ASTM F3387-23
(Practice)Standard Practice for Respiratory Protection
Standard Practice for Respiratory Protection
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The purpose of this practice is to provide information and guidance on the proper selection, use, and maintenance of respirators, which will help safeguard the life and health of respirator wearers. This practice is written for all persons concerned with respiratory protection, but especially for those primarily responsible for establishing and administering an acceptable respirator program. This practice contains requirements recommended for enforcement authorities in establishing regulations or codes for respiratory protection use.
4.2 Exceptions—Users of this practice shall be aware that regulatory agencies may have requirements that are different from this practice.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice sets forth minimally accepted practices for occupational respirator use; provides information and guidance on the proper selection, use, and maintenance of respirators; and contains requirements for establishing, implementing, and evaluating respirator programs.
1.2 This practice covers the use of respirators to protect persons against the inhalation of harmful air contaminants and oxygen-deficient atmospheres in the workplace. The following are not covered by this practice:
1.2.1 Underwater breathing devices,
1.2.2 Aircraft oxygen systems,
1.2.3 Supplied-air suits,
1.2.4 Use of respirators under military combat conditions, and
1.2.5 Medical inhalators and resuscitators.
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3387 − 23
Standard Practice for
Respiratory Protection
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3387; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This practice sets forth minimally accepted practices for 2.1 ASTM Standards:
occupational respirator use; provides information and guidance F3537 Guide for Respirator Fit Testing Methods
on the proper selection, use, and maintenance of respirators; F3620 Practice for Respiratory Protection—Respirator
and contains requirements for establishing, implementing, and Use—Physical Qualifications for Personnel
evaluating respirator programs. 2.2 ANSI Standards:
ANSI/ASSE Z117.1 Safety Requirements for Entering Con-
1.2 This practice covers the use of respirators to protect
fined Spaces
persons against the inhalation of harmful air contaminants and
ANSI/ASSE Z88.2 Practices for Respiratory Protection
oxygen-deficient atmospheres in the workplace. The following
ANSI Z88.10 Respirator Fit Testing Methods
are not covered by this practice:
2.3 CAN/CSA Standards:
1.2.1 Underwater breathing devices,
CAN/CSA Z94.4 Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators
1.2.2 Aircraft oxygen systems,
CAN/CSA Z180.1 Compressed Breathing Air and Systems
1.2.3 Supplied-air suits,
2.4 CGA Standards:
1.2.4 Use of respirators under military combat conditions,
CGA C-7 Guide to Classification and Labeling of Com-
and
pressed Gases
1.2.5 Medical inhalators and resuscitators.
CGA G-7.1 Commodity Specification for Air
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
2.5 NFPA Standards:
regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are
NFPA 1851 Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and
information only and are not considered standard.
Proximity Fire Fighting
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the NFPA 1981 Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 2.6 Federal Standards:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 29 CFR Part 1910.134 Respiratory Protection
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 29 CFR Part 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the ASTM website.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 178 Rexdale Blvd.,
Toronto, ON M9W 1R3, Canada, http://www.csagroup.org.
Available from Compressed Gas Association (CGA), 14501 George Carter
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on Personal Way, Suite 103, Chantilly, VA 20151, http://www.cganet.com.
Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
F23.65 on Respiratory. Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of
approved in 2019. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as F3387 – 19. DOI: Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://
10.1520/F3387-23. www.access.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3387 − 23
42 CFR Part 84 Respiratory Protective Devices vapor-removing sorbent or catalyst that removes gases and
49 CFR Part 180 Continuing Qualification and Maintenance vapors and filter that removes particles from inspired air (or air
of Packagings drawn through the unit).
3.1.12.1 Discussion—Typically attached to a full-face piece,
3. Terminology
either mounted directly to the chin or connected to a breathing
3.1 Definitions: tube so the canister may be worn in the front or back of the
3.1.1 abrasive blasting respirator, n—airline respirator de- person. Respirators with air-purifying canisters are approved
signed to protect the wearer from inhalation of, impact of, and
by NIOSH as gas masks and contain an approval number
abrasion by materials used or generated in abrasive blasting. TC-14G-xxxx.
