402

§ 1910.134 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–99 Edition) 

(b) Criteria for protective eye and face

devices. (1) Protective eye and face devices purchased after July 5, 1994 shall

comply with ANSI Z87.1–1989, ‘‘American National Standard Practice for

Occupational and Educational Eye and

Face Protection,’’ which is incorporated by reference as specified in

§ 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated by the

employer to be equally effective.

(2) Eye and face protective devices

purchased before July 5, 1994 shall comply with the ANSI ‘‘USA standard for

Occupational and Educational Eye and

Face Protection,’’ Z87.1–1968, which is

incorporated by reference as specified

in § 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated by

the employer to be equally effective.

[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]

§ 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) Respirators shall be provided by

the employer when such equipment is

necessary to protect the health of the

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.

(b) Definitions. The following definitions are important terms used in the

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) [Reserved]

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.

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.
403

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.134

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)

[Reserved].

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.
404

§ 1910.134 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–99 Edition) 

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

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

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
405

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.134

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

(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 provide 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)

[Reserved]

(B) Maximum Use Concentration (MUC)

[Reserved]

(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:

(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]
406

§ 1910.134 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–99 Edition) 

TABLE I—ASSIGNED PROTECTION FACTORS

[RESERVED]—Continued

TABLE II

Altitude (ft.)

Oxygen deficient

Atmospheres

(% 02) for

which the

employer

may rely on

atmospheresupplying

respirators

Less than 3,001 ................................................ 16.0–19.5

3,001–4,000 ...................................................... 16.4–19.5

4,001–5,000 ...................................................... 17.1–19.5

5,001–6,000 ...................................................... 17.8–19.5

6,001–7,000 ...................................................... 18.5–19.5

7,001–8,0001 .................................................... 19.3–19.5.

1Above 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 requirements 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

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.

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
407

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.134

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

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.
408

§ 1910.134 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–99 Edition) 

(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 installing 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

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
409

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.134

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;

(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;
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(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

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:

(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
411

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.134

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 further 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:

(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
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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 format, 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;

(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) Dates—(1) Effective date. This section is effective April 8, 1998. The obligations imposed by this section commence on the effective date unless otherwise noted in this paragraph. Compliance with obligations that do not commence on the effective date shall occur

no later than the applicable start-up

date.

(2) Compliance dates. All obligations

of this section commence on the effective date except as follows:
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Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.134

(i) The determination that respirator

use is required (paragraph (a)) shall be

completed no later than September 8,

1998.

(ii) Compliance with provisions of

this section for all other provisions

shall be completed no later than October 5, 1998.

(3) The provisions of 29 CFR 1910.134

and 29 CFR 1926.103, contained in the 29

CFR parts 1900 to 1910.99 and the 29

CFR part 1926 editions, revised as of

July 1, 1997, are in effect and enforceable until October 5, 1998, or during any

administrative or judicial stay of the

provisions of this section.

(4) Existing respiratory protection programs. If, in the 12 month period preceding April 8, 1998, the employer has

conducted annual respirator training,

fit testing, respirator program evaluation, or medical evaluations, the employer may use the results of those activities to comply with the corresponding provisions of this section,

providing that these activities were

conducted in a manner that meets the

requirements of this section.

(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

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.
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§ 1910.134 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–99 Edition) 

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

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) The following test

exercises are to be performed for all fit testing methods prescribed in this appendix, except for the CNP method. A separate fit testing exercise regimen is contained in the CNP

protocol. The test subject shall perform exercises, in the 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.

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

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

lid and shaking for 30 seconds. A new solution shall be prepared at least weekly.
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Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.134

(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 55-

gallon 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

without wearing a respirator, is intended to
416

§ 1910.134 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–99 Edition) 

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.

(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
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Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.134

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.

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 collapses 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.
418

§ 1910.134 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–99 Edition) 

(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).

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.

(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
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Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.134

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.

(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.

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.
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§ 1910.134 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–99 Edition) 

(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

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 average 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:

Overall Fit Factor Number of exercises = 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 + + + + + + 5 7 8 ff ff ff ff ff ff ff

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
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Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.134

can be obtained from the respirator manufacturer or distributor. The CNC instrument

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 minimum 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 Dynatech Nevada 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.
422

§ 1910.134 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–99 Edition) 

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 test subject shall be trained to hold

his or her breath for at least 20 seconds.

(6) The test subject shall don the test respirator without any assistance from the individual who conducts the CNP 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

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 shall have an effective audio warning device when the test subject fails to hold his or her breath during the

test. The test shall be terminated whenever

the test subject failed to hold his or her

breath. The test subject 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.

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
423

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.134

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 describing 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.

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

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.

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

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.
424

§ 1910.134 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–99 Edition) 

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: llft. llin.

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):

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
425

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.134

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?

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

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
426

§ 1910.134 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–99 Edition) 

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,

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
427

Occupational Safety and Health Admin., Labor § 1910.137

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,

of 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]

§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.

(2) The employer shall ensure that a

protective helmet designed to reduce

electrical shock hazard is worn by each

such affected employee when near exposed electrical conductors which

could contact the head.

(b) Criteria for protective helmets. (1)

Protective helmets purchased after

July 5, 1994 shall comply with ANSI

Z89.1–1986, ‘‘American National Standard for Personnel Protection—Protective Headwear for Industrial WorkersRequirements,’’ which is incorporated

by reference as specified in § 1910.6, or

shall be demonstrated to be equally effective.

(2) Protective helmets purchased before July 5, 1994 shall comply with the

ANSI standard ‘‘American National

Standard Safety Requirements for Industrial Head Protection,’’ ANSI Z89.1–

1969, which is incorporated by reference

as specified in § 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective.

[59 FR 16362, Apr. 6, 1994, as amended at 61

FR 9238, Mar. 7, 1996; 61 FR 19548, May 2, 1996]

§1910.136 Foot protection.

(a) General requirements. The employer shall ensure that each affected

employee uses protective footwear

when working in areas where there is a

danger of foot injuries due to falling or

rolling objects, or objects piercing the

sole, and where such employee’s feet

are exposed to electrical hazards.

(b) Criteria for protective footwear. (1)

Protective footwear purchased after

July 5, 1994 shall comply with ANSI

Z41–1991, ‘‘American National Standard

for Personal Protection—Protective

Footwear,’’ which is incorporated by

reference as specified in § 1910.6, or

shall be demonstrated by the employer

to be equally effective.

(2) Protective footwear purchased before July 5, 1994 shall comply with the

ANSI standard ‘‘USA Standard for

Men’s Safety-Toe Footwear,’’ Z41.1–

1967, which is incorporated by reference

as specified in § 1910.6, or shall be demonstrated by the employer to be equally effective.

[59 FR 16362, Apr. 6, 1994; 59 FR 33911, July 1,

1994, as amended at 61 FR 9238, Mar. 7, 1996;

61 FR 19548, May 2, 1996; 61 FR 21228, May 9,

1996]

§ 1910.137 Electrical protective equipment.

(a) Design requirements. Insulating

blankets, matting, covers, line hose,

gloves, and sleeves made of rubber

shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Manufacture and marking. (i) Blankets, gloves, and sleeves shall be produced by a seamless process.

(ii) Each item shall be clearly

marked as follows:

(A) Class 0 equipment shall be

marked Class 0.