Guide for Respirator Selection & Use
The following is intended to provide guidance in determining; (1) when respirators should be used and (2) the correct respirator and cartridge to use for the expected respiratory hazard. These guidelines are not all-inclusive and are not intended to replace good judgment in making decisions regarding an employees' personal safety and health. Decision making about personal safety and health is a shared responsibility, which includes both the supervisor and employee.
RESPIRATOR
USE IS REQUIRED - For These Tasks:
Spraying Operations - Half-face mask APR or Powered
Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with magenta & black cartridge (organic
vapors/HEPA cartridge) which provides protection against organic vapors, dusts,
fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.
Using spray equipment to apply paint, varnish, adhesives, cleaning solvents
Using spray cans to perform spraying activities in areas that are poorly ventilated
Landscape Activities - Half-face mask APR or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with magenta & black cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA cartridge) which provides protection against organic vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.
Applying fungicides, pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers that require respirator use, i.e., Diazinon NO FUMIGANTS
Chiller Plant Refrigerant Leaks - Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Situations requiring investigation or repair of an HCFC 123 refrigerant leak
Indoor Firing Range
HVAC Unit Maintenance and Repair - Powered Air Purifying Respirator
(PAPR) with magenta cartridge (HEPA) for protection against dusts, fumes
and mists or magenta & black
cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA cartridge) for protection against organic
vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.
HVAC Duct and Coil Cleaning - Half-face mask APR or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with magenta & black cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA cartridge) which provides protection against organic vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.
Cleaning coils or performing work inside HVAC ductwork
Installing/Removing Insulation - Disposable N95 or higher APR or half-face mask APR or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with magenta cartridge (HEPA) for protection against dusts, fumes and mists or magenta & black cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA cartridge) for protection against organic vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.
Installation or removal of fiberglass insulation
Sanding: Power and
Hand - Disposable N95 or higher APR or Half-face mask APR or Powered Air Purifying
Respirator (PAPR) with magenta cartridge (HEPA) for protection against
dusts, fumes and mists or magenta
& black cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA cartridge) for protection against
organic vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.
Sanding drywall and plaster
Power sanding wood, laminates, and plastics
Masonry:
Sawing/Grinding - Disposable N95 or higher APR or Half-face mask APR or Powered Air Purifying
Respirator (PAPR) with magenta cartridge (HEPA) for protection against
dusts, fumes and mists or magenta & black cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA
cartridge) for protection against organic vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint
and pesticides.
Sawing concrete, concrete block, brick and other masonry products
§§§ NOTE: Employees are prohibited from entering or
working in environments that require wearing half-face mask APR, full-face mask
APR, or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) when a good
face-to-respirator seal cannot be maintained.
Employees who choose to maintain facial
hair which interferes with the face-to-respirator seal or who have any other
condition which prevents a good face-to-respirator seal are required to wear a
hooded, powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) anytime air purifying
respiratory protection is required. The PAPR may be used in place of a
half-face mask APR or full-face mask APR anytime air purifying respiratory
protection is required; however, a PAPR may not be used as a substitute in
situations where self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is required.