician
or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP)" means an
individual whose legally permitted scope of practice (i.e., license,
registration, or certification) allows him or her to independently provide, or
be delegated the responsibility to provide, some or all of the health care
services required by paragraph (e) of this section.
"Positive
pressure respirator" means a respirator in which the pressure inside
the respiratory inlet covering exceeds the ambient air pressure outside the
respirator.
"Powered
air‑purifying respirator (PAPR)" means an air‑purifying
respirator that uses a blower to force the ambient air through air‑purifying
elements to the inlet covering.
"Pressure
demand respirator" means a positive pressure atmosphere‑supplying
respirator that admits breathing air to the facepiece when the positive
pressure is reduced inside the facepiece by inhalation.
"Qualitative
fit test (QLFT)" means a pass/fail fit test to assess the adequacy of
respirator fit that relies on the individual's response to the test agent.
"Quantitative
fit test (QNFT)" means an assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit
by numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator.
"Respiratory
inlet covering" means that portion of a respirator that forms the
protective barrier between the user's respiratory tract and an air‑purifying
device or breathing air source, or both. It may be a facepiece, helmet, hood,
suit, or a mouthpiece respirator with nose clamp.
"Self‑contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA)" means an atmosphere‑supplying
respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to be carried by the
user.
"Service
life means" the period of time that a respirator, filter or sorbent,
or other respiratory equipment provides adequate protection to the wearer.
"Supplied‑air
respirator (SAR) or airline respirator" means an atmosphere‑supplying
respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried
by the user.
"This
section" means this respiratory protection standard.
"Tight‑fitting
facepiece" means a respiratory inlet covering that forms a complete
seal with the face.
"User
seal check" means an action conducted by the respirator user to
determine if the respirator is properly seated to the face.
(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).
(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:
(i)
Procedures for selecting respirators for use in the workplace;
(ii) Medical
evaluations of employees required to use respirators;
(iii) Fit
testing procedures for tight‑fitting respirators;
(iv) Procedures
for proper use of respirators in routine and reasonably foreseeable emergency
situations;
(v) Procedures
and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing,
discarding, and otherwise maintaining respirators;
(vi) Procedures
to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of breathing air for
atmosphere‑supplying respirators;
(vii) Training
of employees in the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed
during routine and emergency situations;
(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
(ix) Procedures
for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the program.
(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).
(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.
(4) The
employer shall provide respirators, training, and medical evaluations at no
cost to the employee.
(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.
(1) General
requirements.
(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.
(ii) The
employer shall select a NIOSH‑certified respirator. The respirator shall
be used in compliance with the conditions of its certification.
(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.
(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.
(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 respirator (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.
(3)
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 reasonably foreseeable emergency situations.
(A) Assigned Protection Factors (APFs) Employers must use the assigned
protection factors listed in Table 1 to select a respirator that meets or
exceeds the required level of employee protection. When using a combination
respirator (e.g., airline respirators with an air-purifying filter), employers
must ensure that the assigned protection factor is appropriate to the mode of
operation in which the respirator is being used.
Table
1. -- Assigned Protection Factors5
|
Type of respirator1,
2
|
Quarter mask
|
Half mask
|
Full
facepiece
|
Helmet/
hood
|
Loose-fitting
facepiece
|
|
1. Air-Purifying Respirator
|
5
|
310
|
50
|
..............
|
..............
|
|
2. Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
|
..............
|
50
|
1,000
|
425/1,000
|
25
|
|
3. Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR) or Airline Respirator
• Demand mode
• Continuous flow mode
• Pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
|
..............
..............
..............
|
10
50
50
|
50
1,000
1,000
|
..............
425/1,000
..............
|
..............
25
..............
|
|
4. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• Demand mode
• Pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (e.g.,
open/closed circuit)
|
..............
..............
|
10
..............
|
50
10,000
|
50
10,000
|
..............
..............
|
Notes:
1Employers may select respirators
assigned for use in higher workplace concentrations of a hazardous substance
for use at lower concentrations of that substance, or when required respirator
use is independent of concentration.
2The assigned protection factors in
Table 1 are only effective when the employer implements a continuing, effective
respirator program as required by this section (29 CFR 1910.134), including
training, fit testing, maintenance, and use requirements.
3This APF category includes
filtering facepieces, and half masks with elastomeric facepieces.
4The employer must have evidence
provided by the respirator manufacturer that testing of these respirators
demonstrates performance at a level of protection of 1,000 or greater to
receive an APF of 1,000. This level of performance can best be demonstrated by
performing a WPF or SWPF study or equivalent testing. Absent such testing, all
other PAPRs and SARs with helmets/hoods are to be treated as loose-fitting
facepiece respirators, and receive an APF of 25.
5These APFs do not apply to
respirators used solely for escape. For escape respirators used in association
with specific substances covered by 29 CFR 1910 subpart Z, employers must refer
to the appropriate substance-specific standards in that subpart. Escape
respirators for other IDLH atmospheres are specified by 29 CFR 1910.134
(d)(2)(ii).
(B) Maximum
Use Concentration (MUC)
(1)
The employer must select a respirator for employee use that maintains the
employee's exposure to the hazardous substance, when measured outside the
respirator, at or below the MUC.
(2)
Employers must not apply MUCs to conditions that are immediately dangerous to
life or health (IDLH); instead, they must use respirators listed for IDLH
conditions in paragraph (d)(2) of this standard.
(3)
When the calculated MUC exceeds the IDLH level for a hazardous substance, or
the performance limits of the cartridge or canister, then employers must set
the maximum MUC at that lower limit.
(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 contaminant; 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.
TABLE I. ‑‑ Assigned Protection Factors [Reserved]
TABLE II
|
Altitude (ft.)
|
Oxygen deficient Atmospheres (% 02)
for which the employer atmosphere-may rely on supplying respirators
|
|
Less than 3,0013,001-4,0004,001-5,0005,001-6,0006,001-7,0007,001-8,0001
|
16.0-19.516.4-19.517.1-19.517.8-19.518.5-19.519.3-19.5
|
1Above 8,000 feet the exception does
not apply. Oxygen-enriched breathing air must be supplied above 14,000 feet.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(6) QLFT may
only be used to fit test negative pressure air‑purifying respirators that
must achieve a fit factor of 100 or less.
(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.
(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.
(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 firefighting situations.
(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 of 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.
(ii) If an
employee wears corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective
equipment, the employer shall ensure that such equipment is worn in a manner
that does not interfere with the seal of the facepiece to the face of the user.
(iii) For all
tight‑fitting respirators, the employer shall ensure that 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.
(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.
(3) Procedures
for IDLH atmospheres. For all 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).
(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.
(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 employees.
(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.
(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 the 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.
(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
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.
(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.
(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.
(1) The
employer shall ensure that compressed air, 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.
(2) The
employer shall ensure that compressed oxygen is not used in atmosphere‑supplying
respirators that have previously used compressed air.
(3) The
employer shall ensure that oxygen concentrations greater than 23.5% are used
only in equipment designed for oxygen service or distribution.
(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);
(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 deg.F
(‑45.6 deg.C) at 1 atmosphere pressure.
(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 deg.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 the signature of the person
authorized by the employer to perform the change. The tag shall be maintained
at the compressor.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(9) The
employer shall use breathing gas containers marked in accordance with the NIOSH
respirator certification standard, 42 CFR part 84.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(2) The
training shall be conducted in a manner that is understandable to the employee.
(3) The
employer shall provide the training prior to requiring the employee to use a
respirator in the workplace.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(1) Medical
evaluation. Records of medical evaluations required by this section must be
retained and made available in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020.
(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.
(3) A written
copy of the current respirator program shall be retained by the employer.
(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.
(n) Effective
date. Paragraphs (d)(3)(i)(A) and (d)(3)(i)(B) of this section become effective
November 22, 2006.
(o) Appendices.
(1) Compliance
with Appendix A, Appendix B‑1, Appendix B‑2, and Appendix C of this
section is mandatory.
(2) Appendix D
of this section is non‑mandatory and is not intended to create any
additional obligations not otherwise imposed or to detract from any existing
obligations.
Appendix A to Sec. 1910.134:
Fit Testing Procedures (Mandatory)
Part I. OSHA‑Accepted Fit
Test Protocols
A. Fit Testing
Procedures ‑‑ General Requirements
The employer shall conduct fit
testing using the following procedures. The requirements in this appendix
apply to all OSHA‑accepted fit test methods, both QLFT and QNFT.
1. The test
subject shall be allowed to pick the most acceptable respirator from a
sufficient number of respirator models and sizes so that the respirator is
acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user.
2. Prior to the
selection process, the test subject shall be shown how to put on a respirator,
how it should be positioned on the face, how to set strap tension and how to
determine an acceptable fit. A mirror shall be available to assist the subject
in evaluating the fit and positioning of the respirator. This instruction may
not constitute the subject's formal training on respirator use, because it is only
a review.
3. The test
subject shall be informed that he/she is being asked to select the respirator
that provides the most acceptable fit. Each respirator represents a different
size and shape, and if fitted and used properly, will provide adequate protection.
4. The test
subject shall be instructed to hold each chosen facepiece up to the face and
eliminate those that obviously do not give an acceptable fit.
5. The more
acceptable facepieces are noted in case the one selected proves unacceptable;
the most comfortable mask is donned and worn at least five minutes to assess
comfort. Assistance in assessing comfort can be given by discussing the points
in the following item A.6. If the test subject is not familiar with using a
particular respirator, the test subject shall be directed to don the mask
several times and to adjust the straps each time to become adept at setting
proper tension on the straps.
6. Assessment
of comfort shall include a review of the following points with the test subject
and allowing the test subject adequate time to determine the comfort of the
respirator:
(a) Position of
the mask on the nose
(b) Room for
eye protection
(c) Room to
talk
(d) Position of
mask on face and cheeks
7. The
following criteria shall be used to help determine the adequacy of the
respirator fit:
(a) Chin
properly placed;
(b) Adequate
strap tension, not overly tightened;
(c) Fit across
nose bridge;
(d) Respirator
of proper size to span distance from nose to chin;
(e) Tendency of
respirator to slip;
(f) Self‑observation
in mirror to evaluate fit and respirator position.
8. The test
subject shall conduct a user seal check, either the negative and positive
pressure seal checks described in Appendix B‑1 of this section or those
recommended by the respirator manufacturer which provide equivalent protection
to the procedures in Appendix B‑1. Before conducting the negative and
positive pressure checks, the subject shall be told to seat the mask on the
face by moving the head from side‑to‑side and up and down slowly
while taking in a few slow deep breaths. Another facepiece shall be selected
and retested if the test subject fails the user seal check tests.
9. The test
shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin and the
facepiece sealing surface, such as stubble beard growth, beard, mustache or
sideburns which cross the respirator sealing surface. Any type of apparel
which interferes with a satisfactory fit shall be altered or removed.
10. If a test
subject exhibits difficulty in breathing during the tests, she or he shall be
referred to a physician or other licensed health care professional, as
appropriate, to determine whether the test subject can wear a respirator while
performing her or his duties.
11. If the
employee finds the fit of the respirator unacceptable, the test subject shall
be given the opportunity to select a different respirator and to be retested.
12. Exercise
regimen. Prior to the commencement of the fit test, the test subject shall be
given a description of the fit test and the test subject's responsibilities
during the test procedure. The description of the process shall include a
description of the test exercises that the subject will be performing. The
respirator to be tested shall be worn for at least 5 minutes before the start
of the fit test.
13. The fit
test shall be performed while the test subject is wearing any applicable safety
equipment that may be worn during actual respirator use which could interfere
with respirator fit.
14. Test
Exercises. (a) Employers must perform the following test exercises for all fit
testing methods prescribed in this appendix, except for the CNP quantitative
fit testing protocol and the CNP REDON quantitative fit testing protocol. For
these two protocols, employers must ensure that the test subjects (i.e.,
employees) perform the exercise procedure specified in Part I.C.4(b) of this
appendix for the CNP quantitative fit testing protocol, or the exercise
procedure described in Part I.C.5(b) of this appendix for the CNP REDON
quantitative fit-testing protocol. For the remaining fit testing methods,
employers must ensure that employees perform the test exercises in the
appropriate test environment in the following manner:
(1) Normal
breathing. In a normal standing position, without talking, the subject shall
breathe normally.
