Z94.4-11
Selection, use, and care of respirators
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Update No. 1
Z94.4-11
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Title: Selection, use, and care of respirators — originally published August 2011
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A National Standard of Canada
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
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Title: Selection, use, and care of respirators
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Z94.4-11
Selection, use, and care of respirators
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© Canadian Standards Association
Selection, use, and care of respirators
Contents
Technical Committee on Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators vi
Preface viii
1 Scope 1
2 Reference publications 2
3 Definitions 3
4 Respiratory protection program 8
4.1
General 8
4.2
Employer responsibility 8
4.2.3 Program roles 8
4.3
Program components 9
5 Roles and responsibilities 9
5.1
Program administrator 9
5.2
Respirator users 10
5.3
Supervisor 10
Person selecting respirators 10
5.4
5.5
Respirator fit tester 11
5.6
Issuer of respirators 11
5.7
Respirator maintenance personnel 11
5.8
Health care professional 11
6 Hazard assessment 11
6.1
General 11
6.2
Steps in hazard assessment for non-bioaerosol workplace contaminants 12
6.2.1 Determination of hazard 12
6.2.2 Identification of contaminants 12
6.2.3 Identification of physical state 12
6.2.4 Measurement or estimation of concentrations 12
6.2.5 Determination of oxygen level 13
6.2.6 Identification of occupational exposure limits 13
6.2.7 Determination of the existence of an IDLH atmosphere 13
6.2.8 Determination of an applicable substance-specific standard 13
6.2.9 Determination of the presence of oil 13
6.2.10 Determination of skin or eye absorption and irritation characteristics 13
6.3
Monitoring respiratory hazards 13
7 Respirator selection 14
7.1
General 14
Classification of respirators 14
7.2
7.2.3 Supplied-air suits 14
7.2.4 Escape respirators 15
7.3
Selection procedures 15
7.3.1 General 15
7.3.2 Respirator selection for protection against bioaerosols 15
7.3.3 Respirator selection for protection against non-bioaerosol workplace contaminants 18
7.3.4 Using the respirator selection flow chart 18
August 2011
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iii
Z94.4-11
© Canadian Standards Association
8 Training 26
8.1
Competencies 26
8.1.1 General 26
8.1.2 Respirator selection process 26
8.1.3 Respirator user screening and medical assessment 26
8.1.4 Fit testing 26
8.1.5 Instruction 26
8.1.6 Care and practical use 27
8.1.7 Limitations 27
8.1.8 Repair and maintenance 27
8.2
Provision of training 27
Training records 28
8.3
9 Respirator fit testing 28
9.1
General 28
9.2
Respirator interference concerns 29
9.2.1 General 29
9.2.2 Facial hair 29
9.2.3 Personal conditions 29
9.2.4 Personal effects or accessories 30
9.2.5 PPE integration 30
9.3
Pass criteria 30
9.4
Qualitative fit testing (QLFT) 30
9.5
Quantitative fit testing (QNFT) 31
9.6
Fit test records 31
10 Use of respirators 31
10.1
General 31
10.1.1 User requirements 31
10.1.2 Breakthrough detection 31
10.1.3 Tight-fitting respirator seal with skin 31
10.1.4 User seal check of face-to-facepiece seal 32
10.2
Change-out procedures, schedules, and service time 32
10.2.1 General 32
10.2.2 Gas/vapour-removing cartridges or canisters 32
10.3
Breathing gas 33
10.4
Communications 34
10.5
Buddy breathing 34
10.6
Special requirements for general industrial use 34
10.6.1 Use in high- and low-temperature environments 34
10.6.2 Use of respirators in IDLH atmospheres 34
11 Cleaning, inspection, maintenance, and storage of respirators 34
11.1
General 34
11.2
Cleaning and sanitizing 35
11.3
Inspection 35
11.3.1 General 35
11.3.2 Inspection coverage 35
11.3.3 Inspection of SCBA cylinders 36
11.4
Repair and test 37
11.5
Storage 37
11.5.4 Storage of cylinders not in current use 37
11.5.5 Rotation of cylinders in current use 38
11.6
Hydrostatic testing and marking of SCBA cylinders 38
iv
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11.6.1
11.6.2
11.6.3
11.7
Selection, use, and care of respirators
General 38
Hydrostatic test 38
Cylinder markings 38
Filling of cylinders 39
12 Health surveillance 39
13 Program evaluation 40
13.1
General 40
14 Recordkeeping 40
14.1
General 40
14.2
Records of hazard assessments 41
14.3
Records of respirator selection 41
14.4
Records of respirator fit testing 41
14.5
Records of training 41
14.6
Records of inspection, maintenance, and storage 41
14.6.1 General 41
14.6.2 Inspection records for emergency-use SCBA 42
14.7
Records of health surveillance 42
14.8
Records of program evaluations 42
Annexes
A (informative)
B (mandatory)
C (mandatory)
D (informative)
E (informative)
F (informative)
G (informative)
H (informative)
I (informative)
J (informative)
K (informative)
L (informative)
M(informative)
N (informative)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
User seal checks 46
Qualitative respirator fit tests (QLFT) 48
Quantitative respirator fit tests (QNFT) 58
Use of SCBA in low-temperature environments 65
Health surveillance 70
Procedures for cleaning and sanitizing respirators 73
Respirator classification, characteristics, and limitations 74
Reduced oxygen concentration 82
Buddy breathing 84
Checklist of competency for respirator fit testers 86
Scenarios using selection wheels in Figures 2 and 3 88
Classification of biohazardous agents by risk group 92
Illustrations of acceptable and unacceptable facial hair for tight-fitting respirators 99
Additional guidance for qualified persons on respirator selection in health care
environments 101
Tables
1 — Applicable qualitative fit test (QLFT) methods and pass criteria for tight-fitting respirators 43
2 — Applicable quantitative fit test (QNFT) methods and pass criteria for tight-fitting respirators 44
3 — Summary of training matrix 45
Figures
1 — Respirator selection flow chart 21
2 — Control banding approach for bioaerosols in health care facilities 23
3 — Control banding approach for bioaerosols in general workplace environments 24
4 — Hierarchy of respiratory protection 25
August 2011
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v
Z94.4-11
© Canadian Standards Association
Technical Committee on Selection,
Use, and Care of Respirators
T. Mehes
T.I.M. Enterprises Limited,
Sudbury, Ontario
K. Armstrong
Draeger Safety Canada Limited,
Mississauga, Ontario
B. Borst
3M Canada Company,
London, Ontario
N. Brochu
Air Liquide Canada Inc.,
Montréal, Québec
Representing Compressed Gas Association
D. Brown
Ontario Ministry of Labour,
Toronto, Ontario
B. Cliffe
Maxxam Analytics Inc.,
Mississauga, Ontario
A. Cutz
Occupational Hygiene Association of Ontario,
Toronto, Ontario
J. Dastous
Ce/Ci Training and Services Inc.,
Rosemère, Québec
K. DeFalco
Public Health Agency of Canada,
Ottawa, Ontario
P. Ficzycz
Pallas Athene Consulting Inc.,
Port Moody, British Columbia
M. Gagné
Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du
travail du Québec,
Montréal, Québec
R. Gaw
Correctional Service of Canada,
Ottawa, Ontario
P. Gilmour
WorkSafe BC,
Kamloops, British Columbia
M. Gupta
Draeger Safety Canada Limited,
Mississauga, Ontario
A. Hall
Toronto Fire Services,
Toronto, Ontario
E. Karpinski
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada,
Canada Labour Program,
Gatineau, Québec
vi
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Chair
Associate
Associate
Associate
August 2011
© Canadian Standards Association
Selection, use, and care of respirators
R. Kwan
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited,
Chalk River, Ontario
B. Kwong
Calgary, Alberta
S. Lefebvre
Honeywell Safety Products,
Anjou, Québec
R. Lindia
Ottawa Fire Services,
Ottawa, Ontario
D. Lucas
Fanshawe College,
London, Ontario
R. McEachern
The Fire Fighters’ Association of Ontario,
Orillia, Ontario
S. McIntyre
St. Michael’s Hospital,
Toronto, Ontario
A. Monteath
The Hospital for Sick Children,
Toronto, Ontario
Associate
W. Newcomb
NIOSH/NPPTL,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Associate
D. Nikkel
Winnipeg, Manitoba
D. Romanowicz
Ontario Power Generation,
Pickering, Ontario
M. Russo
Construction Safety Association of Ontario,
Toronto, Ontario
J. Schingh
Ottawa, Ontario
S. Siu
Occupational Health Physician,
London, Ontario
S. Smith
3M Canada Company,
Brockville, Ontario
K. Sparks
MSA Canada,
Toronto, Ontario
H. Tomsic
Metro Vancouver,
Burnaby, British Columbia
P. Voisine
Department of National Defence,
Ottawa, Ontario
T. Yarwood
North York, Ontario
R. Meyers
Canadian Standards Association,
Mississauga, Ontario
August 2011
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Associate
Associate
Project Manager
vii
Z94.4-11
© Canadian Standards Association
Preface
This is the fourth edition of CSA Z94.4, Selection, use, and care of respirators. It supersedes the previous
editions published in 2002, 1993, and 1982.
This Standard sets out requirements for the selection, use, and care of respirators and for the
administration of an effective respiratory protection program in the workplace. Its purpose is to protect
respirator users from any known or potential respiratory hazards.
In developing this edition of the Standard, a Z94.4 Technical Rewrite Subcommittee was established to
address Technical Committee issues and comments and to develop a draft for review by the Technical
Committee. The Subcommittee, including a number of Working Groups that were established to work on
various clauses of the Standard, spent considerable time reviewing the latest research and the most current
literature, including other relevant standards and regulations.
A number of significant changes have been introduced in this edition of the Standard. A notable change
is the expansion of the scope of the Standard to include guidance on respirator selection for protection
against bioaerosols. To facilitate decision making in the absence of complete information (e.g., no
established occupational exposure limits or regulatory guidance), a new control banding approach has
been introduced that provides a qualified person with an effective tool for selecting the appropriate level
of respiratory protection against bioaerosol agents.
Other changes made in this edition include the updating of fit testing protocols and provisions
addressing respirator interference concerns. The following new annexes have also been added:
•
Checklist of competency for respirator fit testers (Annex J)
•
Scenarios using selection wheels in Figures 2 and 3 (Annex K)
•
Classification of biohazardous agents by risk group (Annex L)
•
Illustrations of acceptable and unacceptable facial hair for tight-fitting respirators (Annex M)
•
Additional guidance for qualified persons on respirator selection in health care environments
(Annex N)
Also updated are the clauses pertaining to training requirements and to the limitations and capabilities
of respirator types. An important improvement to the Standard is the revision of the respirator selection
flow chart and the corresponding figure specifying the hierarchy of respiratory protection (Figure 4). This
figure provides a list of acceptable respirator options based on assigned protection factors (APFs).
This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Selection, Use, and Care of Respirators,
under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Occupational Health and Safety, and has
been formally approved by the Technical Committee.
August 2011
Notes:
(1) Use of the singular does not exclude the plural (and vice versa) when the sense allows.
(2) Although the intended primary application of this Standard is stated in its Scope, it is important to note that it remains
the responsibility of the users of the Standard to judge its suitability for their particular purpose.
(3) This publication was developed by consensus, which is defined by CSA Policy governing standardization — Code of
good practice for standardization as “substantial agreement. Consensus implies much more than a simple majority,
but not necessarily unanimity”. It is consistent with this definition that a member may be included in the Technical
Committee list and yet not be in full agreement with all clauses of this publication.
(4) To submit a request for interpretation of CSA Standards, please send the following information to [email protected] and
include “Request for interpretation” in the subject line:
(a) define the problem, making reference to the specific clause, and, where appropriate, include an illustrative sketch;
(b) provide an explanation of circumstances surrounding the actual field condition; and
(c) where possible, phrase the request in such a way that a specific “yes” or “no” answer will address the issue.
Committee interpretations are processed in accordance with the CSA Directives and guidelines governing
standardization and are published in CSA’s periodical Info Update, which is available on the CSA website at
http://standardsactivities.csa.ca.
(5) CSA Standards are subject to periodic review, and suggestions for their improvement will be referred to the appropriate
committee. To submit a proposal for change to CSA Standards, please send the following information to
[email protected] and include “Proposal for change” in the subject line:
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(a) Standard designation (number);
(b) relevant clause, table, and/or figure number;
(c) wording of the proposed change; and
(d) rationale for the change.
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Z94.4-11
Selection, use, and care of
respirators
1 Scope
1.1
This Standard sets out requirements for the selection, use, and care of respirators and for the
administration of an effective respiratory protection program in the workplace.
1.2
This Standard is not intended to address the selection of
(a) respirators for aircraft oxygen systems;
(b) supplied-air suits; or
(c) respirators for protection against radiological contaminants.
This Standard applies to all other aspects of a respiratory protection program for these respirators.
1.3
This Standard is applicable to the selection, use, and care of respirators for non-emergency and emergency
situations but is not intended to address the requirements for protection for first responders during CBRN
(chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) events. See CAN/CGSB/CSA-Z1610.
1.4
This Standard is not intended to address
(a) underwater breathing devices (see CSA Z275.2); or
(b) inhalators and resuscitators.
1.5
The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in
parentheses are for information and comparison only.
1.6
In CSA standards, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to
satisfy in order to comply with the standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which
is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the
limits of the standard.
Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a
note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.
Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as
requirements.
Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (nonmandatory) to define their
application.
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2 Reference publications
This Standard refers to the following publications, and where such reference is made, it shall be to the
edition listed below.
CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
B339-08
Cylinders, spheres, and tubes for the transportation of dangerous goods
B340-08
Selection and use of cylinders, spheres, tubes, and other containers for the transportation of dangerous goods,
Class 2
Z94.3-07
Eye and face protectors
Z180.1 (under development)
Compressed breathing air and systems
CAN/CSA-Z275.2-04
Occupational safety code for diving operations
Z317.2-10
Special requirements for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in health care facilities
Z1006-10
Management of work in confined spaces
CAN/CGSB/CSA-Z1610-11 (under development)
Protection of first responders from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) events
ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists)
Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices (published annually)
AIHA (American Industrial Hygiene Association)
Guidance for Conducting Control Banding Analyses, 2007
2009 Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPG) and Workplace Environmental Exposure Level (WEEL)
Handbook.
CDC/NIH (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institutes of Health)
Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), Fifth Edition, 2009
CGA (Compressed Gas Association)
C-1-2009
Methods for Pressure Testing of Compressed Gas Cylinders
C-6-2007
Standards for Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed Gas Cylinders
C-6.1-2006
Standards for Visual Inspection of High Pressure Aluminum Compressed Gas Cylinders
C-6.2-2009
Guidelines for Visual Inspection and Requalification of Fiber Reinforced High Pressure Cylinders
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G-4.3-2007
Commodity Specification for Oxygen
Government of Canada
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, S.C. 1992, c. 34, and the Regulations thereto
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)
1404-2006
Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection
1500-2007
Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
1981-2007
Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services
NIH (National Institutes of Health)
NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules (NIH Guidelines), May 2011
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
No. 2005-149 (2005)
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
No. 87-116 (1987)
A Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection
NRCC (National Research Council Canada)
National Building Code of Canada, 2010
Other publications
Brosseau, L.M., N.V. McCullough, and K. Harriman, “Selecting Respiratory Protection for Exposure to
Pathogenic Biological Aerosols” in American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition 2009 PDC 606.
Greenspan, Lewis, “Functional equations for the enhancement factors for CO2-free moist air” in Journal
of Research of the National Bureau of Standards — A. Physics and Chemistry, Vol. 80A, No. 1,
January–February, 1976, pp. 41–44.
Hyland, R.W. and A. Wexler, “Formulations for the thermodynamic properties of the saturated phases of
H2O from 173.15 K to 473.15 K” in ASHRAE Transactions 89(2A), 1983, pp. 500–519.
McCullough, N.V. and L.M. Brosseau, “Selecting Respirators for Control of Worker Exposure to Infectious
Aerosols” in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 20:136–144, 1999.
Wexler, Arnold, “Vapor Pressure Formulation for Water in Range 0 to 100 °C. A revision” in Journal of
Research of the National Bureau of Standards — A. Physics and Chemistry, Vol. 80A, Nos. 5 and 6,
September–December, 1976, pp. 777–785.
3 Definitions
Note: In some cases, the authority having jurisdiction will define the following terms differently. However, the definitions
supplied in this clause are to be used for the application of this Standard.
The following definitions shall apply in this Standard:
Aerosol — a particulate suspended in a gaseous medium.
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Airline respirator — a respirator and air supply hose with a hood/helmet, a tight-fitting facepiece, or a
loose-fitting facepiece/visor that is supplied with compressed breathing air from a compressed breathing
air system.
Air-purifying respirator — a respirator with an air-purifying filter, cartridge, or canister that removes
specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-purifying element.
Note: See Annex G for a description of subclasses of these respirators.
Assigned protection factor (APF) — the anticipated level of respiratory protection that would be
provided by a properly functioning respirator or class of respirators to properly fitted and trained users.
Atmosphere-supplying respirator — a respirator that supplies the respirator user with breathing
air/gas from a source independent of the ambient atmosphere.
Note: See Annex G for a description of the subclasses of these respirators.
Authority having jurisdiction — an agency established by a provincial, federal, or territorial
government that has the responsibility for occupational health and safety legislation.
Bioaerosol — a liquid droplet (generated, for example, by coughing, sneezing, or a medical procedure
such as bronchoscopy) or a solid particle (generated, for example, by sweeping or shovelling) suspended
in the air and that is living or originates from living organisms. Bioaerosols include living or dead
micro-organisms, fragments, toxins, and particulate waste products from all varieties of living things. They
are capable of causing infection or adverse or allergic response.
Note: Bioaerosols range in size from submicroscopic particles (< 0.01 μm) to particles greater than 100 μm in diameter.
Biological monitoring — analysis of exhaled air, a biological fluid (e.g., urine, blood, perspiration), or a
body component (e.g., hair, nails) to assess the extent to which an individual has been exposed to a
contaminant.
Breathing gas — oxygen, air, or other respirable gas as defined in CSA Z180.1 and CGA G-4.3, as
applicable.
Buddy breathing — the use of an accessory device on a self-contained breathing apparatus or a practice
that enables a second person to simultaneously share the same breathing gas supply as that of the user of
such apparatus while both persons are attempting to move to a safe location.
CBRN incident or event — a deliberate chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) incident,
including releases of contaminants and contagious outbreaks.
Note: See CAN/CGSB/CSA-Z1610.
Combined respirator — a respirator that is capable of operating in either air-purifying or
atmosphere-supplying mode.
Note: An airline respirator with air-purifying cartridges for entry is an example of a combined respirator.
Compressed breathing air — air meeting the purity requirements of CSA Z180.1.
Confined space — as defined by the authority having jurisdiction. All confined spaces are considered
immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) unless proven otherwise.
Note: Examples include storage tanks, process vessels, boilers, silos, tank cars, pipelines, tubes, ducts, sewers, underground
utility vaults, tunnels, and pits.
Controlled breathing — a method of consciously reducing air use by forcing exhalation from the
mouth and allowing natural inhalation through the nose.
Cylinder — a pressure vessel as defined in CSA B339 and CSA B340, forming an integral part of a
respirator.
Demonstration of competency — written or demonstrated performance of the necessary practices
and procedures required as part of the respiratory protection program.
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
Drill — simulated situational practice of respirator use in a timed, controlled setting to measure
equipment and user readiness.
End-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) — a system that warns the respirator user that the sorbent is
approaching saturation or is no longer effective.
Fit factor — a quantitative measure of the fit of a particular respirator to a particular individual.
Fit test — the use of a qualitative or a quantitative method to evaluate the fit of a specific make, model,
and size of respirator on an individual.
Fumes — solid particles generated by condensation from the gaseous state, generally after volatilization
from melted substances (e.g., welding) and often accompanied by a chemical reaction (e.g., oxidation).
See Particulate.
Gas — a substance that is in the gaseous state at ambient temperature and pressure.
Hazard ratio (HR) — the estimated or measured airborne concentration of a substance divided by the
occupational exposure limit. This ratio is calculated for each gas, vapour, or particulate component that
poses a respiratory hazard.
Hazardous atmosphere — any atmosphere that is oxygen deficient, exceeds occupational exposure
limits, presents a fire or explosion hazard, or contains an airborne toxic or disease-producing contaminant
in concentrations deemed to be hazardous.
Health care facility — a facility designed for the provision of health care.
Note: Acute care hospitals, emergency departments, rehabilitation hospitals, mental health hospitals, and infirmaries are
examples of health care facilities.
Health care professional — an individual who is licensed by a provincial licensing authority or
equivalent to practise medicine or nursing and who possesses experience and knowledge in the field of
occupational health and safety.
Helmet — the part of a respirator that completely covers the head and neck and can offer head or eye
protection.
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter — a filter that has been tested to ensure efficiency equal
to or exceeding 99.97% for removal of particles having a mean aerodynamic diameter of 0.3 μm from the
air.
Note: HEPA filters are equivalent to N100, R100, P100, and HE for filtration efficiency only.
Highest hazard ratio (HHR) — the highest calculated hazard ratio (HR) for any gas, vapour, or
particulate component that poses a respiratory hazard.
Hood — the part of a respirator that completely covers the head, neck, and portions of the shoulders and
can offer head or eye protection.
Hydrostatic test — a calibrated expansion pressure test of the structural integrity of cylinders.
Note: See CGA C-1.
Hypoxia — any condition in which there is an inadequate supply of oxygen in the tissues.
Note: See Annex H.
Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmosphere — an atmosphere that poses an
immediate threat to life or that will cause irreversible adverse health effects or impair an individual’s ability
to escape.
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Instruction — information or direction on equipment, processes, and procedures, provided and
documented as part of the respiratory protection program requirements.
Note: Instruction does not include a demonstration of competency by the recipient.
Intrinsically safe respirator — a respirator that has been certified as not being a source of ignition.
Loose-fitting facepiece/visor (LFFV) — the part of a respirator that forms a partial seal with the face,
does not cover the neck and shoulders, and can offer head or eye protection.
Maximum use concentration (MUC) — the maximum concentration of an airborne contaminant
from which an employee is expected to be protected when wearing a respirator, determined by the
assigned protection factor of the respirator or class of respirators and the occupational exposure limit for
that contaminant. The MUC is usually determined mathematically by multiplying the assigned protection
factor specified for a respirator by the occupational exposure limit, which can include a short-term
exposure limit and a ceiling limit or any other exposure limit used for that chemical agent, as defined by
the authority having jurisdiction.
Mist — liquid particles in a gaseous medium. See Particulate.
Mouthpiece — the part of a respirator that is held and sealed in the user’s mouth and is designed to be
used in conjunction with a nose-clip.
Multi-functional respirator — a respirator that is capable of operating in two modes within either
air-purifying or atmosphere-supplying groups.
Note: An airline respirator with a self-contained escape cylinder or a powered air-purifying respirator capable of working in
silent mode (power off) are examples of multi-functional respirators.
Occupational exposure limit (OEL) — the maximum concentration of airborne contaminants deemed
to be acceptable
(a) as defined by the authority having jurisdiction; or
(b) in the absence of a regulated occupational exposure limit, by a qualified person with the approval of
the authority having jurisdiction.
Oil — any of numerous mineral, vegetable, and synthetic substances and animal and vegetable fats that
are generally slippery, combustible, viscous, liquid or liquefiable at room temperature, and soluble in
various organic solvents such as ether but not in water.
Oxygen deficiency — a condition based on an oxygen concentration or partial pressure below which a
person can be adversely affected.
Note: See Annex H.
Particulate — any liquid or solid airborne contaminant, other than a gas or vapour, but including dusts,
fumes, mists, fibres, fog, pollen, smoke, spores, and bioaerosols.
Pathogen — a living organism, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or mould, that causes disease.
Pressure-demand respirator — a respirator where the pressure in the facepiece or hood remains
positive with respect to the ambient pressure during both inhalation and exhalation.
Program administrator — the individual designated to ensure the development, implementation, and
maintenance of the respiratory protection program.
Qualified person — an individual who possesses the knowledge, experience, and training to fulfill the
competencies of the role(s) defined in this Standard.
Qualitative fit test (QLFT) — a pass/fail test method that relies on the subject’s sensory response to
detect a challenge agent in order to assess the adequacy of respirator fit.
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
Quantitative fit test (QNFT) — a test method that uses an instrument to assess the amount of leakage
into the respirator in order to assess the adequacy of respirator fit.
Respirator — a device that is tested and certified by procedures established by testing and certification
agencies recognized by the authority having jurisdiction and is used to protect the user from inhaling a
hazardous atmosphere.
Notes:
(1) Examples of such agencies include NIOSH and CEN Notified Bodies.
(2) See Annex G for a description of various classes of respirators.