3.1.2 aerodynamic diameter, n—diameter of a unit density
3.1.13 canister (carbon dioxide scrubbing), n—container
sphere having the same terminal settling velocity as the particle filled with a chemical used to remove carbon dioxide from
in question.
exhaled air before that air is rebreathed in a closed-circuit
SCBA.
3.1.3 aerosol, n—particles, solid or liquid, suspended in air
(for example, dust, fumes, mists, or fibers).
3.1.14 canister (oxygen generating), n—container filled
with a chemical that generates oxygen by chemical reaction
3.1.4 airline respirator (supplied-air respirator, SAR),
used in closed-circuit SCBA.
n—atmosphere-supplying respirator in which the respirable air
is supplied from a hose or breathing tube rather than being 3.1.15 cartridge, n—small container filled with sorbents or
carried by the wearer.
catalysts that remove gases and vapors from the inspired air.
3.1.15.1 Discussion—The cartridge may also have particu-
3.1.5 air-purifying respirator, n—respirator in which ambi-
late filters that are an integral part or ones that are replaceable.
ent air is passed through an air-purifying element by either
inhalation or by means of a blower. 3.1.16 ceiling limit, n—maximum allowable concentration
of an airborne contaminant that shall not be exceeded at any
3.1.6 ambient air pump, n—motorized blower used to sup-
time.
ply air to a continuous-flow airline respirator.
3.1.17 certified, v—see approved.
3.1.7 approved, v—respirator for which a formal certificate
was issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety
3.1.18 change schedule, n—time interval after which a used
and Health (NIOSH) or by NIOSH and the Mine Safety and
filter, cartridge, or canister is replaced with a new one.
Health Administration (MSHA) in accordance with 42 CFR
3.1.19 confined space, n—enclosed space not designed for
Part 84 and is maintained in full compliance with the certifi-
human occupancy that has the following characteristics: re-
cate.
stricted entry and exit, primary function is something other
3.1.8 assigned protection factor, APF, n—minimum ex-
than human occupancy, and contains potential or known
pected workplace level of respiratory protection that would be
respiratory hazards.
provided by a properly functioning and used respirator or a
3.1.19.1 Discussion—Examples of confined spaces include,
class of respirators to properly fitted and trained wearers when
but are not limited to: tanks, silos, vessels, pits, sewers,
all elements of an effective respirator program are established
pipelines, tank cars, boilers, septic tanks, and utility vaults. See
and being implemented.
29 CFR 1910.146 and ANSI/ASSE Z117.1 for more details on
permit-required confined spaces.
3.1.9 atmosphere-supplying respirator, ASR—class of respi-
rators that supply a respirable atmosphere independent of the
3.1.20 contaminant, n—potentially harmful, irritating, or
workplace atmosphere.
nuisance airborne material.
3.1.9.1 Discussion—This class includes airline respirators
3.1.21 continuous-flow respirator—atmosphere-supplying
and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
respirator that provides a continuous flow of respirable air to
3.1.10 bioaerosol, n—liquid droplet (generated, for
the respiratory inlet covering.
example, by coughing, sneezing) or a solid particle (generated,
3.1.22 demand respirator, n—atmosphere-supplying respi-
for example, by sweeping, shoveling) suspended in the air that
rator that admits respirable air to the respiratory inlet covering
is living or originates from living organisms.
only when a negative pressure is created inside the respiratory
3.1.10.1 Discussion—Bioaerosols include living or dead
inlet covering by inhalation.
microorganisms, fragments, toxins, and particulate waste prod-
3.1.23 dust, n—aerosol consisting of mechanically produced
ucts from all varieties of living things. They are capable of
solid particles derived from the breaking up of larger particles.
causing infection and an adverse or allergic response poten-
3.1.24 end-of-service-life indicator, ESLI, n—system or de-
tially leading to disease. Individual bioaerosols most often
range in size from 0.4 to 3937 μin. (0.01 to 100 μm) in vice that warns the wearer of the approach of the end of
adequate respiratory protection.
diameter.