(2) Deep
breathing. In a normal standing position, the subject shall breathe slowly and
deeply, taking caution so as not to hyperventilate.
(3) Turning
head side to side. Standing in place, the subject shall slowly turn his/her
head from side to side between the extreme positions on each side. The head
shall be held at each extreme momentarily so the subject can inhale at each
side.
(4) Moving
head up and down. Standing in place, the subject shall slowly move his/her head
up and down. The subject shall be instructed to inhale in the up position
(i.e., when looking toward the ceiling).
(5) Talking.
The subject shall talk out loud slowly and loud enough so as to be heard
clearly by the test conductor. The subject can read from a prepared text such
as the Rainbow Passage, count backward from 100, or recite a memorized poem or
song.
Rainbow Passage
When the
sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a
rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors.
These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its
two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a
boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a
man looks for something beyond reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot
of gold at the end of the rainbow.
(6) Grimace. The
test subject shall grimace by smiling or frowning. (This applies only to QNFT
testing; it is not performed for QLFT)
(7) Bending
over. The test subject shall bend at the waist as if he/she were to touch
his/her toes. Jogging in place shall be substituted for this exercise in those
test environments such as shroud type QNFT or QLFT units that do not permit
bending over at the waist.
(8) Normal
breathing. Same as exercise (1).
(b) Each test
exercise shall be performed for one minute except for the grimace exercise
which shall be performed for 15 seconds. The test subject shall be questioned
by the test conductor regarding the comfort of the respirator upon completion
of the protocol. If it has become unacceptable, another model of respirator
shall be tried. The respirator shall not be adjusted once the fit test
exercises begin. Any adjustment voids the test, and the fit test must be
repeated.
B. Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT)
Protocols
1. General
(a) The employer
shall ensure that persons administering QLFT are able to prepare test
solutions, calibrate equipment and perform tests properly, recognize invalid
tests, and ensure that test equipment is in proper working order.
(b) The employer
shall ensure that QLFT equipment is kept clean and well maintained so as to
operate within the parameters for which it was designed.
2. Isoamyl Acetate Protocol
Note: This protocol is not
appropriate to use for the fit testing of particulate respirators. If used to
fit test particulate respirators, the respirator must be equipped with an
organic vapor filter.
(a) Odor
Threshold Screening
Odor threshold
screening, performed without wearing a respirator, is intended to determine if
the individual tested can detect the odor of isoamyl acetate at low levels.
(1) Three 1
liter glass jars with metal lids are required.
(2) Odor‑free
water (e.g., distilled or spring water) at approximately 25 deg. C (77 deg. F)
shall be used for the solutions.
(3) The isoamyl
acetate (IAA) (also known at isopentyl acetate) stock solution is prepared by
adding 1 ml of pure IAA to 800 ml of odor‑free water in a 1 liter jar,
closing the lid and shaking for 30 seconds. A new solution shall be prepared
at least weekly.
(4) The
screening test shall be conducted in a room separate from the room used for
actual fit testing. The two rooms shall be well‑ventilated to prevent
the odor of IAA from becoming evident in the general room air where testing
takes place.
(5) The odor
test solution is prepared in a second jar by placing 0.4 ml of the stock
solution into 500 ml of odor‑free water using a clean dropper or pipette.
The solution shall be shaken for 30 seconds and allowed to stand for two to
three minutes so that the IAA concentration above the liquid may reach
equilibrium. This solution shall be used for only one day.
(6) A test
blank shall be prepared in a third jar by adding 500 cc of odor‑free
water.
(7) The odor
test and test blank jar lids shall be labeled (e.g., 1 and 2) for jar
identification. Labels shall be placed on the lids so that they can be peeled
off periodically and switched to maintain the integrity of the test.
(8) The
following instruction shall be typed on a card and placed on the table in front
of the two test jars (i.e., 1 and 2): "The purpose of this test is to
determine if you can smell banana oil at a low concentration. The two bottles
in front of you contain water. One of these bottles also contains a small
amount of banana oil. Be sure the covers are on tight, then shake each bottle
for two seconds. Unscrew the lid of each bottle, one at a time, and sniff at
the mouth of the bottle. Indicate to the test conductor which bottle contains
banana oil."
(9) The
mixtures used in the IAA odor detection test shall be prepared in an area
separate from where the test is performed, in order to prevent olfactory
fatigue in the subject.
(10) If the
test subject is unable to correctly identify the jar containing the odor test
solution, the IAA qualitative fit test shall not be performed.
(11) If the
test subject correctly identifies the jar containing the odor test solution,
the test subject may proceed to respirator selection and fit testing.
(b) Isoamyl
Acetate Fit Test
(1) The fit
test chamber shall be a clear 55‑gallon drum liner suspended inverted
over a 2‑foot diameter frame so that the top of the chamber is about 6
inches above the test subject's head. If no drum liner is available, a similar
chamber shall be constructed using plastic sheeting. The inside top center of
the chamber shall have a small hook attached.
(2) Each
respirator used for the fitting and fit testing shall be equipped with organic
vapor cartridges or offer protection against organic vapors.
(3) After
selecting, donning, and properly adjusting a respirator, the test subject shall
wear it to the fit testing room. This room shall be separate from the room used
for odor threshold screening and respirator selection, and shall be well‑ventilated,
as by an exhaust fan or lab hood, to prevent general room contamination.
(4) A copy of
the test exercises and any prepared text from which the subject is to read
shall be taped to the inside of the test chamber.
(5) Upon
entering the test chamber, the test subject shall be given a 6‑inch by 5‑inch
piece of paper towel, or other porous, absorbent, single‑ply material,
folded in half and wetted with 0.75 ml of pure IAA. The test subject shall hang
the wet towel on the hook at the top of the chamber. An IAA test swab or ampule
may be substituted for the IAA wetted paper towel provided it has been
demonstrated that the alternative IAA source will generate an IAA test
atmosphere with a concentration equivalent to that generated by the paper towel
method.
(6) Allow two
minutes for the IAA test concentration to stabilize before starting the fit
test exercises. This would be an appropriate time to talk with the test
subject; to explain the fit test, the importance of his/her cooperation, and
the purpose for the test exercises; or to demonstrate some of the exercises.
(7) If at any
time during the test, the subject detects the banana‑like odor of IAA,
the test is failed. The subject shall quickly exit from the test chamber and
leave the test area to avoid olfactory fatigue.
(8) If the test
is failed, the subject shall return to the selection room and remove the
respirator. The test subject shall repeat the odor sensitivity test, select
and put on another respirator, return to the test area and again begin the fit
test procedure described in (b) (1) through (7) above. The process continues
until a respirator that fits well has been found. Should the odor sensitivity
test be failed, the subject shall wait at least 5 minutes before retesting.
Odor sensitivity will usually have returned by this time.
(9) If the
subject passes the test, the efficiency of the test procedure shall be
demonstrated by having the subject break the respirator face seal and take a
breath before exiting the chamber.
(10) When the
test subject leaves the chamber, the subject shall remove the saturated towel
and return it to the person conducting the test, so that there is no
significant IAA concentration buildup in the chamber during subsequent tests.
The used towels shall be kept in a self‑sealing plastic bag to keep the
test area from being contaminated.
3. Saccharin Solution Aerosol
Protocol
The entire
screening and testing procedure shall be explained to the test subject prior to
the conduct of the screening test.
(a) Taste
threshold screening. The saccharin taste threshold screening, performed without
wearing a respirator, is intended to determine whether the individual being
tested can detect the taste of saccharin.
(1) During
threshold screening as well as during fit testing, subjects shall wear an
enclosure about the head and shoulders that is approximately 12 inches in
diameter by 14 inches tall with at least the front portion clear and that
allows free movements of the head when a respirator is worn. An enclosure
substantially similar to the 3M hood assembly, parts # FT 14 and # FT 15
combined, is adequate.
(2) The test
enclosure shall have a 3/4‑inch (1.9 cm) hole in front of the test
subject's nose and mouth area to accommodate the nebulizer nozzle.
(3) The test
subject shall don the test enclosure. Throughout the threshold screening test,
the test subject shall breathe through his/her slightly open mouth with tongue
extended. The subject is instructed to report when he/she detects a sweet
taste.
(4) Using a
DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer or equivalent, the test
conductor shall spray the threshold check solution into the enclosure. The
nozzle is directed away from the nose and mouth of the person. This nebulizer
shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the fit test solution nebulizer.
(5) The
threshold check solution is prepared by dissolving 0.83 gram of sodium
saccharin USP in 100 ml of warm water. It can be prepared by putting 1 ml of
the fit test solution (see (b)(5) below) in 100 ml of distilled water.
(6) To produce
the aerosol, the nebulizer bulb is firmly squeezed so that it collapses
completely, then released and allowed to fully expand.
(7) Ten
squeezes are repeated rapidly and then the test subject is asked whether the
saccharin can be tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the sweet taste
during the ten squeezes, the screening test is completed. The taste threshold
is noted as ten regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.
(8) If the
first response is negative, ten more squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test
subject is again asked whether the saccharin is tasted. If the test subject
reports tasting the sweet taste during the second ten squeezes, the screening
test is completed. The taste threshold is noted as twenty regardless of the
number of squeezes actually completed.
(9) If the
second response is negative, ten more squeezes are repeated rapidly and the
test subject is again asked whether the saccharin is tasted. If the test
subject reports tasting the sweet taste during the third set of ten squeezes,
the screening test is completed. The taste threshold is noted as thirty
regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.
(10) The test
conductor will take note of the number of squeezes required to solicit a taste
response.
(11) If the
saccharin is not tasted after 30 squeezes (step 10), the test subject is unable
to taste saccharin and may not perform the saccharin fit test.
Note to paragraph 3. (a): If the
test subject eats or drinks something sweet before the screening
test, he/she may be unable to
taste the weak saccharin solution.
(12) If a taste
response is elicited, the test subject shall be asked to take note of the taste
for reference in the fit test.
(13) Correct
use of the nebulizer means that approximately 1 ml of liquid is used at a time
in the nebulizer body.
(14) The
nebulizer shall be thoroughly rinsed in water, shaken dry, and refilled at
least each morning and afternoon or at least every four hours.
(b) Saccharin
solution aerosol fit test procedure.
(1) The test
subject may not eat, drink (except plain water), smoke, or chew gum for 15
minutes before the test.
(2) The fit
test uses the same enclosure described in 3. (a) above.
(3) The test
subject shall don the enclosure while wearing the respirator selected in
section I. A. of this appendix. The respirator shall be properly adjusted and
equipped with a particulate filter(s).
(4) A second
DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer or equivalent is used to
spray the fit test solution into the enclosure. This nebulizer shall be clearly
marked to distinguish it from the screening test solution nebulizer.
(5) The fit
test solution is prepared by adding 83 grams of sodium saccharin to 100 ml of
warm water.
(6) As before,
the test subject shall breathe through the slightly open mouth with tongue
extended, and report if he/she tastes the sweet taste of saccharin.
(7) The
nebulizer is inserted into the hole in the front of the enclosure and an
initial concentration of saccharin fit test solution is sprayed into the
enclosure using the same number of squeezes (either 10, 20 or 30 squeezes)
based on the number of squeezes required to elicit a taste response as noted
during the screening test. A minimum of 10 squeezes is required.
(8) After
generating the aerosol, the test subject shall be instructed to perform the
exercises in section I. A. 14. of this appendix.
(9) Every 30
seconds the aerosol concentration shall be replenished using one half the
original number of squeezes used initially (e.g., 5, 10 or 15).
(10) The test
subject shall indicate to the test conductor if at any time during the fit test
the taste of saccharin is detected. If the test subject does not report
tasting the saccharin, the test is passed.
(11) If the
taste of saccharin is detected, the fit is deemed unsatisfactory and the test
is failed. A different respirator shall be tried and the entire test procedure
is repeated (taste threshold screening and fit testing).
(12) Since the
nebulizer has a tendency to clog during use, the test operator must make
periodic checks of the nebulizer to ensure that it is not clogged. If clogging
is found at the end of the test session, the test is invalid.