Sanitization — the use of an accepted product to clean and reduce the level of micro-organisms on the
surfaces of inanimate objects in order to mitigate or prevent the transmission of disease to humans.
Note: Accepted products include Health Canada DIN registered disinfectant sanitizer products.
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) — a respirator that has a portable supply of breathing
gas and is independent of the ambient atmosphere. SCBAs include both open-circuit and closed-circuit
respirators.
Series N particulate filter — a NIOSH classification for particulate filters effective against particulate
aerosols free of oil. Time-use restrictions can apply to these filters.
Note: Three filter efficiency levels are tested and certified: 99.97%, 99%, and 95%, referred to as classes N100, N99, and
N95 respectively.
Series P particulate filter — a NIOSH classification for particulate filters effective against all particulate
aerosols.
Notes:
(1) Three filter efficiency levels are tested and certified: 99.97%, 99%, and 95%, referred to as classes P100, P99, and P95
respectively.
(2) Manufacturer’s time-use restrictions can apply to these filters.
Series R particulate filter — a NIOSH classification for particulate filters effective against all particulate
aerosols. Time-use restrictions can apply to these filters.
Note: Three filter efficiency levels are tested and certified: 99.97%, 99%, and 95%, referred to as classes R100, R99, and
R95 respectively.
Service life — the period of time during which a respirator provides adequate protection to the user.
Sorbent — a material contained in a respirator that removes toxic gases and vapours from the inhaled air.
Structural firefighting — the activities of rescue, fire suppression, and property conservation in
buildings, enclosed structures, aircraft interiors, vehicles, vessels, aircraft, or similar properties that are
involved in a fire.
Supervisor — the employer or a person assigned by the employer having authority for the respirator user
and control over the workplace.
Supplied-air suit — a suit that is impermeable to specific particulate and gaseous contaminants and is
provided with a supply of breathing gas that is adequate for the user and capable of maintaining a positive
pressure inside the suit.
Note: The use of a Vortex tube for heating or cooling supplied-air suits is deemed to be an appropriate application for the
use of compressed breathing air; see Clause 1.2(d) of CSA Z180.1.
Tight-fitting respirator — a respirator that is designed to form a complete seal with the face or neck.
Tight-fitting respirators include half-facepiece, both elastomeric and filtering-facepiece respirators,
full-facepiece, and certain hoods equipped with a tight-fitting seal.
Note: Tight-fitting respirators also include adhesive sealing respirators.
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Tight-fitting sealing surface — the entire area where a respirator is designed to contact the skin,
including, where present, a secondary interior flange. For tight-fitting hoods, the sealing surface is
provided by the neck dam and can also include a secondary nose cup.
Training — formal, defined, and documented delivery of information applicable to assigned respiratory
program roles and activities that consists of
(a) instruction (using learning materials or equipment);
(b) facilitator demonstration (subject matter expert or training facilitator);
(c) reference to the applicable clause of this Standard or respirator program requirements; and
(d) participant competency demonstration.
Upon successful completion of training, participants are able to apply their knowledge and demonstrate
the level of practical competencies required for the roles and activities to which the training pertains.
User seal check — an action conducted by the respirator user to determine if the respirator is properly
seated to the face.
Note: Positive- and negative-pressure user seal checks are described in Annex A.
Vapour — the gaseous state of a substance that is solid or liquid at ambient temperature and pressure.
4 Respiratory protection program
4.1 General
Respiratory protection shall be used to protect a user from inhaling a hazardous atmosphere when
engineering or administrative control measures are not practicable or not adequate, while such controls
are being instituted, or during shutdown for maintenance, repair, or emergency.
4.2 Employer responsibility
4.2.1
The employer shall be responsible for preparing and implementing, in consultation with users, a written
respiratory protection program including all of the elements listed in Clause 4.3. Written procedures, as
appropriate, shall also be included.
4.2.2
The employer shall ensure that
(a) its respiratory protection program is effective (see Clause 13);
(b) all program roles are assigned to qualified persons (see Clause 5); and
(c) each individual assigned to one or more program roles shall be able to demonstrate and maintain a
level of competency in the roles for which they are responsible (see Clauses 5 and 9).
4.2.3 Program roles (see Clause 5)
A respiratory protection program shall include the following roles:
(a) program administrator;
(b) respirator user;
(c) supervisor;
(d) person selecting respirators;
(e) fit tester;
(f) issuer of respirators;
(g) maintenance personnel; and
(h) health care professional.
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4.3 Program components
A respiratory protection program shall consist of the following components:
(a) roles and responsibilities (Clause 5);
(b) hazard assessment (Clause 6);
(c) respirator selection (Clause 7);
(d) training (Clause 8);
(e) respirator fit testing (Clause 9);
(f) use of respirators (Clause 10);
(g) cleaning, inspection, maintenance, and storage of respirators (Clause 11);
(h) health surveillance (Clause 12);
(i) program evaluation (Clause 13); and
(j) recordkeeping (Clause 14).
5 Roles and responsibilities
Note: See Clause 8 for an understanding of the competencies required for the defined roles.
5.1 Program administrator
The program administrator shall be responsible for the administration of the respiratory protection
program in accordance with the requirements of this Standard and CSA Z180.1 as applicable and shall
ensure that
(a) qualified personnel have been assigned the roles defined in this Standard;
(b) assessments for respiratory hazards are conducted by qualified persons;
(c) a list of respirators selected for use in the workplace is maintained for each respiratory hazard;
(d) procedures are established for respirator user screening and, where required, a medical assessment
(see Clause 8.1.3);
(e) procedures are established for the issuance of selected respirators;
(f) all persons required to use respirators
(i) complete user screening;
(ii) receive written instructions, training, and fit testing prior to initial use of a respirator;
(iii) are able to demonstrate ongoing competency in respirator use and receive additional training
where required; and
(iv) are fit tested again at designated intervals or when required (see Clause 9.1.6);
(g) the use of respirators is monitored, including that
(i) selected equipment is being used;
(ii) respirators are being worn properly and are in good working condition;
(iii) problems and corrective actions are documented and implemented; and
(iv) maintenance of the respirators is in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions;
(h) the program is reviewed at least annually to assess its effectiveness;
(i) a monitoring system and performance measures are in place to assess and document that the
required procedures are demonstrated to the level of competency required by the program;
(j) written instructions and records required by this Standard are maintained;
(k) appropriate authorities having jurisdiction or standards organizations are consulted on interpretations
of criteria affecting the use of respirators in the workplace to maintain currency of the program;
(l) procedures for emergency and rescue operations are developed;
Note: These procedures should address the following:
(a) the consequences of equipment or power failures, uncontrolled chemical reactions, fire, explosion, or human error;
(b) an analysis of emergency and rescue uses of respirators that might occur in each operation;
(c) consideration of past occurrences requiring emergency or rescue uses of respirators;
(d) rescue in IDLH environments;
(e) the appropriate types and numbers of respirators that need to be maintained and stored so that they are readily
accessible and operational when needed; and
(f) if the emergency involves suspected or known terrorism, reference to CAN/CGSB/CSA-Z1610.
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(m) the program is periodically updated (e.g., to maintain consistency with regulatory criteria, consensus
standards, feedback from program evaluations, investigation reports, users’ comments, and product
alerts that can affect the respirators used in the workplace).
5.2 Respirator users
Respirator users shall use and care for respirators in accordance with the written instructions and training
received and shall
(a) report to their supervisor or other responsible person when there is any condition that can impair
their ability to safely use a respirator;
(b) in the case of a tight-fitting respirator, maintain their respirator seal interference free, that is, refrain
from having any object or material on their person that would interfere with the seal or operation of
the respirator;
(c) check that the respirator is clean and in good operating condition prior to each use and at intervals
that will ensure that it continues to operate effectively;
(d) perform user seal checks after each donning of a tight-fitting respirator (see Annex A);
(e) remove from service any respirator that they determine to be defective and report it to their
supervisor or other responsible person; and
(f) report to their supervisor or other responsible person when there is any condition or change that
could impact their ability to safely use the selected respirator.
5.3 Supervisor
The supervisor shall monitor respirator use in relation to workplace conditions to ensure that respiratory
protection program requirements are being met and shall ensure that
(a) user screening, training, fit testing, and, where required, medical assessments are completed prior to
assigning a user any task that requires the use of a respirator;
(b) users demonstrate competency in the use of the respirator;
(c) respirators are cleaned, sanitized, inspected, maintained, repaired, and stored in accordance with
written instructions and the manufacturer’s recommendations;
(d) the respirator is used in accordance with the instructions, the training received, and the safe
operating procedures established for the workplace, i.e., to manage work tasks requiring the use of a
respirator;
(e) in the case of a tight-fitting respirator, respirator users maintain their required interference-free
respirator seal and do not have any object or material on their person that would interfere with the
seal or operation of the respirator. See Clauses 9.2 and 10.1.3;
(f) details of the type of respirator selected and the anticipated working conditions are provided to the
health care professional conducting the medical assessment of a respirator user, where required. See
Clause 12;
(g) the program administrator is notified of respirator users’ concerns, changes in processes, equipment,
or operating procedures that have an impact on environmental conditions, and respiratory protection
requirements; and
(h) the program administrator is notified of investigation reports that indicate that the use of a respirator
could have prevented or contributed to an incident or injury.
5.4 Person selecting respirators
The person selecting respirators shall base selection on the requirements of the respiratory protection
program and shall
(a) review the assessments of respiratory hazards identified in the workplace and select those respirators
suitable for protection against those hazards; and
(b) notify the program administrator of changes in regulatory criteria, consensus standards, and
technological developments that could affect the selection of respirators.
Note: See Clause 7 for selection requirements.
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
5.5 Respirator fit tester
The fit tester shall follow the protocols identified in the respiratory protection program and
(a) apply program requirements regarding interference concerns;
(b) verify that the user is trained and competent in respirator inspection, donning, performing user seal
checks, and doffing;
(c) conduct fit tests to verify the user’s ability to obtain an acceptable fit and an effective respirator seal;
(d) document individual user’s competency and corresponding fit test results;
(e) ensure the proper cleaning and sanitizing of fit testing equipment and respirators used for fit testing;
(f) ensure and document the maintenance, calibration, and repair of fit test equipment; and
(g) notify the program administrator of respirator users’ concerns.
5.6 Issuer of respirators
The person issuing respirators shall, in accordance with written instructions, issue only those respirators for
which the user has been qualified.
5.7 Respirator maintenance personnel
The respirator maintenance personnel shall inspect, maintain, repair, and test respirators in accordance
with manufacturer’s written instructions and shall ensure that
(a) test equipment is in good working condition, including required calibration; and
(b) maintenance and repairs are documented.
5.8 Health care professional
The health care professional shall, as necessary, assess the suitability of the user to safely use the selected
respirator and shall
(a) have knowledge of the health effects associated with the respiratory hazards to which the user might
be exposed;
(b) have knowledge of the physiological and psychological stresses associated with use of the selected
respirator under the anticipated working conditions; and
(c) report, as required by the respiratory protection program, whether the user
(i) meets medical requirements;
(ii) meets medical requirements with limitations as defined in the report provided; or
(iii) does not meet medical requirements to use the selected respirator.
Note: See Clause 12.
6 Hazard assessment
6.1 General
6.1.1
A hazard assessment shall be performed by a qualified person to determine the respiratory hazards present
and to assist in the selection of an appropriate respirator where required.
6.1.2
Where the only hazard identified is a bioaerosol, the risk assessment and the selection process in
Clause 7.3.2 shall be followed.
6.1.3
Where the hazard identified includes a workplace contaminant but does not include a bioaerosol
component, the hazard assessment in Clause 6.2 and the selection process in Clause 7.3.4 shall be
followed.
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6.1.4
Where the hazard identified includes a bioaerosol and other contaminants (e.g., gas, vapour, particulate),
the risk or hazard assessments and the selection processes specified in Clauses 6.1.2 and 6.1.3 shall both
be followed.
Note: It is important to select a level of respirator protection to protect against all hazards; see Clause 7.3.2.2(b).
6.2 Steps in hazard assessment for non-bioaerosol workplace
contaminants
6.2.1 Determination of hazard
The nature of the hazard shall be determined as follows:
(a) Identify what contaminants are present in the workplace.
(b) Identify the physical states of all airborne contaminants.
(c) Measure or estimate the concentration of the contaminants.
(d) Determine if the atmosphere is potentially oxygen deficient.
(e) Identify an appropriate occupational exposure limit for each airborne contaminant.
(f) Determine if an IDLH atmosphere is present (see NIOSH 2005-149 for IDLH values for specific
substances).
(g) Determine if there is an applicable health regulation or a substance-specific standard for the
contaminants.
(h) Determine for particulate hazards if there is oil present.
(i) Determine if the contaminant can be absorbed through, or is irritating to, the skin or eyes.
Updated assessments shall be completed when the nature of the hazard changes.
6.2.2 Identification of contaminants
The following factors concerning an operation or process shall be taken into consideration:
(a) operation or process characteristics as they relate to the release of air contaminants through routine
or non-routine procedures, malfunctioning of equipment or processes, or spills;
(b) the period of time for which the respirator is to be used and the physical demands made on the
worker;
(c) work area layout, work activities, temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, escape routes,
and maintenance procedures;
(d) materials used, produced, or stored, including raw materials, end-products, by-products, chemical
reactivity, and wastes; and
(e) emergency repair, shutdown procedures, escape, and rescue operations.
6.2.3 Identification of physical state
The physical states for all airborne contaminants as they are likely to be encountered shall be identified as
follows:
(a) gas or vapour; or
(b) particulate.
6.2.4 Measurement or estimation of concentrations
An estimate of the airborne concentrations of contaminants to which persons might be exposed shall be
conducted by a qualified person as follows:
(a) air sampling and analysis conducted in accordance with recognized occupational hygiene practices;
(b) mathematical modelling or estimating based on the workplace volume and physical properties (e.g.,
vapour pressure); or
(c) experience from similar circumstances and materials.
Anticipated exposures should account for variations in process operation, rate and direction of air
movement, temperature (ambient or process), and seasonal variations.
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6.2.5 Determination of oxygen level
Where the potential for an oxygen-deficient atmosphere exists, the oxygen concentration shall be
measured. Where oxygen concentration is confirmed to be below 19.5% (at sea level), the cause of the
deficiency shall be determined, and
(a) ongoing monitoring shall be performed; or
(b) the atmosphere shall be assumed to be IDLH.
6.2.6 Identification of occupational exposure limits
Occupational exposure limits shall be identified [e.g., regulated limits, ACGIH threshold limit values (TLVs),
AIHA workplace environmental exposure levels (AIHA WEELs), values based on an estimate of toxicity for
each contaminant].
6.2.7 Determination of the existence of an IDLH atmosphere
An IDLH atmosphere shall be assumed in any of the following situations:
(a) structural firefighting;
(b) an untested confined space;
(c) an area where a known hazardous contaminant is present at or above published IDLH concentrations;
(d) an area where a known hazardous contaminant is present at an unknown concentration;
(e) an area where a reduced oxygen concentration could produce a level of hypoxia that is IDLH. See
Annex H; and
(f) an area where, in the opinion of a qualified person, the condition presents a potential IDLH
atmosphere.
6.2.8 Determination of an applicable substance-specific standard
The workplace shall be assessed to determine if there is an applicable health regulation or
substance-specific standard. Professional judgment shall be used to assess all respiratory hazards present.
6.2.9 Determination of the presence of oil
If there is a particulate hazard, the potential for any oil to become airborne shall be determined. If the
presence of oil is unknown, it shall be assumed to be present. Sampling and analysis are not required to
make this judgment.
Notes:
(1) Knowledge of the presence of airborne oil is needed to properly select a particulate filter.
(2) Examples of activities that are known to produce airborne oil include use of air compressor systems with oil lubricators
and operation of motor vehicles.
6.2.10 Determination of skin or eye absorption and irritation
characteristics
If the contaminant is an eye irritant or can use the skin or eyes as a route of exposure at concentrations
normally encountered in the workplace or anticipated during an emergency, any available information
regarding possible systemic injury or illness resulting from absorption of the contaminant through the skin
or eyes shall be identified.
6.3 Monitoring respiratory hazards
The workplace atmosphere shall be assessed on a regular basis for respiratory hazards to confirm that the
proper type of respirator is being used.
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7 Respirator selection
7.1 General
7.1.1
Personnel conducting respirator selection shall understand and comply with the limitations of the selected
respirators under the conditions of use.
Note: See Annex G for information on respirator limitations.
7.1.2
Personnel conducting respirator selection should consider extraordinary circumstances in the operations
that could adversely affect the function of a respirator (e.g., extreme cold or radiant heat, hypobaric or
hyperbaric conditions). Advice should be sought from the manufacturer’s technical experts.
7.2 Classification of respirators
7.2.1
For the purpose of selection, respirators shall be grouped as follows:
(a) atmosphere-supplying respirators:
(i) self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) (pressure-demand, open- or closed-circuit);
(ii) airline (pressure-demand or continuous-flow); and
(iii) multi-functional (a configuration incorporating both SCBA and airline);
(b) air-purifying respirators, non-powered (APR) and powered (PAPR):
(i) gas- and vapour-removing;
(ii) particulate-removing;
(iii) gas-, vapour-, and particulate-removing; and
(iv) multi-functional (a configuration incorporating both APR and PAPR);
(c) combined respirator (a configuration incorporating both atmosphere-supplying and air-purifying);
and
(d) escape-only respirators (atmosphere-supplying or air-purifying).
Note: The terms “multi-functional” and “combined” are defined in this Standard to improve clarity about the large variety
of configurations now available. See Annex G for additional information on the characteristics, capabilities, and limitations
of the respirators identified in this Clause.
7.2.2
Devices that are not respirators under the definition in this Standard should be selected and used based on
recommendations from knowledgeable professionals.
Note: These devices include supplied-air suits and radiological respirators.
7.2.3 Supplied-air suits
7.2.3.1
Selection criteria for supplied-air suits shall be based primarily on the inhalation hazard of the substance.
7.2.3.2
A supplied-air suit can provide both skin and respiratory protection from toxic substances that can be
absorbed through the skin. Other impervious coverings should be used to prevent skin contact.
7.2.3.3
Supplied-air suits shall be selected, used, and maintained by qualified persons knowledgeable in their use
and limitations.
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7.2.4 Escape respirators
Respirators chosen for escape purposes may be
(a) respirators that can be used for entry; or
(b) respirators designated as escape-only. Escape-only respirators shall not be used to enter into a
contaminated atmosphere.
Escape respirators shall be selected on the same principles as any other respirator. Precautions shall be
taken to ensure that the respirator to be used for escape is a type appropriate for the conditions and
duration of use. Advice should be sought from the respirator manufacturer.
7.3 Selection procedures
7.3.1 General
7.3.1.1
The respirator selection process in this Standard is based on NIOSH criteria for the testing and certification
of respirators. Selection of respirators certified by other organizations is not addressed in this Standard.
Respirator selection shall be based on a systematic review of the hazards and knowledge of standards,
regulatory criteria, and manufacturers’ information on the types of respirators and their limitations to
ensure that appropriate respirators are selected for the intended conditions of use.
There can be multiple hazards present (e.g., bioaerosol and chemical). All hazards shall be considered in
exposure assessments.
7.3.1.2
The program administrator shall establish procedures to ensure that only qualified persons are tasked with
respirator selection. See Clause 8.1.2.
7.3.1.3
The respirator selection process for all hazards shall be as illustrated in Figure 1, and the selection shall be
made from the appropriate level in the hierarchy of respiratory protection specified in Figure 4.
7.3.2 Respirator selection for protection against bioaerosols
7.3.2.1 General
Infection prevention and control, occupational health, and occupational hygiene programs remain the
most important means for preventing or limiting employee exposures to bioaerosols, and an effective
respiratory protection program is an essential component. It is the responsibility of employers to assess this
risk and decide on the acceptable level of protection as it relates to a specific use.
When respirators to protect against bioaerosols are being selected, airborne transmissibility shall be
confirmed and the infectivity of the bioaerosol shall be taken into consideration.
Clause 7.3.2 addresses selection of respirators for bioaerosols that are capable of causing infection or
adverse or allergic response but for which no occupational exposure limits (OELs) have been established.
Where regulations, best practices, or infection prevention and control guidance documents exist, they
shall be considered during the respirator selection process.
Only exposures through inhalation are covered in this selection process, and appropriate selection of
PPE for other routes of entry shall be undertaken if applicable.
7.3.2.2 Application
Respirator selection for protection against bioaerosols shall be as illustrated in Figure 1 and shall be
determined as follows:
(a) The level of protection required shall be determined in accordance with Clauses 7.3.2.3.3 to
7.3.2.3.8 and Figures 2 and 3.
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(b) A respirator suitable for the conditions of use determined in Item (a) shall be selected from the
appropriate level in the hierarchy of respiratory protection defined in Figure 4. If there are multiple
exposure risks, the selection shall be based on the highest hazard level.
If there are also chemical hazards present, the selection process specified in Clauses 6.2 and 7.3.4 shall be
followed as well.
See Clause 7.3.4 for instructions on the use of the respirator selection flow chart in Figure 1.
7.3.2.3 Control banding approach
7.3.2.3.1
Control banding (CB) was developed in Great Britain to implement safe and realistic means of control where
quantitative risk information was limited (for more information, visit http://www.coshh-essentials.org.uk/).
CB is a process in which risk factors are assessed using variables that are organized into ranges or bands;
each variable is divided into four bands. In this model, a risk group is defined by the nature of the
bioaerosol/pathogen, a generation rate is defined by the activity, and a control level is determined by the
type/level of ventilation. A qualified person can use this simple and effective semi-quantitative tool to
reduce the complexity and improve the applicability of respirator selection decisions for protection against
bioaerosols. Because it facilitates decision making based on incomplete information, CB is an attractive
option for controlling bioaerosol exposures. For more information, refer to AIHA, Guidance for Conducting
Control Banding Analyses.
CB is a generic technique used to guide the assessment and management of workplace risks. In this
Standard, the CB approach is being adapted to tasks involving bioaerosols. The inputs and outputs have
been selected to reflect expert opinion as expressed in existing research and guidance for use of
respiratory protection for bioaerosols. For more information, refer to McCullough et al., “Selecting
Respirators for Control of Worker Exposure to Infectious Aerosols” and Brosseau et al., “Selecting
Respiratory Protection for Exposure to Pathogenic Biological Aerosols.”
The general procedure is to derive an appropriate level of respiratory protection by combining ranges or
“bands” representing
(a) the risk group [nature of the hazard (bioaerosol type) and availability of treatment];
(b) the generation rate (from human release, activities, or equipment); and
(c) the control level (e.g., ventilation).
7.3.2.3.2
A control banding approach shall be used for selection of respiratory protection against bioaerosols with
no established occupational exposure limits (OELs) or in the absence of regulations or other guidance.
Control banding shall be used in conjunction with health and safety practices.
Notes:
(1) Control banding requires input from relevant experts and ongoing risk assessment.
(2) The guidance on respirator selection currently provided in infection prevention and control guidance documents should
be confirmed using the control banding approach in this Standard.
7.3.2.3.3 Risk assessment
A qualified person shall determine whether a known or suspected bioaerosol presents a risk associated with
transmissibility, infectivity, and adverse health effects. See Annex N.
Note: Infection prevention and control specialists or industrial hygienists knowledgeable in bioaerosols are examples of
persons qualified to conduct the risk assessment.
7.3.2.3.4 Selection of workplace environment
The appropriate workplace environment shall be selected in accordance with
(a) Figure 2 for a health care facility when exposure is related to infectious bioaerosols that are
communicable between humans; or
Note: Annex N provides health care guidance on factors to be considered by a qualified person.
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(b) Figure 3 for general workplace environments [including all settings not defined in Item (a)] for all
bioaerosols.
Note: Both Figures 2 and 3 provide a selection with an appropriate level of protection. In situations where it appears that
either figure could apply, the qualified person should use the figure containing the descriptors that best describe the intended
use conditions. See Annex K for scenarios using the selection wheels in Figures 2 and 3.
7.3.2.3.5 Risk group selection — Type of bioaerosol/pathogen (see
Figures 2 and 3)
The qualified person shall select a risk group for the bioaerosol based on the following criteria:
Classification of biohazardous agents by risk group
Risk group
Health impacts (transmissibility, infectivity, and adverse health effects of the
bioaerosol)
Risk group 1 (R1)
Agents not associated with disease or serious adverse health effects in healthy adult
humans
Risk group 2 (R2)
Agents associated with human disease or adverse health effects that are rarely serious and
for which preventive or therapeutic interventions are usually available
Risk group 3 (R3)
Agents associated with serious or lethal human disease or adverse health effects for which
preventive or therapeutic interventions might be available (high individual risk but low
community risk)
Risk group 4 (R4)
Agents likely to cause serious or lethal human disease or adverse health effects for which
preventive or therapeutic interventions are not usually available (high individual risk and
high community risk)
Note: The qualified person can consult the references provided in Annex L for background information and additional
guidance on determining an appropriate risk group classification.
