NIOSH Respirator Selection (Module 2)

Question 1

What is the NIOSH respirator selection logic?

Answer 1

1. Unknown environment, oxygen-deficient, or IDLH?
2. Characterize the environment (sample or monitor) to see if a respirator is needed.
3. Eye irritant or contaminant cause eye damage?
4. Choose a respirator (NIOSH certification required)
   a. Contaminant physical state - aerosol or gas/vapor?
   b. Adequate warning property?
   c. Assigned Protection Factor
   d. Maximum Use Concentration

Question 2

What is an acceptable oxygen range?

Answer 2

19.5%-23.5%

Question 3

If yes to an unknown environment, oxygen-deficient, or IDLH, what is required?

Answer 3

• Full-facepiece pressure-demand SCBA
  OR
• Full-facepiece pressure-demand SAR with auxiliary pressure-demand SCBA

Question 4

What is the hazard ratio (HR)?

Answer 4

• Exposure (TWA or STEL or C)/Occupational Exposure Limit
• E/PEL or E/TLV or E/REL

Question 5

What is the rule for the hazard ratio?

Answer 5

• HR < 1 don’t need respirator
• HR > 1 need respirator

*Greater than 1: Need protection!!

Question 6

What do you have to do if contaminant causes eye damage or irritation?

Answer 6

Full facepiece, helmet, or hood

Question 7

What does a particulate filter filter?

Answer 7

• Only aerosols
• dusts, mists, fumes, smoke, mold, bacteria

Question 8

What do gas and vapor cartridges filter?

Answer 8

• gases and vapers
• different cartridges for different types of gases and vapors

Question 9

What do combination cartridges/filters filter?

Answer 9

• particles, gases, and vapors

Question 10

How resistant are N-Series respirators to oil?

Answer 10

Not resistant to oil

Question 11

How resistant are R-Series respirators to oil?

Answer 11

Resistant to oil, somewhat resistant to oil

Question 12

How resistant are P-Series respirators to oil?

Answer 12

oil Proof, strongly resistant to oil

Question 13

What are the signs of breakthroughs with particulate filters?

Answer 13

• It becomes difficult to breathe comfortably.
• The filter becomes dirty or physical damage occurs.
• Dispose of P-Series filters after 40 hours of use or 30 days, whichever is first.

Question 14

When do you replace gas or vapor cartridges?

Answer 14

• In accordance with your established change schedule
  OR
• Sooner if the contaminant can be detected inside the respirator by smell or taste.

Question 15

What is APF?

Answer 15

Assigned Protection factor

Question 16

What is the ratio for APF and HR?

Answer 16

APF > HR

Question 17

What is MUC

Answer 17

Maximum Use Concentration