4. BitrexTM (Denatonium Benzoate)
Solution Aerosol Qualitative Fit Test Protocol
The BitrexTM
(Denatonium benzoate) solution aerosol QLFT protocol uses the published
saccharin test protocol because that protocol is widely accepted. Bitrex is
routinely used as a taste aversion agent in household liquids which children
should not be drinking and is endorsed by the American Medical Association,
the National Safety Council, and the American Association of Poison Control
Centers. The entire screening and testing procedure shall be explained to the
test subject prior to the conduct of the screening test.
(a) Taste
Threshold Screening. The Bitrex taste threshold screening, performed without
wearing a respirator, is intended to determine whether the individual being
tested can detect the taste of Bitrex.
(1) During
threshold screening as well as during fit testing, subjects shall wear an
enclosure about the head and shoulders that is approximately 12 inches (30.5
cm) in diameter by 14 inches (35.6 cm) tall. The front portion of the
enclosure shall be clear from the respirator and allow free movement of the
head when a respirator is worn. An enclosure substantially similar to the 3M
hood assembly, parts #14 and #15 combined, is adequate.
(2) The test
enclosure shall have a \3/4\ inch (1.9 cm) hole in front of the test subject's
nose and mouth area to accommodate the nebulizer nozzle.
(3) The test
subject shall don the test enclosure. Throughout the threshold screening test,
the test subject shall breathe through his or her slightly open mouth with
tongue extended. The subject is instructed to report when he/she detects a
bitter taste.
(4) Using a
DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer or equivalent, the test
conductor shall spray the Threshold Check Solution into the enclosure. This
Nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the fit test solution
nebulizer.
(5) The
Threshold Check Solution is prepared by adding 13.5 milligrams of Bitrex to 100
ml of 5% salt (NaCl) solution in distilled water.
(6) To produce
the aerosol, the nebulizer bulb is firmly squeezed so that the bulb collapses
completely, and is then released and allowed to fully expand.
(7) An initial
ten squeezes are repeated rapidly and then the test subject is asked whether
the Bitrex can be tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the bitter taste
during the ten squeezes, the screening test is completed. The taste threshold
is noted as ten regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.
(8) If the
first response is negative, ten more squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test
subject is again asked whether the Bitrex is tasted. If the test subject
reports tasting the bitter taste during the second ten squeezes, the screening
test is completed. The taste threshold is noted as twenty regardless of the
number of squeezes actually completed.
(9) If the
second response is negative, ten more squeezes are repeated rapidly and the
test subject is again asked whether the Bitrex is tasted. If the test subject
reports tasting the bitter taste during the third set of ten squeezes, the
screening test is completed. The taste threshold is noted as thirty regardless
of the number of squeezes actually completed.
(10) The test
conductor will take note of the number of squeezes required to solicit a taste
response.
(11) If the
Bitrex is not tasted after 30 squeezes (step 10), the test subject is unable to
taste Bitrex and may not perform the Bitrex fit test.
(12) If a taste
response is elicited, the test subject shall be asked to take note of the taste
for reference in the fit test.
(13) Correct
use of the nebulizer means that approximately 1 ml of liquid is used at a time
in the nebulizer body.
(14) The
nebulizer shall be thoroughly rinsed in water, shaken to dry, and refilled at
least each morning and afternoon or at least every four hours.
(b) Bitrex
Solution Aerosol Fit Test Procedure.
(1) The test
subject may not eat, drink (except plain water), smoke, or chew gum for 15
minutes before the test.
(2) The fit
test uses the same enclosure as that described in 4. (a) above.
(3) The test
subject shall don the enclosure while wearing the respirator selected according
to section I. A. of this appendix. The respirator shall be properly adjusted
and equipped with any type particulate filter(s).
(4) A second
DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer or equivalent is used to
spray the fit test solution into the enclosure. This nebulizer shall be clearly
marked to distinguish it from the screening test solution nebulizer.
(5) The fit
test solution is prepared by adding 337.5 mg of Bitrex to 200 ml of a 5% salt
(NaCl) solution in warm water.
(6) As before,
the test subject shall breathe through his or her slightly open mouth with
tongue extended, and be instructed to report if he/she tastes the bitter taste
of Bitrex..
(7) The
nebulizer is inserted into the hole in the front of the enclosure and an
initial concentration of the fit test solution is sprayed into the enclosure
using the same number of squeezes (either 10, 20 or 30 squeezes) based on the
number of squeezes required to elicit a taste response as noted during the
screening test.
(8) After
generating the aerosol, the test subject shall be instructed to perform the
exercises in section I. A. 14. of this appendix.
(9) Every 30
seconds the aerosol concentration shall be replenished using one half the
number of squeezes used initially (e.g., 5, 10 or 15).
(10) The test
subject shall indicate to the test conductor if at any time during the fit test
the taste of Bitrex is detected. If the test subject does not report tasting
the Bitrex, the test is passed.
(11) If the
taste of Bitrex is detected, the fit is deemed unsatisfactory and the test is
failed. A different respirator shall be tried and the entire test procedure is
repeated (taste threshold screening and fit testing).
5. Irritant Smoke (Stannic
Chloride) Protocol
This qualitative
fit test uses a person's response to the irritating chemicals released in the
"smoke" produced by a stannic chloride ventilation smoke tube to
detect leakage into the respirator.
(a) General
Requirements and Precautions
(1) The
respirator to be tested shall be equipped with high efficiency particulate air
(HEPA) or P100 series filter(s).
(2) Only
stannic chloride smoke tubes shall be used for this protocol.
(3) No form of
test enclosure or hood for the test subject shall be used.
(4) The smoke
can be irritating to the eyes, lungs, and nasal passages. The test conductor
shall take precautions to minimize the test subject's exposure to irritant
smoke. Sensitivity varies, and certain individuals may respond to a greater
degree to irritant smoke. Care shall be taken when performing the sensitivity
screening checks that determine whether the test subject can detect irritant
smoke to use only the minimum amount of smoke necessary to elicit a response
from the test subject.
(5) The fit
test shall be performed in an area with adequate ventilation to prevent
exposure of the person conducting the fit test or the build‑up of
irritant smoke in the general atmosphere.
(b) Sensitivity
Screening Check. The person to be tested must demonstrate his or her ability
to detect a weak concentration of the irritant smoke.
(1) The test
operator shall break both ends of a ventilation smoke tube containing stannic
chloride, and attach one end of the smoke tube to a low flow air pump set to
deliver 200 milliliters per minute, or an aspirator squeeze bulb. The test
operator shall cover the other end of the smoke tube with a short piece of
tubing to prevent potential injury from the jagged end of the smoke tube.
(2) The test
operator shall advise the test subject that the smoke can be irritating to the
eyes, lungs, and nasal passages and instruct the subject to keep his/her eyes
closed while the test is performed.
(3) The test
subject shall be allowed to smell a weak concentration of the irritant smoke
before the respirator is donned to become familiar with its irritating
properties and to determine if he/she can detect the irritating properties of
the smoke. The test operator shall carefully direct a small amount of the
irritant smoke in the test subject's direction to determine that he/she can
detect it.
(c) Irritant
Smoke Fit Test Procedure
(1) The person
being fit tested shall don the respirator without assistance, and perform the
required user seal check(s).
(2) The test
subject shall be instructed to keep his/her eyes closed.
(3) The test
operator shall direct the stream of irritant smoke from the smoke tube toward
the faceseal area of the test subject, using the low flow pump or the squeeze
bulb. The test operator shall begin at least 12 inches from the facepiece and
move the smoke stream around the whole perimeter of the mask. The operator
shall gradually make two more passes around the perimeter of the mask, moving
to within six inches of the respirator.
(4) If the
person being tested has not had an involuntary response and/or detected the
irritant smoke, proceed with the test exercises.
(5) The
exercises identified in section I.A. 14. of this appendix shall be performed by
the test subject while the respirator seal is being continually challenged by
the smoke, directed around the perimeter of the respirator at a distance of
six inches.
(6) If the
person being fit tested reports detecting the irritant smoke at any time, the
test is failed. The person being retested must repeat the entire sensitivity
check and fit test procedure.
(7) Each test
subject passing the irritant smoke test without evidence of a response (involuntary
cough, irritation) shall be given a second sensitivity screening check, with
the smoke from the same smoke tube used during the fit test, once the
respirator has been removed, to determine whether he/she still reacts to the
smoke. Failure to evoke a response shall void the fit test.
(8) If a
response is produced during this second sensitivity check, then the fit test is
passed.
C. Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)
Protocols
The following quantitative fit
testing procedures have been demonstrated to be acceptable: Quantitative fit
testing using a non‑hazardous test aerosol (such as corn oil,
polyethylene glycol 400 [PEG 400], di‑2‑ethyl hexyl sebacate
[DEHS], or sodium chloride) generated in a test chamber, and employing
instrumentation to quantify the fit of the respirator; Quantitative fit testing
using ambient aerosol as the test agent and appropriate instrumentation
(condensation nuclei counter) to quantify the respirator fit; Quantitative fit
testing using controlled negative pressure and appropriate instrumentation to
measure the volumetric leak rate of a facepiece to quantify the respirator fit.
1. General
(a) The employer
shall ensure that persons administering QNFT are able to calibrate equipment
and perform tests properly, recognize invalid tests, calculate fit factors
properly and ensure that test equipment is in proper working order.
(b) The employer
shall ensure that QNFT equipment is kept clean, and is maintained and
calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions so as to operate at the
parameters for which it was designed.
2. Generated Aerosol Quantitative
Fit Testing Protocol
(a) Apparatus.
(1)
Instrumentation. Aerosol generation, dilution, and measurement systems using
particulates (corn oil, polyethylene glycol 400 [PEG 400], di‑2‑ethyl
hexyl sebacate [DEHS] or sodium chloride) as test aerosols shall be used for
quantitative fit testing.
(2) Test
chamber. The test chamber shall be large enough to permit all test subjects to
perform freely all required exercises without disturbing the test agent
concentration or the measurement apparatus. The test chamber shall be equipped
and constructed so that the test agent is effectively isolated from the
ambient air, yet uniform in concentration throughout the chamber.
(3) When
testing air‑purifying respirators, the normal filter or cartridge element
shall be replaced with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or P100 series
filter supplied by the same manufacturer.
(4) The
sampling instrument shall be selected so that a computer record or strip chart
record may be made of the test showing the rise and fall of the test agent
concentration with each inspiration and expiration at fit factors of at least
2,000. Integrators or computers that integrate the amount of test agent
penetration leakage into the respirator for each exercise may be used provided
a record of the readings is made.
(5) The
combination of substitute air‑purifying elements, test agent and test
agent concentration shall be such that the test subject is not exposed in
excess of an established exposure limit for the test agent at any time during
the testing process, based upon the length of the exposure and the exposure
limit duration.
(6) The
sampling port on the test specimen respirator shall be placed and constructed
so that no leakage occurs around the port (e.g., where the respirator is
probed), a free air flow is allowed into the sampling line at all times, and
there is no interference with the fit or performance of the respirator. The in‑mask
sampling device (probe) shall be designed and used so that the air sample is
drawn from the breathing zone of the test subject, midway between the nose and
mouth and with the probe extending into the facepiece cavity at least 1/4 inch.
(7) The test
setup shall permit the person administering the test to observe the test
subject inside the chamber during the test.
(8) The
equipment generating the test atmosphere shall maintain the concentration of
test agent constant to within a 10 percent variation for the duration of the
test.
(9) The time
lag (interval between an event and the recording of the event on the strip
chart or computer or integrator) shall be kept to a minimum. There shall be a
clear association between the occurrence of an event and its being recorded.
(10) The
sampling line tubing for the test chamber atmosphere and for the respirator
sampling port shall be of equal diameter and of the same material. The length
of the two lines shall be equal.
(11) The
exhaust flow from the test chamber shall pass through an appropriate filter
(i.e., high efficiency particulate or P100 series filter) before release.
(12) When
sodium chloride aerosol is used, the relative humidity inside the test chamber
shall not exceed 50 percent.
(13) The
limitations of instrument detection shall be taken into account when
determining the fit factor.
(14) Test
respirators shall be maintained in proper working order and be inspected
regularly for deficiencies such as cracks or missing valves and gaskets.
(b) Procedural
Requirements.
(1) When
performing the initial user seal check using a positive or negative pressure
check, the sampling line shall be crimped closed in order to avoid air pressure
leakage during either of these pressure checks.