7.3.2.3.6 Generation rate level (see Figures 2 and 3)
The generation rate shall be selected based on
(a) known conditions in the work environment as follows:
(i) health care facilities — nature of exposure (e.g., a patient coughing or sneezing,
aerosol-generating medical procedures); or
(ii) general workplace environments — nature of activities (e.g., vacuuming with a HEPA filter,
soaking then shovelling, misting then shovelling, dry sweeping).
(b) other possible exposures and the nature of the work; and
(c) additional factors that can increase pathogen airborne concentrations.
7.3.2.3.7 Control level selection (see Figures 2 and 3)
The control level shall be selected based on the known conditions in the work environment as follows:
(a) health care facilities — based on air changes per hour (ACH) (see CSA Z317.2); or
(b) general workplace environments — based on ventilation rates indoors and wind conditions outdoors.
Note: Control level descriptors may be defined more specifically by the qualified person performing the control banding for a
general workplace, e.g., ventilation levels could be identified by type of ventilation or capture velocities, provided that
findings are validated against Figure 3.
7.3.2.3.8 Level of respiratory protection
The level of respiratory protection shall be determined as follows:
Step 1
Identify the bioaerosol (known or suspected).
Step 2
Confirm that a risk of transmission of disease, infection, or adverse health effects is produced
from inhalation of the bioaerosol.
Step 3
Select applicable control banding wheel: health care facilities or general workplace environments
(see Figure 2 or 3)
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Step 4
Determine the bioaerosol risk group (R1, R2, R3, or R4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.5)
Step 5
Determine the generation rate (G1, G2, G3, or G4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.6)
Step 6
Determine the control level (C1, C2, C3, or C4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.7)
Step 7
Identify the number and colour of the segment selected at the intersection of the items
identified in Steps 4 to 6 (e.g., R1, G2, C3). This corresponds to the range of options in the
hierarchy of respiratory protection shown in Figure 4. The respirator shall be selected based on
the level of protection identified in Figure 4.
7.3.3 Respirator selection for protection against non-bioaerosol
workplace contaminants
The respirator selection process for protection against non-bioaerosol workplace contaminants shall be as
illustrated in Figure 1, and the selection shall be made from the appropriate level in the hierarchy of
respiratory protection specified in Figure 4. See Clause 7.3.4 for instructions on the use of the respirator
selection flow chart in Figure 1.
7.3.4 Using the respirator selection flow chart
7.3.4.1
Before using the respirator selection flow chart illustrated in Figure 1, gather all the information regarding
hazard assessment as described in
(a) Clause 6.2 for non-bioaerosol workplace contaminants; and
(b) Clause 7.3.2.3.3 for bioaerosols.
7.3.4.2
All respirator selections using the flow chart in Figure 1 shall start in the block identified with navigation
marker number 1 and end in the block identified with navigation marker number 52. Read the contents of
each block in sequence and perform the task identified as defined in the legend. Record the information
used and decisions taken at each step in the selection process.
7.3.4.3
The yellow rectangular shapes indicate that additional information is required. Ensure that this information
is gathered before proceeding to the next block.
7.3.4.4
The red diamond shapes indicate that a decision must be made in order to proceed. Answer each question
with a “Yes” or “No” response and follow the arrow to the next block. The option may be qualified by a
further statement such as “Yes, or unknown”.
7.3.4.5
The green rectangular shapes with the curved base indicate that a selection has been made for a respirator
style or respirator component. Record this selection before proceeding to the next block.
7.3.4.6
Refer to the definitions in Clause 3 and descriptions of respirator use and limitations in Annex G.
7.3.4.7
The following notes are provided to assist in the comprehension of Figure 1. Each note references a block
in the flow chart by its navigation marker number.
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1
Selection, use, and care of respirators
Initial recognition and identification of respiratory hazards according to the information
requirements of Clause 6. Elimination of the respiratory hazard is not feasible. The risk
assessment concludes that a respirator is required.
2
Where regulations, best practices, or infection prevention and control guidance documents
exist, they shall be considered during the respirator selection process.
3
Where multiple hazards are present and a regulation prescribes a specific respirator for only
one of these hazards, the process shall be repeated, starting in Block 1, for each hazard.
Identify the known or suspected bioaerosol (see Clause 7.3.2.3.3 and Annexes L and N).
5
15
Type CE respirator refers to the NIOSH classification approved for protection against abrasive
blasting.
16
Exposure is measured or estimated (see Clause 6.2.4). In the absence of information to
evaluate the respiratory hazards, the most protective respirator selection shall be considered.
18
See the definition of Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmosphere in
Clause 3; refer also to Clause 6.2.7.
21
See the definition for Hazard ratio in Clause 3. Exposures shall be compared to relevant
occupational exposure limits (e.g., time-weighted average, short term, or ceiling).
26
See the definition for Highest hazard ratio in Clause 3. When more than one contaminant
is present, the possibility of synergistic effects shall be assessed by a qualified person.
29
The APF for a loose-fitting helmet/hood shall be a maximum of 25 where there is no simulated
workplace protection factor (SWPF) or workplace protection factor (WPF) study supplied by
the respirator manufacturer.
33
The APF for a loose-fitting helmet/hood shall be a maximum of 1000 where a simulated
workplace protection factor (SWPF) or workplace protection factor (WPF) study supplied by
the respirator manufacturer supports this level of protection.
34
Where the highest hazard ratio is known to be greater than 10 000, measures shall be taken to
reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants. Level 5 respirators selected from Figure 4
are suitable only for a highest hazard ratio that does not exceed 10 000.
See Clause 10.2 for requirements for change-out procedures, schedules, and service time.
39
46
The choice of Series R or P and 95, 99, or 100 class particulate filters should be based on
regulatory requirements and operational needs. User comfort issues and acceptance should be
considered.
47
The choice of Series N, R, or P and 95, 99, or 100 class particulate filters should be based on
regulatory requirements and operational needs. User comfort issues and acceptance should be
considered.
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The use of goggles necessitates additional criteria for the review of intended use conditions
(e.g., proper integration with the respirator, fogging).
51
Some respirators identified might no longer be available, but the approval is retained for
existing equipment. All limitations for the respirator at the time of testing and certification
shall remain applicable.
52
The selection process is complete. Record all information used to make the selection. Record
the results of the review of the limitations under the anticipated conditions of use. Then
proceed to Figure 4 to identify acceptable options for the level of protection required.
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1
Risk assessment concludes
that a respirator is required
Note: Use this chart in conjunction with Clause 7.3 of CSA Z94.4, Selection, use, and care of respirators.
Where exposure involves first responders during CBRN events, refer to CAN/CGSB/CSA Z1610.
2
Regulation prescribes
specific respirator?
Yes
Selection, use, and care of respirators
No
4
Yes
Hazard is a
bioaerosol?
Legend:
14
No
15
Hazard
involves abrasive
blasting?
= Process step: requires
information
Select airline type CE respirator or one
approved for protection against abrasive blasting
Yes
Yes
= Answer by Yes or No
No
No
16
Respiratory
hazards evaluated?
Yes
18
Identify the bioaerosol
IDLH
environment
exists?
5
= Record selection and
proceed to next step
No
Yes
= Navigation marker
= Navigation marker
with guidance
No
13
Complete the selection
process to protect against all
other respiratory hazards
19
Yes
OEL exists?
= Line text indicates
option
No
20
Yes
6
Can a workplace
OEL be established?
21
Transmission
of disease, infection,
or adverse effects
produced from
inhalation of
bioaerosol.
Calculate and record a hazard
ratio for each respiratory hazard
Yes
Oxygen 22
concentration below 19.5% at
sea level?
17
Select any respirator from
the Hierarchy of Respiratory
Protection with a Level 5
No
Yes
24
23
Oxygen
deficiency is the only respiratory
hazard?
No
Select any airline respirator from
the Hierarchy of Respiratory
Protection with a Level 2
Yes
No
No
26
Select Control Banding
Approach for
Bioaerosols in Health
Care (Figure 2) or for
Bioaerosols in General
Workplaces (Figure 3)
Cause for oxygen
deficiency shall be
identified and monitored
27
7
Highest hazard ratio
(HHR) for any gas, vapour, or
particulate <– 10?
Select any respirator from
the Hierarchy of Respiratory
Protection with a Level 1
Yes
35
29
28
8
Select a Risk Group
e.g. R1, R2, R3, or R4.
HHR <
– 25
Select any respirator from
the Hierarchy of Respiratory
Protection with a Level 2
Yes
36
Oxygen
concentration
below 19.5 % at
sea level?
No
25
Cause for oxygen
deficiency shall be
identified and
monitored
Yes
No
No
37
31
9
Select a
Generation Rate
e.g. G1, G2, G3, or G4.
30
HHR <– 50
Gas or vapour
hazard ratio > 1
Select any respirator from
the Hierarchy of Respiratory
Protection with a Level 3
Yes
38
No
or atmospheresupplying respirator
selected
32
HHR <– 1000
Select any respirator from
the Hierarchy of Respiratory
Protection with a Level 4
Yes
11
Select any respirator from
the Hierarchy of Respiratory
Protection with a Level 5
Colour and number
of segment selected
corresponds to the
range of acceptable
options in Figure 4 —
Hierarchy of
Respiratory Protection.
Follow Regulation:
Use professional
judgment
to protect against all
respiratory hazards
Yes
39
Yes
No
3
Gas
and/or vapour
purifying element
available?
No
33
10
Select a Control Level
e.g. C1, C2, C3, or C4.
Yes
No
Change-out
schedule or ESLI
available?
34
40
Select
appropriate
gas and/or
vapour
purifying
element
No
42
Yes
12
Other
respiratory hazards
are present?
43
44
Select HEPA class
particulate filter
Yes
Particulate
hazard ratio > 1
Powered airpurifying respirator style
selected in Figure 4?
Yes
No
or atmospheresupplying respirator
selected
41
Air-purifying
respirator is not an
appropriate selection.
Select a respirator
from the atmospheresupplying options in
the appropriate level
of the Hierarchy of
Respiratory
Protection.
No
No
45
Yes or unknown
Airborne oil
present?
51
Review
limitations
of selected
respirator
against intended
use conditions.
Refer to Annex G
52
Selection
complete.
Record and
proceed to
Figure 4
No
46
Select any Series R or P
particulate filter (e.g. R95,
R99, R100, P95, P99, or P100)
47
Select any Series N, R, or P
particulate filter (e.g. N95, N99, N100,
R95, R99, R100, P95, P99, or P100)
48
Yes
Select an alternative facepiece style with eye protection
or add CSA Z94.3 class 2(b) non-ventilated goggles
50
Yes
49
Eye irritant or
ocular absorption?
Half-facepiece
selected in Figure 4?
No
No
Figure 1
Respirator selection flow chart
(See Clauses 7.3.1.3, 7.3.2.2, 7.3.3, 7.3.4.1, 7.3.4.2, 7.3.4.7, and 8.1.2 and Figures 2 to 4.)
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Risk group
Agents not associated with disease or
serious adverse health effects in healthy
adult humans
R1
Agents associated with human disease
or adverse health effects that are
rarely serious and for which preventive
or therapeutic interventions are usually
available
R2
Agents associated with serious or lethal
human disease or adverse health effects
for which preventive or therapeutic
interventions might be available (high
individual risk but low community risk)
Agents likely to cause serious or lethal
human disease or adverse health effects
for which preventive or therapeutic
interventions are not usually available
(high individual risk and high
community risk)
C3
G4
1
R1
C2
2
1
2
C2
C1
G1
Patient coughing or sneezing with
mouth covered
G2
Patient coughing or sneezing with
mouth uncovered
G3
Aerosol-generating procedures
G4
G4
Corridor or patient room, 3–6 ACH
C2
Negative pressure, laboratory,
autopsy, 6–12 ACH
C3
Surgery >12 ACH
C4
1
0
0
G1
1
1
1
1
1
2
C3
G1
G2
G3
1 1
G2
G3
1
G4
1
3
1
1
C1
1
1
1
1
1
C2
1
2
4
R3
0
0
1
1
C4
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
0 0
G1
1
C4
G1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
G2
1
G4
C2
C1
C3
C4
23
Figure 2
Control banding approach for bioaerosols in health care facilities
(See Clauses 7.3.2.2 and 7.3.2.3.4 to 7.3.2.3.8, Figure 1, and Annex K.)
R2
Selection, use, and care of respirators
C1
1
1
G3 G2
1
Control level
Poorly ventilated, <3 air changes
per hour (ACH)
3
1
1
2
4
R4
C3
1
1
2
R3
G3
1
3
Generation rate
Patient not coughing or sneezing
C1
C4
R4
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Health care facilities
Risk group
Agents not associated with disease or
serious adverse health effects in healthy
adult humans
Agents associated with human disease
or adverse health effects that are rarely
serious and for which preventive or
therapeutic interventions are usually
available
Agents associated with serious or lethal
human disease or adverse health effects
for which preventive or therapeutic
interventions might be available (high
individual risk but low community risk)
Agents likely to cause serious or lethal
human disease or adverse health effects
for which preventive or therapeutic
interventions are not usually available
(high individual risk and high
community risk)
C1
C4
R4
C3
R1
G4
2
R1
C2
2
1
3
C2
R2
3
4
1
2
G2
1
1
G1
1
3
R4
1
1
1 0
1
1
G1
G1
1
0
0
C4
1
0
2
G3 G2
1
1
2
4
G4
C3
1
2
2
C1
G3
2
R3
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General workplace environments
G2
G3
G4
Generation rate
Low release of bioaerosol / pathogen —
vacuuming with a HEPA filter
G2
High release of bioaerosol / pathogen —
misting then shovelling
1
1
C4
1
1
C1
Indoor — ventilation 1 < ACH <
–4
Outdoor — no wind
C2
Indoor — ventilation 4 < ACH <
–6
Outdoor — low wind
C3
Indoor — ventilation > 6
Outdoor — moderate wind
C4
3
C3
G1
G2
G3
1 1
1
3
1
1
C1
1
1
1
1
1
C2
1
2
4
R3
2
1
G4
C2
C1
C3
C4
August 2011
Figure 3
Control banding approach for bioaerosols in general workplace environments
(See Clauses 7.3.2.2 and 7.3.2.3.4 to 7.3.2.3.8, Figure 1, and Annex K.)
R2
© Canadian Standards Association
Indoor — poorly ventilated ACH <
–1
1
2
Control level
1
2
G3
G4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Medium release of bioaerosol /
pathogen — soaking then shovelling
Very high release of bioaerosol /
pathogen — dry sweeping
G1
0
1
2
3
4
5
Air-purifying options
APF
Atmosphere-supplying options
SCBA (pressure-demand) full-facepiece
5
No air-purifying option available
10000
SCBA (pressure-demand) tight-fitting hood
Multi-functional SCBA/airline
Airline (continuous-flow) full-facepiece
Powered air-purifying full-facepiece
4 to 5
Powered air-purifying helmet/hood
with SWPF study
Powered air-purifying half-facepiece
3 to 5
2 to 5
1 to 5
Air-purifying (negative-pressure) full-facepiece
1000
Airline (continuous-flow) helmet/hood with
SWPF study
50
Airline (pressure-demand) half-facepiece
Airline (continuous-flow) half-facepiece
Airline (continuous-flow) loose-fitting
facepiece/visor
Powered air-purifying loose-fitting
facepiece/visor
Powered air-purifying helmet/hood without
SWPF study
Airline (pressure-demand) full-facepiece
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Acceptable level
25
Airline (continuous-flow) helmet/hood without
SWPF study
Air-purifying (negative-pressure) half-facepiece
(including filtering facepieces)
10
No atmosphere-supplying option available
No respiratory protection required
<1
No respiratory protection required
Figure 4
Hierarchy of respiratory protection
(See Clauses 7.3.1.3, 7.3.2.2, 7.3.2.3.8, 7.3.3, 7.3.4.7, 9.3.3, 9.4.2, and 9.4.3, Tables 1 and 2, Figure 1, and Annex K.)
25
Selection, use, and care of respirators
Notes:
(1) See Tables 1 and 2 for fit test pass/fail criteria for tight-fitt ng respirators.
(2) Fit testing is not required for loose-fitt ng respirators.
Z94.4-11
© Canadian Standards Association
8 Training
8.1 Competencies
8.1.1 General
Table 3 provides a matrix summarizing the training requirements for a respiratory protection program; the
table references the clause numbers in this Standard applicable to each defined role. Because
communication with other role-holders in the program will be essential, each person fulfilling a defined
role should understand how that role relates to the other defined roles.
Note: The summary of training matrix in Table 3 is intended to describe the training competencies required to fulfill the roles
and responsibilities listed in Clause 5. In many organizations, one person can fulfill more than one defined role and will
therefore require multiple competencies.
8.1.2 Respirator selection process
The selection process shall include a detailed review of factors such as workplace conditions, hazardous
materials and exposures, and relevant standards in order to specify a range of appropriate respirator
options. Accurate records shall be maintained to support this activity. See Clauses 6 and 7 and Figure 1.
8.1.3 Respirator user screening and medical assessment
This activity requires an understanding of the health assessment process, physiological and psychological
conditions that could require reassessment, and individual accountabilities.
An initial assessment of user suitability may be performed by someone who is not a health care
professional but is working under the direction of a health care professional. A respirator user screening
form is a tool to identify user suitability or flag any health concerns that warrant a medical assessment by a
health care professional. For a sample of a respirator user screening form, see Figure E.1.
A medical assessment shall consist of a review and written opinion by a health care professional as to the
suitability of the worker to safely use a respirator. Accurate records, excluding personal medical
information, shall be maintained. See Parts 6 and 7 of the sample respirator user screening form provided
in Figure E.1.
8.1.4 Fit testing
The fit tester shall be competent in the applicable fit test methods and be able to verify a user’s ability to
obtain an effective respirator seal, comfort, and fit for a tight-fitting respirator. The fit tester shall also be
able to manage the overall fit testing process, including the transition between sensitivity screening and fit
testing where applicable, interpret test results, and document user, respirator, and instrument
performance.
See Annex J for a checklist that can be used as a supplement to the summary of training matrix provided
in Table 3 to determine the competency of fit testers.
8.1.5 Instruction
Provision of instruction to program participants requires a practical understanding of the respiratory
protection program requirements. A qualified person shall provide instruction regarding the requirements
of the respiratory protection program, including
(a) policies, procedures, roles, and responsibilities;
(b) the respiratory hazards encountered in the workplace, their potential health effects on the worker,
and the means to control them;
(c) the rationale for the respirators selected and where to find more information about them; and
(d) procedures to follow in case of an emergency.
Note: Documentation of all program instruction should be maintained.
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
8.1.6 Care and practical use
Training in the care and practical use of respirators shall consist of instruction, facilitator demonstration,
participant practice and demonstration of competency in procedures and practices relating to
(a) the choice of the appropriate respirator for the anticipated hazard; and
(b) the operation of each respirator, including
(i) donning and doffing (avoiding contamination) and, where required, redonning of respirators;
(ii) user seal checks;
(iii) care;
(iv) cleaning;
(v) inspection;
(vi) end-of-service recognition;
(vii) change-out of filter elements;
(viii) replacement of air cylinders;
(ix) identification of problems;
(x) use under failure or emergency modes;
(xi) storage;
(xii) removal from service;
(xiii) basic maintenance; and
(xiv) familiarity with and adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8.1.7 Limitations
Limitations are the restrictions, cautions, warnings, and prohibitions imposed by manufacturers, testing
and certification agencies, authorities having jurisdiction, and employers on the use, care, and
maintenance of the respirator. See Annex G.
8.1.8 Repair and maintenance
Repair and maintenance consist of those activities related to restoring a respirator to the manufacturer’s
original operating condition, including
(a) operation of the respirator;
(b) care, cleaning, and inspection;
(c) end-of-service recognition;
(d) change-out of filter elements;
(e) replacement of air cylinders;
(f) identification of problems;
(g) storage;
(h) removal from service; and
(i) familiarity with and adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This function requires that the individual maintain appropriate records. These activities can require a
periodic proficiency review to the manufacturer’s standards.
8.2 Provision of training
8.2.1
Training shall be provided by a qualified person or persons with a practical understanding of the
respiratory protection program roles, responsibilities, and requirements and the ability to coordinate the
multiple training requirements of the program.
8.2.2
Provision of role-specific training, as applicable for each assigned respiratory protection program role or
activity, requires task-specific qualification and expertise.
Note: Depending on the requirements of the program, complexity of respiratory protection requirements, and the training
needs of the program participants, more than one trainer might be required.
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8.2.3
Role-specific training shall include the following:
(a) instruction for program participation (see Clause 8.1.5);
(b) reference to the applicable sections of the respiratory protection program;
(c) exercise of required practices and procedures, including the following where applicable:
(i) care and practical use of respirators (see Clause 8.1.6);
(ii) limitations and their impact on respirator use (see Clause 8.1.7);
(iii) repair and maintenance (see Clause 8.1.8); and
(iv) drills for controlled practice of respirator use under the conditions to be expected in the
workplace to maintain a standing level of competency; and
(d) demonstration of the level of competency as defined in the assigned respiratory protection program
role(s) (see Clause 5).
8.2.4
The employer shall provide additional training for the respirator user or other individual assigned one or
more roles in the respiratory protection program where
(a) a review cannot confirm that the individual remains qualified;
(b) the program administrator indicates that additional training is required [see Clause 13.2(i)]; or
(c) a review indicates that additional training is needed to meet the required level of competency.
Where such training is required, it shall be designed, delivered, evaluated, and documented to ensure that
it meets the requirements of this Standard.
8.3 Training records
Accurate records shall be maintained in accordance with Clause 14.5 so that documentation of training is
available for all individuals with assigned roles in the respiratory protection program.
9 Respirator fit testing
9.1 General
9.1.1
The purpose of a qualitative or quantitative fit test is to verify a user’s ability to obtain an effective seal and
an acceptably comfortable fit for a selected tight-fitting respirator. The fit test process also verifies that a
user is able to demonstrate the required level of competency in donning and doffing the respirator, as well
as inspecting it and performing a user seal check.
9.1.2
No person shall use or be assigned to use a tight-fitting respirator until a satisfactory fit has been verified
by a qualitative or quantitative fit test.
9.1.3
The fit test shall be used to verify the selection of the specific make, model, and size of a tight-fitting
respirator for individual users. A sufficient variety of respirators shall be provided to ensure that each user
has an opportunity to obtain a satisfactory fit because no single make, model, or size can be expected to fit
all persons. The fit tester shall not force fit a respirator being fit tested.
Note: Force fitting is the practice of repeating a failed fit test with the same respirator by redonning or otherwise adjusting it
(e.g., overtightening the straps) until a fit test pass is finally obtained. The user may adjust the respirator but comfort should
be maintained. Offering a reasonable array of respirator types and sizes should eliminate the inclination to force fit.
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
9.1.4
When respirators used for fit testing are not individually assigned, cleaning and sanitizing shall be
performed before the next use. Respirators that cannot be sanitized (e.g., filtering facepieces) shall not be
used by more than one person in fit testing. See Annex F.
9.1.5
At a minimum, when fit testing hoods are employed, they shall be cleaned and sanitized between each
person being fit tested.
9.1.6
A fit test shall be carried out
(a) after completion of user screening (see Clause 12.1);
(b) after or during training (see Clause 8);
(c) prior to initial use of a tight-fitting respirator;
(d) when changes to a user’s physical condition (e.g., significant weight change or changes to facial or
dental features) could affect the respirator fit;
(e) when there is a change in respirator (e.g., make, model, size);
(f) when a respirator user experiences continued significant discomfort during use or difficulty in
completing a successful user seal check;
(g) when there is a change in PPE use that could affect the respirator; and
(h) at least every 2 years.
9.1.7
Tight-fitting respirators shall be tested only in the negative-pressure mode regardless of the mode of
operation in which the respirator is to be used.
Note: This can be accomplished by temporarily converting the user’s facepiece into negative-pressure mode or by using a
surrogate negative-pressure air-purifying respirator with identical sealing surface.
9.2 Respirator interference concerns
9.2.1 General
The program administrator shall ensure that potential interferences to the fit and function of the respirator
are effectively managed according to the requirements described in Clause 9.2.
Fit testers shall follow the requirements of the program and shall not perform a fit test if they observe
that the person is not free from interference where the respirator seals to the skin of the face or neck.
Individuals who are unwilling or otherwise unable to comply with the interference-free requirement, or
who are unable to obtain an acceptable fit, shall be prohibited from using a tight-fitting respirator.
9.2.2 Facial hair
Individuals shall present themselves for fit testing free from interference of hair where the respirator seals
to the skin of the face or neck.
Although the rate of hair growth varies (see examples of acceptable and unacceptable facial hair in
Annex M), for many this requires being clean-shaven within the previous 24 or preferably 12 h to ensure
that hair neither infringes on the sealing surface of the respirator nor interferes with valve or respirator
function.