3.1.11 biomonitoring, v—determination of the concentration 3.1.25 escape-only respirator, n—respirator intended only
for use during emergency egress from a hazardous atmosphere.
of a substance in biological fluids or tissue and used for
occupational exposure surveillance.
3.1.26 filter, n—material used in air-purifying respirators to
3.1.12 canister (air purifying), n—container with (1) gas- remove solid or liquid aerosols from inspired air; some filters
and vapor-removing sorbent or catalyst, or (2) gas- and are encapsulated in a container and some are not.
F3387 − 23
3.1.26.1 HE filter, n—NIOSH classification for a 99.97 % cover the neck and shoulders, and may or may not offer head
efficiency filter used in a powered air-purifying respirator protection against impact and penetration.
(PAPR) that is effective against all particulate aerosols.
3.1.39 mass median aerodynamic diameter, MMAD,
3.1.26.2 N-series particulate filter, n—NIOSH classification n—calculated aerodynamic diameter that divides the aerosol
for particulate filters effective against particulate aerosols free
particles based on the weight of the particles.
of oil; time-use restrictions may apply. 3.1.39.1 Discussion—By weight, 50 % of the particles will
be larger than the MMAD and 50 % of the particles will be
3.1.26.3 P-series particulate filter, n—NIOSH classification
smaller than the MMAD.
for particulate filter effective against all particulate aerosols.
3.1.40 maximum use concentration, MUC, n—maximum
3.1.26.4 R-series particulate filter, n—NIOSH classification
atmospheric concentration of a hazardous substance from
for particulate filter effective against all particulate aerosols;
which a wearer can be expected to be protected when wearing
time-use restrictions may apply.
a respirator and is frequently determined by the assigned
3.1.26.5 Discussion—N-, R-, and P-series particulate filters
protection factor of the respirator or class of respirators and the
are tested at 99.97, 99, and 95 % efficiency levels, referred to
exposure limit of the hazardous substance.
as Classes 100, 99, and 95, respectively.
3.1.40.1 Discussion—The MUC can frequently be deter-
3.1.27 filtering face piece, n—negative-pressure respirator
mined mathematically by multiplying the assigned protection
in which the filter is an integral part of the face piece or
factor specified for a respirator by the required time-weighted
comprises the entire face piece.
average occupational exposure limit (OEL), short-term expo-
sure limit, or ceiling limit. When no OEL is available for a
3.1.28 fit factor, n—numeric expression of how well a
tight-fitting respirator fits a wearer during a quantitative fit test, hazardous substance, an employer shall determine a MUC on
the basis of relevant available information and informed
and it is the ratio of the measured challenge agent concentra-
professional judgment.
tion outside the respirator (C ) to its concentration inside the
out
respirator (C ).
in 3.1.41 mist, n—aerosol composed of liquid droplets pro-
duced either mechanically or by condensation of vaporized
Fit factor 5 C ⁄ C (1)
out in
liquid.
3.1.28.1 Discussion—A fit factor resulting from a qualita-
tive fit test has been validated to 100 (Annex A5).
3.1.42 mouthpiece and nose clamp assembly, n—respiratory
inlet covering that is held in the wearer’s mouth and shall
3.1.29 fit test, n—use of a qualitative or quantitative proto-
col to evaluate sealing surface leakage of a specific tight-fitting always be used in conjunction with a nose clamp.
respirator while worn by an individual.
3.1.43 negative-pressure respirator, n—respirator in which
the air pressure inside the respiratory inlet covering is negative
3.1.30 fume, n—aerosols formed by condensation of a
vaporized solid. during inhalation with respect to the ambient air pressure.
3.1.44 occupational exposure limit, OEL, n—maximum al-
3.1.31 gas, n—fluid that has neither an independent shape
nor volume and tends to expand indefinitely. lowable concentration of a contaminant in the air to which an
individual may be exposed over a period of time.