(2) The use of
an abbreviated screening QLFT test is optional. Such a test may be utilized in
order to quickly identify poor fitting respirators that passed the positive
and/or negative pressure test and reduce the amount of QNFT time. The use of
the CNC QNFT instrument in the count mode is another optional method to obtain
a quick estimate of fit and eliminate poor fitting respirators before going on
to perform a full QNFT.
(3) A
reasonably stable test agent concentration shall be measured in the test
chamber prior to testing. For canopy or shower curtain types of test units,
the determination of the test agent's stability may be established after the
test subject has entered the test environment.
(4) Immediately
after the subject enters the test chamber, the test agent concentration inside
the respirator shall be measured to ensure that the peak penetration does not
exceed 5 percent for a half mask or 1 percent for a full facepiece respirator.
(5) A stable
test agent concentration shall be obtained prior to the actual start of testing.
(6) Respirator
restraining straps shall not be over‑tightened for testing. The straps
shall be adjusted by the wearer without assistance from other persons to give a
reasonably comfortable fit typical of normal use. The respirator shall not be
adjusted once the fit test exercises begin.
(7) The test
shall be terminated whenever any single peak penetration exceeds 5 percent for
half masks and 1 percent for full facepiece respirators. The test subject shall
be refitted and retested.
(8) Calculation
of fit factors.
(i) The fit
factor shall be determined for the quantitative fit test by taking the ratio of
the average chamber concentration to the concentration measured inside the
respirator for each test exercise except the grimace exercise.
(ii) The average
test chamber concentration shall be calculated as the arithmetic average of the
concentration measured before and after each test (i.e., 7 exercises) or the
arithmetic average of the concentration measured before and after each exercise
or the true average measured continuously during the respirator sample.
(iii) The
concentration of the challenge agent inside the respirator shall be determined
by one of the following methods:
(A) Average
peak penetration method means the method of determining test agent penetration
into the respirator utilizing a strip chart recorder, integrator, or computer.
The agent penetration is determined by an average of the peak heights on the
graph or by computer integration, for each exercise except the grimace exercise.
Integrators or computers that calculate the actual test agent penetration into
the respirator for each exercise will also be considered to meet the
requirements of the average peak penetration method.
(B) Maximum
peak penetration method means the method of determining test agent penetration
in the respirator as determined by strip chart recordings of the test. The
highest peak penetration for a given exercise is taken to be representative of
average penetration into the respirator for that exercise.
(C) Integration
by calculation of the area under the individual peak for each exercise except
the grimace exercise. This includes computerized integration.
(D) The
calculation of the overall fit factor using individual exercise fit factors
involves first converting the exercise fit factors to penetration values,
determining the average, and then converting that result back to a fit factor.
This procedure is described in the following equation:
Where ff1, ff2, ff3, etc. are the
fit factors for exercises 1, 2, 3, etc.
(9) The test
subject shall not be permitted to wear a half mask or quarter facepiece
respirator unless a minimum fit factor of 100 is obtained, or a full facepiece
respirator unless a minimum fit factor of 500 is obtained.
(10) Filters
used for quantitative fit testing shall be replaced whenever increased
breathing resistance is encountered, or when the test agent has altered the
integrity of the filter media.
3. Ambient aerosol condensation
nuclei counter (CNC) quantitative fit testing protocol.
The ambient
aerosol condensation nuclei counter (CNC) quantitative fit testing (Portacount
TM ) protocol quantitatively fit tests respirators with the use of a probe. The
probed respirator is only used for quantitative fit tests. A probed respirator
has a special sampling device, installed on the respirator, that allows the
probe to sample the air from inside the mask. A probed respirator is required
for each make, style, model, and size that the employer uses and can be
obtained from the respirator manufacturer or distributor. The CNC instrument
manufacturer, TSI Inc., also provides probe attachments (TSI sampling adapters)
that permit fit testing in an employee's own respirator. A minimum fit factor
pass level of at least 100 is necessary for a half‑mask respirator and a
minimum fit factor pass level of at least 500 is required for a full facepiece
negative pressure respirator. The entire screening and testing procedure shall
be explained to the test subject prior to the conduct of the screening test.
(a) Portacount
Fit Test Requirements.
(1) Check the
respirator to make sure the sampling probe and line are properly attached to
the facepiece and that the respirator is fitted with a particulate filter
capable of preventing significant penetration by the ambient particles used for
the fit test (e.g., NIOSH 42 CFR 84 series 100, series 99, or series 95
particulate filter) per manufacturer's instruction.
(2) Instruct
the person to be tested to don the respirator for five minutes before the fit
test starts. This purges the ambient particles trapped inside the respirator
and permits the wearer to make certain the respirator is comfortable. This
individual shall already have been trained on how to wear the respirator
properly.
(3) Check the
following conditions for the adequacy of the respirator fit: Chin properly
placed; Adequate strap tension, not overly tightened; Fit across nose bridge;
Respirator of proper size to span distance from nose to chin; Tendency of the
respirator to slip; Self‑observation in a mirror to evaluate fit and
respirator position.
(4) Have the
person wearing the respirator do a user seal check. If leakage is detected,
determine the cause. If leakage is from a poorly fitting facepiece, try another
size of the same model respirator, or another model of respirator.
(5) Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for operating the Portacount and proceed with the
test.
(6) The test
subject shall be instructed to perform the exercises in section I. A. 14. of
this appendix.
(7) After the
test exercises, the test subject shall be questioned by the test conductor
regarding the comfort of the respirator upon completion of the protocol. If it
has become unacceptable, another model of respirator shall be tried.
(b) Portacount
Test Instrument.
(1) The
Portacount will automatically stop and calculate the overall fit factor for the
entire set of exercises. The overall fit factor is what counts. The Pass or
Fail message will indicate whether or not the test was successful. If the test
was a Pass, the fit test is over.
(2) Since the
pass or fail criterion of the Portacount is user programmable, the test
operator shall ensure that the pass or fail criterion meet the requirements for
minimum respirator performance in this Appendix.
(3) A record of
the test needs to be kept on file, assuming the fit test was successful. The
record must contain the test subject's name; overall fit factor; make, model,
style, and size of respirator used; and date tested.
4. Controlled negative pressure
(CNP) quantitative fit testing protocol.
The CNP protocol
provides an alternative to aerosol fit test methods. The CNP fit test method
technology is based on exhausting air from a temporarily sealed respirator
facepiece to generate and then maintain a constant negative pressure inside
the facepiece. The rate of air exhaust is controlled so that a constant
negative pressure is maintained in the respirator during the fit test. The
level of pressure is selected to replicate the mean inspiratory pressure that
causes leakage into the respirator under normal use conditions. With pressure
held constant, air flow out of the respirator is equal to air flow into the
respirator. Therefore, measurement of the exhaust stream that is required to
hold the pressure in the temporarily sealed respirator constant yields a
direct measure of leakage air flow into the respirator. The CNP fit test
method measures leak rates through the facepiece as a method for determining
the facepiece fit for negative pressure respirators. The CNP instrument
manufacturer Occupational Health Dynamics of Birmingham, Alabama also provides
attachments (sampling manifolds) that replace the filter cartridges to permit
fit testing in an employee's own respirator. To perform the test, the test
subject closes his or her mouth and holds his/her breath, after which an air
pump removes air from the respirator facepiece at a pre‑selected constant
pressure. The facepiece fit is expressed as the leak rate through the
facepiece, expressed as milliliters per minute. The quality and validity of the
CNP fit tests are determined by the degree to which the in‑mask pressure
tracks the test pressure during the system measurement time of approximately
five seconds. Instantaneous feedback in the form of a real‑time pressure
trace of the in‑mask pressure is provided and used to determine test
validity and quality. A minimum fit factor pass level of 100 is necessary for a
half‑mask respirator and a minimum fit factor of at least 500 is required
for a full facepiece respirator. The entire screening and testing procedure
shall be explained to the test subject prior to the conduct of the screening
test.
(a) CNP Fit Test
Requirements.
(1) The
instrument shall have a non‑adjustable test pressure of 15.0 mm water
pressure.
(2) The CNP
system defaults selected for test pressure shall be set at ‑‑ 1.5
mm of water (‑0.58 inches of water) and the modeled inspiratory flow rate
shall be 53.8 liters per minute for performing fit tests (Note: CNP systems
have built‑in capability to conduct fit testing that is specific to
unique work rate, mask, and gender situations that might apply in a specific
workplace. Use of system default values, which were selected to represent
respirator wear with medium cartridge resistance at a low‑moderate work rate,
will allow inter‑test comparison of the respirator fit.)
(3) The
individual who conducts the CNP fit testing shall be thoroughly trained to
perform the test.
(4) The
respirator filter or cartridge needs to be replaced with the CNP test manifold.
The inhalation valve downstream from the manifold either needs to be
temporarily removed or propped open.
(5) The
employer must train the test subject to hold his or her breath for at least 10
seconds.
(6) The test
subject must don the test respirator without any assistance from the test
administrator who is conducting the CNP fit test. The respirator must not be
adjusted once the fit-test exercises begin. Any adjustment voids the test, and
the test subject must repeat the fit test.
(7) The QNFT
protocol shall be followed according to section I. C. 1. of this appendix with
an exception for the CNP test exercises.
(b) CNP Test
Exercises.
(1) Normal
breathing. In a normal standing position, without talking, the subject shall
breathe normally for 1 minute. After the normal breathing exercise, the subject
needs to hold head straight ahead and hold his or her breath for 10 seconds
during the test measurement.
(2) Deep
breathing. In a normal standing position, the subject shall breathe slowly and
deeply for 1 minute, being careful not to hyperventilate. After the deep
breathing exercise, the subject shall hold his or her head straight ahead and
hold his or her breath for 10 seconds during test measurement.
(3) Turning
head side to side. Standing in place, the subject shall slowly turn his or her
head from side to side between the extreme positions on each side for 1 minute.
The head shall be held at each extreme momentarily so the subject can inhale at
each side. After the turning head side to side exercise, the subject needs to
hold head full left and hold his or her breath for 10 seconds during test
measurement. Next, the subject needs to hold head full right and hold his or
her breath for 10 seconds during test measurement.
(4) Moving head
up and down. Standing in place, the subject shall slowly move his or her head
up and down for 1 minute. The subject shall be instructed to inhale in the up
position (i.e., when looking toward the ceiling). After the moving head up and
down exercise, the subject shall hold his or her head full up and hold his or
her breath for 10 seconds during test measurement. Next, the subject shall hold
his or her head full down and hold his or her breath for 10 seconds during test
measurement.
(5) Talking.
The subject shall talk out loud slowly and loud enough so as to be heard
clearly by the test conductor. The subject can read from a prepared text such
as the Rainbow Passage, count backward from 100, or recite a memorized poem or
song for 1 minute. After the talking exercise, the subject shall hold his or
her head straight ahead and hold his or her breath for 10 seconds during the
test measurement.
(6) Grimace.
The test subject shall grimace by smiling or frowning for 15 seconds.
(7) Bending
Over. The test subject shall bend at the waist as if he or she were to touch
his or her toes for 1 minute. Jogging in place shall be substituted for this
exercise in those test environments such as shroud‑type QNFT units that
prohibit bending at the waist. After the bending over exercise, the subject
shall hold his or her head straight ahead and hold his or her breath for 10
seconds during the test measurement.
(8) Normal
Breathing. The test subject shall remove and re‑don the respirator within
a one‑minute period. Then, in a normal standing position, without
talking, the subject shall breathe normally for 1 minute. After the normal
breathing exercise, the subject shall hold his or her head straight ahead and
hold his or her breath for 10 seconds during the test measurement. After the
test exercises, the test subject shall be questioned by the test conductor
regarding the comfort of the respirator upon completion of the protocol. If it
has become unacceptable, another model of a respirator shall be tried.
(c) CNP Test
Instrument.
(1) The test
instrument must have an effective audio-warning device, or a visual-warning
device in the form of a screen tracing, that indicates when the test subject
fails to hold his or her breath during the test. The test must be terminated
and restarted from the beginning when the test subject fails to hold his or her
breath during the test. The test subject then may be refitted and retested.
(2) A record of
the test shall be kept on file, assuming the fit test was successful. The
record must contain the test subject's name; overall fit factor; make, model,
style and size of respirator used; and date tested.
5. Controlled negative pressure (CNP) REDON
quantitative fit testing protocol.