A “clean-shaven” policy is best implemented through emphasis on its importance during training,
through regular reminders, and ongoing verification of conformance.
9.2.3 Personal conditions
Individuals shall present themselves for fit testing in the same personal condition they would expect to be
in when using the respirator. This includes hair styles (e.g., hair buns) and wearing or not wearing
dentures, eyeglasses, or contact lenses.
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Z94.4-11
© Canadian Standards Association
9.2.4 Personal effects or accessories
Individuals shall present themselves for fit testing in such a way that personal accessories such as head
coverings, garments, facial jewellery, or other items shall not come between the skin and the sealing
surface of the respirator.
Note: Such accessories can impair respirator effectiveness by interfering with valve function, respirator adjustability, and
proper secure positioning. Makeup, creams, or lotions can also interfere with effective respirator function.
9.2.5 PPE integration
When PPE such as eye, face, head, or hearing protectors or protective garments are required to be worn
during respirator use, they shall be worn during respirator fit testing to ensure that the respirator seal is not
compromised.
9.3 Pass criteria
9.3.1
A satisfactory fit using QLFT shall be verified when the fit test results satisfy the criteria specified in Table 1.
9.3.2
A satisfactory fit using QNFT shall be verified when the fit test results satisfy the criteria specified in Table 2.
9.3.3
The applicable assigned protection factor listed in Figure 4 shall be used subject to the applicable
limitations of the QLFT or QNFT method.
Note: Fit factor criteria in Tables 1 and 2 are derived as follows:
A safety factor of 10 is applied to the assigned protection factors of all tight-fitting facepiece respirators operating in
air-purifying (negative-pressure) mode. The relationship between “assigned protection factor”, “safety factor”, and “fit
factor” can be expressed as
APF × safety factor = minimum fit factor to demonstrate a pass
Because QLFT test methods have been validated only for a fit factor of 100, a tight-fitting respirator operated in air-purifying
(negative-pressure) mode can be tested by QLFT methods to validate a maximum APF of 10.
Therefore, the maximum APF that can be used for all tight-fitting respirators operated in air-purifying (negative-pressure)
mode is 10 where a QLFT method is used. See Table 1 and Figure 4.
9.4 Qualitative fit testing (QLFT)
9.4.1
Qualitative fit testing shall be conducted in accordance with one of the procedures described in Annex B.
Only QLFT methods that are appropriate for the respirator as referenced in Table 1 shall be used. QLFT
shall not be used for SCBA and multi-functional SCBA airline applications.
9.4.2
With the exception of full-face negative-pressure respirators (see Clause 9.4.3), the assigned protection
factors listed in Figure 4 for the type of respirator chosen shall be applied subject to a satisfactory fit using
QLFT.
9.4.3
For full-face negative-pressure respirators, the assigned protection factors listed in Figure 4 shall be
applicable subject to a satisfactory fit test using QLFT only under the limitations specified in Table 1, i.e.,
where the highest hazard ratio (HHR) is less than or equal to ten.
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
9.5 Quantitative fit testing (QNFT)
Quantitative fit testing shall be conducted in accordance with one of the procedures described in
Annex C. Only QNFT methods that are appropriate for the respirator as referenced in Table 2 shall be
used.
9.6 Fit test records
The program administrator shall ensure that procedures are established to maintain fit test records in
accordance with Clause 14.4.
10 Use of respirators
10.1 General
10.1.1 User requirements
Before being assigned any task that requires the use of a respirator, the user shall meet all the health
screening, training, and fit testing requirements in this Standard.
10.1.2 Breakthrough detection
Workers shall exit a contaminated work area whenever they detect the odour of the contaminant or
experience any irritation symptoms caused by it; see Clause 10.2.1.1.
10.1.3 Tight-fitting respirator seal with skin
10.1.3.1
To promote the safety of persons using tight-fitting respirators, the seal to the face or neck shall be
effectively maintained in accordance with the requirements of Clause 9.2 throughout the period during
which respirator use is required. If during the course of work, a person develops any condition that
degrades the respirator seal to the face or neck, the person shall restore the required interference-free
condition in a non-hazardous environment.
10.1.3.2
Respirators requiring a tight fit in order to perform effectively shall not be worn when an effective seal to
the face or neck of the person cannot be achieved and maintained.
10.1.3.3
When using tight-fitting respirators, persons shall wear or not wear dentures according to the conditions
under which a successful fit test was obtained.
10.1.3.4
Temples on eyeglasses or any other materials such as hair, cloth, tissue, straps, or jewellery shall not come
between the skin and the sealing surface of the facepiece or interfere with the operation of the respirator.
Potential interferences shall be managed in accordance with Clause 9.2.
10.1.3.5
The use of contact lenses may be approved by the program administrator after consideration of those
factors inside and outside the tight-fitting respirator that could affect the eyes of the user. See Annex E.
10.1.3.6
Where other personal protective devices or equipment are required to be worn in conjunction with a
respirator, potential incompatibilities shall be managed according to Clause 9.2.
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10.1.3.7
Persons who cannot achieve and maintain an effective closure of the nose or a seal around a respirator
mouthpiece shall not be permitted to use a mouthpiece and nose-clip type of respirator.
10.1.4 User seal check of face-to-facepiece seal
The user of a respirator shall check the seal of the facepiece immediately after donning the respirator, by
procedures recommended in Annex A or by other procedures recommended by the respirator
manufacturer. A user seal check shall not be used as a substitute for a qualitative or quantitative fit test.
10.2 Change-out procedures, schedules, and service time
10.2.1 General
10.2.1.1
A qualified person shall establish a change-out schedule for the replacement of air-purifying filters or
cartridges of respirators before their useful service life is ended.
Warning properties of the contaminant shall not be relied on for cartridge/canister change-out. Should
workers detect odour or experience any irritation symptoms of the contaminant before the end of the
change-out schedule, the respirator program administrator shall be informed and shall re-evaluate this
respirator use, i.e., the change-out schedule, the workplace concentrations, or other conditions of use
[relative humidity (RH), work rate, etc.].
Note: Change-out can include end-of-service-life indicators, maximum use time, and breathing resistance as appropriate.
10.2.1.2
The useful service life of a gas/vapour cartridge or canister or a particulate filter is affected by several
factors, including
(a) the contaminant’s chemical properties, physical state, and concentration;
(b) the environment, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure;
(c) the physical/chemical characteristics of the air-purifying element; surface area, volume, and the
mechanism used to remove the contaminant; filtration, electrostatic charge, and absorption or
adsorption;
(d) the effectiveness of the air-purifying element against the contaminants;
(e) the breathing rate and volume of the respirator user; and
(f) the pattern of use, whether continuous or intermittent.
10.2.2 Gas/vapour-removing cartridges or canisters
10.2.2.1
Gas/vapour-removing cartridges or canisters equipped with an end-of-service-life indicator shall be
replaced when the indicator dictates.
10.2.2.2
Gas/vapour-removing cartridges or canisters not equipped with an end-of-service-life indicator shall be
replaced based on an established procedure or schedule that ensures that the cartridge is changed before
the service life has ended.
10.2.2.3
The selection of air-purifying respirators shall include a change-out schedule calculated by a qualified
person using the manufacturer’s product information or estimated based on knowledge of the
effectiveness of the cartridge or canister to remove the contaminant. The respirator manufacturer should
be consulted for guidance on the effectiveness of any specific respirator or air-purifying element against
the contaminant for which protection is needed. (See Clause G.4.)
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10.2.2.4 Particulate filters
10.2.2.4.1
Particulate filters shall be replaced
(a) if they become damaged or unhygienic; or
(b) based on the employer’s change-out schedule.
10.2.2.4.2
Particulate filters (N, P, and R filters) shall be replaced when breathing becomes difficult or as
recommended by the manufacturer. In the case of powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), particulate
filters shall be replaced when the air flow does not meet the manufacturer’s requirements.
10.2.2.4.3
If used in atmospheres where oil is present, R filters shall be replaced after 8 h of use or after the respirator
has been exposed to 200 mg of the contaminant. R filters shall be used for more than 8 h only if a
change-out schedule is calculated by a qualified person based on representative airborne particulate
concentrations and estimated breathing rate (tidal volume).
10.2.2.4.4
The change-out schedule for combination gas/vapour and particulate cartridges or canisters with
non-separable air-purifying elements shall be based on the lesser service time for either the gas/vapour or
the particulate constituent.
10.2.2.5 Self-contained breathing apparatus service time
10.2.2.5.1 Structural firefighting
For structural firefighting, pressure-demand SCBA with a rated service time of 30 min or more shall be
used.
Note: The requirements of NFPA Standard 1981 should be consulted for additional performance requirements for SCBAs for
firefighting.
10.2.2.5.2 Entry into an IDLH atmosphere
Pressure-demand SCBA or a multi-functional SCBA/airline respirator with auxiliary self-contained air
supply, with a minimum rated service time of 15 min, shall be used for entry into IDLH atmospheres.
Where a multi-functional SCBA/airline respirator is used for entry using the auxiliary air supply, no more
than 20% of the auxiliary air shall be used before connection is made to an airline.
10.2.2.5.3 Escape from an IDLH atmosphere
For escape from IDLH atmospheres, the SCBA or escape SCBA shall have a rated service time in excess of
the anticipated time needed to escape.
10.3 Breathing gas
10.3.1
Only compressed breathing air meeting the requirements of CSA Z180.1 shall be used in open-circuit
SCBAs, airline respirators, and supplied-air suits. Compressed oxygen shall never be used in respirators
manufactured for use with compressed breathing air.
Note: Compressed breathing air can contain low concentrations of oil. Oxygen forms explosive mixtures with organic
materials such as oil and grease. Gaseous oxygen is a powerful oxidizer and can constitute a considerable fire hazard.
10.3.2
Compressed breathing oxygen shall meet the purity requirements of CGA G-4.3.
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10.4 Communications
10.4.1
The respirator face-to-facepiece seal shall not be broken to communicate.
Note: Verbal communication while using a respirator is often necessary to perform specific tasks; however, movement of
facial features while talking can adversely affect the seal of the facepiece. The use of various types of mechanical and
electronic speech transmission devices can minimize the possibility of facepiece leakage when the user is speaking.
10.4.2
Respirators for use in a hazardous atmosphere that requires intrinsic safety and that are equipped with
electronic speech transmission devices having an electrical power supply shall be intrinsically safe.
Note: In extremely cold weather, battery power can be unreliable.
10.5 Buddy breathing
Buddy breathing shall not be permitted. See Annex I.
10.6 Special requirements for general industrial use
10.6.1 Use in high- and low-temperature environments
Respirators used in high- and low-temperature environments can undergo adverse functional changes that
affect apparatus performance and, in turn, the safety and health of the user. Strict adherence to good
maintenance and repair procedures shall be maintained, and users shall be trained in the use and
limitations of respirators at these extreme temperatures. See Annexes D and G.
10.6.2 Use of respirators in IDLH atmospheres
10.6.2.1
Respirator users shall not remove their facepieces at any time while working in an IDLH atmosphere.
10.6.2.2
For additional requirements where respirators are used during firefighting, hazmat response, mine rescue,
or confined space entry, reference shall be made to legislation, regulations, standards, and guidelines.
Note: For example, see NFPA 1404, NFPA 1500, and CSA Z1006.
10.6.2.3
Respirator selection shall be carried out for both non-emergency and emergency use. The respirator
selected in both instances may be the same, but respirators approved for escape only shall be used only for
escape.
11 Cleaning, inspection, maintenance, and storage of
respirators
11.1 General
11.1.1
Each respirator shall be properly maintained to retain its original effectiveness. An acceptable program of
care and maintenance shall include
(a) cleaning and sanitizing;
(b) inspection, testing, and repair;
(c) storage; and
(d) recordkeeping.
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
11.1.2
Defective or nonfunctioning respirators shall be identified as out of service or the equivalent (e.g., by
being tagged) and shall be replaced or removed from service until repaired.
11.2 Cleaning and sanitizing
11.2.1
Respirators shall be cleaned and sanitized according to the respirator manufacturer’s instructions or
according to procedures authorized by the program administrator in consultation with the respirator
manufacturer. Respirators designed not to be cleaned shall be disposed of after use as directed by the
manufacturer.
Note: See Annex F for cleaning and sanitizing procedures.
11.2.2
When the respirator is not individually assigned, cleaning and sanitizing shall be performed before the
next use.
11.3 Inspection
11.3.1 General
Users shall inspect their respirators before and after each use.
11.3.2 Inspection coverage
11.3.2.1
Respirator inspection shall include, where applicable, the following:
(a) condition of component parts (e.g., facepiece, helmet, hood, suit, head harness, valves, connecting
tubes, harness assemblies, filters, cartridges, canisters, cylinders);
(b) tightness of connections;
(c) end-of-service-life indicator;
(d) shelf-life dates; and
(e) proper functioning of regulators, alarms, and other warning systems.
11.3.2.2
Pressure gauges of all breathing gas cylinders in service shall indicate that the cylinders are within the
“Full” range. Cylinders with gauges indicating less than the “Full” range shall be recharged in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
11.3.2.3
Oxygen-generating canisters and CO2 sorbent in closed-circuit apparatus shall be new and capable of
providing full rated service.
11.3.2.4
Respirators shall be inspected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If they do not pass the
inspection, the respirator shall be tagged and removed from service.
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11.3.3 Inspection of SCBA cylinders
11.3.3.1 General requirements for inspection of steel, aluminum, and
fibre-reinforced cylinders
11.3.3.1.1
A qualified person shall inspect cylinders externally and internally according to
(a) CSA B339 and CSA B340;
(b) CGA C-6, C-6.1, or C-6.2 as applicable;
(c) applicable transport regulations; and
(d) the manufacturer’s instructions.
Notes:
(1) Visual internal inspections are required for all cylinders at the time of their hydrostatic testing; see Clause 11.6.2 for
hydrostatic testing requirements.
(2) In Canada, applicable transport regulations are issued by Transport Canada under the Transportation of Dangerous
Goods Act.
11.3.3.1.2
All composite SCBA cylinders (e.g., fibreglass, Kevlar, carbon-wrapped, or hoop-wound) shall be removed
from service no later than 15 years from their date of manufacture.
11.3.3.1.3
Steel and aluminum cylinders over 15 years old shall have the interior of the cylinder inspected at least
annually by a qualified person when these cylinders are in current use.
Note: This Clause does not extend the service life of cylinders.
11.3.3.1.4
After each use of a cylinder and before it is refilled, a qualified person shall inspect its exterior for signs of
external damage.
11.3.3.1.5
Cylinders showing signs of external damage shall be immediately depressurized and removed from service
and, prior to return to service, inspected in accordance with the requirements of Clause 11.3.3.1.1.
11.3.3.1.6
Cylinders showing damage to the paint shall be inspected. If the damaged cylinders require repairs, they
shall be carried out as soon as possible by a qualified person in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and specifications.
11.3.3.1.7
Cylinders stored in accordance with the requirements of Clause 11.5.4 shall be checked to ensure that the
hydrostatic test date is current before the cylinders are returned to service.
11.3.3.2 Special inspection requirements for emergency-use SCBA
11.3.3.2.1
SCBA shall be inspected on a schedule to ensure readiness for emergency use.
11.3.3.2.2
The program administrator shall establish procedures for keeping a record of all inspections and service
performed on an emergency-use SCBA and cylinder in accordance with Clause 14.6.2.
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
11.4 Repair and test
11.4.1
Any used oxygen-generating canister shall be disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. The spent CO2 sorbent in a closed-circuit apparatus shall be replaced or refilled after each use.
11.4.2
Where inspections specified in Clauses 11.3.1 and 11.3.3 indicate that repairs or rebuilding, or both, of a
respirator or cylinder are required, such repairs and subsequent tests and checks shall be carried out in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Used respirators shall be reconditioned to accepted manufacturer’s standards, and used SCBAs shall be
reconditioned by the manufacturer or authorized service agents prior to use after ownership is transferred.
11.4.3
Qualified persons shall repair and test respirators and cylinders, using original manufacturer’s replacement
parts and repair procedures.
11.4.4
The frequency with which the pressure-regulating system of a respirator is rebuilt shall be governed by the
manufacturer’s recommendations and as inspection and performance require.
SCBA shall not be modified to accommodate a resuscitator nor shall it be used as such.
11.4.5
Facilities where repairs or tests on cylinders are performed shall be registered to meet the requirements of
CSA B339 and CSA B340.
11.5 Storage
11.5.1
Respirators shall be stored in a manner that will protect them against dust, ozone, sunlight, heat, extreme
cold, excessive moisture, vermin, damaging chemicals, oils, greases, or any other potential hazard that can
have a detrimental effect on the respirator.
11.5.2
Respirators shall be stored in a manner that will prevent deformation of rubber or other elastomeric parts.
11.5.3
Emergency- and rescue-use respirators placed in work areas shall be quickly accessible at all times and the
storage cabinet, container, or holder shall be clearly marked.
11.5.4 Storage of cylinders not in current use
11.5.4.1
Cylinders not in current use and those in long-term storage should be stored at reduced pressure in the
vertical position (valve up) and never inverted.
Notes:
(1) The reduction in pressure is important because corrosion attack is reduced in decreased-oxygen partial pressures.
Vertical storage reduces the extent of corrosion by minimizing the interface between metal and water.
(2) Because steel cylinders are more prone to corrosion activity, vertical storage of them at reduced pressure is especially
important.
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11.5.4.2
Whenever possible, cylinders should be stored indoors in a warm, dry environment.
11.5.4.3
Unpressurized cylinders should be stored with the main valve closed.
11.5.5 Rotation of cylinders in current use
11.5.5.1
Cylinders should be numbered, colour-coded, or arranged in a manner that ensures that all of them are
used on a regular basis.
Note: Protective caps should be used to prevent physical damage to the cylinder valve threads and prevent dirt and
moisture from entering the valve body.
11.5.5.2
Prior to using an SCBA cylinder that has not been used in any 12-month period, the air shall be discarded
by slowly depressurizing the cylinder to the atmosphere and refilling it with compressed breathing air
meeting the requirements of CSA Z180.1.
11.6 Hydrostatic testing and marking of SCBA cylinders
11.6.1 General
SCBA cylinders that are transported shall comply with applicable transport regulations.
Note: In Canada, applicable transport regulations are issued by Transport Canada under the Transportation of Dangerous
Goods Act.
11.6.2 Hydrostatic test
11.6.2.1
Cylinders shall be hydrostatically tested at a frequency and in the manner described in CSA B339 and
CSA B340.
Note: Hydrostatic tests are required every 5 years for all SCBA cylinders.
11.6.2.2
Hydrostatic testing shall be performed by a registered facility according to the requirements of CSA B339
and CSA B340.
11.6.2.3
Hydrostatic retest data and a statement about the condition of the cylinder shall be forwarded by the
hydrostatic testing organization to the owner of the cylinder or an agent of the owner.
11.6.2.4
A cylinder that fails hydrostatic testing shall be returned to the owner, who shall ensure that the cylinder is
taken out of service and rendered unusable.
11.6.2.5
Hydrostatic test records shall be kept by the program administrator.
11.6.3 Cylinder markings
11.6.3.1
Cylinders shall bear the markings required in CSA B339.
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
11.6.3.2
No person shall apply any markings to cylinders unless they are registered as required in CSA B339.
11.7 Filling of cylinders
11.7.1
Filling of cylinders shall be carried out at an average rate not exceeding 2 MPa/min (300 psi/min) unless
the respirator manufacturer provides written instructions for a different fill rate.
Filling of a cylinder while it is being worn by a person shall be permitted only in life-threatening
emergencies where the SCBA user is physically unable to leave a hazardous atmosphere and shall be done
in accordance with the respirator manufacturer’s instructions and written procedures.
Note: This is particularly important when filling older cylinders where corrosion and other structural damage could have
occurred over a long period of use. Rapid filling can also destroy the fusible plug or frangible rupture disc, causing
malfunction and loss of air.
11.7.2
Cylinders shall be filled to a pressure not to exceed the maximum cylinder pressure shown on the cylinder.
Note: See Transport Canada or US Department of Transportation requirements.
CAUTION: It is hazardous to exceed this maximum pressure even when the pressure gauge on the
cylinder could be calibrated for a pressure range greater than the maximum working pressure inscribed
on it.
12 Health surveillance
Note: See Annex E for guidelines, references, and documentation tools for health surveillance activities.
12.1
Prior to fit testing and respirator use, the program administrator shall ensure that documentation is
completed that confirms that individuals are free from any physiological or psychological condition that
could preclude them from using the selected respirator. All health information shall be treated as medically
confidential.
Note: A screening form for respirator users can assist in identifying such conditions. See the sample respirator user screening
form in Figure E.1.
12.2
Where the program administrator or respirator user is concerned that a physiological or psychological
condition exists that could preclude the use of a respirator, an opinion from a health care professional shall
be obtained regarding that person’s ability to use a respirator. This opinion shall be obtained before the
person is permitted to use a respirator or if a change in conditions warrants an additional opinion.
12.3
The program administrator shall establish procedures to provide documented information to the health
care professional regarding the work activity, the workplace environment, and the type of respirators
required.
Note: See Annex E.
12.4
The program administrator shall ensure that a respirator user obtains the opinion from a health care
professional who is informed about the job and the working conditions of that person. The written opinion
shall indicate whether the user
(a) meets medical requirements;
(b) meets medical requirements with limitations; or
(c) does not meet medical requirements to use the selected respirator.
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Where limitations are imposed, these shall be explicitly stated in the written opinion.
Note: This opinion can be based on information provided on a respirator user screening form such as the one provided in
Figure E.1 and through consultation with the user.
12.5
The program administrator shall ensure that documentation of health surveillance confirming the user’s
ability to use a respirator is maintained in accordance with Clause 14.7.
13 Program evaluation
13.1 General
Respirator selection, use, and care should be effectively managed within the boundaries of an appropriate
respiratory protection program. A program should include mechanisms to routinely review the
effectiveness of the program by verifying compliance with regulatory requirements and company
standards, identifying weaknesses, and implementing appropriate corrective actions.
A program review can range from an informal evaluation to a formal audit and accompanying report,
depending on the level of workplace risk present and the scope and depth of the evaluation desired. The
review can be performed by either internal or external resources knowledgeable in the relevant aspects of
the respiratory protection program under review.
13.2
The program administrator shall ensure that the respiratory protection program is reviewed annually to
ensure that it is being managed effectively and that respirator users are being adequately protected.
Key elements for review can include
(a) a review of program elements against regulatory requirements;
(b) identification of management processes, including the clear definition of roles and responsibilities and
adequate resources;
(c) a review of documented program procedures;
(d) examination of records to verify that documented procedures are being followed;
(e) confirmation that workplace practices comply with program requirements;
(f) documentation of performance problems and subsequent resolution or corrective action plans;
(g) stakeholder input to verify worker acceptance (e.g., regarding comfort, ease of breathing, fatigue,
vision, mobility, job interference, utility);
(h) proper selection, use, and maintenance of respirators;
(i) effective training of all stakeholders as evidenced by ongoing demonstration of competencies;
(j) proper inspection of respirators; and
(k) proper storage and maintenance of respirators.
13.3
The program administrator shall review summary information derived from the medical and biological
monitoring performed, if available, to evaluate the effectiveness of the respiratory protection program.
14 Recordkeeping
14.1 General
The program administrator shall ensure that appropriate records are kept of all respiratory protection
program activities as required by applicable legislation, employer policy, or as outlined in this Standard.
Recordkeeping should include documentation on
(a) the individuals fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the program, including corresponding with
users, qualified persons, and regulators (see Clause 5);
(b) hazard assessment, including periodic monitoring of the workplace atmosphere (see Clause 6);
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(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Selection, use, and care of respirators
selection of the appropriate respirator (see Clause 7);
training (see Clause 8);
respirator facial fit (see Clause 9);
cleaning, maintenance, and storage of respirators (see Clause 11);
health surveillance of respirator users (see Clause 12); and
program evaluation (see Clause 13).
Note: Records should be maintained for the duration of employment of the person trained or for a minimum of 10 years.
14.2 Records of hazard assessments
14.2.1
Records of hazard assessments shall be maintained to document the initial and ongoing need for
respirators.
14.2.2
Records of hazard assessments shall be retained for the period of time required in the applicable legislation
or as directed in the employer’s policy.
14.3 Records of respirator selection
The selection of the appropriate respirators for the hazards identified and evaluated shall be documented.
Should the respiratory hazards change, the respirator selection process shall be repeated and
documented.
