Respiratory Protection Standard

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)
Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiant Energy
Plate thickness—
inches

Plate thickness—mm

Gas Welding:
Light
Medium
Heavy

Under 1/8 ..................
1/8 to 1/2 ...................
Over 1/2 ....................

Under 3.2 ..................
3.2 to 12.7 .................
Over 12.7 ..................

4
5
6

Oxygen cutting:
Light
Medium
Heavy

Under 1 .....................
1 to 6 .........................
Over 6 .......................

Under 25 ...................
25 to 150 ...................
Over 150 ...................

3
4
5

Operations

Minimum* Protective Shade

* 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.
** 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
protection. (1) Protective eye and face
protection devices must comply with
any of the following consensus standards:
(i) ANSI Z87.1–2003, ‘‘American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face
Protection,’’ which is incorporated by
reference in § 1910.6;
(ii) ANSI Z87.1–1989 (R–1998), ‘‘American National Standard Practice for
Occupational and Educational Eye and
Face Protection,’’ which is incorporated by reference in § 1910.6; or
(iii) ANSI Z87.1–1989, ‘‘American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face
Protection,’’ which is incorporated by
reference in § 1910.6.
(2) Protective eye and face protection
devices that the employer demonstrates are at least as effective as
protective eye and face protection devices that are constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus
standards will be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this
section.

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

[59 FR 16360, Apr. 6, 1994; 59 FR 33911, July 1,
1994, as amended at 61 FR 9238, Mar. 7, 1996;
61 FR 19548, May 2, 1996; 74 FR 46356, Sept. 9,
2009]

§ 1910.134 Respiratory protection.
This section applies to General Industry (part 1910), Shipyards (part

1915), Marine Terminals (part 1917),
Longshoring (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) A respirator shall be provided to
each employee when such equipment is
necessary to protect the health of such
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. The program shall cover each employee required by this section to use a
respirator.
(b) Definitions. The following definitions are important terms used in the

420

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00430

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
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.

§ 1910.134

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

421

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00431

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

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

422

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00432

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
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 tightfitting 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

§ 1910.134

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

423

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00433

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

(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 pro-

vide 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 FACTORS 5
Type of respirator 1,2

Quarter
mask

Helmet/
hood

Loose-fitting
facepiece

1. Air-Purifying Respirator .............................................
2. Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) ................
3. Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR) or Airline Respirator.
• Demand mode .............................................
• Continuous flow mode ................................
• Pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode ...................................................
4. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
• Demand mode .............................................
• Pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (e.g., open/closed circuit) .........

5
....................

3 10

50

50
1,000

....................
4 25/1,000

....................
25

....................
....................

10
50

50
1,000

....................
4 25/1,000

....................
25

....................

50

1,000

....................

....................

Half mask

Full facepiece

....................

10

50

50

....................

....................

....................

10,000

10,000

....................

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

Notes:
1 Employers 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.
2 The 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.
3 This APF category includes filtering facepieces, and half masks with elastomeric facepieces.
4 The 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.
5 These 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 sub-

stance, 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:

424

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00434

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
(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
Oxygen deficient
Atmospheres (% 02) for
which the employer may rely
on atmosphere-supplying respirators

Altitude (ft.)

Less than 3,001 .....................
3,001–4,000 ...........................
4,001–5,000 ...........................
5,001–6,000 ...........................
6,001–7,000 ...........................
7,001–8,000 1 .........................

16.0–19.5
16.4–19.5
17.1–19.5
17.8–19.5
18.5–19.5
19.3–19.5.

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

1 Above 8,000 feet the exception does not apply. Oxygenenriched 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 re-

§ 1910.134

quirements 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

425

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00435

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

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.

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

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

426

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00436

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
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 tightfitting 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 in-

§ 1910.134

stalling 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

427

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00437

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

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;

428

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00438

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
(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

§ 1910.134

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 atmospheresupplying 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:

429

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00439

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

(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 °F (¥45.6 °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 °C) below
the ambient temperature;
(iii) Have suitable in-line air-purifying sorbent beds and filters to fur-

ther 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 oillubricated, 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:

430

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00440

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
(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 for-

§ 1910.134

mat, 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;

431

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00441

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

(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 nonmandatory and is not intended to create any additional obligations not otherwise imposed or to detract from any
existing obligations.
APPENDIX A TO § 1910.134—FIT TESTING
PROCEDURES (MANDATORY)
PART I. OSHA-ACCEPTED FIT TEST
PROTOCOLS

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

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

432

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00442

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
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.
rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

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

§ 1910.134

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 °C (77 °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

433

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00443

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

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 wellventilated 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 55gallon 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

434

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00444

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
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.

§ 1910.134

(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

435

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00445

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

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.

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

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 # 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 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 col-

lapses 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.

436

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00446

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
(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).

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

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.

§ 1910.134

(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.

437

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00447

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

(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.