(a) When administering this
protocol to test subjects, employers must comply with the requirements
specified in paragraphs (a) and (c) of Part I.C.4 of this appendix
("Controlled negative pressure (CNP) quantitative fit testing
protocol"), as well as use the test exercises described below in paragraph
(b) of this protocol instead of the test exercises specified in paragraph (b)
of Part I.C.4 of this appendix.
(b) Employers must ensure that
each test subject being fit tested using this protocol follows the exercise and
measurement procedures, including the order of administration, described below
in Table A-1 of this appendix.
Table A-1. -- CNP REDON Quantitative Fit
Testing Protocol
|
Exercises(1)
|
Exercise
procedure
|
Measurement
procedure
|
|
Facing
Forward
|
Stand and
breathe normally, without talking, for 30 seconds.
|
Face
forward, while holding breath for 10 seconds.
|
|
Bending
Over
|
Bend at the
waist, as if going to touch his or her toes, for 30 seconds.
|
Face
parallel to the floor, while holding breath for 10 seconds
|
|
Head
Shaking
|
For about
three seconds, shake head back and forth vigorously several times while
shouting.
|
Face
forward, while holding breath for 10 seconds.
|
|
REDON 1
|
Remove the
respirator mask, loosen all facepiece straps, and then redon the respirator
mask.
|
Face
forward, while holding breath for 10 seconds.
|
|
REDON 2
|
Remove the
respirator mask, loosen all facepiece straps, and then redon the respirator
mask again.
|
Face
forward, while holding breath for 10 seconds.
|
1 Exercises are listed in the order in which they are to
be administered.
(c) After completing the test
exercises, the test administrator must question each test subject regarding the
comfort of the respirator. When a test subject states that the respirator is
unacceptable, the employer must ensure that the test administrator repeats the
protocol using another respirator model.
(d) Employers must determine the
overall fit factor for each test subject by calculating the harmonic mean of
the fit testing exercises as follows:
Where:N = The number of exercises;FF1 = The fit factor
for the first exercise;FF2 = The fit factor for the second exercise; andFFN =
The fit factor for the nth exercise.
Part II. New Fit Test Protocols
A. Any person
may submit to OSHA an application for approval of a new fit test protocol. If
the application meets the following criteria, OSHA will initiate a rulemaking
proceeding under section 6(b)(7) of the OSH Act to determine whether to list
the new protocol as an approved protocol in this Appendix A.
B. The application
must include a detailed description of the proposed new fit test protocol. This
application must be supported by either:
1. A test
report prepared by an independent government research laboratory (e.g.,
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the
National Institute for Standards and Technology) stating that the laboratory
has tested the protocol and had found it to be accurate and reliable; or
2. An article
that has been published in a peer‑reviewed industrial hygiene journal
describing the protocol and explaining how test data support the protocol's
accuracy and reliability.
C. If OSHA
determines that additional information is required before the Agency commences
a rulemaking proceeding under this section, OSHA will so notify the applicant
and afford the applicant the opportunity to submit the supplemental
information. Initiation of a rulemaking proceeding will be deferred until OSHA
has received and evaluated the supplemental information.
Appendix B‑1 to Sec.
1910.134: User Seal Check Procedures (Mandatory)
The individual who uses a tight‑fitting
respirator is to perform a user seal check to ensure that an
adequate seal is achieved each
time the respirator is put on. Either the positive and negative pressure
checks listed in this appendix,
or the respirator manufacturer's recommended user seal check method
shall be used. User seal checks
are not substitutes for qualitative or quantitative fit tests.
I. Facepiece Positive and/or
Negative Pressure Checks
A. Positive
pressure check. Close off the exhalation valve and exhale gently into the
facepiece. The face fit is considered satisfactory if a slight positive
pressure can be built up inside the facepiece without any evidence of outward
leakage of air at the seal. For most respirators this method of leak testing
requires the wearer to first remove the exhalation valve cover before closing
off the exhalation valve and then carefully replacing it after the test.
B. Negative
pressure check. Close off the inlet opening of the canister or cartridge(s) by
covering with the palm of the hand(s) or by replacing the filter seal(s),
inhale gently so that the facepiece collapses slightly, and hold the breath for
ten seconds. The design of the inlet opening of some cartridges cannot be
effectively covered with the palm of the hand. The test can be performed by
covering the inlet opening of the cartridge with a thin latex or nitrile glove.
If the facepiece remains in its slightly collapsed condition and no inward
leakage of air is detected, the tightness of the respirator is considered
satisfactory.
II. Manufacturer's Recommended
User Seal Check Procedures
The respirator
manufacturer's recommended procedures for performing a user seal check may be
used instead of the positive and/or negative pressure check procedures
provided that the employer
demonstrates that the
manufacturer's procedures are equally effective.
Appendix B‑2 to Sec.
1910.134: Respirator Cleaning Procedures (Mandatory)
These procedures are provided for
employer use when cleaning respirators. They are general in nature, and the
employer as an alternative may use the cleaning recommendations provided by the
manufacturer of the respirators
used by their employees, provided such procedures are as effective as those
listed here in Appendix B‑2. Equivalent effectiveness simply means that
the procedures used must accomplish the objectives set forth in Appendix B‑2,
i.e., must ensure that the respirator is properly cleaned and disinfected in a
manner that prevents damage to the respirator and does not cause harm to the
user.
I. Procedures for Cleaning
Respirators
A. Remove
filters, cartridges, or canisters. Disassemble facepieces by removing speaking
diaphragms, demand and pressure‑demand valve assemblies, hoses, or any
components recommended by the manufacturer. Discard or repair any defective
parts.
B. Wash
components in warm (43 deg. C [110 deg. F] maximum) water with a mild detergent
or with a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. A stiff bristle (not wire)
brush may be used to facilitate the removal of dirt.
C. Rinse
components thoroughly in clean, warm (43 deg. C [110 deg. F] maximum),
preferably running water. Drain.
D. When the
cleaner used does not contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components
should be immersed for two minutes in one of the following:
1. Hypochlorite
solution (50 ppm of chlorine) made by adding approximately one milliliter of
laundry bleach to one liter of water at 43 deg. C (110 deg. F); or,
2. Aqueous
solution of iodine (50 ppm iodine) made by adding approximately 0.8 milliliters
of tincture of iodine (6‑8 grams ammonium and/or potassium iodide/100 cc
of 45% alcohol) to one liter of water at 43 deg. C (110 deg. F); or,
3. Other
commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality when used
as directed, if their use is recommended or approved by the respirator
manufacturer.
E. Rinse
components thoroughly in clean, warm (43 deg. C [110 deg. F] maximum),
preferably running water. Drain. The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be
overemphasized. Detergents or disinfectants that dry on facepieces may result
in dermatitis. In addition, some disinfectants may cause deterioration of
rubber or corrosion of metal parts if not completely removed.
F. Components
should be hand‑dried with a clean lint‑free cloth or air‑dried.
G. Reassemble
facepiece, replacing filters, cartridges, and canisters where necessary.
H. Test the
respirator to ensure that all components work properly.
Appendix C to Sec. 1910.134:
OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire
(Mandatory)
To the employer: Answers to
questions in Section 1, and to question 9 in Section 2 of Part A, do not
require a medical examination.
To the employee:
Can you read (circle one): Yes/No
Your employer must allow you to
answer this questionnaire during normal working hours, or at a time and place
that is convenient to you. To maintain your confidentiality, your employer or
supervisor must not look at or review your answers, and your employer must tell
you how to deliver or send this questionnaire to the health care professional
who will review it.
Part A. Section 1. (Mandatory)
The following information must be provided by every employee who has been
selected to use any type of respirator (please print).
1. Today's
date:_________________________________________________________
2. Your
name:__________________________________________________________
3. Your age (to nearest
year):______________________________________________
4. Sex (circle one):
Male/Female
5. Your height: __________ ft. __________ in.
6. Your weight: ____________
lbs.
7. Your job
title:_____________________________________________________
8. A phone number where you can
be reached by the health care professional who reviews this
questionnaire (include the Area
Code): ____________________
9. The best time to phone you
at this number: ________________
10. Has your employer told you
how to contact the health care professional who will review this
questionnaire (circle one):
Yes/No
11. Check the type of
respirator you will use (you can check more than one category):
a. ______ N, R, or P disposable
respirator (filter‑mask, non‑cartridge type only).
b. ______ Other type (for
example, half‑ or full‑facepiece type, powered‑air purifying,
supplied‑air,
self‑contained breathing
apparatus).
12. Have you worn a respirator
(circle one): Yes/No
If "yes," what
type(s):___________________________________________________
Part A. Section 2.
(Mandatory) Questions 1 through 9 below must be answered by every employee who
has been selected to use any type of respirator (please circle "yes"
or "no").
1. Do you currently smoke
tobacco, or have you smoked tobacco in the last month: Yes/No
2. Have you ever had any of the
following conditions?
a. Seizures (fits): Yes/No
b. Diabetes (sugar disease):
Yes/No
c. Allergic reactions that
interfere with your breathing: Yes/No
d. Claustrophobia (fear of
closed‑in places): Yes/No
e. Trouble smelling odors:
Yes/No
3. Have you ever had any of the
following pulmonary or lung problems?
a. Asbestosis: Yes/No
b. Asthma: Yes/No
c. Chronic bronchitis: Yes/No
d. Emphysema: Yes/No
e. Pneumonia: Yes/No
f. Tuberculosis: Yes/No
g. Silicosis: Yes/No
h. Pneumothorax (collapsed
lung): Yes/No
i. Lung cancer: Yes/No
j. Broken ribs: Yes/No
k. Any chest injuries or
surgeries: Yes/No
l. Any other lung problem that
you've been told about: Yes/No
4. Do you currently have any of
the following symptoms of pulmonary or lung illness?
a. Shortness of breath: Yes/No
b. Shortness of breath when walking fast on level ground or walking up a slight
hill or incline: Yes/No
c. Shortness of breath when
walking with other people at an ordinary pace on level ground: Yes/No
d. Have to stop for breath when
walking at your own pace on level ground: Yes/No
e. Shortness of breath when
washing or dressing yourself: Yes/No
f. Shortness of breath that
interferes with your job: Yes/No
g. Coughing that produces
phlegm (thick sputum): Yes/No
h. Coughing that wakes you
early in the morning: Yes/No
i. Coughing that occurs mostly
when you are lying down: Yes/No
j. Coughing up blood in the
last month: Yes/No
k. Wheezing: Yes/No
l. Wheezing that interferes
with your job: Yes/No
m. Chest pain when you breathe
deeply: Yes/No
n. Any other symptoms that you
think may be related to lung problems: Yes/No
5. Have you ever had any of the
following cardiovascular or heart problems?
a. Heart attack: Yes/No
b. Stroke: Yes/No
c. Angina: Yes/No
d. Heart failure: Yes/No
e. Swelling in your legs or
feet (not caused by walking): Yes/No
f. Heart arrhythmia (heart
beating irregularly): Yes/No
g. High blood pressure: Yes/No
h. Any other heart problem that
you've been told about: Yes/No
6. Have you ever had any of the
following cardiovascular or heart symptoms?
a. Frequent pain or tightness
in your chest: Yes/No
b. Pain or tightness in your
chest during physical activity: Yes/No
c. Pain or tightness in your
chest that interferes with your job: Yes/No
d. In the past two years, have
you noticed your heart skipping or missing a beat: Yes/No
e. Heartburn or indigestion
that is not related to eating: Yes/ No
f. Any other symptoms that you
think may be related to heart or circulation problems: Yes/No
7. Do you currently take
medication for any of the following problems?
a. Breathing or lung problems:
Yes/No
b. Heart trouble: Yes/No
c. Blood pressure: Yes/No
d. Seizures (fits): Yes/No
8. If you've used a respirator,
have you ever had any of the following problems? (If you've never used a
respirator, check the following space and go to question 9:)
a. Eye irritation: Yes/No
b. Skin allergies or rashes:
Yes/No
c. Anxiety: Yes/No
d. General weakness or fatigue:
Yes/No
e. Any other problem that
interferes with your use of a respirator: Yes/No
9. Would you like to talk to
the health care professional who will review this questionnaire about your
answers to this questionnaire: Yes/No
Questions 10 to
15 below must be answered by every employee who has been selected to use either
a full‑facepiece respirator or a self‑contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA). For employees who have been selected to use other types of
respirators, answering these questions is voluntary.