14.4 Records of respirator fit testing
Fit test records shall be retained for respirator users and shall meet all the following requirements:
(a) the name of the person tested;
(b) the date of the tests;
(c) the specific make, model, and size of respirator;
(d) the type of fit test and test agent used;
(e) pass/fail criteria for the fit test;
(f) a list of additional PPE worn during the fit test;
(g) notes on restrictions related to facial hair, use of dentures and corrective eyewear, or any particular
fitting difficulties such as unusual facial features or use of facial jewellery or cosmetics;
(h) the name of the person conducting the fit test;
(i) documentation of the individual user’s competency and corresponding fit test results; and
(j) documentation of the maintenance, calibration, and repair of fit test equipment.
14.5 Records of training
The following training records shall be maintained:
(a) training records of respirator users, specifying the content and type of training provided, the dates
when the training occurred, and a record of completion; and
(b) qualifications and training records of persons in other respirator program roles.
The program administrator shall ensure that training records are kept for at least the duration of
employment of the person trained.
14.6 Records of inspection, maintenance, and storage
14.6.1 General
Records of inspection, maintenance, and storage of respirators shall be retained as required by the
manufacturer’s instructions. Records for the repair and calibration of respirator maintenance tools shall also
be kept.
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14.6.2 Inspection records for emergency-use SCBA
The inspection records for emergency-use SCBA shall include
(a) the date of use of the respirators and cylinders;
(b) the date of inspection;
(c) the physical condition of the respirators and cylinders;
(d) the cleaning and sanitizing of respirators;
(e) the repairs done to respirators and cylinders; and
(f) the tests performed on respirators and cylinders and remedial actions taken.
14.7 Records of health surveillance
Records of health surveillance confirming the user’s ability to use a respirator, including any specified
limitations of use, shall be retained. All health information shall be treated as medically confidential and
shall be controlled and maintained by the health care professional.
14.8 Records of program evaluations
Records of periodic program evaluations shall be retained to ensure that the program is being managed
effectively and that respirator users are being adequately protected.
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
Table 1
Applicable qualitative fit test (QLFT) methods and
pass criteria for tight-fitting respirators
(See Clauses 9.3 and 9.4, Figure 4, and Annex J.)
QLFT method (all passing results for QLFT are assumed
to be a fit factor of 100)
Respirator type
Negative-pressure
air-purifying particulate
(refer to Clause 9.3.3)
Inlet covering
type
Bitter or sweet
aerosol
Filtering
facepiece
Isoamyl
acetate
Irritant smoke
(stannic chloride)
No for filtering
facepiece
respirators.
No for filtering
facepiece Type N or
R respirators.
Half-mask
Full-facepiece
(limited for use
where HHR  10)
Negative-pressure
air-purifying gas/vapour
(refer to Clause 9.3.3)
Half-mask
Full-facepiece
(limited for use
where HHR  10)
Powered air-purifying
particulate and gas/vapour
(tested in a negative-pressure
mode, i.e., without the blower
activated)
Half-mask
Airline, continuous-flow or
pressure-demand, including
combination air-purifying
devices (tested in negativepressure mode, i.e., without
the air source, and with a
surrogate facepiece converted
to negative-pressure
air-purifying respirators using
cartridges or filters appropriate
for the fit test method)
Half-mask
SCBA including
multi-functional SCBA airline
Full-facepiece
Yes, when the
respirator is fitted
with a particulate filter
and there shall be no
interference with the
test hood when the
exercises are being
performed.
Yes, when the
respirator is
fitted with a
cartridge
capable of
removing
organic
vapours.
Yes for all P100
particulate filters.
Full-facepiece or
tight-fitting hood
Full-facepiece or
tight-fitting hood
No
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No
No
43
(See Clauses 9.3 and 9.5, Figure 4, and Annex J.)
Respirator type
Negative-pressure
air-purifying particulate
(refer to Clause 9.3.3)
Inlet
covering
type
QNFT method
Minimum Generated
fit factor
aerosol
100
Half-mask
100
Full-facepiece
500
Half-mask
100
Full-facepiece
500
Powered air-purifying particulate
and gas/vapour (tested in a
negative-pressure mode, i.e.,
without the blower activated)
Half-mask
100
Full-facepiece
100
Airline, continuous-flow or
pressure-demand, including
combination air-purifying devices
(tested in negative-pressure
mode, i.e., without the air source,
and with a surrogate facepiece
converted to negative-pressure
air-purifying respirators using
cartridges or filters appropriate
for the fit test method)
Half-mask
100
Full-facepiece
or
tight-fitting
hood
100
Full-facepiece
or
tight-fitting
hood
1000
August 2011
SCBA including multi-functional
SCBA airline (tested in
negative-pressure mode, i.e.,
without the air source, and with
a surrogate facepiece converted
to negative-pressure air-purifying
respirators using cartridges or
filters appropriate for the fit test
method)
Particle
counter
Controlled negative
pressure
No for filtering
facepiece respirators
Yes, when the
respirator is
fitted with a
filter that
removes the
generated
aerosol.
Consult
the test
equipment
manufacturer.
Yes
Yes, when the
respirator is fitted
with a model-specific
surrogate filter/
cartridge adapter
from the fit test
equipment
manufacturer
© Canadian Standards Association
Filtering
facepiece
Negative-pressure air-purifying
gas/vapour (refer to Clause 9.3.3)
Z94.4-11
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Table 2
Applicable quantitative fit test (QNFT) methods and pass criteria for tight-fitting respirators
(See Clauses 8.1.1 to 8.1.8.)
Respirator
selection
process
Respirator
user
screening
Clauses 6, 7,
Annexes G,
K, L
Clause 12
Annex E
Care and
practical
use
Limitations
Repair and
maintenance
Clause 9,
Clauses 1, 8
Annexes A,
B, C, F, J, M
Clause 10
Annex G
Clause 11
Position
Roles and
responsibilities
Employer
Clause 4.2
Program administrator
Clause 5.1
Respirator user
Clause 5.2
Clause 12
Annex E
Clause 9,
Annexes A,
B, C, F, M
Clauses 1, 8
Clause 10
Annex G
Clause 11
Supervisor of respirator user
Clause 5.3
Clause 12
Annex E
Clause 9,
Annexes A,
B, C, F, M
Clauses 1, 8
Clause 10
Annex G
Clause 11
Person selecting respirator
Clause 5.4
Fit tester
Clause 5.5
Issuer
Clause 5.6
Respirator maintenance
personnel
Clause 5.7
Health care professional
Clause 5.8
Clauses 6, 7,
Annexes G,
K, L
Fit testing
Instruction
Clauses 1, 8
Annex G
Clause 9,
Clauses 1, 8
Annexes A,
B, C, F, J, M
Clause 11
Clauses 1, 8
Clause 11
Clauses 1, 8
45
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Clause 12
Annex E
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Table 3
Summary of training matrix
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Annex A (informative)
User seal checks
Notes:
(1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard but is written in mandatory language to accommodate its
adoption by anyone wishing to do so.
(2) For filtering-facepiece respirators, consult the manufacturers’ recommendations on specific user seal check procedures.
A.1 Negative-pressure user seal check using tight-fitting
elastomeric facepieces
A.1.1
A negative-pressure user seal check can be conducted on air-purifying respirators and
atmosphere-supplying respirators equipped with tight-fitting facepieces.
This check can be difficult or impossible to conduct on respirators incorporating air-purifying elements
that do not allow the inhalation inlets to be temporarily sealed.
A.1.2
The procedure for conducting the negative-pressure user seal check shall be as follows:
(a) The user seal check consists of closing off the inlet opening(s) of the respirator air-purifying elements
so that upon inhalation, passage of air into the facepiece will not occur. In the case of
atmosphere-supplying respirators, the user seal check consists of closing off the air supply hose.
(b) To avoid possible disruption of the facial seal, a non-permeable, flexible plastic wrap may be used to
seal the air inlets instead of attempting to maintain a seal with the hands.
(c) The user shall inhale gently and hold a breath for at least 5 s. The facepiece will collapse slightly on
the face and shall remain collapsed while the breath is held.
(d) During this period, the facepiece shall not be disturbed by the user attempting to maintain a seal on
the inlet opening of the air-purifying elements.
(e) If the facepiece remains collapsed while a breath is being held, the user seal check is successful.
(f) If the facepiece does not remain collapsed while a breath is being held, the user shall verify that
nothing obstructs the sealing surface, adjust the facepiece and harness, and repeat the user seal
check.
(g) If the facepiece still does not remain collapsed while a breath is being held, then the user shall remove
the respirator, inspect the components for the cause of the leakage, correct any problems discovered,
or obtain a replacement respirator and repeat the user seal check.
(h) Users shall not use a respirator for which a user seal check cannot be completed successfully.
A.2 Positive-pressure user seal check using tight-fitting
elastomeric facepieces
A.2.1
A positive-pressure user seal check can be conducted on respirators equipped with tight-fitting facepieces
that contain both inhalation and exhalation valves.
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A.2.2
The procedure for conducting the positive-pressure user seal check shall be as follows:
(a) Don the respirator facepiece, closing off the exhalation valve or breathing tube, or both, and exhaling
gently.
Note: For some respirators, the positive-pressure user seal check requires that the exhalation valve cover be removed,
then replaced following completion of the user seal check.
(b) During this period, the facepiece shall not be disturbed by the user attempting to maintain a seal on
the exhalation valve.
(c) If a slight positive pressure can be maintained inside the facepiece without detection of any outward
leakage of air, the user seal check is successful.
(d) If a slight positive pressure cannot be maintained inside the facepiece for 5 s, the user shall verify that
nothing obstructs the sealing surface, adjust the facepiece and harness, and repeat the user seal
check.
(e) If a slight positive pressure still cannot be maintained inside the facepiece, the user shall remove the
respirator, inspect the components for the cause of the leakage, correct any problems discovered, or
obtain a replacement respirator and repeat the user seal check.
(f) Users shall not use a respirator for which a user seal check cannot be completed successfully.
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Annex B (mandatory)
Qualitative respirator fit tests (QLFT)
Notes:
(1) This Annex is a mandatory part of this Standard.
(2) This Annex sets out currently recognized fit test methods. If other methods are developed, their use is subject to
approval by the authority having jurisdiction.
B.1 Acceptable QLFT methods (see Clause 9.4.1)
The following QLFT methods shall be acceptable:
(a) QLFT using isoamyl acetate (banana oil) as a challenge agent in a test chamber following threshold
screening, with non-detection of its odour by a test subject wearing a respirator serving as an
indication of acceptable fit;
(b) QLFT using saccharin solution aerosol as a challenge agent in a test chamber following threshold
screening, with non-detection of its sweet taste by a test subject wearing a respirator serving as an
indication of acceptable fit;
(c) QLFT using bitter aerosol (denatonium benzoate) as a challenge agent in a test chamber following
threshold screening, with non-detection of its bitter taste by a test subject wearing a respirator
serving as an indication of acceptable fit; and
(d) QLFT using irritant smoke (stannic chloride) as a challenge agent following threshold screening, with
non-detection of it by a test subject wearing a respirator serving as an indication of acceptable fit.
B.2 General
B.2.1 Health and safety issues
Specific issues associated with each challenge agent are addressed in the respective QLFT protocols below.
Refer to the manufacturer’s MSDS for appropriate handling and disposal procedures for the challenge
agents.
Diligence in adhering to the protocols will ensure that the respirator user is fitted with and assigned a
respirator that is protective within the specifications and limitations defined or referenced in this Standard.
B.2.2 Introduction of QLFT to respirator users
The person conducting the QLFT shall provide the test subject with an introduction to QLFT. In this
introduction, the fit tester shall
(a) explain what the QLFT procedure is, why it is required, and the importance of using a respirator that
provides an effective, reproducible face-to-facepiece seal;
(b) explain why the test is important, in order to convince the test subject to co-operate fully in the QLFT;
(c) describe the challenge agent used in the QLFT and how to identify it;
(d) describe how the test subject selects a properly fitting and comfortable respirator from those that are
appropriate to the application;
(e) explain that the respirator is equipped with the appropriate filters or chemical cartridges for the
challenge agent being used;
(f) explain that the test subject is required to successfully complete the positive- or negative-pressure
user seal check with the selected respirator without physical or verbal assistance prior to proceeding
with the QLFT;
(g) explain that the test subject is required to don the respirator properly, without physical or verbal
assistance, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;
(h) explain that the test subject is required, during the QLFT, to wear other PPE that he/she could be
required to use in the workplace and that could affect the face-to-facepiece seal;
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
(i)
(j)
describe the QLFT exercises and how to perform them during the QLFT;
explain why it is important to use, in the workplace, the specific brand, model, and size of facepiece
that is used to pass the QLFT; and
(k) emphasize that the user must always inspect a respirator before using it to ensure that it is in proper
working condition.
B.2.3 Common basic steps
B.2.3.1
Each facepiece represents a different model and size. The test subject shall select the most comfortable
facepiece from a variety of appropriate models and sizes.
B.2.3.2
The test subject shall hold each facepiece against his/her face and shall choose one that he/she feels will
provide the best fit and comfort. The test subject shall be shown how to don a respirator, how to position
it on the face, how to set strap tension, and how to assess a comfortable fit. A mirror shall be available to
assist the subject in evaluating the fit and positioning of the respirator. If the appropriate facepiece for the
application cannot be found, a protective alternative shall be made available. A small percentage of users
will not be able to use any tight-fitting facepiece.
B.2.3.3
The more comfortable facepieces shall be recorded and the most comfortable facepiece shall be donned
and worn for at least 5 min to assess comfort. Assistance in assessing comfort shall be given by discussing
the points in Clause B.2.3.4.
B.2.3.4
Assessment of comfort shall include reviewing the following points with the test subject:
(a) proper placement of the chin;
(b) fit and position of the facepiece on the nose (if a half-facepiece);
(c) strap tension;
(d) accommodation of spectacles or eye protection, without adversely affecting face-to-facepiece seal;
(e) intelligible speech without an obvious break in the face-to-facepiece seal;
(f) tendency for the facepiece to slip (stability);
(g) full contact of the sealing surface of the facepiece to the face;
(h) self-observation in the mirror; and
(i) time for assessment of comfort in relation to the face-to-facepiece seal.
B.2.3.5
The respirator configuration to be worn in the test subject’s workplace, including other required PPE, shall
be worn for the fit test to confirm compatibility (see Clause 9.2.5).
B.2.3.6
The test subject shall perform the positive- or negative-pressure user seal checks (see Annex A). Failure of
the user seal check shall be cause to select an alternative respirator.
B.2.3.7
When a successful user seal check is achieved, the subject shall be deemed ready for fit testing.
B.2.3.8
After passing the fit test, the test subject shall be questioned again regarding the comfort of the respirator.
If it has become uncomfortable, another model of respirator shall be tried.
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B.2.3.9
The user shall be given the opportunity to select a different facepiece and be retested if, during on-the-job
use, the chosen facepiece becomes increasingly uncomfortable.
B.2.4 Sensitivity screening test
The sensitivity screening test area shall be ventilated to prevent general room contamination with the
challenge agent. Fit testing shall be conducted so that it does not interfere with the sensitivity screening
test.
B.2.5 Fit testing
B.2.5.1
After selecting, donning, and properly adjusting a respirator unassisted, the test subject shall wear it to the
fit testing area.
B.2.5.2 Fit test exercises
The following exercises shall be performed while the person conducting the QLFT challenges the respirator
seal with the test agent. Each exercise described shall be performed for at least 30 s:
(a) normal breathing;
(b) deep breathing. Be certain breaths are deep and regular;
(c) turning head from side to side. Be certain movement is complete, within the test subject’s
comfortable range of motion. Alert the test subject to inhale and exhale when the head is at either
side and to avoid bumping on the shoulder;
(d) nodding head up and down. Be certain that the test subject’s movements are complete, within a
comfortable range of motion. Alert the test subject to inhale when the head is in the fully up position,
to exhale when the head is in the fully down position, and to avoid bumping the respirator on the
chest;
(e) talking. Talk loud enough to be understood and slowly for the duration of this exercise. The person
being tested should be instructed to count, recite the alphabet, talk about a subject that is relevant to
work activities, or, if he/she prefers, read the Rainbow Passage:
“When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow
is a division of white light into many beautiful colours. These take the shape of a long round arch,
with its path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to
legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When people look for
something beyond reach, their friends say they are looking for the pot of gold at the end of the
rainbow”;
(f)
bending over, except where the test method will not permit it because of space limitations. The test
subject bends at the waist and tries to keep the head and back parallel to the floor, repeating the
movement at a comfortable pace and pausing long enough to inhale twice at each extreme position;
and
(g) normal breathing again.
B.3 Qualitative fit test (QLFT) protocols
B.3.1 Isoamyl acetate QLFT protocol
B.3.1.1 General
The entire screening and testing procedures shall be explained to the test subject prior to the screening
test. The fit test shall be conducted immediately after the threshold screening, but in a separate area (i.e.,
in a different room).
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B.3.1.2 Isoamyl acetate odour threshold screening
Odour threshold screening, performed without using a respirator, is intended to determine if the
individual tested can detect the odour of isoamyl acetate (CAS# 123-92-2) at low levels. The apparatus
and test method shall be as follows:
(a) Three 1 L glass jars with metal lids are required.
(b) Odour-free water (e.g., distilled or spring water) at approximately 25C (77F) shall be used for the
solutions.
(c) The isoamyl acetate (IAA; also known as isopentyl acetate) stock solution shall be prepared by adding
1 mL of pure IAA to 800 mL of odour-free water in a 1 L jar, closing the lid, and shaking for 30 s. Stock
solutions more than 1 week old shall not be used.
(d) The screening test shall be conducted in a room separate from the room used for actual fit testing.
The two rooms shall be well ventilated to prevent the odour of IAA from becoming evident in the
general room air where testing takes place.
(e) The mixtures used in the IAA odour detection test shall be prepared in an area separate from where
the test is performed, in order to prevent olfactory fatigue in the subject. The odour test solution shall
be prepared in a second jar by placing 0.4 mL of the stock solution into 500 mL of odour-free water
using a clean dropper or pipette. The solution shall be shaken for 30 s and allowed to stand for 2 to
3 min so that the IAA concentration above the liquid can reach equilibrium. This solution shall be
used for only 1 day.
(f) A test blank shall be prepared in a third jar by adding 500 mL of odour-free water.
(g) The odour test and test blank jar lids shall be labelled 1 and 2, for jar identification. Labels shall be
placed on the lids so that they can be peeled off periodically and switched to maintain the integrity of
the test.
(h) The following instruction shall be typed on a card and placed on the table in front of the two test jars:
“The purpose of this test is to determine if you can smell banana oil at a low concentration. The two
bottles in front of you contain water. One of these bottles also contains a small amount of banana oil.
Be sure the covers are on tight, then shake each bottle for two seconds. Unscrew the lid of each
bottle, one at a time, and sniff at the mouth of the bottle. Indicate to the test conductor which bottle
contains banana oil.”
(i) If the test subject is unable to correctly identify the jar containing the odour test solution, the IAA
qualitative fit test shall not be performed.
(j) If the test subject correctly identifies the jar containing the odour test solution, the test subject shall
proceed to respirator selection and fit testing.
B.3.1.3 Isoamyl acetate odour threshold fit test
The procedure for conducting the IAA QLFT shall be as follows:
(a) The fit test chamber shall be a clear 240 L (65 gal) drum liner suspended inverted over a 600 mm
(2 ft) diameter frame so that the top of the chamber is about 150 mm (6 in) above the test subject’s
head. If no drum liner is available, a similar chamber shall be constructed using plastic sheeting. The
inside top centre of the chamber shall have a small hook attached.
(b) Each respirator used for the fitting and fit testing shall be equipped with organic vapour cartridges or
offer protection against organic vapours.
(c) After selecting, donning, and properly adjusting a respirator, the test subject shall wear it to the fit
testing room. This room shall be separate from the room used for odour threshold screening and
respirator selection and shall be well ventilated, by an exhaust fan or lab hood, to prevent general
room contamination.
(d) A copy of the test exercises and any prepared text from which the subject is to read shall be taped to
the inside of the test chamber.
(e) Upon entering the test chamber, the test subject shall be given a 150 × 125 mm (6 × 5 in) piece of
paper towel, or other porous, absorbent, single-ply material, folded in half and wetted with 0.75 mL
of pure IAA. The test subject shall hang the wet towel on the hook at the top of the chamber. An IAA
test swab or ampoule may be substituted for the IAA wetted paper towel provided that it has been
demonstrated that the alternative IAA source will generate an IAA test atmosphere with a
concentration equivalent to that generated by the paper towel method.
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(f)
Allow 2 min for the IAA test concentration to stabilize before starting the fit test exercises. This is an
appropriate time to talk with the test subject about the fit test, the importance of his/her
co-operation, and the purpose of the test exercises or to demonstrate some of the exercises.
(g) If at any time during the test, the subject detects the banana-like odour of IAA, the fit test has failed.
The subject shall quickly exit from the test chamber and leave the test area to avoid olfactory fatigue.
(h) If the test has failed, the subject shall return to the selection room and remove the respirator. The test
subject shall repeat the odour sensitivity test, select and put on another respirator, return to the test
area, and again begin the fit test procedure above. The process shall continue until a respirator that
fits well has been found. Should the odour sensitivity test fail, the subject shall wait at least 5 min
before retesting. Odour sensitivity will usually return by this time.
(i) If the subject passes the test, the reliability of the test procedure shall be verified by having the subject
break the respirator face seal and confirm the presence of IAA odour before exiting the chamber.
(j) When the test subject leaves the chamber, he/she shall remove the saturated towel and return it to
the person conducting the test so that there is no significant IAA concentration buildup in the
chamber during subsequent tests. The used towels shall be kept in a self-sealing plastic bag to keep
the test area from being contaminated.
B.3.2 Saccharin solution aerosol QLFT protocol
B.3.2.1
The entire screening and testing procedure shall be explained to the test subject prior to the screening
test.
The fit test shall be conducted in a well-ventilated area or a separate room immediately after the
threshold screening.
Note: Fit testers should make the user aware that wearing a respirator with a fit test hood will elevate inspired carbon
dioxide levels and decrease inspired oxygen levels, which can cause discomfort. If this occurs, the user should notify the fit
tester to interrupt the test and remove the hood and respirator.
B.3.2.2 Saccharin taste threshold screening
The saccharin taste threshold screening, performed without using a respirator, is intended to determine
whether the individual being tested can detect the taste of saccharin. The procedure shall be as follows:
(a) The test subject shall not eat, drink (except plain water), smoke, or chew gum for 15 min before the
test.
Note: If the test subject eats or drinks something sweet before the screening test, he/she might be unable to taste the
weak saccharin solution.
(b) During threshold screening as well as during fit testing, subjects shall wear an enclosure about the
head and shoulders that is approximately 300 mm (12 in) in diameter and 350 mm (14 in) tall. The
front portion of the enclosure shall be clear from the respirator and allow free movement of the head
when a respirator is worn.
(c) The test enclosure shall have a 19 mm (3/4 in) hole in front of the test subject’s nose and mouth area
to accommodate a nebulizer/atomizer nozzle.
(d) The test subject shall don the test enclosure. Throughout the threshold screening test, the test subject
shall breathe through his/her slightly open mouth with the tongue extended. The subject is
instructed to report when he/she detects a sweet taste.
(e) The threshold screening solution shall be prepared by dissolving 0.83 g of sodium saccharin USP in
100 mL of warm water or by putting 1 mL of the fit test solution in 100 mL of distilled water.
Alternatively, a commercially available pre-mixed fit testing solution may be used.
(f) A small amount of the taste screening solution (~ 3 mL) shall be added into a nebulizer. This nebulizer
shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the fit test solution nebulizer.
(g) Using the nebulizer, the test conductor shall spray the threshold screening solution into the
enclosure. The nozzle shall be directed away from the nose and mouth of the test subject.
(h) To produce the aerosol, the nebulizer bulb shall be firmly squeezed so that it collapses completely,
then released, and allowed to fully expand.
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(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
Selection, use, and care of respirators
Ten squeezes shall be repeated rapidly and the test subject shall then be asked whether the saccharin
can be tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the sweet taste during the ten squeezes, the screening
test is complete. The taste threshold shall be noted as ten regardless of the number of squeezes
actually completed.
If the first response is negative, ten more squeezes shall be repeated rapidly and the test subject shall
again be asked whether the saccharin is tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the sweet taste
during the second ten squeezes, the screening test is complete. The taste threshold shall be noted as
20 regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.
If the second response is negative, ten more squeezes shall be repeated rapidly and the test subject
shall again be asked whether the saccharin is tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the sweet taste
during the third set of ten squeezes, the screening test is complete. The taste threshold shall be noted
as 30 regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.
The test conductor shall record the number of squeezes required to solicit a taste response.
If the saccharin is not tasted after 30 squeezes [see Item (k)], the saccharin fit test shall not be used.
If a taste response is elicited, the test subject shall be asked to take note of the taste for reference in
the fit test.
Correct use of the nebulizer means that approximately 1 mL of liquid is used at a time in the nebulizer
body.
The nebulizer shall be thoroughly rinsed in water, shaken dry, and refilled at least each morning and
periodically checked and maintained free of clogs.
