Selecting a Respirator

Once you determine a respirator is required, how do you select one? Employers should consult Table 1 of 29 CFR 1926.62 to select the correct respirator.

There are many different types of respirators, and many requirements related to each:

• Employers must provide a powered air-purifying respirator when an employee chooses to use this respirator (and when it provides adequate protection).
• If choosing a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certified respirator, selection and use must comply with NIOSH's certifications.
• Do not always select respiratory protection based solely on lead. If exposure monitoring determines the presence of airborne contaminants other than lead (like silica, solvents, or polyurethane coatings) these exposures must play into respiratory protection selection.
• For abrasive blasting operations, select type NIOSH-approved CE respirators. Currently, there are two kinds of CE respirators with the following assigned protection factors (APF): APF 25 (a continuous-flow respirator with a loose-fitting hood) and APF 2,000 (a full facepiece supplied-air respirator operated in a positive-pressure mode). Please note that OSHA recognizes Bullard Helmets' Models 77 and 88 (1995), Clemco Apollo's Models 20 and 60 (1997), and 3M Model's 8100 (1998) as having APF of 1,000.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions related to air quality, air pressure, and hose diameter and length. Remember that hoses longer than manufacturer specifications (or smaller inside diameter hoses) or hoses with bends or kinks could reduce or restrict the respirator airflow.

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