10. Have you ever lost vision
in either eye (temporarily or permanently): Yes/No
11. Do you currently have any
of the following vision problems?
a. Wear contact lenses: Yes/No
b. Wear glasses: Yes/No
c. Color blind: Yes/No
d. Any other eye or vision
problem: Yes/No
12. Have you ever had an injury
to your ears, including a broken ear drum: Yes/No
13. Do you currently have any
of the following hearing problems?
a. Difficulty hearing: Yes/No
b. Wear a hearing aid: Yes/No
c. Any other hearing or ear
problem: Yes/No
14. Have you ever had a back
injury: Yes/No
15. Do you currently have any
of the following musculoskeletal problems?
a. Weakness in any of your
arms, hands, legs, or feet: Yes/No
b. Back pain: Yes/No
c. Difficulty fully moving your
arms and legs: Yes/No
d. Pain or stiffness when you
lean forward or backward at the waist: Yes/No
e. Difficulty fully moving your
head up or down: Yes/No
f. Difficulty fully moving your
head side to side: Yes/No
g. Difficulty bending at your
knees: Yes/No
h. Difficulty squatting to the
ground: Yes/No
i. Climbing a flight of stairs
or a ladder carrying more than 25 lbs: Yes/No
j. Any other muscle or skeletal
problem that interferes with using a respirator: Yes/No
Part B Any of
the following questions, and other questions not listed, may be added to the
questionnaire at the discretion of the health care professional who will review
the questionnaire.
1. In your present job, are you
working at high altitudes (over 5,000 feet) or in a place that has lower than
normal amounts of oxygen: Yes/No
If
"yes," do you have feelings of dizziness, shortness of breath,
pounding in your chest, or other symptoms when you're working under these
conditions: Yes/No
2. At work or at home, have you
ever been exposed to hazardous solvents, hazardous airborne
chemicals (e.g., gases, fumes, or
dust), or have you come into skin contact with hazardous chemicals:
Yes/No
If
"yes," name the chemicals if you know
them:__________________________________
3. Have you ever worked with any
of the materials, or under any of the conditions, listed below:
a. Asbestos: Yes/No
b. Silica (e.g., in
sandblasting): Yes/No
c. Tungsten/cobalt (e.g.,
grinding or welding this material): Yes/No
d. Beryllium: Yes/No
e. Aluminum: Yes/No
f. Coal (for example, mining):
Yes/No
g. Iron: Yes/No
h.
Tin: Yes/No
i. Dusty environments: Yes/No
j. Any other hazardous
exposures: Yes/No
If "yes," describe
these exposures:_________________________________________________
4. List any second jobs or side
businesses you have:____________________________________
5. List your previous
occupations:___________________________________________________
6. List your current and
previous hobbies:____________________________________________
7. Have you been in the
military services? Yes/No
If "yes," were you
exposed to biological or chemical agents (either in training or combat): Yes/No
8. Have you ever worked on a
HAZMAT team? Yes/No
9. Other than medications for
breathing and lung problems, heart trouble, blood pressure, and seizures
mentioned earlier in this questionnaire, are you taking any other medications
for any reason (including over‑the‑counter medications): Yes/No
If "yes," name the
medications if you know them:_______________________
10. Will you be using any of
the following items with your respirator(s)?
a. HEPA Filters: Yes/No
b. Canisters (for example, gas
masks): Yes/No
c. Cartridges: Yes/No
11. How often are you expected
to use the respirator(s) (circle "yes" or "no" for all
answers that apply to you)?:
a. Escape only (no rescue):
Yes/No
b. Emergency rescue only:
Yes/No
c. Less than 5 hours per week:
Yes/No
d. Less than 2 hours per day:
Yes/No
e. 2 to 4 hours per day: Yes/No
f. Over 4 hours per day: Yes/No
12. During the period you are
using the respirator(s), is your work effort:
a. Light (less than 200 kcal
per hour): Yes/No
If "yes," how long does
this period last during the average
shift:____________hrs.____________mins.
Examples of a
light work effort are sitting while writing, typing, drafting, or performing
light assembly work; or standing while operating a drill press (1‑3 lbs.)
or controlling machines.
b. Moderate (200
to 350 kcal per hour): Yes/No
If
"yes," how long does this period last during the average
shift:____________hrs.____________mins.
Examples of
moderate work effort are sitting while nailing or filing; driving a truck or
bus in urban traffic; standing while drilling, nailing, performing assembly
work, or transferring a moderate load (about 35 lbs.) at trunk level; walking
on a level surface about 2 mph or down a 5‑degree grade about 3 mph; or
pushing a wheelbarrow with a heavy load (about 100 lbs.) on a level surface.
c. Heavy (above
350 kcal per hour): Yes/No
If
"yes," how long does this period last during the average
shift:____________hrs.____________mins.
Examples of
heavy work are lifting a heavy load (about 50 lbs.) from the floor to your
waist or shoulder; working on a loading dock; shoveling; standing while
bricklaying or chipping castings;
walking up an 8‑degree
grade about 2 mph; climbing stairs with a heavy load (about 50 lbs.).
13. Will you be wearing
protective clothing and/or equipment (other than the respirator) when you're
using your respirator: Yes/No
If "yes,"describe this
protective clothing and/or equipment:__________________________________
14. Will you be working under hot
conditions (temperature exceeding 77 deg. F): Yes/No
15. Will you be working under
humid conditions: Yes/No
16. Describe the work you'll be
doing while you're using your respirator(s):
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
17. Describe any special or
hazardous conditions you might encounter when you're using your
respirator(s) (for example,
confined spaces, life‑threatening gases):
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
18. Provide the following
information, if you know it, for each toxic substance that you'll be exposed to
when you're using your respirator(s):
Name of the first toxic
substance:__________________________________________________
Estimated maximum exposure
level per shift:_________________________________________
Duration of exposure per
shift_____________________________________________________
Name of the second toxic
substance:________________________________________________
Estimated maximum exposure
level per shift:_________________________________________
Duration of exposure per
shift:_____________________________________________________
Name of the third toxic
substance:__________________________________________________
Estimated maximum exposure
level per shift:_________________________________________
Duration of exposure per
shift:____________________________________________________
The name of any other toxic
substances that you'll be exposed to while using your respirator:
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
19. Describe any special
responsibilities you'll have while using your respirator(s) that may affect the
safety and well‑being of
others (for example, rescue, security):
_______________________________________________________________________
Appendix D to Sec. 1910.134
(Mandatory) Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under
the Standard
Respirators are
an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly
selected and worn. Respirator use is encouraged, even when exposures are below
the exposure limit, to provide an additional level of comfort and protection
for workers. However, if a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean, the
respirator itself can become a hazard to the worker. Sometimes, workers may
wear respirators to avoid exposures to hazards, even if the amount of hazardous
substance does not exceed the limits set by OSHA standards. If your employer
provides respirators for your voluntary use, of if you provide your own
respirator, you need to take certain precautions to be sure that the respirator
itself does not present a hazard.
You should do the following:
1. Read and heed
all instructions provided by the manufacturer on use, maintenance, cleaning and
care, and warnings regarding the respirators limitations.
2. Choose
respirators certified for use to protect against the contaminant of concern.
NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, certifies respirators. A label or
statement of certification should appear on the respirator or respirator
packaging. It will tell you what the respirator is designed for and how much it
will protect you.
3. Do not wear
your respirator into atmospheres containing contaminants for which your
respirator is not designed to protect against. For example, a respirator
designed to filter dust particles will not protect you against gases, vapors,
or very small solid particles of fumes or smoke.
4. Keep track
of your respirator so that you do not mistakenly use someone else's respirator.
1910.135 Head protection.
(a) General
requirements.
(1)
The employer shall ensure that each affected employee wears a protective helmet
when working in areas where there is a potential for injury to the head from
falling objects.
(2)
The employer shall ensure that a protective helmet designed to reduce
electrical shock hazard be worn is worn by each such affected employee when
near exposed electrical conductors which could contact the head.
(b) Criteria for
protective helmets.
(1)
Protective helmets purchased after July 5, 1994 shall comply with ANSI Z89.1‑1986,
``American National Standard for Personnel Protection‑Protective Headwear
for Industrial Workers‑Requirements,'' which is incorporated by reference
as specified by 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated to be equally effective.
(2)
Protective helmets purchased before July 5, 1994 shall comply with the ANSI
standard ``American National Standard Safety Requirements for Industrial Head
Protection,'' ANSI Z89.1‑1969 which is incorporated by reference as
specified by 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated by the employer to be equally
effective.
1910.136 Foot protection.
(a) General
requirements. The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses
protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot
injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and
where such employee's feet are exposed to electrical hazards.
(b) Criteria for
protective footwear.
(1)
Protective footwear purchased after July 5, 1994 shall comply with ANSI Z41‑1991,
``American National Standard for Personal Protection‑Protective
Footwear,'' which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6, or shall
be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective.
(2)
Protective footwear purchased before July 5, 1994 shall comply with the ANSI
standard ``USA Standard for Men's Safety‑Toe Footwear,'' Z41.1‑1967,
which is incorporated by reference as specified in 1910.6, or shall be
demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective.
1910.137 Electrical protective
equipment.
(a) Design
requirements. Insulating blankets, matting, covers, line hose, gloves, and
sleeves made of rubber shall meet the following requirements:
(1)
Manufacture and marking.
(i)
Blankets, gloves, and sleeves shall be produced by a seamless process.
(ii)
Each item shall be clearly marked as follows:
(A)
Class 0 equipment shall be marked Class 0.
(B)
Class 1 equipment shall be marked Class 1.
(C)
Class 2 equipment shall be marked Class 2.
(D)
Class 3 equipment shall be marked Class 3.
(E)
Class 4 equipment shall be marked Class 4.
(F)
Non‑ozone‑resistant equipment other than matting shall be marked
Type I.
(G)
Ozone‑resistant equipment other than matting shall be marked Type II.
(H)
Other relevant markings, such as the manufacturer's identification and the size
of the equipment, may also be provided.
(iii)
Markings shall be nonconducting and shall be applied in such a manner as not to
impair the insulating qualities of the equipment.
(iv)
Markings on gloves shall be confined to the cuff portion of the glove.
(2)
Electrical requirements.
(i)
Equipment shall be capable of withstanding the a‑c proof‑test
voltage specified in Table I‑2 or the d‑c proof‑test voltage
specified in Table I‑3.
(A)
The proof test shall reliably indicate that the equipment can withstand the voltage
involved.
(B)
The test voltage shall be applied continuously for 3 minutes for equipment
other than matting and shall be applied continuously for 1 minute for matting.
(C)
Gloves shall also be capable of withstanding the a‑c proof‑test
voltage specified in Table I‑2 after a 16‑hour water soak. (See the
note following paragraph (a)(3)(ii)(B) of this section.)
(ii)
When the a‑c proof test is used on gloves, the 60‑hertz proof‑test
current may not exceed the values specified in Table I‑2 at any time
during the test period.
(A)
If the a‑c proof test is made at a frequency other than 60 hertz, the
permissible proof‑test current shall be computed from the direct ratio of
the frequencies.
(B)
For the test, gloves (right side out) shall be filled with tap water and
immersed in water to a depth that is in accordance with Table I‑4. Water
shall be added to or removed from the glove, as necessary, so that the water
level is the same inside and outside the glove.
(C)
After the 16‑hour water soak specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i)(C) of this
section, the 60‑hertz proof‑test current may exceed the values
given in Table I‑2 by not more than 2 milliamperes.
(iii)
Equipment that has been subjected to a minimum breakdown voltage test may not
be used for electrical protection. (See the note following paragraph
(a)(3)(ii)(B) of this section.)
(iv)
Material used for Type II insulating equipment shall be capable of withstanding
an ozone test, with no visible effects. The ozone test shall reliably indicate
that the material will resist ozone exposure in actual use. Any visible signs
of ozone deterioration of the material, such as checking, cracking, breaks, or
pitting, is evidence of failure to meet the requirements for ozone‑resistant
material. (See the note following paragraph (a)(3)(ii)(B) of this section.)
(3)
Workmanship and finish.
(i)
Equipment shall be free of harmful physical irregularities that can be detected
by the tests or inspections required under this section.