B.3.2.3 Saccharin solution aerosol QLFT protocol
The protocol for the saccharin solution aerosol QLFT shall be as follows:
(a) The fit test shall use the same enclosure described in Clause B.3.2.2(b).
(b) The test subject shall don the enclosure while using the selected respirator [see Clause B.2.2(d)]. The
respirator shall be properly adjusted and equipped with a particulate filter(s).
(c) A second nebulizer/atomizer shall be used to spray the fit test solution into the enclosure. This
nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the screening test solution nebulizer.
(d) The fit test solution shall be prepared by adding 83 g of sodium saccharin USP to 100 mL of warm
water. Alternatively, a commercially available pre-mixed fit testing solution may be used.
(e) A small amount of the fit test solution (~ 3 mL) shall be added into the nebulizer.
(f) As before, the test subject shall breathe through a slightly open mouth with tongue extended and
report if he/she tastes the sweet taste of saccharin.
(g) The nebulizer shall be inserted into the hole in the front of the enclosure and an initial concentration
of saccharin fit test solution shall be sprayed into the enclosure using the same number of squeezes
(either 10, 20, or 30 squeezes) required to elicit a taste response as noted during the screening test. A
minimum of ten squeezes is required.
(h) After the aerosol has been generated, the test subject shall be instructed to perform the exercises
described in Clause B.2.5.2.
(i) Every 30 s the aerosol concentration shall be replenished using one-half the number of squeezes
recorded initially (i.e., 5, 10, or 15).
(j) The test subject shall indicate to the test conductor if at any time during the fit test the taste of
saccharin is detected. If the taste of saccharin is detected, the fit shall be deemed unsatisfactory and
the test has failed. A different respirator shall be tried and the entire test procedure shall be repeated
(taste threshold screening and fit testing).
(k) If the test subject does not report tasting the saccharin, the test has passed.
(l) Prior to removing the enclosure following a satisfactory fit test, the test conductor shall ask the test
subject to break the face-to-facepiece seal. Having the test subject detect the test agent confirms the
validity of the fit test and the effectiveness of the respirator.
(m) The test conductor shall make periodic checks of the nebulizer to ensure that it is not clogged. If
clogging is found at the end of the test session, the test shall be deemed invalid and shall be
repeated.
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B.3.3 Bitter aerosol (denatonium benzoate) protocol
B.3.3.1
The entire screening and testing procedure shall be explained to the test subject prior to the screening
test. The fit test shall be conducted in a well-ventilated area or a separate room immediately after the
threshold screening.
Note: Fit testers should make the user aware that wearing a respirator with a fit test hood will elevate inspired carbon
dioxide levels and decrease inspired oxygen levels, which can cause discomfort. If this occurs, the user should notify the fit
tester to interrupt the test and remove the hood and respirator.
B.3.3.2 Bitter aerosol (denatonium benzoate) taste threshold screening
The bitter aerosol taste threshold screening, performed without using a respirator, is intended to
determine whether the individual being tested can detect the taste of bitter aerosol.
The screening method shall be as follows:
(a) The test subject shall not eat, drink (except plain water), smoke, or chew gum for 15 min before the
test is conducted.
(b) The fit test shall use the same enclosure as that described in Clause B.3.2.2(b).
(c) The test enclosure shall have a 19 mm (3/4 in) hole in front of the test subject’s nose and mouth area
to accommodate a nebulizer/atomizer nozzle.
(d) The test subject shall don the test enclosure. Throughout the threshold screening test, the test subject
shall breathe through his/her slightly open mouth with the tongue extended. The subject is
instructed to report when he/she detects a bitter taste.
(e) The threshold screening solution shall be prepared by adding 13.5 mg of bitter aerosol to 100 mL of
5% salt (NaCl) by weight solution in distilled water. Alternatively, a commercially available pre-mixed
fit testing solution may be used.
(f) A small amount of the taste screening solution (~ 3 mL) shall be added into a nebulizer. This nebulizer
shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the fit test solution nebulizer.
(g) Using the nebulizer, the test conductor shall spray the threshold check solution into the enclosure.
(h) To produce the aerosol, the nebulizer bulb shall be firmly squeezed so that the bulb collapses
completely, then released, and allowed to fully expand.
(i) An initial ten squeezes shall be repeated rapidly and the test subject shall then be asked whether the
bitter aerosol can be tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the bitter taste during the ten squeezes,
the screening test is complete. The taste threshold shall be noted as ten regardless of the number of
squeezes actually completed.
(j) If the first response is negative, ten more squeezes shall be repeated rapidly and the test subject shall
again be asked whether the bitter aerosol is tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the bitter taste
during the second ten squeezes, the screening test is complete. The taste threshold shall be noted as
20 regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.
(k) If the second response is negative, ten more squeezes shall be repeated rapidly and the test subject
shall again be asked whether the bitter aerosol is tasted. If the test subject reports tasting the bitter
taste during the third set of ten squeezes, the screening test is complete. The taste threshold shall be
noted as 30 regardless of the number of squeezes actually completed.
(l) The test conductor shall take note of the number of squeezes required to solicit a taste response.
(m) If the bitter aerosol is not tasted after 30 squeezes [see Item (k)], the test subject is unable to taste
bitter aerosol and the bitter aerosol fit test shall not be used.
(n) If a taste response is elicited, the test subject shall be asked to take note of the taste for reference in
the fit test.
(o) Correct use of the nebulizer means that approximately 1 mL of liquid is used at a time in the nebulizer
body.
(p) The nebulizer shall be thoroughly rinsed in water, shaken to dry, and refilled at least each morning
and afternoon or at least every 4 h.
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B.3.3.3 Bitter aerosol (denatonium benzoate) QLFT protocol
The protocol for the bitter aerosol QLFT shall be as follows:
(a) The test subject shall not eat, drink (except plain water), smoke, or chew gum for 15 min before the
test.
(b) The fit test shall use the same enclosure as that described in Clause B.3.2.2(b).
(c) The test subject shall don the enclosure while using the selected respirator [see Clause B.2.2(d)]. The
respirator shall be properly adjusted and equipped with any type of particulate filter.
(d) A second nebulizer/atomizer shall be used to spray the fit test solution into the enclosure. This
nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the screening test solution nebulizer.
(e) The fit test solution shall be prepared by adding 337.5 mg of bitter aerosol to 200 mL of a 5% salt
(NaCl) solution in warm water. Alternatively, a commercially available pre-mixed fit testing solution
may be used.
(f) A small amount of the fit test solution (~ 3 mL) shall be added into the nebulizer.
(g) As before, the test subject shall breathe through his/her slightly open mouth with tongue extended
and be instructed to report if he/she tastes the bitter aerosol.
(h) The nebulizer shall be inserted into the hole in the front of the enclosure and an initial concentration
of the fit test solution shall be sprayed into the enclosure using the same number of squeezes (either
10, 20, or 30 squeezes) required to elicit a taste response as noted during the screening test.
(i) After the aerosol is generated, the test subject shall be instructed to perform the exercises described
in Clause B.2.5.2.
(j) Every 30 s the aerosol concentration shall be replenished using one half the number of squeezes used
initially (i.e., 5, 10, or 15).
(k) The test subject shall indicate to the test conductor if at any time during the fit test the taste of bitter
aerosol is detected. If the test subject does not report tasting the bitter aerosol, the test has passed.
(l) If the taste of bitter aerosol is detected, the fit shall be deemed unsatisfactory and the test has failed.
A different respirator shall be tried and the entire test procedure repeated (taste threshold screening
and fit testing).
(m) Prior to removing the enclosure following a satisfactory fit test, the test conductor shall ask the test
subject to break the face-to-facepiece seal. Having the test subject detect the test agent confirms the
validity of the fit test and the effectiveness of the respirator.
B.3.4 Irritant smoke (stannic chloride) QLFT protocol
B.3.4.1 Health and safety issues
B.3.4.1.1
The sensitivity screening test and the QLFT procedure for the stannic chloride irritant smoke protocol
requires very brief exposure of the test subjects to challenge concentrations of irritant smoke containing
hydrogen chloride possibly in excess of regulated occupational exposure limits and maximum use
concentrations for certain types of respiratory protective equipment unless the area is adequately
ventilated. The person conducting the QLFT might also be exposed. The person conducting the QLFT and
the test subject shall be made aware of this fact.
The fit tester shall advise the test subject that the smoke can be irritating to the eyes, lungs, and nasal
passages and shall instruct the subject to keep his/her eyes closed while the test is being performed. The fit
tester conducting the test should wear a respirator.
The test subject shall not be placed in a hood or enclosure at any time during the irritant smoke fit
testing. The irritant smoke sensitivity screening test and the QLFT shall be performed in a location with
exhaust ventilation sufficient to prevent contamination of the testing area or contamination of the
ventilation system.
B.3.4.1.2
The person conducting the QLFT shall ensure that the test subject has successfully completed a positive- or
negative-pressure user seal check.
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B.3.4.1.3
The prescribed QLFT protocol shall be used to ensure a controlled exposure to the challenge agent. Avoid
continuing to expose the test subject as soon as it is evident that he/she does not react to the test agent.
B.3.4.2 Preparation of the QLFT stannic chloride irritant smoke tube
The QLFT stannic chloride irritant smoke tube shall be prepared as follows:
(a) Use the tool provided by the manufacturer to break both ends of a glass stannic chloride irritant
smoke tube.
(b) Attach a short length of rubber tubing to the outlet end of the irritant smoke tube.
(c) Attach the other end of the irritant smoke tube to the tubing and aspirator bulb provided by the
manufacturer.
(d) To produce smoke for the fit test, gently squeeze the aspirator bulb to force air through the stannic
chloride irritant smoke tube.
Note: Appropriate hand and eye protection should be worn while breaking the tube.
B.3.4.3 Sensitivity screening test
The test subject shall be exposed in the following manner to a weak concentration of the stannic chloride
irritant smoke to become familiar with its characteristic odour:
(a) By squeezing the aspirator bulb to create positive-pressure air flow through the stannic chloride
irritant smoke tube, the person conducting the irritant smoke sensitivity check generates a weak
concentration of the irritant smoke within approximately 1 m of the test subject.
(b) The test subject then brings a handful of the smoke to within approximately 20 cm of his/her nose
and inhales gently. The result should be a slight involuntary cough or verbal acknowledgement of the
odour of the smoke.
B.3.4.4 Respirator selection
Respirators shall be selected as described in Clauses B.2.3.1 to B.2.3.3 except that each respirator shall be
equipped with a P100 rated particulate filter for removing irritant smoke.
B.3.4.5 Fit test — General
B.3.4.5.1
When conducting QLFT on subjects using half-facepiece respirators, the fit tester shall advise the test
subjects that the smoke can be irritating to the eyes. The fit tester shall instruct the QLFT subject to keep
his/her eyes closed throughout the complete test and until the conductor of the QLFT indicates that the
test has been completed.
When QLFT is conducted on subjects using full-facepiece respirators, the test subjects may keep their
eyes open throughout the QLFT.
B.3.4.5.2
QLFT using the irritant smoke method shall be conducted as follows:
(a) Remind the test subject to ensure that his/her eyes remain closed if he/she is using a quarter- or
half-facepiece respirator for the test.
(b) Obtain verbal confirmation from the test subject that this instruction is understood.
(c) Using the aspirator bulb provided with the irritant smoke kit, direct the stream of irritant smoke from
the tube towards the respirator face-to-facepiece seal area on the test subject. Start from a distance at
least 300 mm from the facepiece and gradually move to within approximately 50 mm, moving
around the entire perimeter of the facepiece while continuing to generate only sufficient irritant
smoke to challenge the periphery of the facepiece seal.
(d) Gradually direct the smoke around the entire perimeter of the face-to-facepiece seal of the respirator,
paying particular attention to the areas under the chin and in the area of the bridge of the nose if
half-facepiece respirators are involved.
(e) Avoid directing the irritant smoke directly into the air-purifying elements of the respirator.
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B.3.4.5.3
The exercises described in Clause B.2.5.2 shall be performed while the person conducting the fit test
challenges the respirator seal with the test agent. Each exercise shall be performed for 30 s. The person
conducting the QLFT shall control the stream of smoke as described in Clause B.3.4.5.2 Items (c) to (e).
B.3.4.5.4
If the test subject detects the irritant smoke, the person conducting the QLFT shall stop the test and
attempt to determine the reason for and the location of the leak. If possible, the test subject should
attempt to correct the cause of the leak and repeat the test.
If the repeated fit test is unsuccessful, the test respirator shall be rejected and another respirator shall be
selected and the fit test repeated.
B.3.4.5.5
When a test subject passes the stannic chloride irritant smoke fit test without evidence of a response, the
person conducting the fit test shall repeat the sensitivity screening test using the smoke from the same
irritant smoke tube used in the QLFT to confirm the subject’s reaction to the smoke. If the test subject fails
to recognize the characteristic odour, the result of this QLFT shall be considered void.
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Annex C (mandatory)
Quantitative respirator fit tests (QNFT)
Notes:
(1) This Annex is a mandatory part of this Standard.
(2) This Annex sets out currently recognized fit test methods. If other methods are developed, their use is subject to
approval by the authority having jurisdiction.
C.1 Acceptable QNFT methods (see Clause 9.5)
The following QNFT methods shall be acceptable:
(a) QNFT using a nonhazardous test aerosol (such as corn oil, polyethylene glycol 400, di-2-ethyl hexyl
sebacate, or sodium chloride) generated in a test chamber, and employing instrumentation to
quantify the fit of the respirator;
(b) QNFT using ambient aerosol as the test agent and appropriate instrumentation (condensation nuclei
counter) to quantify the respirator fit; and
(c) QNFT using controlled negative pressure and appropriate instrumentation to measure the volumetric
leak rate of a facepiece to quantify the respirator fit.
C.2 General
C.2.1
The employer shall ensure that persons administering QNFT are able to calibrate equipment, perform
tests, recognize invalid tests, calculate fit factors, and ensure that test equipment is in working order.
The employer shall ensure that QNFT equipment is maintained, calibrated, and operated according to
the manufacturer’s instructions.
C.2.2 Introduction of QNFT to respirator users
The person conducting the QNFT shall provide the test subject with an introduction to QNFT. In this
introduction, the fit tester shall
(a) explain what the QNFT procedure is, why it is required, and the importance of using a respirator that
provides an effective, reproducible face-to-facepiece seal;
(b) explain why the test is important, in order to convince the test subject to co-operate fully in the
QNFT;
(c) describe the challenge agent (e.g., ambient dust, generated aerosol, negative pressure) used in the
QNFT;
(d) describe how the test subject selects a properly fitting and comfortable respirator from those that are
appropriate to the application;
(e) explain that the respirator is equipped with the appropriate adapters or filters for the QNFT being
used;
(f) explain that the test subject is required to successfully complete the positive- or negative-pressure
user seal check with the selected respirator without physical or verbal assistance prior to proceeding
with the QNFT;
(g) explain that the test subject is required to don the respirator properly, without physical or verbal
assistance, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;
(h) explain that the test subject is required, during the QNFT, to wear other PPE that he/she could be
required to use in the workplace and that could affect the face-to-facepiece seal;
(i) describe the QNFT exercises and how to perform them during the QNFT;
(j) explain why it is important to use, in the workplace, the specific brand, model, and size of facepiece
that is used to pass the QNFT; and
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(k) emphasize that the user must always inspect a respirator before using it to ensure that it is in proper
working condition.
C.2.3 Common basic steps
C.2.3.1
Each facepiece represents a different model and size. The test subject shall select the most comfortable
facepiece from a variety of appropriate models and sizes.
C.2.3.2
The test subject shall hold each facepiece against his/her face and shall choose one that he/she feels will
provide the best fit and comfort. The test subject shall be shown how to don a respirator, how to position
it on the face, how to set strap tension, and how to assess a comfortable fit. A mirror shall be available to
assist the subject in evaluating the fit and positioning of the respirator. If the appropriate facepiece for the
application cannot be found, a protective alternative shall be made available. A small percentage of users
will not be able to use any tight-fitting facepiece.
C.2.3.3
The more comfortable facepieces shall be recorded and the most comfortable facepiece shall be donned
and worn for at least 5 min to assess comfort. Assistance in assessing comfort shall be given by discussing
the points in Clause C.2.3.4.
C.2.3.4
Assessment of comfort shall include reviewing the following points with the test subject:
(a) proper placement of the chin;
(b) fit and position of the facepiece on the nose (if a half-facepiece);
(c) strap tension;
(d) accommodation of spectacles or eye protection, without adversely affecting face-to-facepiece seal;
(e) intelligible speech without an obvious break in the face-to-facepiece seal;
(f) tendency for the facepiece to slip (stability);
(g) full contact of the sealing surface of the facepiece to the face;
(h) self-observation in the mirror; and
(i) time for assessment of comfort in relation to the face-to-facepiece seal.
C.2.3.5
The respirator configuration to be worn in the test subject’s workplace, including other required PPE, shall
be worn for the fit test to confirm compatibility (see Clause 9.2.5).
C.2.3.6
The test subject shall perform the positive- or negative-pressure user seal checks (see Annex A). The fit test
probe in the facepiece shall be blocked during the user seal check. Failure of the user seal check shall be
cause to select an alternative respirator.
C.2.3.7
When a successful user seal check is achieved, the subject shall be deemed ready for fit testing.
C.2.3.8
After passing the fit test, the test subject shall be questioned again regarding the comfort of the respirator.
If it has become uncomfortable, another model of respirator shall be tried.
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C.2.3.9
The user shall be given the opportunity to select a different facepiece and be retested if, during on-the-job
use, the chosen facepiece becomes increasingly uncomfortable.
C.2.3.10
Sampling adapters used with the user’s respirator for QNFT shall be completely removed and the facepiece
restored to its original configuration before the respirator is returned for use in the workplace.
C.2.3.11
Permanently probed facepieces used for QNFT shall not be used for respiratory protection in the
workplace.
C.3 Generated aerosol photometer QNFT procedure
C.3.1 Operating principles
An aerosol, usually an oil, shall be generated and blown into a test chamber that surrounds the head and
shoulders or the entire body of the respirator user. Photometers shall simultaneously measure the scattered
light from a large number of particles to indicate a relative aerosol concentration. As used for QNFT, the
concentration of the challenge aerosol (Cout) and the concentration inside the respirator (Cin) shall be
measured consecutively while the test subject performs a series of exercises designed to stress the
facepiece seal in ways that approximate anticipated workplace conditions.
The method generally requires an exposure chamber to confine the generated aerosol around the test
subject. The respirator shall be equipped with particulate filters that do not allow the challenge aerosol to
penetrate significantly so that it can be assumed that all particles sampled from inside the respirator have
entered through a face seal leak.
The fit factor (FF) shall be calculated from the two concentration measurements as follows:
Fit factor = Cout/Cin
C.3.2 Equipment needed
The following equipment shall be used:
(a) aerosol generation and distribution system. The aerosol shall have an MMAD less than 1 m;
(b) photometric detection system;
(c) strip chart recorder or computer for permanent record;
(d) test chamber;
(e) respirator facepieces equipped with probes or special adapters and appropriate filters as specified by
the QNFT instrument manufacturer; and
(f) other accessories and supplies as required by the equipment manufacturer.
C.3.3 Equipment setup
The equipment shall be set up in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and in compliance with
the following requirements:
(a) Verify that all components of the QNFT system are assembled according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. This includes the hoses supplying the aerosol to the test chamber and returning exhaust
air from the chamber, sample lines, and electrical connections.
(b) Perform necessary maintenance, including filling the generator with oil to the proper level, draining
water filters, and fixing deficiencies detected in a visual inspection, such as loose hose connections.
(c) Power up the system and allow for a warm-up.
(d) Perform any preliminary adjustments, e.g., sample flow, generator pressure, dilution airflow.
(e) Allow time for the aerosol concentration to become stabilized in the test chamber.
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C.3.4 Performing the fit test
The procedure for performing the fit test shall be as follows:
(a) Do not initiate the test if the worker has smoked within the last 30 min.
(b) Enter all pertinent data into the test record.
(c) Instruct the test subject to don the respirator as trained (see Clause C.2.3.2).
(d) Have the test subject enter the test chamber and connect his/her respirator to the respirator sample
line.
(e) Sample the challenge aerosol agent and adjust the controls for the correct initial challenge level
(usually 100%). If a strip chart is used, mark “100%” on the paper.
(f) Connect the instrument to a filter to establish the zero baseline. For some instruments, Items (d)
and (e) may be reversed. If a strip chart is used, mark “0” on the paper.
(g) Begin the test. If a strip chart recorder is being used, be sure to note on the chart the beginning and
end of each exercise. Mark the range switch setting on the paper.
(h) The series of exercises specified in Clause B.2.5.2 shall be performed for at least 30 s.
(i) At the conclusion of the fit test, the person conducting the test shall resample the aerosol challenge.
This step shows the final challenge aerosol concentration and confirms that it has not changed
substantially during the test. If a strip chart is used, mark “100%” on the paper.
(j) Have the test subject disconnect the respirator sample line and exit the test area or chamber.
(k) Reconnect the instrument to a filter to verify that the zero baseline has not drifted significantly. If a
strip chart is used, mark “0” on the paper.
(l) If necessary, data reduction shall be done on the strip chart. The test results shall be recorded and
preserved.
C.3.5 Interpretation of results
When a computer is used, the computer reports for each exercise an average percent penetration (Pen),
calculated by summing each value measured during the exercise and dividing by the total number of
points collected. The overall penetration is the arithmetic mean of the penetration for each exercise.
When a strip chart is used, the Pen for each exercise is estimated by drawing a line through the
midpoint of the trace of that exercise. The midpoint of this line represents the percent penetration, taking
into account the range to which the instrument is set.
The overall fit factor (Overall FF) shall be calculated as follows:
Overall FF = 1/Average overall penetration
A person shall be considered to have passed the fit test if the overall fit factor equals or exceeds the
minimum required fit factor.
C.4 Particle-counting instrument QNFT procedure
C.4.1 Operating principles
Particle-counting instruments are capable of measuring the number concentration of particles in a given
aerosol sample by counting single particles. When used for QNFT, the particle concentration of the
challenge aerosol (Cout) and the particle concentration inside the respirator (Cin) are both measured while
the test subject performs a series of exercises designed to stress the face seal in ways that approximate
anticipated workplace conditions.
Particle-counting instruments typically use the particles in the ambient air as the challenge aerosol. This
eliminates the need for aerosol generators and test chambers.
The respirator shall be equipped with particulate filters that do not allow the challenge aerosol to
penetrate significantly. Refer to the fit testing equipment manufacturer for filter requirements. It is
assumed that all particles sampled from inside the respirator have entered through a face seal leak.
The fit factor shall be calculated from the two concentration measurements as follows:
Fit factor = Cout/Cin
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Care shall be taken to ensure that particles are not generated by the test subject’s body inside the
facepiece. Because the system cannot differentiate between subject-generated particles and the ambient
aerosol penetration, erroneously low fit factors can result. For example, particles are released from the
lungs for 30 min after smoking a cigarette.
C.4.2 Equipment needed
The following equipment shall be used:
(a) a particle-counting QNFT instrument;
(b) a high-efficiency particulate filter for diagnostic checks recommended by the instrument
manufacturer;
(c) other accessories and supplies required by the instrument manufacturer; and
(d) respirator facepieces equipped with probes or special adapters and appropriate filters as specified by
the QNFT instrument manufacturer.
C.4.3 Diagnostic checks
The following diagnostic checks shall be performed at least daily. The instrument shall pass all three checks
before fit testing can begin. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specifications and guidance.
(a) Particle check — Measure the concentration of particles in the environment where fit testing will be
performed to make sure that the instrument is working and that the concentration is high enough
and stable enough to permit reliable measurements.
(b) Zero check — After the particle check is successfully completed, with the instrument in
particle-counting mode, attach the high-efficiency filter to the sample hose. Watch the particle
concentration display to make sure that it drops to zero within the time specified by the
manufacturer. This confirms there are no leaks in the system.
(c) System check — After the zero check is successfully completed, leave the filter on the sample hose
and perform a fit factor measurement on the filter. The result shall comply with the manufacturer’s
instructions and specifications. This confirms that high fit factors can be measured.
C.4.4 Preparation for fit testing
Preparation of equipment shall be as follows:
(a) Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set the instrument to perform the required fit test exercise
protocol.
(b) Connect the instrument sample hose to the respirator facepiece to be tested. In-mask aerosol
sampling devices shall be situated and used such that the in-mask sample is drawn at a point midway
between the nose and mouth. The sample probe location shall follow the recommendations of the fit
test equipment manufacturer. The sample probe should extend into the respirator cavity, but not
close enough to be blocked by the face. The in-mask sampling point shall not be isolated from the
nose or mouth by a physical partition. For example, if a nose cup is used on a full-facepiece, the
sample point shall be inside the nose cup.