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

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 inmask 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 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

438

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00448

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
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 av-

Overall Fit Factor =

erage 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:

Number of exercises
1 ff1 + 1 ff2 + 1 ff3 + 1 ff4 + 1 ff5 + 1 ff7 + 1 ff8

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

439

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00449

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

ER08JA98.006

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

§ 1910.134

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

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; Selfobservation 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 min-

imum 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 realtime 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 ¥15 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.

440

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00450

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
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 lowmoderate 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

§ 1910.134

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.

441

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00451

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

(b) Employers must ensure that each test
subject being fit tested using this protocol
follows the exercise and measurement proce-

dures, 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.
Bend at the waist, as if going to touch his or her
toes, for 30 seconds.
For about three seconds, shake head back and forth
vigorously several times while shouting.
Remove the respirator mask, loosen all facepiece
straps, and then redon the respirator mask.
Remove the respirator mask, loosen all facepiece
straps, and then redon the respirator mask again.

Face forward, while holding breath
for 10 seconds.
Face parallel to the floor, while
holding breath for 10 seconds
Face forward, while holding breath
for 10 seconds
Face forward, while holding breath
for 10 seconds.
Face forward, while holding breath
for 10 seconds.

Bending Over ..................................
Head Shaking .................................
REDON 1 ........................................
REDON 2 ........................................
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:

Overall Fit Factor =

N
[1/FF1 + 1/FF2 + ... 1/FFN ]

Where:
N = The number of exercises;
FF1 = The fit factor for the first exercise;
FF2 = The fit factor for the second exercise;
and
FFN = The fit factor for the nth exercise.

APPENDIX B–1 TO § 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

442

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00452

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

ER04AU04.001

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

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 de-

scribing 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.

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
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 § 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.

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

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 °C [110 °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 °C [110 °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 °C (110 °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

§ 1910.134

45% alcohol) to one liter of water at 43 °C
(110 °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 °C [110 °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 § 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: lllllllllllllll
2. Your name: llllllllllllllll
3. Your age (to nearest year): llllllll
4. Sex (circle one): Male/Female
5. Your height: ll ft. ll in.
6. Your weight: ll lbs.
7. Your job title:
llllllllllllll
8. A phone number where you can be reached
by the health care professional who reviews this questionnaire (include the Area
Code): lll
9. The best time to phone you at this number: ll
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):

443

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00453

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

§ 1910.134

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

a. ll N, R, or P disposable respirator (filter-mask, non-cartridge type only).
b. ll 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
7 If ‘‘yes,’’ what type(s): llllllllll
llllllllllllllllllllllll
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?

444

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00454

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor
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: lllllllllllllllllll
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

§ 1910.134

i. Dusty environments: Yes/No
j. Any other hazardous exposures: Yes/No
If ‘‘yes,’’ describe these exposures: llll
llllllllllllllllllllllll
4. List any second jobs or side businesses you
have:
lllllllllllllllllll
llllllllllllllllllllllll
5. List your previous occupations: lllll
llllllllllllllllllllllll
6. List your current and previous hobbies: l
llllllllllllllllllllllll
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: llllllllllllllll
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:llllllhrs.llllllmins.
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:llllllhrs.llllllmins.
Examples of moderate work effort are sitting while nailing or filing; driving a truck or
bus in urban traffic; standing while drilling,

445

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00455

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113

rmajette on DSK29S0YB1PROD with CFR

§ 1910.135

29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–10 Edition)

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:llllllhrs.llllllmins.
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: lllllllllllll
llllllllllllllllllllllll
14. Will you be working under hot conditions
(temperature exceeding 77 °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):
llllllllllllllllllllllll
llllllllllllllllllllllll
17. Describe any special or hazardous conditions you might encounter when you’re
using your respirator(s) (for example,
confined spaces, life-threatening gases):
llllllllllllllllllllllll
llllllllllllllllllllllll
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: llll
Estimated maximum exposure level per
shift:
lllllllllllllllllll
Duration of exposure per shift llllll
Name of the second toxic substance: lll
Estimated maximum exposure level per
shift:
lllllllllllllllllll
Duration of exposure per shift: llllll
Name of the third toxic substance: llll
Estimated maximum exposure level per
shift:
lllllllllllllllllll
Duration of exposure per shift: llllll
The name of any other toxic substances
that you’ll be exposed to while using
your respirator:
llllllllllllllllllllllll
llllllllllllllllllllllll
llllllllllllllllllllllll

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):
llllllllllllllllllllllll

APPENDIX D TO § 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,
or 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.
[63 FR 1270, Jan. 8, 1998; 63 FR 20098, 20099,
Apr. 23, 1998, as amended at 69 FR 46993, Aug.
4, 2004; 71 FR 16672, Apr. 3, 2006; 71 FR 50187,
Aug. 24, 2006; 73 FR 75584, Dec. 12, 2008]

§ 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.

446

VerDate Mar<15>2010

11:01 Sep 03, 2010

Jkt 220113

PO 00000

Frm 00456

Fmt 8010

Sfmt 8010

E:\TEMP\220113.XXX

220113