(ii)
Surface irregularities that may be present on all rubber goods because of
imperfections on forms or molds or because of inherent difficulties in the
manufacturing process and that may appear as indentations, protuberances, or
imbedded foreign material are acceptable under the following conditions:
(A)
The indentation or protuberance blends into a smooth slope when the material is
stretched.
(B)
Foreign material remains in place when the insulating material is folded and
stretches with the insulating material surrounding it.
Note: Rubber
insulating equipment meeting the following national consensus standards is
deemed to be in compliance with paragraph (a) of this section:
American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) D 120‑87, Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves.
ASTM D 178‑93 (or D 178‑88),
Specification for Rubber Insulating Matting.
ASTM D 1048‑93 (or D 1048‑88a),
Specification for Rubber Insulating Blankets.
ASTM D 1049‑93 (or D 1049‑88),
Specification for Rubber Insulating Covers.
ASTM D 1050‑90,
Specification for Rubber Insulating Line Hose.
ASTM D 1051‑87,
Specification for Rubber Insulating Sleeves.
These standards contain
specifications for conducting the various tests required in paragraph (a) of
this section. For example, the a‑c and d‑c proof tests, the breakdown
test, the water soak procedure, and the ozone test mentioned in this paragraph
are described in detail in the ASTM standards.
(b) In‑service
care and use.
(1)
Electrical protective equipment shall be maintained in a safe, reliable
condition.
(2)
The following specific requirements apply to insulating blankets, covers, line
hose, gloves, and sleeves made of rubber:
(i)
Maximum use voltages shall conform to those listed in Table I‑5.
(ii)
Insulating equipment shall be inspected for damage before each day's use and
immediately following any incident that can reasonably be suspected of having
caused damage. Insulating gloves shall be given an air test, along with the
inspection.
(iii)
Insulating equipment with any of the following defects may not be used:
(A)
A hole, tear, puncture, or cut;
(B)
Ozone cutting or ozone checking (the cutting action produced by ozone on rubber
under mechanical stress into a series of interlacing cracks);
(C)
An embedded foreign object;
(D)
Any of the following texture changes: swelling, softening, hardening, or
becoming sticky or inelastic.
(E)
Any other defect that damages the insulating properties.
(iv)
Insulating equipment found to have other defects that might affect its
insulating properties shall be removed from service and returned for testing
under paragraphs (b)(2)(viii) and (b)(2)(ix) of this section.
(v)
Insulating equipment shall be cleaned as needed to remove foreign substances.
(vi)
Insulating equipment shall be stored in such a location and in such a manner as
to protect it from light, temperature extremes, excessive humidity, ozone, and
other injurious substances and conditions.
(vii)
Protector gloves shall be worn over insulating gloves, except as follows:
(A)
Protector gloves need not be used with Class 0 gloves, under limited‑use
conditions, where small equipment and parts manipulation necessitate unusually
high finger dexterity.
Note: Extra
care is needed in the visual examination of the glove and in the avoidance of
handling sharp objects.
(B)
Any other class of glove may be used for similar work without protector gloves
if the employer can demonstrate that the possibility of physical damage to the
gloves is small and if the class of glove is one class higher than that required
for the voltage involved. Insulating gloves that have been used without
protector gloves may not be used at a higher voltage until they have been
tested under the provisions of paragraphs (b) (2) (viii) and (b) (2) (ix) of
this section.
(viii)
Electrical protective equipment shall be subjected to periodic electrical
tests. Test voltages and the maximum intervals between tests shall be in
accordance with Table I‑5 and Table I‑6.
(ix)
The test method used under paragraphs (b)(2)(viii) and (b)(2)(xi) of this
section shall reliably indicate whether the insulating equipment can withstand
the voltages involved.
Note:
Standard electrical test methods considered as meeting this requirement are
given in the following national consensus standards:
American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) D 120‑87, Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves.
ASTM D 1048‑93,
Specification for Rubber Insulating Blankets.
ASTM D 1049‑93,
Specification for Rubber Insulating Covers.
ASTM D 1050‑90, Specification
for Rubber Insulating Line Hose.
ASTM D 1051‑87,
Specification for Rubber Insulating Sleeves.
ASTM F 478‑92,
Specification for In‑Service Care of Insulating Line Hose and Covers.
ASTM F 479‑93,
Specification for In‑Service Care of Insulating Blankets.
ASTM F 496‑93b,
Specification for In‑Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves.
(x)
Insulating equipment failing to pass inspections or electrical tests may not be
used by employees, except as follows:
(A)
Rubber insulating line hose may be used in shorter lengths with the defective
portion cut off.
(B)
Rubber insulating blankets may be repaired using a compatible patch that
results in physical and electrical properties equal to those of the blanket.
(C)
Rubber insulating blankets may be salvaged by severing the defective area from
the undamaged portion of the blanket. The resulting undamaged area may not be
smaller than 22 inches by 22 inches (560 mm by 560 mm) for Class 1, 2, 3, and 4
blankets.
(D)
Rubber insulating gloves and sleeves with minor physical defects, such as small
cuts, tears, or punctures, may be repaired by the application of a compatible
patch. Also, rubber insulating gloves and sleeves with minor surface blemishes
may be repaired with a compatible liquid compound. The patched area shall have
electrical and physical properties equal to those of the surrounding material.
Repairs to gloves are permitted only in the area between the wrist and the
reinforced edge of the opening.
(xi)
Repaired insulating equipment shall be retested before it may be used by
employees.
(xii)
The employer shall certify that equipment has been tested in accordance with
the requirements of paragraphs (b)(2)(viii), (b)(2)(ix), and (b)(2)(xi) of this
section. The certification shall identify the equipment that passed the test
and the date it was tested.
Note: Marking
of equipment and entering the results of the tests and the dates of testing
onto logs are two acceptable means of meeting this requirement.
Table I-2. - A-C Proof-Test Requirements
____________________________________________________________________
| |
| | Maximum proof-test current, mA
(gloves only)
|
|____________________________________________
| | | | |
| Proof-test | 267-mm | 356-mm | 406-mm |
457-mm
Class of | voltage | (10.5-in) | (14-in) | (16-in) |
(18-in)
equipment| rms V | glove | glove | glove |
glove
_________|____________|___________|_________|_________|____________
| | | |
0........| 5,000 | 8 | 12 | 14
| 16
1........| 10,000 | ......... | 14 | 16
| 18
2........| 20,000 | ......... | 16 | 18
| 20
3........| 30,000 | ......... | 18 | 20
| 22
4........| 40,000 | ......... | ....... | 22
| 24
______________________|___________|_________|_________|____________
Table I-3. - D-C Proof-Test Requirements
____________________________________________________________________
|
Class of equipment | Proof-test
voltage
__________________________________|________________________________
|
0.................................|
20,000
1.................................|
40,000
2.................................|
50,000
3.................................|
60,000
4.................................|
70,000
__________________________________|________________________________
Note: The d‑c voltages
listed in this table are not appropriate for proof testing rubber insulating
line hose or covers. For this equipment, d‑c proof tests shall use a
voltage high enough to indicate that the equipment can be safely used at the
voltages listed in Table I‑4. See ASTM D 1050‑90 and ASTM D 1049‑88
for further information on proof tests for rubber insulating line hose and
covers.
1 The water level is given as
the clearance from the cuff of the glove to the water line, with a tolerance of
13 mm. (0.5 in.).
2 If atmospheric conditions
make the specified clearances impractical, the clearances may be increased by a
maximum of 25 mm. (1 in.).
Table I-4. - Glove Tests - Water Level(1)(2)
____________________________________________________________________
| |
| AC proof test | DC proof
test
|____________________|__________________________
| | | |
Class of glove | mm. | in. | mm. |
in.
___________________|___________|________|___________|______________
| | | |
0..................| 38 | 1.5 | 38 |
1.5
1..................| 38 | 1.5 | 51 |
2.0
2..................| 64 | 2.5 | 76 |
3.0
3..................| 89 | 3.5 | 102 |
4.0
4..................| 127 | 5.0 | 153 |
6.0
___________________|___________|________|___________|_____________
Footnote(1) The water level is given as the clearance
from the cuff
of the glove to the water line, with a tolerance of + or -
13 mm. (+
or - 0.5 in.).
Footnote(2) If atmospheric conditions make the specified
clearances
impractical, the clearances may be increased by a maximum
of 25 mm.
(1 in.).
Table I-5. - Rubber Insulating Equipment Voltage
Requirements
____________________________________________________________________
| | |
Class of | Maximum use | Retest voltage(2) | Retest
voltage(2)
equipment | voltage(1) | a - c - rms | d - c
- avg
| a - c - rms | |
_____________|_____________|___________________|__________________
| | |
0............| 1,000 | 5,000 |
20,000
1............| 7,500 | 10,000 |
40,000
2............| 17,000 | 20,000 |
50,000
3............| 26,500 | 30,000 |
60,000
4............| 36,000 | 40,000 |
70,000
_____________|_____________|___________________|__________________
Footnote(1) The maximum use voltage is the a-c voltage
(rms)
classification of the protective equipment that designates
the
maximum nominal design voltage of the energized system
that may be
safely worked. The nominal design voltage is equal to the
phase-to-phase voltage on multiphase circuits. However,
the
phase-to-ground potential is considered to be the nominal
design
voltage:
[1] If there is no multiphase
exposure in a system area and if the voltage exposure is limited to the
phase-to-ground potential, or
[2] If the electrical equipment
and devices are insulated or isolated or both so that the multiphase exposure
on a grounded wye circuit is removed.
Footnote(2) The proof-test
voltage shall be applied continuously for at least 1 minute, but no more than 3
minutes.
Table I-6. - Rubber Insulating Equipment Test
Intervals
___________________________________________________________________
|
Type of equipment | When to test
___________________________|______________________________________
|
Rubber insulating line hose| Upon indication that insulating
value
| is suspect.
Rubber insulating covers | Upon indication that
insulating value
| is suspect.
Rubber insulating blankets | Before first issue and every
12 months
| thereafter(1).
Rubber insulating gloves | Before first issue and every
6 months
| thereafter(1).
Rubber insulating sleeves | Before first issue and every
12 months
| thereafter(1).
___________________________|_______________________________________
Footnote(1) If the insulating equipment has been
electrically
tested but not issued for service, it may not be placed
into service
unless it has been electrically tested within the previous
12 months.
1910.138 Hand protection.
(a) General requirements. Employers shall select
and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands
are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful
substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical
burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.
(b) Selection. Employers shall base the
selection of the appropriate hand protection on an evaluation of the
performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the task(s) to
be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and
potential hazards identified.
Appendix A to Subpart I‑References for further
information (Non‑mandatory)
The documents in Appendix A provide information which may be
helpful in understanding and implementing the standards in Subpart I.
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ``Accidents Involving
Eye Injuries.'' Report 597, Washington, D.C.: BLS, 1980.
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ``Accidents Involving
Face Injuries.'' Report 604, Washington, D.C.: BLS, 1980.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ``Accidents Involving
Head Injuries.'' Report 605, Washington, D.C.: BLS, 1980.
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ``Accidents Involving
Foot Injuries.'' Report 626, Washington, D.C.: BLS, 1981.
5. National Safety Council. ``Accident Facts'', Annual
edition, Chicago, IL: 1981.
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ``Occupational Injuries
and Illnesses in the United States by Industry,'' Annual edition, Washington, D.C.: BLS.
7. National Society to Prevent Blindness. ``A Guide for
Controlling Eye Injuries in Industry,'' Chicago, Il: 1982.
Appendix B to Subpart I‑Non‑mandatory
Compliance Guidelines for Hazard Assessment and Personal Protective Equipment
Selection
This Appendix is intended to provide compliance assistance
for employers and employees in implementing requirements for a hazard
assessment and the selection of personal protective equipment.
1. Controlling hazards. PPE devices alone should not be
relied on to provide protection against hazards, but should be used in
conjunction with guards, engineering controls, and sound manufacturing
practices.
2. Assessment and selection. It is necessary to consider
certain general guidelines for assessing the foot, head, eye and face, and hand
hazard situations that exist in an occupational or educational operation or
process, and to match the protective devices to the particular hazard. It
should be the responsibility of the safety officer to exercise common sense and
appropriate expertise to accomplish these tasks.