(c) Instruct the test subject to don the respirator as trained (see Clause C.2.3.2).
(d) Allow the test subject’s breathing to purge ambient particles trapped inside the respirator during
donning. A half-facepiece will usually purge in a few breaths while a full-facepiece can take a full
minute.
C.4.5 Fit testing
Initiate the instrument’s fit test cycle. Instruct the test subject to begin and follow through with the
exercise protocol specified in Clause B.2.5.2 for at least 30 s.
C.4.6 Interpretation of results
At the completion of the fit test, the instrument provides a pass/fail indication or a numeric overall fit
factor result, or both, for the entire test. The person shall be considered to have passed the fit test if the
overall fit factor result equals or exceeds the minimum required fit factor criteria.
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C.5 Controlled negative-pressure (CNP) QNFT procedure
C.5.1 Operating principle
The CNP fit test method is based on exhausting air from a temporarily sealed respirator. Measurement of
the exhaust air stream that is required to hold the pressure constant in the temporarily sealed respirator
yields a direct measure of leakage air into the respirator. The rate of exhaust is controlled so that a constant
negative pressure is established and maintained in the respirator during the fit test.
Air molecules are the challenge agent for a CNP fit test. The amount of air that leaks through the face
seal is assumed to represent the amount of contaminant leakage through the face seal. The rate of air
leakage is directly related to the pressure differential created inside the facepiece during inspiration. The
primary determinants of in-mask inspiratory pressure include work rate and air-purifying cartridge
resistance. CNP challenge pressures are designed to approximate inspiratory pressure differentials
associated with low to moderate work rates rather than resting conditions.
The CNP fit factor shall be calculated from the ratio of modelled inspiratory flow rate (function of work
rate and cartridge resistance) and measured leakage flow rate.
C.5.2 Equipment needed
The following equipment shall be used:
(a) a controlled negative-pressure (CNP) fit test instrument; and
(b) CNP fit test adapters.
Filter cartridges shall be replaced with leak-tight adapters to seal the normal air pathways into the
respirator. The adapters are equipped with a breathing valve as well as air exhaust and
pressure-monitoring ports. The inhalation valve downstream from the test adapter containing the air
exhaust port shall be either propped open or removed during the fit test.
C.5.3 System calibration and operational checks
The following system calibration and operational checks shall be conducted:
(a) Calibrate the pressure and flow rate transducers on a periodic (e.g., annual) basis.
(b) The pressure/flow rate relationship of the bypass orifice should be checked on a daily basis.
C.5.4 Preparation for fit testing
Preparation for the fit test shall consist of the following:
(a) Equip the test respirator with the appropriate CNP test adapter.
(b) Tell the person being fit tested to don the respirator as trained.
(c) Select the appropriate fit test protocol from the instrument’s fit test menu:
(i) Redon for all air-purifying respirators; or
(ii) SCBA for all atmosphere-supplying respirators.
C.5.5 Fit tests
Fit tests shall consist of the following:
(a) Tell the person being fit tested to take a breath and hold it for the duration of the test (about 10 s).
The person shall remain motionless in the specified head position during the fit test.
(b) When the breath hold is initiated, tell the person being tested to pause for 1 s and then close the
adapter breathing valve with the trigger switch. This allows the in-mask pressure to equilibrate to
ambient pressure before the test is started.
(c) The CNP test system shall be activated to establish and maintain a negative challenge pressure in the
temporarily sealed respirator. The exhaust flow rate required to maintain a constant challenge
pressure shall be averaged over the duration of the test and represents a direct measure of respirator
leakage flow rate.
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C.5.6 CNP test exercises
All of the following exercises shall be conducted:
(a) Face forward — The test subject shall face forward, hold a comfortable breath, press the trigger
switch to initiate the test measurement, and remain still for the duration of the test.
(b) Bend over — The test subject shall bend at the waist and face the floor, hold a comfortable breath
while looking at the floor, press the trigger switch to initiate the test measurement, and remain still
for the duration of the test.
(c) Shake head — The test subject shall shake his/her head vigorously from side to side while exhaling
forcefully or shouting for 3 to 5 s. He/she shall then face forward, hold a comfortable breath, press
the trigger switch to initiate the test measurement, and remain still for the duration of the test.
(d) Redon 1 — The test subject shall remove the respirator, let out the straps, redon the respirator, face
forward, hold a comfortable breath, press the trigger switch to initiate the test measurement, and
remain still for the duration of the test.
(e) Redon 2 — The test subject shall remove the respirator, let out the straps, redon the respirator, face
forward, hold a comfortable breath, press the trigger switch to initiate the test measurement, and
remain still for the duration of the test.
C.5.7 Interpretation of CNP test results
Interpretation of CNP test results shall be based on the following:
(a) A CNP fit factor shall be calculated as the ratio of modelled inspiratory flow rate to measured leakage
flow rate.
(b) The person shall be considered to have passed the fit test if the overall fit factor equals or exceeds the
minimum required fit factor criteria.
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Annex D (informative)
Use of SCBA in low-temperature environments
Notes:
(1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
(2) See CSA Z180.1 for additional information on dew point.
D.1 Dew point
D.1.1
Dew point is the temperature at which condensation of water vapour in the air takes place. The dew point
of a compressed air sample is normally determined by measuring the concentration of water vapour in the
air at normal atmospheric pressure. The water vapour concentration at this point can be expressed in v/v
or ppm.
D.1.2
From Table D.1, it can be seen that an air sample having an atmospheric dew point of –53 C (–63°F)
contains 27 mL/m3 (27 ppm) by volume of water vapour.
D.1.3
If the temperature of the compressed breathing air were reduced below the pressure dew point
temperature, water vapour would begin to condense. Reduction of the air temperature can result from
exposure to cold ambient temperatures or cooling from adiabatic expansion during demand.
D.1.4
The minimum operating temperature is marked on all SCBA. Users should be cautioned that higher
pressures such as 31.0 MPa can aggravate rather than alleviate the problems of regulator freeze-up. In an
air sample having an atmospheric dew point of –53 C (–63F), water vapour condensation at 31.0 MPa
would begin at the pressure dew point temperature of –8 C (18F).
D.1.5
Compressed breathing air purification systems should be capable of consistently producing low dew point
air to meet requirements in low-temperature operations (see CSA Z180.1).
D.2 Regulator malfunction
D.2.1
Regulator freeze-up can occur at ambient temperatures of 5 C (41F) or below. Cooling of the supply air
results from exposure to cold ambient temperatures, as well as during demand, when the air undergoes an
adiabatic expansion from high to low pressure. If the air is cooled below its dew point, water vapour can
condense and ice can form in the flow system. Continued buildup of ice crystals in the flow system can
cause malfunction of the regulator.
D.2.2
Storage of the apparatus in warm, dry environments and filling SCBA cylinders with compressed air having
a pressure dew point temperature of 5 C (9F) below the lowest expected operating ambient
temperature, whenever possible, should reduce the incidence of regulator freeze-up.
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D.3 Facepiece and breathing tube
D.3.1
Some elastomeric parts can become stiff when stored at cold ambient temperatures and distort to a
degree that prevents an acceptable face-to-facepiece seal. An acceptable facepiece seal can sometimes be
obtained if the facepiece softens when warmed through contact with the user’s skin. Whenever possible,
avoid pre-cooling by storing the apparatus in a warm, dry environment.
D.3.2
Certain breathing tubes and facepieces can, in sufficiently cold temperatures, become brittle to the point
of shattering if dropped or accidentally bumped. Metal fasteners, buttons, or buckles can cause frostbite if
permitted to touch the user’s face.
D.3.3
Fogging occurs when moist, exhaled air condenses on the facepiece lens. Anti-fog preparations can
alleviate fogging in temperatures down to about 0 C (32°F), but they are increasingly ineffective at lower
temperatures. Facepieces fitted with nose cups that are in proper working condition and provide an
effective face-to-facepiece seal will direct the moist air through the exhalation valve to the ambient
atmosphere. This action significantly reduces fogging.
D.3.4
Moisture from exhaled air can cause the facepiece exhalation valve to freeze shut when the facepiece is
removed in low-temperature environments. Thawing with a warm air source and drying of the exhalation
valve prior to re-exposure to low temperature will alleviate this problem.
Caution: Attempts to free the valve using mechanical force can result in damage to the valve or valve
seat.
D.3.5 Harness
Shoulder harnesses and waist belts made from plastic or from rubberized or plastic webbing can become
stiff and unmanageable in cold weather. Nylon webbing or other materials recommended for cold
weather should be used.
D.3.6 Cylinder low-air warning device
Audible alarms, normally set to actuate at 20 to 25% of the remaining service life of the apparatus, can
malfunction at low temperatures. The user is therefore advised to check the pressure gauge at frequent
intervals during operations.
D.4 Pressure demand
Low-temperature operations can affect the facepiece pressure characteristics during both the inhalation
and exhalation phase. Users should be trained to recognize any abnormal pressures that might cause leaks
or discomfort and should immediately evacuate to a fresh-air base if these problems occur.
D.5 Compressed air cylinder pressure
The pressure in a cylinder of compressed air drops by about 20% when the cylinder temperature is
lowered from 21 C (70°F) to –32 C (–26°F). The service life, however, is not lowered significantly because
the air, when used, warms to body temperature. The average loss in service life is actually less than 5%.
Notes:
(1) Never add additional air to a cylinder in which the pressure has decreased because of equilibration with a lower
temperature.
(2) Because it is very difficult to differentiate between a leaking cylinder and a cylinder in which the pressure has decreased
due to low-temperature exposure, cylinders should be pressurized and stored in a warm environment prior to use.
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D.6 Inspection of SCBA after use
Following each use in cold environments, all equipment should be thoroughly checked for distortion and
then leak tested.
D.7 Atmospheric dew point
D.7.1
Table D.1 is provided to assist the user in determining the atmospheric dew point required to protect
cylinders and receivers against the problems associated with excessive moisture content, e.g., regulator
freeze-up in cold weather operations and internal corrosion in the compressed breathing air cylinders. To
determine the atmospheric dew point temperature required to achieve this protection, proceed as follows:
(a) Select from Table D.1 the pressure dew point temperature column representing the pressure of the
user’s SCBA.
(b) Determine the lowest temperature to which the SCBA can be exposed.
(c) Locate the temperature closest to this in the column headed “Pressure dew point temperature” for
the appropriate cylinder pressure.
(d) Select the temperature 5 C (9F) below this temperature, as a safety factor.
(e) The temperature directly opposite this in the column with the heading “Atmospheric dew point
temperature” is the required dew point expressed in C or F. The corresponding water vapour
content in mL/m3 (ppm) is shown in the column “Water vapour content at atmospheric dew point
temperature and pressure”.
D.7.2 Example
A firefighter using a 15.3 MPa (2216 psig) air supply is working in a geographical location where the
lowest temperature to which the SCBA is exposed is –25 C (–13F). Proceed as follows:
(a) Select from Table D.1: 15.3 MPa (2216 psig).
(b) Locate the temperature closest to the lowest temperature to which the SCBA is exposed in the
column headed “Pressure dew point temperature” for the appropriate cylinder pressure: –25 C
(–13F).
(c) Select a temperature 5 C (9F) below this temperature: –30C (–22F).
(d) The dew point opposite in Column 1, “Atmospheric dew point”, is –65 C (–85F) and corresponds
to a water vapour content of 5 mL/m3 (ppm). The required atmospheric dew point for air used by the
firefighter is, therefore, –65 C (–85F), corresponding to a water vapour content at atmospheric dew
point temperature and pressure of 5 mL/m3 (ppm).
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Table D.1
Approximate moisture content in compressed breathing air
(operating pressures at or above 15.3 MPa (2216 psig)
(See Clauses D.1.2 and D.7.)
Pressure dew point
temperature at 15.3 MPa
(2216 psig) (2230.7 psia or
151 atm)
Pressure dew point
temperature at 20.7 MPa
(3000 psig) (3014.7 psia
or 204 atm)
Pressure dew point
temperature at 31.0 MPa
(4500 psig) (4514.7 psia
or 306 atm)
C
F
mL/m3 (ppm)
C
C
C
–53
–63
27
–12
10
–11
13
–10
13
–54
–65
24
–13
9
–12
10
–12
10
–55
–67
21
–15
6
–14
8
–14
7
–56
–69
18
–16
3
–15
5
–15
5
–57
–71
15
–18
1
–17
2
–17
2
–58
–72
14
–19
–2
–18
–1
–19
–1
–59
–74
12
–21
–5
–20
–4
–20
–4
–60
–76
11
–22
–8
–21
–6
–22
–7
–61
–78
9
–24
–10
–23
–9
–23
–10
–62
–80
8
–25
–13
–24
–12
–25
–13
–63
–81
7
–27
–16
–26
–14
–27
–16
–64
–83
6
–28
–18
–27
–17
–28
–19
–65
–85
5
–29
–21
–29
–20
–30
–22
–66
–87
5
–31
–24
–30
–23
–31
–25
–67
–89
4
–32
–26
–32
–25
–33
–27
–68
–90
4
–34
–29
–34
–28
–35
–30
–69
–92
3
–35
–32
–35
–31
–36
–33
–70
–94
3
–37
–34
–37
–34
–38
–36
–71
–96
2
–38
–37
–38
–36
–39
–39
Note: This Table is based on Table 5 from CSA Z180.1.
F
F
F
© Canadian Standards Association
August 2011
Atmospheric dew point
temperature at 101.3 kPa
(14.7 psia or 1 atm)
Water vapour content at
atmospheric dew point
temperature and
pressure
© Canadian Standards Association
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References:
(1) Arnold Wexler, “Vapour Pressure Formulation for Water in Range 0 to 100 °C. A Revision”, Journal of Research of the National Bureau of Standards — A. Physics and
Chemistry, Vol. 80A, Nos. 5 and 6 (September–December 1976), pp. 777–778, equation 16A, Table 1, Column 2.
(2) R.W. Hyland and A. Wexler, “Formulations for the Thermodynamic Properties of the Saturated Phases of H2O from 173.15K to 474.1K”, ASHRAE Transactions, Part 2A.
(3) Lewis Greenspan, “Functional Equations for the Enhancement Factors for CO2 — Free Moist Air”, Journal of Research of the National Bureau of Standards — A. Physics
and Chemistry, Vol. 80A, No. 1 (January–February, 1976), p. 41, equation 3; p. 42, equations 5 and 6, Table 1.
(4) See the National Building Code of Canada for temperature conditions in Canada.
Selection, use, and care of respirators
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Annex E (informative)
Health surveillance
Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
E.1
Health surveillance is important to ensure that a person is able to use a respirator without serious difficulty.
The use of a respirator can place a physiological or psychological burden on a person, depending on
(a) the health of the person;
(b) the type of respirator worn; and
(c) the job and workplace conditions in which the respirator is used.
Figure E.1 provides a sample user screening form to assist in assessing the respirator user’s ability to safely
use a respirator.
E.2
The following is a list of references that provide guidance for physicians on determining the type of
medical examination to be conducted for various working conditions and jobs:
(a) American Journal Respir. Crit. Care Med.: Respiratory Protection Guidelines, American Thoracic
Society, Medical Section of the American Lung Association, Vol. 154, pp. 1153–1165, 1996.
(b) National Fire Protection Agency, NFPA 1582, Standard on Medical Requirements for Fire Fighters,
1997 Edition, 1582-1–1582-36, Chapter 3.
(c) National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) Respirator Decision Logic,
Publication 87-108.
(d) Occupational Health and Safety Agency (OHSA) — Health Canada — Revised Occupational Health
Assessment Guide (OHAG), June 1998.
(e) American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Vol. 37, pp. 142–157, Medical Evaluation for Respirator Use
by Szeinuk, et. al., 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
(f) Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Vol. 41, pp. 989–994, Medical Surveillance for
Respirator Users, J. Michael Muhm. (November 1999).
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RESPIRATOR USER SCREENING FORM
For initial and periodic screening of respirator users in conjunction with CSA Z94.4, Clause 12
PART 1: EMPLOYER INFORMATION
Employer name:
Employer #:
Date:
Worksite address:
Supervisor name:
Email:
Telephone: (
Facsimile: (
)
)
PART 2: RESPIRATOR USER INFORMATION
Name:
Employee #:
Title/Occupation:
Telephone: (
Email:
)
Facsimile: (
)
PART 3: CONDITIONS OF USE
ACTIVITIES requiring respirator use:
FREQUENCY of respirator use:
❏ Daily
❏ Weekly
❏ Monthly
❏ Yearly
❏ Other
EXERTION level during use:
❏ Light
❏ Moderate
❏ Heavy
❏ Other
DURATION of respirator use per shift:
❏ < 1/4 h
❏ > 1/4 h
❏ >2h
❏ Variable
❏ Other
TEMPERATURE during use:
❏ < 0° C
❏ > 0 and < 25° C
❏ > 25° C
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE during use:
❏ Reduced
❏ Normal/ambient
❏ Increased
SPECIAL WORK CONSIDERATIONS
Uncontrolled hostile environment:
❏ Emergency escape
❏ Firefighting
❏ Riot/Police activity
❏ Rescue operations
❏ Oxygen deficiency
❏ Confined spaces
❏ IDLH
❏ Hazardous materials (emergency)
❏ Other _______________________________
Other personal protective equipment:
❏ Additional types of personal protective equipment required (specify): _______________________________________
❏ Estimated total weight of tools/equipment carried during respirator use: Maximum: _______ Average: _________
PART 4: TYPES OF RESPIRATORS USED (check all that apply)
❏ Tight-fitting
❏ Non-tight-fitting (e.g., hood)
❏ SCBA — open-circuit
❏ Mouth bit
❏ SCBA — closed-circuit ❏ Air-purifying, non-powered
❏ Airline, continuous-flow
❏ SCBA — escape
❏ Air-purifying,
powered
❏ SCBA — closed-circuit
escape
❏ Airline, pressure-demand
❏ Multi-functional pressure-demand/Airline with escape
❏ Supplied-air suit
❏ Combined airline with air-purifying elements
❏ Other (specify): ______________
Figure E.1
Sample respirator user screening form
(See Clause E.1.)
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PART 5: RESPIRATOR USER’S HEALTH CONDITIONS
Check Yes or No box only. DO NOT specify
Note: Medical information is NOT to be offered on this form.
(a) Some conditions can seriously affect your ability to safely use a respirator. Do you have or do you experience
any of the following or any other condition that could affect respirator use? ❏ Yes
❏ No
Shortness of breath
Breathing difficulties
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Lung disease
Chest pain on exertion
Heart problems
Allergies
Hypertension
Cardiovascular disease
Thyroid problems
Diabetes
Neuromuscular disease
Fainting spells
Dizziness/Nausea
Seizures
Temperature susceptibility
Claustrophobia/Fear of heights
Hearing impairment
Pacemaker
Panic attacks
Colour blindness
Asthma
Vision impairment
Reduced sense of smell
Reduced sense of taste
Back/Neck problems
Unusual facial features/Skin
conditions
Dentures
Other condition(s) affecting respirator use
Prescription medication to control a condition
(b) Have you had previous difficulty while using a respirator?
❏ Yes
❏ No
(c) Do you have any concerns about your future ability to use a respirator safely?
❏ Yes
❏ No
A “YES” answer to (a), (b), or (c) indicates further assessment by a health care professional is
required prior to respirator use.
Signature of respirator user:
Supervisor’s initials:
Date:
PART 6: HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL PRIMARY ASSESSMENT (if required)
Assessment date:
Respirator use permitted:
❏ Yes
❏ No
Referred to medical assessment:
❏ Yes
❏ No
❏ Uncertain
Comments:
Reassessment date:
Name of health care professional (HCP):
Title:
Signature of HCP:
PART 7: MEDICAL ASSESSMENT (if required)
Assessment date:
❏ Class 1. No restrictions
❏ Class 2. Some specific restrictions apply (specify): ________________________________________________________
❏ Class 3. Respirator use is NOT permitted.
Name of physician:
Signature of physician:
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Annex F (informative)
Procedures for cleaning and sanitizing
respirators
Notes:
(1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard but is written in mandatory language to accommodate its
adoption by anyone wishing to do so.
(2) Design suggestions for a respirator cleaning and maintenance area are included in NIOSH Publication No. 87-116.
F.1 Procedures for cleaning respirators
Respirators shall be cleaned as follows:
(a) Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters. Disassemble facepieces by removing speaking diaphragms,
pressure-demand valve assemblies, hoses, and any other components as recommended by the
manufacturer. Discard or repair any defective parts.
(b) Wash components in warm [43° C (110°F) maximum] water with a mild detergent or with a cleaner
recommended by the manufacturer. A stiff bristle (not wire) brush may be used to facilitate the
removal of dirt.
(c) Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm [43° C (110°F) maximum], preferably running water.
Drain.
(d) When the cleaner used does not contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components should be
immersed for 2 min in one of the following:
(i) hypochlorite solution (50 ppm of chlorine), made by adding approximately 1 mL of laundry
bleach (5 to 6% chlorine) to 1 L of water at 43° C (110°F);
(ii) aqueous solution of iodine (50 ppm of iodine), made by adding approximately 0.8 mL of
tincture of iodine (6 to 8 g ammonium or potassium iodide/100 cc of 45% alcohol) to 1 L of
water at 43° C (110°F); or
(iii) other commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality when used as directed, if
their use is recommended or approved by the respirator manufacturer.
(e) Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm [43° C (110°F) maximum], preferably running water.
Drain. The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or disinfectants
that dry on facepieces can result in adverse skin reactions (e.g., dermatitis). In addition, some
disinfectants can cause deterioration of rubber or corrosion of metal parts if not completely removed.
(f) Components should be hand-dried with a clean, lint-free cloth or air-dried.
(g) Reassemble the facepiece, replacing filters, cartridges, and canisters where necessary.
(h) Ensure that all components work properly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Annex G (informative)
Respirator classification, characteristics, and
limitations
Notes:
(1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard but is written in mandatory language to accommodate its
adoption by anyone wishing to do so.
(2) All of the classifications and limitations included in this Annex refer to NIOSH testing and certification criteria. Some
authorities having jurisdiction recognize other agencies’ testing and certification criteria, e.g., CEN.
G.1
The physical characteristics, the functional capabilities, and the performance limitations of the various
types of respirators shall be considered in respirator selection.
G.2
For the purpose of selection, respirators shall be grouped as specified in Clause 7.2.1.
G.3 Atmosphere-supplying respirators
G.3.1 General
G.3.1.1 Characteristics
Atmosphere-supplying respirators provide compressed breathing air that is independent of the
atmospheric conditions.
G.3.1.2 Limitations
Atmosphere-supplying respirators provide no protection to exposed skin from contaminants such as
ammonia and hydrogen chloride or against the skin absorption of materials such as hydrogen cyanide,
tritium oxide, or organic phosphate pesticides.
Refer to approval label and instruction and maintenance manuals for additional information on use and
maintenance of these respirators.
This type of respirator shall be selected, fitted, used, and maintained in accordance with this Standard
and other applicable regulations of the authority having jurisdiction.
After each use, thorough cleaning and sanitizing of the respirator shall be done in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
G.3.2 Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), open-circuit
G.3.2.1 General
G.3.2.1.1 Characteristics
The supply of compressed breathing air is carried by the user.
Open-circuit pressure-demand SCBA are equipped with a full-facepiece or tight-fitting hood and
pressure-demand valve. The pressure-demand valve maintains a slightly positive pressure inside the
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facepiece and permits air flow only during inhalation. Exhaled air passes through exhalation valves in the
facepiece to the ambient atmosphere.
A manually operated bypass system shall be required if the mode of failure of the regulator cuts off the
breathing air supply. This bypass can have an adjustable flow valve to conserve the air during escape, or a
fixed flow valve. Either configuration permits the user to breathe.
G.3.2.1.2 Limitations
In addition to the limitations in Clause G.3.1.2, the period over which the device will provide protection is
limited by the amount of compressed breathing air in the apparatus, the ambient atmospheric pressure
(e.g., service life is cut in half by a doubling of the atmospheric pressure), and the degree of physical
activity. The actual service time is usually less than the NIOSH rated service time.
SCBA devices are typically heavy and bulky. Their use requires more physical exertion and more training,
and they require more maintenance than most other respirators.
Prior to use, NIOSH approval can be maintained only if the SCBA compressed air cylinder is fully
charged to the rated cylinder air pressure with compressed breathing air. The compressed breathing air
shall meet or exceed the requirements of Table 1 in CSA Z180.1.
SCBA devices shall be used only in the atmospheric temperatures that are listed on the approval label.
The SCBA cylinder shall meet Transport Canada (TC) specifications and approval.
After each use, thorough cleaning and sanitizing of the respirator shall be done in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Applicable respirators shall be flow tested at least once a year, using an approved dynamic flow tester.
In making renewals and repairs, parts identical with those furnished by the manufacturer under the
pertinent approval shall be maintained.
