Color Coding of Respirator Air Purifying Elements: NIOSH Requirements and Limitations

Course level
Intermediate

Who Will Benefit
OEHS managers, supervisors and directors, industrial hygienists and consultants

Presented By
Jay Parker, CIH, Physical Scientist, NIOSH / NPPTL
William King, NIOSH/NPPTL

Course Description

This course will explain the NIOSH regulations from Title 42 CFR Part 84 and other regulations and standards that govern:

• Color coding requirements for the elements on air purifying respirators, including cartridges, canisters and filters
• Maximum use concentrations (MUC) for various types of respirators incorporating these elements
• Use of elements approved for more than one contaminant in atmospheres that may contain multiply contaminants

There has been some confusion regarding the color coding requirements—possibly because of the reference to an obsolete ANSI respirator standard and also changes to the reference color standards used. This course will explain in detail the letter recently sent out by NIOSH on color coding of respirator elements. In addition, historical and international aspects of color coding respirator elements will be discussed to provide some perspective. This course will also review the regulations on maximum use concentrations for the listed contaminants for respirators incorporating these elements and how to calculate these numbers. Changes to NIOSH policies relating to MUCs will be fully explained. Another area that has generated many questions is whether a respirator can be used for protection against multiple gases and/or vapors present at the same time and place. This subject will be discussed in detail to provide guidance on the proper use of respirators for these situations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion students will better be able to:

• Understand and recognize the color coding system used for respirator elements
• Understand and be able to calculate MUCs for air purifying respirators
• Understand how and when to use air purifying respirators for protection against multiple gases/ vapors and particulates
• Quickly determine if workers are wearing the correct respirator they are assigned

Certification Information

If you submit your final exam and evaluation within one month of purchasing your CD (exceptions may include AIHA local sections only) you can receive 0.5 CM points, 0.25 COCs and 0.25 CEUs. Individual participants seeking CM points, COCs, and CEUs must review the CD, complete the final exam and evaluation, and submit a processing fee ($35 per student).

Simply download the Post TeleWeb CD Order Form to purchase the original TeleWeb broadcast. You can review the CD on your own, with a group, or even share it with your student section, local section and others.