3. Assessment guidelines. In order to assess the need for
PPE the following steps should be taken:
a. Survey. Conduct a walk‑through survey of the areas
in question. The purpose of the survey is to identify sources of hazards to
workers and co‑workers. Consideration should be given to the basic hazard
categories:
(a) Impact
(b) Penetration
(c) Compression (roll‑over)
(d) Chemical
(e) Heat
(f) Harmful dust
(g) Light (optical) radiation
b. Sources. During the walk‑through survey the safety
officer should observe: (a) sources of motion; i.e., machinery or processes
where any movement of tools, machine elements or particles could exist, or
movement of personnel that could result in collision with stationary objects;
(b) sources of high temperatures that could result in burns, eye injury or
ignition of protective equipment, etc.; (c) types of chemical exposures; (d)
sources of harmful dust; (e) sources of light radiation, i.e., welding,
brazing, cutting, furnaces, heat treating, high intensity lights, etc.; (f)
sources of falling objects or potential for dropping objects; (g) sources of
sharp objects which might pierce the feet or cut the hands; (h) sources of
rolling or pinching objects which could crush the feet; (i) layout of workplace
and location of co‑workers; and (j) any electrical hazards. In addition,
injury/accident data should be reviewed to help identify problem areas.
c. Organize data. Following the walk‑through survey,
it is necessary to organize the data and information for use in the assessment
of hazards. The objective is to prepare for an analysis of the hazards in the
environment to enable proper selection of protective equipment.
d. Analyze data. Having gathered and organized data on a
workplace, an estimate of the potential for injuries should be made. Each of
the basic hazards (paragraph 3.a.) should be reviewed and a determination made
as to the type, level of risk, and seriousness of potential injury from each of
the hazards found in the area. The possibility of exposure to several hazards
simultaneously should be considered.
4. Selection guidelines. After completion of the procedures
in paragraph 3, the general procedure for selection of protective equipment is
to: a) Become familiar with the potential hazards and the type of protective
equipment that is available, and what it can do; i.e., splash protection,
impact protection, etc.; b) compare the hazards associated with the
environment; i.e., impact velocities, masses, projectile shape, radiation
intensities, with the capabilities of the available protective equipment; c)
select the protective equipment which ensures a level of protection greater
than the minimum required to protect employees from the hazards; and d) fit the
user with the protective device and give instructions on care and use of the
PPE. It is very important that end users be made aware of all warning labels
for and limitations of their PPE.
5. Fitting the device. Careful consideration must be given
to comfort and fit. PPE that fits poorly will not afford the necessary
protection. Continued wearing of the device is more likely if it fits the
wearer comfortably. Protective devices are generally available in a variety of
sizes. Care should be taken to ensure that the right size is selected.
6. Devices with adjustable features. Adjustments should be
made on an individual basis for a comfortable fit that will maintain the
protective device in the proper position. Particular care should be taken in
fitting devices for eye protection against dust and chemical splash to ensure
that the devices are sealed to the face. In addition, proper fitting of helmets
is important to ensure that it will not fall off during work operations. In
some cases a chin strap may be necessary to keep the helmet on an employee's
head. (Chin straps should break at a reasonably low force, however, so as to
prevent a strangulation hazard). Where manufacturer's instructions are
available, they should be followed carefully.
7. Reassessment of hazards. It is the responsibility of the
safety officer to reassess the workplace hazard situation as necessary, by
identifying and evaluating new equipment and processes, reviewing accident
records, and reevaluating the suitability of previously selected PPE.
8. Selection chart guidelines for eye and face protection.
Some occupations (not a complete list) for which eye protection should be
routinely considered are: carpenters, electricians, machinists, mechanics and
repairers, millwrights, plumbers and pipe fitters, sheet metal workers and
tinsmiths, assemblers, sanders, grinding machine operators, lathe and milling
machine operators, sawyers, welders, laborers, chemical process operators and
handlers, and timber cutting and logging workers. The following chart provides
general guidance for the proper selection of eye and face protection to protect
against hazards associated with the listed hazard ``source'' operations.
Eye and Face Protection Selection Chart
____________________________________________________________________
Source Assessment of Hazard
Protection
____________________________________________________________________
IMPACT - Chipping, Flying fragments, Spectacles
with side
grinding machining, objects, large
protection,
masonry work, chips, particles goggles,
face
woodworking, sawing, sand, dirt, etc. .. shields.
See
drilling, chiseling, notes (1),
(3),
powered fastening, (5), (6),
(10).
riveting, and For severe
sanding. exposure,
use
faceshield.
HEAT-Furnace operations, Hot sparks ..........
Faceshields,
pouring, casting, hot goggles,
spectacles
dipping, and welding. with side
protection. For
severe
exposure
use
faceshield.
See
notes (1),
(2),
(3).
Splash from molten Faceshields
worn
metals........... over
goggles. See
notes
(1), (2),
(3).
High temperature Screen face
shields,
exposure.........
reflective face
shields.
See notes
(1), (2),
(3).
CHEMICALS-Acid and Splash ............ Goggles,
eyecup and
chemicals handling, cover
types. For
degreasing plating. severe
exposure,
use face
shield.
See notes
(3),(11).
Irritating mists ..
Special-purpose
goggles.
DUST - Woodworking, Nuisance dust ..... Goggles,
eyecup and
buffing, general cover
types.
dusty conditions. See note
(8).
LIGHT and/or RADIATION - Optical radiation . Welding
helmets or
Welding: Electric arc welding
shields.
Typical
shades:
10-14.
See notes
(9),
(12).
Welding: Gas Optical radiation . Welding
goggles or
welding
face
shield.
Typical
shades:
gas
welding
4-8,
cutting
3-6,
brazing
3-4. See
note (9).
Cutting, Torch Optical radiation .. Spectacles
or
brazing, Torch welding
soldering
face-shield.
Typical
shades,
1.5-3.
See notes
(3), (9).
Glare Poor vision ........ Spectacles
with
shaded or
special-purpose
lenses,
as
suitable.
See
notes
(9), (10).
____________________________________________________________________
Notes to Eye and Face Protection Selection Chart:
(1) Care should be taken to recognize the possibility of
multiple
and simultaneous exposure to a variety of hazards.
Adequate
protection against the highest level of each of the
hazards should be
provided. Protective devices do not provide unlimited
protection.
(2) Operations involving heat may also involve light
radiation. As
required by the standard, protection from both hazards
must be
provided.
(3) Faceshields should only be worn over primary eye
protection
(spectacles or goggles).
(4) As required by the standard, filter lenses must meet
the
requirements for shade designations in 1910.133(a)(5).
Tinted and
shaded lenses are not filter lenses unless they are marked
or
identified as such.
(5) As required by the standard, persons whose vision
requires the
use of prescription (Rx) lenses must wear either
protective devices
fitted with prescription (Rx) lenses or protective devices
designed
to be worn over regular prescription (Rx) eyewear.
(6) Wearers of contact lenses must also wear appropriate
eye and
face protection devices in a hazardous environment. It
should be
recognized that dusty and/or chemical environments may
represent an
additional hazard to contact lens wearers.
(7) Caution should be exercised in the use of metal frame
protective devices in electrical hazard areas.
(8) Atmospheric conditions and the restricted ventilation
of the
protector can cause lenses to fog. Frequent cleansing may
be
necessary.
(9) Welding helmets or faceshields should be used only
over primary
eye protection (spectacles or goggles).
(10) Non-sideshield spectacles are available for frontal
protection
only, but are not acceptable eye protection for the
sources and
operations listed for "impact."
(11) Ventilation should be adequate, but well protected
from splash
entry. Eye and face protection should be designed and used
so that it
provides both adequate ventilation and protects the wearer
from
splash entry.
(12) Protection from light radiation is directly related
to filter
lens density. See note (4) . Select the darkest shade that
allows
task performance.
9. Selection guidelines for head
protection. All head protection (helmets) is designed to provide protection
from impact and penetration hazards caused by falling objects. Head protection
is also available which provides protection from electric shock and burn. When
selecting head protection, knowledge of potential electrical hazards is
important. Class A helmets, in addition to impact and penetration resistance,
provide electrical protection from low‑voltage conductors (they are proof
tested to 2,200 volts). Class B helmets, in addition to impact and penetration
resistance, provide electrical protection from high‑voltage conductors
(they are proof tested to 20,000 volts). Class C helmets provide impact and
penetration resistance (they are usually made of aluminum which conducts
electricity), and should not be used around electrical hazards.
Where falling object hazards are
present, helmets must be worn. Some examples include: working below other
workers who are using tools and materials which could fall; working around or
under conveyor belts which are carrying parts or materials; working below
machinery or processes which might cause material or objects to fall; and
working on exposed energized conductors.
Some examples of occupations for
which head protection should be routinely considered are: carpenters,
electricians, linemen, mechanics and repairers, plumbers and pipe fitters,
assemblers, packers, wrappers, sawyers, welders, laborers, freight handlers,
timber cutting and logging, stock handlers, and warehouse laborers.
10. Selection guidelines for foot
protection. Safety shoes and boots which meet the ANSI Z41‑1991 Standard
provide both impact and compression protection. Where necessary, safety shoes
can be obtained which provide puncture protection. In some work situations,
metatarsal protection should be provided, and in other special situations
electrical conductive or insulating safety shoes would be appropriate.
Safety shoes or boots with impact
protection would be required for carrying or handling materials such as
packages, objects, parts or heavy tools, which could be dropped; and, for other
activities where objects might fall onto the feet. Safety shoes or boots with
compression protection would be required for work activities involving skid
trucks (manual material handling carts) around bulk rolls (such as paper rolls)
and around heavy pipes, all of which could potentially roll over an employee's
feet. Safety shoes or boots with puncture protection would be required where
sharp objects such as nails, wire, tacks, screws, large staples, scrap metal
etc., could be stepped on by employees causing a foot injury.
Some occupations (not a complete
list) for which foot protection should be routinely considered are: shipping
and receiving clerks, stock clerks, carpenters, electricians, machinists,
mechanics and repairers, plumbers and pipe fitters, structural metal workers,
assemblers, drywall installers and lathers, packers, wrappers, craters, punch
and stamping press operators, sawyers, welders, laborers, freight handlers,
gardeners and grounds‑keepers, timber cutting and logging workers, stock
handlers and warehouse laborers.
11. Selection guidelines for hand
protection. Gloves are often relied upon to prevent cuts, abrasions, burns, and
skin contact with chemicals that are capable of causing local or systemic
effects following dermal exposure. OSHA is unaware of any gloves that provide
protection against all potential hand hazards, and commonly available glove
materials provide only limited protection against many chemicals. Therefore, it
is important to select the most appropriate glove for a particular application
and to determine how long it can be worn, and whether it can be reused.
It is also important to know the
performance characteristics of gloves relative to the specific hazard
anticipated; e.g., chemical hazards, cut hazards, flame hazards, etc. These
performance characteristics should be assessed by using standard test procedures.
Before purchasing gloves, the employer should request documentation from the
manufacturer that the gloves meet the appropriate test standard(s) for the
hazard(s) anticipated.
Other factors to be considered
for glove selection in general include:
(A) As long as the performance
characteristics are acceptable, in certain circumstances, it may be more cost
effective to regularly change cheaper gloves than to reuse more expensive
types; and,
(B) The work activities of the
employee should be studied to determine the degree of dexterity required, the
duration, frequency, and degree of exposure of the hazard, and the physical
stresses that will be applied.
With respect to selection of
gloves for protection against chemical hazards:
(A) The toxic properties of the
chemical(s) must be determined; in particular, the ability of the chemical to
cause local effects on the skin and /or to pass through the skin and cause
systemic effects;
(B) Generally, any ``chemical
resistant'' glove can be used for dry powders;
(C) For mixtures and formulated
products (unless specific test data are available), a glove should be selected
on the basis of the chemical component with the shortest breakthrough time,
since it is possible for solvents to carry active ingredients through polymeric
materials; and,
(D) Employees must be able to
remove the gloves in such a manner as to prevent skin contamination.
12. Cleaning and maintenance. It
is important that all PPE be kept clean and properly maintained. Cleaning is
particularly important for eye and face protection where dirty or fogged lenses
could impair vision.
For the purposes of compliance
with 1910.132 (a) and (b), PPE should be inspected, cleaned, and maintained at
regular intervals so that the PPE provides the requisite protection.
It is also important to ensure
that contaminated PPE which cannot be decontaminated is disposed of in a manner
that protects employees from exposure to hazards.