NIOSH GUIDE TO THE SELECTION AND USE
OF PARTICULATE RESPIRATORS
CERTIFIED UNDER 42 CFR 84
SUMMARY FOR RESPIRATOR USERS
This summary presents a brief overview of what the respirator user needs to know about the new categories of particulate respirators certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
NIOSH has developed a new set of regulations in 42 CFR[1] 84 (also referred to as "Part 84") for testing and certifying nonpowered, air-purifying, particulate-filter respirators. The new Part 84 respirators have passed a more demanding certification test than the old respirators (e.g., dust and mist [DM], dust, fume and mist [DFM], spray paint, pesticide, etc.) certified under 30 CFR 11 (also referred to as "Part 11").
Changes in the new regulations involve only nonpowered, air-purifying, particulate-filter respirators. Certification requirements for all other classes of respirators (e.g., chemical cartridges, self-contained breathing apparatus [SCBA], airlines, gas masks without a particulate filter, powered air-purifying respirators [PAPRs] equipped with high-efficiency particulate air [HEPA] filters, etc.) have been transferred to Part 84 without change. Until further notice, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is allowing the continued use of Part 11 particulate-filter respirators. Under Part 84, NIOSH is allowing manufacturers to continue selling and shipping Part 11 particulate filters as NIOSH-certified until July 10, 1998.
The new Part 84 regulation provides for nine classes of filters (three levels of filter efficiency,[2] each with three categories of resistance to filter efficiency degradation[3]). The three levels of filter efficiency are 95%, 99%, and 99.97%. The three categories of resistance to filter efficiency degradation are labeled N, R, and P. The class of filter will be clearly marked on the filter, filter package, or respirator box. For example, a filter marked N95 would mean an N-series filter that is at least 95% efficient. Chemical cartridges that include particulate filter elements will carry a similar marking that pertains only to the particulate filter element.
The new classes of nonpowered particulate respirators require new decision logic for selection of the proper respirator. The selection process for using the new particulate
classification is outlined as follows and is discussed in Section II of NIOSH Guide to the Selection and Use of Particulate Respirators Certified Under 42 CFR 84 (see reverse side to order complete document):
- ↑ Code of Federal Regulations. See CFR in references.
- ↑ Filter efficiency is the stated percentage of particles removed from the air.
- ↑ Filter efficiency degradation is defined as a lowering of filter efficiency or a reduction in the ability of the filter to remove particles as a result of workplace exposure.
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