Group Confirms Acceptability of Air-Purifying Respirators

Sept. 15, 2000
The Alliance for Polyurethanes Industry specifically asked OSHA what information an employer would\r\nneed to consider to properly select an air-purifying\r\nrespirator.

In response to a request from the Alliance for Polyurethanes Industry (API), OSHA confirmed that, in appropriate circumstances, air-purifying respirators (APR) are acceptable to protect workers from exposure to diisocyanates.

OSHA issued a similar response to a request on the same subject from 3M Co. earlier this week.

Under prior regulations and policies, OSHA required the use of supplied-air respirators to protect employees from excessive exposure to gases and vapors with poor odor warning properties, including the common diisocyanates, such as methylene bisphenyl isocyanate (MDI).

"Many workers in the polyurethane industry welcome the option of using air-purifying respirators because they provide adequate protection while improving mobility and visibility, and are more comfortable to wear than supplied-air respirators," said Fran Lichtenberg, API''s executive director.

API specifically asked OSHA what information an employer would need to consider in order to properly select an air-purifying respirator.

Richard Fairfax, director of OSHA''s Directorate of Compliance Programs, confirmed that APR may be used provided that:

  • a complete respirator program meeting OSHA''s requirements is implemented;
  • the respirator is equipped with an end-of-service life indicator (ESLI) certified by NIOSH for the contaminant;
  • the employer has data to show that the APR will adequately protect the exposed employees; and
  • if there is no ESLI appropriate for the chemical and conditions in the workplace, the employer implements a change schedule for canisters and cartridges that is based on objective data that will ensure that canisters and cartridges are changed before the end of their service life.

In his letter, Fairfax noted that currently there are few respirators available on the market with ESLI and none for MDI.

Therefore, an employer should select a cartridge or canister recommended by the manufacturer and must then implement an appropriate change schedule.

The data relied upon and the information forming the basis of the determination must be included in the employer''s written respirator program.

Fairfax emphasized the importance of having in place a comprehensive respiratory protection program.

API and its members are preparing materials to assist users in complying with OSHA''s new respiratory protection standard, including a model program and information designed to allow users to meet the requirements for using APR in their operations.

For more information on these materials go to API''s Web site at www.polyurethane.org.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

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Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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