NIOSH Issues Fact Sheet on Identifying Counterfeit Respirators
NIOSH has published a fact sheet informing workers on how to identify counterfeit and misrepresented respirators and cartridges (PDF). OSHA requires workers who need respiratory protection to use respirators approved by NIOSH. The agencies’ approval standards ensure the devices meet necessary safety and performance metrics for use in workplaces, the fact sheet explains. But many respirators, filters, and cartridges available for purchase on third-party marketplaces are counterfeit products copying a NIOSH-approved model or misrepresented products falsely marketed and sold as NIOSH-approved devices. Counterfeit and misrepresented respirators, filters, and cartridges may not provide the advertised level of protection.
The fact sheet instructs readers to identify labels and markings that indicate their respirator, filter, or cartridge is a NIOSH-approved model. The NIOSH approval label, located on the facepiece or straps of filtering facepiece respirators, informs users of the device’s testing and certification (TC) number. Users may search their device’s TC number on NIOSH’s Certified Equipment List to confirm the approval is valid. Respirators approved by NIOSH also bear the name or logo of the approval holder, the device’s model or part number, and the NIOSH acronym in capital block letters, as well as the filter series and efficiency rating, such as N95. Lot numbers are recommended but not required. NIOSH-approved filters and chemical/filter cartridges are also clearly marked with the name of the approval holder, part number, NIOSH acronym, protection type or filter series, and lot number.
NIOSH encourages readers to purchase respirators, filters, and cartridges from authorized distributors instead of third-party marketplaces or unfamiliar websites. The agency lists tips that help readers avoid purchasing counterfeit or misrepresented devices. For example, buyers should be skeptical of claims that a device is “legitimate” or “genuine,” approved for use by children, or—in the case of filters and cartridges—compatible with NIOSH-approved respirators. The fact sheet provides instructions for reporting counterfeit or misrepresented devices to NIOSH.
The fact sheet on counterfeit and misrepresented respirators may be downloaded from NIOSH’s website.
