Respiratory Protection
The purpose of Z88 Committee is to maintain and update existing standards in the Z88 series, establish new standards as necessary, and resolve issues concerning those standards. The scope of the Z88 Committee is to develop safe practices and requirements for using respirators for the protection of the respiratory system from the inhalation of particulate matter, oxygen deficiencies, noxious gases and vapors as well as programs, practices, procedures and equipment related to industrial respiratory protection.
The committee Chair is James Johnson, PhD, CIH, QEP. The Vice-Chair is Jon Szalajda.
Z88 Information
Updates on Z88 Subcommittees and Standards
- ANSI/AIHA Z88.2 Practices for Respiratory Protection. Chair: Rich Metzler. This standard sets forth accepted practices for respirator users; provides information and guidance on the proper selection, use, and care of respirators; and contains requirements for establishing and regulating respirator programs. The 1992 standard has been administratively withdrawn by ANSI. Due to multiple appeals on the standard, the revised standard has not been published. Based on guidance from ANSI, the standard is being restarted at this time.
- ANSI/AIHA Z88.6 2006 Respirator - Physical Qualifications for Personnel. Chair: Ronald Mack. This standard provides information and guidance to physicians or other licensed health care professionals (PLHCPs) to assist them in determining the medical suitability of personnel for respirator use. A TeleWeb was presented on October 18, 2006 by the Z88 and Z88.6 subcommittee members to provide a comprehensive review of ANSI/AIHA Z88.6 2006 on evaluating the medical suitability of workers to use respiratory protective devices.
- ANSI/AIHA Z88.7 2010 Color Coding of Air-Purifying Respirator Canisters, Cartridges and Filters. Chair: William Newcomb. This standard establishes a system of marking air-purifying respirator canisters, cartridges and filters by means of colors in order to facilitate rapid identification of the canisters, cartridges and filters by users, and ensure color consistency among respirator manufacturers.
- ANSI/AIHA Z88.10 2010 Respirator Fit Testing Methods. Chair: Dr. Roy McKay. This standard provides guidance on how to conduct fit testing of tight fitting respirators and appropriate methods to be used. Fit testing is only one element of a complete respiratory protection program.
- BSR AIHA Z88.12 (Draft) Respiratory Protection for Infectious Aerosols – Chair: Mark Nicas. This new standard will set forth accepted practices for respirator users; provides information and guidance on the proper selection, use, and care of respirators; and contains requirements for establishing and regulating respirator programs. The subcommittee has been formed and the standard is currently being developed.
Z88 standards on Respiratory Protection can be purchased from AIHA at www.aiha.org or (703) 849- 8888. If you would like to participate or want more information please email AIHA Standards
AIHA, Secretariat
2700 Prospertity Ave., Ste. 250
Fairfax, VA 22031-4319
PHONE: 703-849-8888
FAX: 703-207-3561