1. OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.134

2. Major Changes Different categories of particulate filters
End of service life schedule
Designate a program administrator
New IDLH requirements
Voluntary use requirements
Medical, training, fit testing details

3. Scope and Dates
This standard applies to general industry, shipyards, marine terminals, longshoring, and construction
The effective date is 4/8/98
Determination that respirator use is required (paragraph a) to be completed no later than 9/8/98
Compliance with all other provisions of this standard must be completed no later than 10/5/98
Employers may use the results of training, fit testing, medical evaluation conducted within 12 months prior to 4/8/98 if they meet the standard requirements

4. Other OSHA Specific Standards
Respirator related provisions of OSHA’s existing standards are revised to conform to the revised
All provisions addressing respirator use, selection, and fit testing are deleted from OSHA’s specific substance standards

5. Organization of the Standard
a) Permissible practice
b) Definitions
c) Respirator program
d) Selection of respirators
e) Medical evaluation
f) Fit testing
g) Use of respirator
h) Maintenance and care
i) Breathing air quality and use
j) Identification of filters, cartridges, and canisters
k) Training and information
m) Recordkeeping
n) Dates
o) Appendices
A - Fit test procedures
B-1 User seal checks
B-2 Cleaning procedures
C Medical questionnaire
D Information for employees wearing respirators when not required

6. Permissible Practice
Primary means of control of breathing contaminated air is through use of feasible engineering controls
If not feasible or while implementing respirators shall be used
Respirators must be appropriate for use intended
Employer is responsible for establishment of respirator program as discussed in paragraph (c)

7. Respirator Program
Develop a written program with worksite specific procedures
Update program as needed as conditions change
Designate a program administrator who is qualified
Provide respirators, training, and medical evaluations at no cost to employees

8. Voluntary Use
If voluntary use of dust masks is permissible, employer must provide appendix D information
For other respirator use, must implement medical evaluation and cleaning, storage, and maintenance requirements

9. Program Elements Selection Medical evaluation Fit testing Use
Maintenance and care
Breathing air quality
Training
Program evaluation

10. Selection of respirators
Employer must select appropriate respirator based on respiratory hazards and user factors which affect performance and reliability
Select NIOSH certified respirators and use in compliance with conditions of certification
Identify and evaluate the respiratory hazards in the workplace and estimate the employee’s exposure
If estimate cannot be performed consider atmosphere IDLH
Select from sufficient number of models and sizes

11. Respirators for IDLH
Use full facepiece pressure demand SCBA certified by NIOSH for minimum life of 30 minutes, or
Combination full facepiece pressure demand with auxiliary self contained breathing supply
All oxygen-deficient atmospheres are considered IDLH

12. Respirators for atmospheres not IDLH
Provide an atmosphere supplying respirator, or
Provide an air purifying respirator, provided that:
Equipped with and end of service life indicator, or
Implement a change schedule based on objective information, and must describe the information and data relied upon for the schedule

13. For protection against particulates, provide:
An atmosphere supplying respirator, or
An air-purifying respirator with HEPA filter under NIOSH CFR Part 11 or with filters certified for particulates under 42 CFR Part 84

14. NIOSH Requirements 42 CFR Part 84
On July 10, 1995, 30 CFR 11 was replaced by 42 CFR 84
Only certifications for nonpowered, air purifying, particulate respirators are affected
Remaining portions of Part 11 incorporated into Part 84 without change
Permits manufacture and sale of Part 11 respirators until July 10, 1998
Distributors and end users may deplete supplies until inventories are exhausted

15. Classes of Filters Old Part 11 used dust, fume, mist classification
Part 84 has 3 classes based on characteristics against oil containing hazards, and 3 classes based on filtering efficiency
Levels of efficiency are 95%, 99%, and 99.97%
Oil resistance categories are N (not resistant), R (resistant), and P (oil proof)
Filters are clearly marked (i.e. N95)

16. Selection of N, R, or P If no oil present, use either N, P, or R
If oil particles are present, use only R or P
If oil present and respirator used for more than 1 shift, use only P

17. Selection of filter efficiency
Must consider overall respirator performance needed
Calculate hazard grade ( exposure/limit)
Must know protection factor of respirator
Example
Half mask with HEPA - protection factor is 10
Half mask with N95 - protection factor is 100/10 +5 = 6.6
Full face with N 95 - protection factor is 100/2+5 = 14.2
N95 with half mask suitable for many conditions with hazard grade below 6.

18. Medical Evaluation
Must be done before fit testing and use to determine users ability to wear respirator
Identify a PLHCP (physician or other licensed health care provider) to perform evaluations using the questionnaire or other examination which obtains information
Appendix C Part A questionnaire
Follow up exam required if positive response to any question of questions 1-8 in section 2
Annual review required

19. Fit Testing Before employee uses tight fitting facepiece
Must pass QLFT or QNFT
At least annually, or other changes in physical condition of employee
QLFT OK if fit factor of 100 or less is needed

20. Use of respirators
Cannot use tight fitting respirators if facial hair or other conditions which may interfere with seal
Glasses or goggles must not interfere with seal
Users must perform a user seal check each time put on per procedures in Appendix B-1
Maintain appropriate surveillance of work area conditions and degree of exposure
IDLH
Locate one employee outside the IDLH area
Maintain voice or other communication
Outside employee must be trained and equipped for emergency rescue

21. Maintenance and care
Provide respirator that is clean, sanitary, and in good working order
Use procedures in Appendix B-2
Clean and disinfect:
as often as needed when used for exclusive use
before being worn by different employee
after each use for emergency respirators

22. Identification
All filters, cartridges, and canisters must be labeled and color coded with the NIOSH approval label

23. Training and information
Employees must demonstrate knowledge of:
why respirator is needed
use in emergency situations
how to inspect, put on, and check seals
how to store
medical signs and symptoms which may limit effective use
general requirements of the standard
how to fit test and maintain
Train prior to use and annually, or when changes occur
Provide Appendix D to all users

24. Program Evaluation To ensure effective implementation
Must regularly consult employees to assess

25. Recordkeeping Medical evaluations retained per 29 CFR 1910.1020
Fit test records until next fit test
Written program