3.1.31.1 Discussion—In contrast, liquids have independent
volume but not independent shape. 3.1.44.1 Discussion—Commonly used OELs include Occu-
pational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible
3.1.32 hazard ratio, n—number obtained by dividing the
exposure limits (PELs) and ACGIH® threshold limit values
concentration of a contaminant by its occupational exposure
(TLVs®). These may be time-weighted averages, short-term
limit.
limits, or ceiling limits.
3.1.33 hazardous atmosphere, n—atmosphere that contains
3.1.45 physician or other licensed healthcare professional,
a contaminant(s) in excess of the occupational exposure limit
PLHCP, n—individual whose legally permitted scope of prac-
or is oxygen deficient.
tice (that is, license, registration, or certification) allows them
3.1.34 helmet, n—hood that offers head protection to the
to independently provide, or be delegated the responsibility to
wearer against impact and penetration.
provide, some or all of the healthcare services req
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F3387 − 19 F3387 − 23
Standard Practice for
Respiratory Protection
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3387; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice sets forth minimally accepted practices for occupational respirator use; provides information and guidance on
the proper selection, use, and maintenance of respirators; and contains requirements for establishing, implementing, and evaluating
respirator programs.
1.2 This practice covers the use of respirators to protect persons against the inhalation of harmful air contaminants and
oxygen-deficient atmospheres in the workplace. The following are not covered by this practice:
1.2.1 Underwater breathing devices,
1.2.2 Aircraft oxygen systems,
1.2.3 Supplied-air suits,
1.2.4 Use of respirators under military combat conditions, and
1.2.5 Medical inhalators and resuscitators.
1.3 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F3537 Guide for Respirator Fit Testing Methods
F3620 Practice for Respiratory Protection—Respirator Use—Physical Qualifications for Personnel
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F23.65
on Respiratory.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019Nov. 1, 2023. Published August 2019November 2023. Originally approved in 2019. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as
F3387 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/F3387-19.10.1520/F3387-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3387 − 23
2.2 ANSI Standards:
ANSI/ASSE Z117.1 Safety Requirements for Entering Confined Spaces
ANSI/ASSE Z88.2 Practices for Respiratory Protection
ANSI Z88.6 Respiratory Protection—Respirator Use—Physical Qualifications for Personnel
ANSI Z88.10 Respirator Fit Testing Methods
2.3 CAN/CSA Standards:
CAN/CSA Z94.4 Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators
CAN/CSA Z180.1 Compressed Breathing Air and Systems
2.4 CGA Standards:
CGA C-7 Guide to Classification and Labeling of Compressed Gases
CGA G-7.1 Commodity Specification for Air
2.5 NFPA Standards:
NFPA 1851 Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity
Fire Fighting
NFPA 1981 Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services
2.6 Federal Standards:
29 CFR Part 1910.134 Respiratory Protection
29 CFR Part 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces
42 CFR Part 84 Respiratory Protective Devices
49 CFR Part 180 Continuing Qualification and Maintenance of Packagings
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 abrasive blasting respirator, n—airline respirator designed to protect the wearer from inhalation of, impact of, and abrasion
by materials used or generated in abrasive blasting.
3.1.2 aerodynamic diameter, n—diameter of a unit density sphere having the same terminal settling velocity as the particle in
question.
3.1.3 aerosol, n—particles, solid or liquid, suspended in air (for example, dust, fumes, mists, or fibers).
3.1.4 airline respirator (supplied-air respirator, SAR), n—atmosphere-supplying respirator in which the respirable air is supplied
from a hose or breathing tube rather than being carried by the wearer.
3.1.5 air-purifying respirator, n—respirator in which ambient air is passed through an air-purifying element by either inhalation
or by means of a blower.
3.1.6 ambient air pump, n—motorized blower used to supply air to a continuous-flow airline respirator.
3.1.7 approved, v—respirator for which a formal certificate was issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) or by NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in accordance with 42 CFR Part 84 and
is maintained in full compliance with the certificate.
