Please consider downloading the latest version of Internet Explorer
to experience this site as intended.
Meloria • Ever Better
Search Tools Main Menu

Environmental Health & Safety

Respiratory Protection Program

Printable file is available with Adobe Acrobat Reader:
PDF Version of Respiratory Protection Program


V. PROCEDURES

Respirator Selection

Proper respiratory protection selection is made based on a hazard assessment of potential exposure of employees to harmful concentrations of air-borne contaminants in the workplace. This evaluation will be performed prior to the start of any routine or non-routine tasks requiring respirators. It is the responsibility of EHS Occupational Safety and Laboratory Safety units to ensure the hazards are assessed, once contacted by management or an RPC. The following items shall be considered in the selection of respirators:

  • Feasibility of engineering or administrative controls in lieu of PPE
  • Estimated maximum concentration of the substance in the work area
  • General environment and ventilation (open shop or confined space, etc.)
  • Known limitations of the respiratory protective device
  • Comfort, fit, and worker acceptance
  • The task to be performed, including the anticipated workload
  • Other contaminants in the environment
  • Potential for oxygen deficiency
  • Other PPE that may be required
  • Verification of the respirator’s NIOSH certification for its intended use
  • Effectiveness of the device against the substance of concern

Assigned Protection Factors (APFs) for Respirators

APFs is the level of protection that a respirator can be expected to provide if it is functioning properly and the user is wearing it correctly. The APF is the ratio of the contaminant concentration outside the respirator to the contaminant concentration inside the respirator. The APF table below is provided as a guide in the selection of air purifying, powered air-purifying, supplied air (or airline respirator), and self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) respirators.

Assigned Protection Factors

Type of Respirator

Quarter Mask

Half Mask

Full Face piece

Helmet/Hood

Loose-Fitting Facepiece

Air-purifying respirator

5

10

50

---

---

Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

---

50

1,000

25/1,0004

25

Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR) or Airline Respirator

   

   

   

   

   

Ø   Demand Mode

---

10

50

---

---

Ø   Continuous flow mode

---

50

1,000

25/1,0004

25

Ø"   Pressure-demand or other posititive pressure mode

---

50

1,000

---

---

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)1

   

   

   

   

   

Ø   Demand Mode

---

10

50

50

---

Ø   Pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (e.g., open/closed circuit)

---

---

10,000

10,000

---

Notes:

1 UR does not use any SCBAs

Conditions which are Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health

Some circumstances may arise where it is not possible to accurately identify or estimate potential exposures.  If this should occur, the task or area shall be considered Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH).  Oxygen deficient atmospheres shall also be considered IDLH. Because auxiliary self-contained air supplies are not provided, the University's airline respirators must not be used in IDLH conditions.

UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ENTER IDLH ATMOSPHERES

 

Continue to next section of Respiratory Protection Program on the web.


QUESTIONS or COMMENTS?
Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail Questions.

This page last updated 2/3/2022. Disclaimer.