3.1.8 assigned protection factor, APF, n—minimum expected workplace level of respiratory protection that would be provided by
a properly functioning and used respirator or a class of respirators to properly fitted and trained wearers when all elements of an
effective respirator program are established and being implemented.
3.1.9 atmosphere-supplying respirator, ASR—class of respirators that supply a respirable atmosphere independent of the
workplace atmosphere.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 178 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto, ON M9W 1R3, Canada, http://www.csagroup.org.
Available from Compressed Gas Association (CGA), 14501 George Carter Way, Suite 103, Chantilly, VA 20151, http://www.cganet.com.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://www.access.gpo.gov.
F3387 − 23
3.1.9.1 Discussion—
This class includes airline respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
3.1.10 bioaerosol, n—liquid droplet (generated, for example, by coughing, sneezing) or a solid particle (generated, for example,
by sweeping, shoveling) suspended in the air that is living or originates from living organisms.
3.1.10.1 Discussion—
Bioaerosols include living or dead microorganisms, fragments, toxins, and particulate waste products from all varieties of living
things. They are capable of causing infection and an adverse or allergic response potentially leading to disease. Individual
bioaerosols most often range in size from 0.4 to 3937 μin. (0.01 to 100 μm) in diameter.
3.1.11 biomonitoring, v—determination of the concentration of a substance in biological fluids or tissue and used for occupational
exposure surveillance.
3.1.12 canister (air purifying), n—container with (1) gas- and vapor-removing sorbent or catalyst, or (2) gas- and vapor-removing
sorbent or catalyst that removes gases and vapors and filter that removes particles from inspired air (or air drawn through the unit).
3.1.12.1 Discussion—
Typically attached to a full-face piece, either mounted directly to the chin or connected to a breathing tube so the canister may be
worn in the front or back of the person. Respirators with air-purifying canisters are approved by NIOSH as gas masks and contain
an approval number TC-14G-xxxx.
3.1.13 canister (carbon dioxide scrubbing), n—container filled with a chemical used to remove carbon dioxide from exhaled air
before that air is rebreathed in a closed-circuit SCBA.
3.1.14 canister (oxygen generating), n—container filled with a chemical that generates oxygen by chemical reaction used in
closed-circuit SCBA.
3.1.15 cartridge, n—small container filled with sorbents or catalysts that remove gases and vapors from the inspired air.
3.1.15.1 Discussion—
The cartridge may also have particulate filters that are an integral part or ones that are replaceable.
3.1.16 ceiling limit, n—maximum allowable concentration of an airborne contaminant that shall not be exceeded at any time.
3.1.17 certified, v—see approved.
3.1.18 change schedule, n—time interval after which a used filter, cartridge, or canister is replaced with a new one.
3.1.19 confined space, n—enclosed space not designed for human occupancy that has the following characteristics: restricted entry
and exit, primary function is something other than human occupancy, and contains potential or known respiratory hazards.
3.1.19.1 Discussion—
Examples of confined spaces include, but are not limited to: tanks, silos, vessels, pits, sewers, pipelines, tank cars, boilers, septic
tanks, and utility vaults. See 29 CFR 1910.146 and ANSI/ASSE Z117.1 for more details on permit-required confined spaces.
3.1.20 contaminant, n—potentially harmful, irritating, or nuisance airborne material.
3.1.21 continuous-flow respirator—atmosphere-supplying respirator that provides a continuous flow of respirable air to the
respiratory inlet covering.
3.1.22 demand respirator, n—atmosphere-supplying respirator that admits respirable air to the respiratory inlet covering only
when a negative pressure is created inside the respiratory inlet covering by inhalation.
3.1.23 dust, n—aerosol consisting of mechanically produced solid particles derived from the breaking up of larger particles.
3.1.24 end-of-service-life indicator, ESLI, n—system or device that warns the wearer of the approach of the end of adequate
respiratory protection.
F3387 − 23
3.1.25 escape-only respirator, n—respirator intended only for use during emergency egress from a hazardous atmosphere.
3.1.26 filter, n—material used in air-purifying respirators to remove solid or liquid aerosols from inspired air; some filters are
encapsulated in a container and some are not.
3.1.26.1 HE filter, n—NIOSH classification for a 99.97 % efficiency filter used in a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) that
is effective against all particulate aerosols.
3.1.26.2 N-series particulate filter, n—NIOSH classification for particulate filters effective against particulate aerosols free of
oil; time-use restrictions may apply.
3.1.26.3 P-series particulate filter, n—NIOSH classification for particulate filter effective against all particulate aerosols.
3.1.26.4 R-series particulate filter, n—NIOSH classification for particulate filter effective against all particulate aerosols;
time-use restrictions may apply.
3.1.26.5 Discussion—
N-, R-, and P-series particulate filters are tested at 99.97, 99, and 95 % efficiency levels, referred to as Classes 100, 99, and 95,
respectively.
3.1.27 filtering face piece, n—negative-pressure respirator in which the filter is an integral part of the face piece or comprises the
entire face piece.
3.1.28 fit factor, n—numeric expression of how well a tight-fitting respirator fits a wearer during a quantitative fit test, and it is
the ratio of the measured challenge agent concentration outside the respirator (C ) to its concentration inside the respirator (C ).
out in
Fit factor 5 C ⁄C (1)
out in
3.1.28.1 Discussion—
A fit factor resulting from a qualitative fit test has been validated to 100 (Annex A5).
3.1.29 fit test, n—use of a qualitative or quantitative protocol to evaluate sealing surface leakage of a specific tight-fitting respirator
while worn by an individual.
3.1.30 fume, n—aerosols formed by condensation of a vaporized solid.
3.1.31 gas, n—fluid that has neither an independent shape nor volume and tends to expand indefinitely.
3.1.31.1 Discussion—
In contrast, liquids have independent volume but not independent shape.
3.1.32 hazard ratio, n—number obtained by dividing the concentration of a contaminant by its occupational exposure limit.
3.1.33 hazardous atmosphere, n—atmosphere that contains a contaminant(s) in excess of the occupational exposure limit or is
oxygen deficient.
3.1.34 helmet, n—hood that offers head protection to the wearer against impact and penetration.
3.1.35 high-effıciency particulate air (HEPA) filter, n—HEPA filters are considered N100, R100, P100, and HE.
3.1.35.1 Discussion—
P100 and HE filters are identified with a magenta color.
3.1.36 hood, n—tight- or loose-fitting respiratory inlet covering that completely covers the head and neck and may cover portions
of the shoulders.
3.1.37 immediately dangerous to life or health, IDLH, n—any atmosphere that poses an immediate hazard to life or immediate
irreversible debilitating effects on health.
3.1.38 loose-fitting face piece, n—respiratory inlet covering that is designed to form a partial seal with the face, does not cover
the neck and shoulders, and may or may not offer head protection against impact and penetration.
F3387 − 23
3.1.39 mass median aerodynamic diameter, MMAD, n—calculated aerodynamic diameter that divides the aerosol particles based
on the weight of the particles.
3.1.39.1 Discussion—
By weight, 50 % of the particles will be larger than the MMAD and 50 % of the particles will be smaller than the MMAD.
3.1.40 maximum use concentration, MUC, n—maximum atmospheric concentration of a hazardous substance from which a wearer
can be expected to be protected when wearing a respirator and is frequently determined by the assigned protection factor of the
respirator or class of respirators and the exposure limit of the hazardous substance.
3.1.40.1 Discussion—
The MUC can frequently be determined mathematically by multiplying the assigned protection factor specified for a respirator by
the required time-weighted average occupational exposure limit (OEL), short-term exposure limit, or ceiling limit. When no OEL
is available for a hazardous substance, an employer shall determine a MUC on the basis of relevant available information and
informed professional judgment.
3.1.41 mist, n—aerosol composed of liquid droplets produced either mechanically or by condensation of vaporized liquid.
3.1.42 mouthpiece and nose clamp assembly, n—respiratory inlet covering that is held in the w
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