Some SCBA devices have a short rated service life (less than 15 min) and are suitable only for escape,
including from IDLH atmospheres.
G.3.2.2 Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), closed-circuit
G.3.2.2.1 Characteristics
Closed-circuit SCBA are typically available in the following configurations and types:
(a) compressed gaseous oxygen;
(b) chemical oxygen generation; and
(c) a combination of compressed gaseous oxygen and chemical oxygen generation.
All types are equipped with either a tight-fitting facepiece, or for escape only, a mouthpiece with
nose-clip and goggles.
Compressed oxygen systems use a cylinder of high-pressure gaseous oxygen that passes through a
pressure-reducing valve to a reservoir. Compressed oxygen systems use pressure-relief valves, bypass
systems, and saliva traps. In both compressed gaseous oxygen and chemical oxygen generation systems,
the user inhales and the oxygen is delivered from the reservoir to the facepiece or mouthpiece through
tubing, check valves, and demand regulators. Exhaled breathing gas is directed into a carbon dioxide
removal medium, and the breathing gas then recirculates through the system.
Makeup oxygen can enter the reservoir on a continuous basis or when the volume of breathing gas in
the reservoir is reduced sufficiently to activate an oxygen admission valve.
Some types of oxygen closed-circuit SCBA use both a continuous flow as well as a demand system to
supply gaseous oxygen to the reservoir.
Chemical oxygen systems generate gaseous oxygen by a chemical reaction. Water vapour and carbon
dioxide in the exhaled breath react with the chemical in the canister, causing gaseous oxygen to be
generated. The gaseous oxygen passes into a breathing bag reservoir from which the user of the SCBA
inhales. The exhaled breathing gas is returned to the canister where carbon dioxide and moisture
contained in the exhaled breath react with the chemical to generate gaseous oxygen. The process is
continuous until the oxygen-generating chemical is consumed. The volume of oxygen generated by this
system is directly proportional to the volume of moisture and carbon dioxide in the exhalation breath of
the user of the SCBA.
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The oxygen closed-circuit SCBA operation conserves oxygen and permits longer rated service life at a
reduced weight when compared with the open-circuit compressed breathing air SCBA. Oxygen SCBAs are
available with up to 4 h rated service time. Long-service oxygen SCBAs use a coolant component to
control breathing air temperature.
After each use, thorough cleaning and sanitizing of the respirator shall be done in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
G.3.2.2.2 Limitations
In addition to the applicable limitations in Clause G.3.1.2, closed-circuit devices provide an elevated
temperature of the breathing air because of the chemical reactions inherent in their operation.
The closed-circuit pressure-demand oxygen breathing apparatus shall not be used where there is direct
exposure to open flames or in high radiant heat. This limitation applies to 100% oxygen apparatus only.
G.3.3 Airline respirators
G.3.3.1 General
G.3.3.1.1 Characteristics
The air supply is not limited to the quantity of breathable air a person can carry. A variety of configurations
of air sources are available (e.g., compressor, cascade cylinder system, portable air supply, ambient air
system).
Respirable air is supplied through an approved flexible air supply hose from a breathing airline source
(see CSA Z180.1). The approved operating air supply pressure is maintained by an adjustable regulator.
The air supply hose is attached to the user by a belt and can be detached rapidly in an emergency by
means of a quick disconnect fitting. A flow control valve or orifice is provided to govern the rate of airflow
to the user. The breathing air passes up to the tight-fitting facepiece, loose-fitting hood, or helmet by
means of a flexible breathing tube. Exhaled air passes to the ambient atmosphere through valves or
openings in the enclosure (facepiece, loose-fitting facepiece, helmet, or hood).
Airline respirators are available in the following configurations:
(a) pressure-demand; and
(b) continuous-flow.
Pressure-demand types are equipped with a tight-fitting facepiece or tight-fitting hood, a spring-loaded
pressure-demand exhalation valve, and a regulator, all of which are configured to contribute to
maintaining a positive pressure in the facepiece when a proper face-to-facepiece seal is maintained by the
user.
Continuous-flow types are generally equipped with a tight- or loose-fitting facepiece, hood, or helmet.
The respirators require at least 115 L/min (4 ft3/min) of air to tight-fitting facepieces and 170 L/min
(6 ft3/min) of air to loose-fitting facepieces, helmets, or hoods.
Continuous-flow and pressure-demand types are designed to maintain a positive pressure in the
facepiece and are less apt to permit inward leakage of contaminants.
Note: Changes in breathing rates can result in system increased/decreased airflow sensed by the pressure regulator, which
maintains positive pressure in pressure-demand respirators.
In order to maintain positive pressure in continuous-flow respirators at higher breathing rates, the airflow can be changed
by manually adjusting the control valve.
An instantaneous negative pressure can be created in continuous-flow airline respirators if the respirator is overbreathed at
a given setting. Similarly, an instantaneous negative pressure can be created in pressure-demand airline respirators at very
high flow rates.
G.3.3.1.2 Limitations
Airline respirators provide no protection if the air supply fails and shall therefore not be used in IDLH
atmospheres. In addition to the limitations in Clause G.3.1.2, airline respirators are limited to use in
atmospheres in which the user can remove the facepiece, loose-fitting facepiece, helmet, or hood and
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escape unharmed without the aid of the respirator (i.e., in non-IDLH atmospheres), should the air supply
fail. Maximum use concentrations based on contaminant toxicity shall apply. The user is restricted in
movement by the air supply hose and must return to a respirable atmosphere.
Airline respirators shall have a minimum quantity and pressure of breathing air meeting the
requirements of CSA Z180.1.
The demand-type respirator develops a negative pressure in the facepiece on inhalation and therefore
can be used only in an atmosphere where a non-powered air-purifying respirator is suitable.
Continuous-flow types require a higher volume of breathing air than demand or pressure-demand
because the air is flowing at a constant rate independent of breathing rate. An instantaneous negative
pressure can be created in pressure-demand and continuous-flow airline respirators if the respirator is
overbreathed. Airline hoses other than those approved by NIOSH can be permeable to substances such as
aromatic hydrocarbons. The NIOSH-approved respirator includes the air supply hoses and male/female
quick disconnect fittings; therefore, substitution of other hose or other respirator manufacturers’ air supply
hoses or fittings voids the approval, and the respirator is no longer considered acceptable. To maintain
NIOSH approval, the approved air supply hose shall not exceed a maximum of 90 m (300 ft) in length,
but some are approved only for shorter lengths; refer to limitations associated with the specific approval
number.
G.3.4 Multi-functional atmosphere-supplying respirators
G.3.4.1 Characteristics
These are airline respirators that have an auxiliary self-contained air supply The auxiliary self-contained air
supply on this type of device allows the user to enter and work in an IDLH atmosphere. The worker uses
the airline mode for normal work. To escape from an IDLH atmosphere in the event that the primary air
supply fails to operate, the user switches to the auxiliary self-contained air supply and disconnects the air
supply hose using a quick disconnect fitting.
G.3.4.2 Limitations
The escape route shall be planned such that the time needed to escape does not exceed the rated service
time of the auxiliary air supply.
The auxiliary air supply shall be used to enter the hazardous atmosphere before connection is made to
an air supply line only if the rated service time is at least 15 min, and the time for entry does not exceed
20% of the rated service time of the auxiliary air supply.
G.4 Air-purifying respirators
G.4.1 General
G.4.1.1 Characteristics
Ambient air, prior to being inhaled, is passed through a filter, cartridge, or canister that removes particles,
vapours, gases, or a combination of these contaminants. Air-purifying respirators are available in two
modes of operation:
(a) non-powered (APR); and
(b) powered (PAPR).
The breathing action of the user operates the non-powered types. The powered types contain a blower
carried by the user that passes ambient air through an air-purifying component and then supplies purified
air to the facepiece. Non-powered types are equipped with a facepiece or mouthpiece and nose-clip.
Powered types are equipped with a facepiece, loose-fitting facepiece, helmet, or hood.
G.4.1.2 Limitations
Air-purifying respirators shall not be used where the oxygen content of the air is less than the equivalent of
19.5% at sea level.
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Air-purifying respirators shall not be used in IDLH atmospheres.
Maximum use concentrations based on contaminant toxicity shall apply.
The appropriate type of canister, cartridge, or filter shall be selected for the particular atmosphere and
conditions. The time period over which protection is provided is dependent on the canister, cartridge, or
filter type, the concentration of the contaminant, humidity levels in the ambient atmosphere, and the
user’s respiratory rate. A canister, cartridge or filter change-out schedule shall be established unless the
respirator is equipped with an end-of-service-life indicator.
Non-powered air-purifying respirators can cause discomfort due to a noticeable resistance to inhalation.
This problem is minimized in powered respirators. Powered respirators are limited by battery life in
addition to canister, cartridge, or filter life and shall be checked for flow before each use.
Fit testing is required for users of all tight-fitting facepiece respirators. Some respirator facepieces can
present special problems to individuals required to wear corrective lenses.
G.4.2 Vapour- and gas-removing respirators
G.4.2.1 Characteristics
Vapour- and gas-removing respirators are equipped with cartridges or canisters to remove a single vapour
or gas, a single class of vapours or gases (e.g., organic vapour), or a combination of two or more classes of
vapours and gases from the air.
Vapour- and gas-removing respirators are available in the following respiratory inlet configurations:
(a) half-facepiece respirator;
(b) loose-fitting facepiece for powered air;
(c) full-facepiece respirator that provides protection against eye irritation in addition to respiratory
protection. These respirators can also provide eye and face impact protection;
(d) tight-fitting hood; and
(e) helmet or hood for powered air.
G.4.2.2 Limitations
Breakthrough warning properties of vapour- and gas-removing respirators (e.g., odour, taste, or irritation)
shall not be used to identify change-out schedules. Unless the cartridges contain an end-of-service-life
indicator for the contaminant, a change-out schedule shall be established that ensures that the cartridge is
changed before the service life has ended. The respirator manufacturer should be consulted for guidance
on the effectiveness of any specific respirator or air-purifying element against the contaminant for which
protection is needed.
At any time, should workers detect odour or experience any irritation symptoms of the contaminant
before the end of the change-out schedule, the respirator program administrator shall be informed and
shall re-evaluate the use of this respirator, i.e., the change-out schedule, the workplace concentrations, or
the other use conditions [relative humidity (RH), work rate, etc.].
No protection is provided against particulate contaminants. A rise in the canister or cartridge
temperature indicates that a gas or vapour is being removed from the inhaled air. An uncomfortably high
temperature indicates a high concentration of gas or vapour and requires an immediate return to fresh air.
See Clause G.4.1.2 for additional limitations.
G.4.3 Particulate-removing respirator
G.4.3.1 Characteristics
G.4.3.1.1
Particulate-removing respirators are equipped with filters to remove particulate matter from the air. The
filter may be a replacement part or a permanent part of the respirator. The filter may be of the single-use
or reusable type.
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Particulate filters for non-powered respirators are available in three minimum efficiencies and three
series, Series N, Series R, and Series P, as follows:
(a) N100, R100, and P100 filters shall demonstrate a minimum efficiency level of 99.97%.
(b) N99, R99, and P99 filters shall demonstrate a minimum efficiency level of 99%.
(c) N95, R95, and P95 filters shall demonstrate a minimum efficiency level of 95%.
Series N filters are suitable for any non-oil based particulates.
Series R and P filters are suitable for any particulate, including oil-based particulates.
G.4.3.1.2
Particulate filters for powered air-purifying respirators are available in one efficiency only (99.97%). These
filters are designated as high efficiency (HEPA).
G.4.3.1.3
Particulate-removing respirators are available in the following respiratory inlet configurations:
(a) half-facepiece respirator, both elastomeric and filtering facepiece;
(b) loose-fitting facepiece for powered air;
(c) full-facepiece respirator that provides protection against eye irritation in addition to respiratory
protection. These respirators can also provide eye and face impact protection;
(d) tight-fitting hood; and
(e) helmet or hood for powered air.
G.4.3.2 Limitations
Protection is provided against non-volatile particulates only, i.e., those that cannot release or evaporate
contaminant vapours or gases at room temperature. No protection is provided against gases and vapours.
All particulate filters will increase in resistance with use and shall be changed when breathing becomes
difficult or, for powered devices, when the air flow is not sufficient.
Series N, R, and P filters shall be replaced for hygienic reasons if damaged or soiled or if breathing
becomes difficult.
The following specific limitations shall apply:
(a) Series N and R filters have a maximum total particulate load of 200 mg for the respirator,
characterized by increased breathing resistance.
(b) Series N filters are not suitable for particulates where oil is present.
(c) Series R filters are restricted to a maximum of 8 h use or total respirator particulate load of 200 mg.
(d) Series N, P, and HEPA filters can also have time restrictions on their service life; the manufacturer’s
instructions should be consulted.
(e) HEPA filters used in PAPR systems can require replacement when the air flow falls below the required
level.
See Clause G.4.1.2 for additional limitations.
G.4.4 Combination gas-, vapour-, and particulate-removing respirators
G.4.4.1 Characteristics
Combination gas-, vapour-, and particulate-removing respirators are equipped with cartridges or canisters
to remove gases and vapours and a particulate filter(s) to remove particles from the air. The filter may be a
permanent or replaceable part of a cartridge or canister.
G.4.4.2 Limitations
The limitations of both gas-, vapour-, and particulate-removing air-purifying respirators shall apply.
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G.4.5 Multi-functional air-purifying respirators
G.4.5.1 Characteristics
A multi-functional air-purifying respirators is a PAPR that is also approved to operate as a non-powered
respirator for use in the event that the motor fails or there is a need for clandestine operation.
G.4.5.2 Limitations
All of the limitations of Clause G.4.1.2 shall apply except the limitations associated with battery life.
G.5 Combined atmosphere-supplying and air-purifying
respirators
G.5.1 Characteristics
A combination atmosphere-supplying and air-purifying respirator is
(a) an atmosphere-supplying pressure-demand respirator with an auxiliary air-purifying attachment that
provides protection in the event that the compressed breathing air supply fails. The respirator consists
of a tight-fitting facepiece with or without a manually switchable spring-loaded exhalation valve to
take the respirator from a compressed air pressure demand to an air-purifying demand type; or
(b) an atmosphere-supplying continuous-flow respirator with an auxiliary air-purifying attachment that
provides protection in the event that the compressed breathing air supply fails. The respirator consists
of a tight-fitting facepiece to take the respirator from a continuous-flow to an air-purifying respirator.
G.5.2 Limitations
A combination atmosphere-supplying respirator with an auxiliary air-purifying element shall be used only
when the concentration of airborne contaminants in the workplace does not exceed the maximum use
concentration of the respirator when used in the air-purifying mode. The mode of operation in use will
dictate the assigned protection factor to be applied when airline respirators are equipped with an
air-purifying filter (combined respirator).
G.6 Escape-only self-rescue respirators
G.6.1 Characteristics
Emergency escape respirators are typically available in the following configurations and types:
(a) air-purifying self-rescue respirator;
(b) chemical oxygen generation self-rescue respirator; and
(c) compressed breathing air self-rescue apparatus.
These devices are available in a variety of sizes and weights. Consideration should be given to the
weight the wearer must carry. The air-purifying escape respirator typically consists of a tight-fitting
facepiece or tight-fitting hood assembly with neck collar and adjustable straps and cartridges or with a
mouthpiece, nose-clip, goggles, and cartridges. The respirator comes in a sealed protective container and
is either worn on the belt of the user or cached ready for distribution to the user.
The chemical oxygen escape respirator consists of a mouthpiece, nose-clip, and goggles and is generally
worn by the user or cached in a protective container.
The atmosphere-supplying escape respirator comes with a compressed breathing air cylinder, a
pressure-reduction regulator, and constant flow valve with a tube and loose-fitting hood.
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G.6.2 Limitations
This type of respirator is intended for emergency escape purposes only and can have a limited shelf life,
depending on the type. Escape-only respirators shall not be used for entry into contaminated
atmospheres. Escape-only air-purifying respirators shall not be used for escape from IDLH atmospheres.
Maximum use concentrations shall apply.
APFs are not applicable for escape-type respirators. Selection and application of respirators for escape
purposes only shall be conducted in close consultation with the manufacturer of the device and the
authority having jurisdiction.
In addition to the limitations in Clauses G.3 and G.4, the following additional limitations apply to the
use of escape-only respirators:
(a) Atmosphere-supplying escape-only respirators do not have alarms that warn of the pending end of
the air supply.
(b) Air-purifying escape-only respirators shall be used where there is at least 19.5% oxygen (sea level)
and be applicable to the anticipated contaminant type and concentration.
(c) Smoke or fire escape-only air-purifying respirators shall have a carbon monoxide removing
mechanism.
(d) When the respirator is equipped with a mouth bit, the nose-clip shall be secured in place to prevent
breathing through the nose.
(e) Specialized, frequent training is needed for many escape-only respirators.
G.7 Supplied-air suits
G.7.1 Characteristics
Supplied-air suits are impermeable to specific particulate, vapour, and gaseous contaminants and, when
provided with a supply of compressed breathing air that is adequate for the user, can maintain a positive
pressure inside the suit. These devices are not respirators for the purpose of this Standard.
G.7.2 Limitations
Supplied-air suits are not currently tested or certified by NIOSH. The manufacturer’s instructions shall be
consulted for device limitations.
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Annex H (informative)
Reduced oxygen concentration
Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
H.1 Reduced oxygen concentration (hypoxia)
H.1.1
Hypoxia is any condition in which there is an inadequate supply of oxygen to the tissues. Three types of
tissue hypoxia relevant to this Standard are described in Clauses H.1.2, H.1.3, and H.1.4.
H.1.2 Arterial hypoxia
Arterial hypoxia is characterized by a lower-than-normal partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in arterial blood
and, therefore, in the capillary blood. The causes are
(a) low pO2 in inspired air (e.g., at high altitude); or
(b) breathing air in a confined space or other environment where the pO2 is lower than that found in
normal atmospheric air.
H.1.3 Anaemic hypoxia (hypoxemia)
Anaemic hypoxia (hypoxemia) results when the oxygen capacity of the blood is reduced. The oxygen
content falls more rapidly than normal as it flows through the capillary beds and becomes inadequate in
maintaining the required oxygen tension throughout the tissues. The causes of this type of oxygen
deficiency include
(a) less-than-normal haemoglobin content (anaemias);
(b) haemoglobin rendered ineffective, as in carbon monoxide poisoning; and
(c) alteration of haemoglobin to methaemoglobin following poisoning with chlorates, nitrates,
ferricyanides, etc., which prevents haemoglobin from combining with oxygen.
H.1.4 Histotoxic hypoxia
Histotoxic hypoxia is a condition in which the cells are not able to utilize oxygen that is available at normal
partial pressure in the arterial blood. Cyanide poisoning is known to affect the cells in this manner.
H.2 Minimal oxygen content
Minimal oxygen content occurs when, for any reason, the oxygen partial pressure of inspired air falls to
approximately 17.5 kPa or less. This corresponds to breathing air
(a) in which the oxygen content has been reduced from the normal 20.95% to approximately 17.2%
(17.2% × 101.3 kPa = 17.5 kPa oxygen partial pressure); or
(b) having a normal oxygen content (20.95%) at altitudes where the pressure is approximately 84 kPa
(20.95% × 84 kPa = 17.5 kPa oxygen partial pressure).
H.3 Hypoxia immediately dangerous to life or health
When, for any reason, the oxygen partial pressure of inspired air falls to approximately 16.2 kPa or less,
there exists an oxygen deficiency considered immediately dangerous to life or health. This corresponds to
breathing air
(a) in which the oxygen content has been reduced from the normal 20.95% to approximately 16.0%
(16.0% × 101.3 kPa = 16.2 kPa oxygen partial pressure); or
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(b) having a normal oxygen content (20.95%) at altitudes where the pressure is approximately 77 kPa
(20.95% × 77 kPa = 16.2 kPa oxygen partial pressure).
H.4 Effects of oxygen deficiency
The effects of oxygen deficiency are described in Table H.1.
Table H.1
Effects of oxygen deficiency
Stage
% O2 at
101.3 kPa
Partial pressure
of O2 in arterial
blood
(kPa)
Partial pressure
of O2 in lung
(kPa)
Effects
0
21
13.3
18.7
Normal
17.2
Minimal oxygen content;
no physiological effects in
healthy adults
I
16
10.0
15.0
Increased pulse and breathing
rates; some lack of
coordination; some
impairment in attention and
thinking
II
14
8.0
13.3
Abnormal fatigue upon
exertion; emotional upset;
faulty coordination; impaired
judgment
III
12
6.3
11.3
Very poor judgment and
coordination; impaired
respiration that can cause
permanent heart damage;
vomiting and nausea
IV
Less than 10
Less than 4.4
Less than 9.5
Nausea; vomiting; inability to
perform vigorous movement;
loss of consciousness,
convulsions, and death
Note: ACGIH Chemical Substances TLV Appendices — Appendix F: Minimal Oxygen Content (2007).
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Annex I (informative)
Buddy breathing
Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
I.1 Excerpt from NFPA 1500-2007, Standard on Fire
Department Occupational Safety and Health Program
A.7.11.1.2
Manufacturers of fire service SCBA that are NIOSH-certified and that also meet requirements of NFPA 1981
provide SCBA with a reasonable level of dependability, if correctly used and maintained. In those cases
where there is a reported failure of SCBA, a before-use check, a more thorough user inspection program,
or a preventive maintenance program most likely would have eliminated the failure.
Fire fighters should be thoroughly trained in emergency procedures that can reverse problems
encountered with their SCBA. Use of the regulator bypass valve, corrective action for facepiece and
breathing tube damage, and breathing directly from the regulator (where applicable) are basic emergency
procedures that should be taught to and practiced by the individual user. Fundamental to all emergency
procedure training is the principle of not compromising the integrity of the user’s SCBA, with particular
emphasis on not removing the facepiece for any reason. The danger of compromising the integrity of the
SCBA by removing the facepiece in atmospheres where the quality of air is unknown should be reinforced
throughout the SCBA training program.
It is natural that this same philosophy be adopted when dealing with the subject of “buddy breathing.”
The buddy breathing addressed herein is a procedure that requires compromising the rescuer’s SCBA by
either removal of the facepiece or disconnection of the breathing tube, as these actions place the rescuer
in grave danger.
The subject of buddy breathing is always a highly emotional one. Training should stress that fire fighters
should not remove the facepiece of the SCBA in a hazardous atmosphere to assist a civilian fire victim,
thereby exposing themselves to the toxic atmosphere, but instead rely on the rapid removal of the victim
to a safe atmosphere or to a place of refuge where the rescuer can obtain further assistance in removing
the victim to fresh air and treatment. However, when a fire fighter becomes the victim due to exhaustion
of the breathing air supply or other impairment, some fire departments or fire service personnel insist
upon engaging in procedures that are extremely difficult at best, even with consistent training in relatively
ideal conditions. Virtually all buddy breathing procedures require compromising the rescuer’s SCBA and,
for this reason, cannot be condoned. Positive-pressure SCBA has made certain methods of buddy
breathing more complicated, if not impossible.
A key disadvantage in buddy breathing is that it is extremely difficult for two people to leave the
hazardous atmosphere quickly while engaged in buddy breathing, simultaneously consuming air at a
faster rate. The risk that both individuals will inhale sufficient products of combustion to cause impairment
or death is a very distinct possibility.
It is difficult to understand why buddy breathing advocates believe that an atmosphere that is deadly for
one fire fighter and causes that fire fighter to become a victim can safely be breathed by another fire
fighter (the would-be rescuer) while using a buddy breathing procedure.
A scenario involving two fire fighters working at a warehouse fire provides a graphic example of how
buddy breathing can be more hazardous than beneficial to both the rescuer and the victim. While working
in an interior operation at a warehouse fire, one fire fighter suffered depletion of his breathing air supply.
The other fire fighter commenced buddy breathing while both attempted to move out of the building.
Unable to make sufficient progress as the first fire fighter was being overcome, the rescuer left the victim
and attempted to leave the area for help. But because the rescuer had inhaled sufficient products of
combustion during the attempted buddy breathing operation, he collapsed before he could exit the
building. He was rescued by other fire fighters and removed to a hospital before he could relate the
circumstances regarding the first fire fighter. The first fire fighter was found dead some time later.
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If the fire fighter had been trained to remove the victim completely from the building or from
immediate physical danger if possible, a number of things would have been accomplished without
endangering the rescuer’s life and with less risk to the victim fire fighter. If the rescuer had not
compromised his SCBA, he would not have been affected by the products of combustion, he would have
retained a greater air supply, and he would have either removed the victim fire fighter by himself or exited
the area for additional assistance and alerted medical help.
The risk of both victim and rescuer exhausting their air supplies is another scenario associated with
buddy breathing. In this case, what starts out as a rescuer-victim relationship ends up a victim-victim
relationship, as the shared air supply is exhausted before exiting is possible.
The one scenario that does not allow exiting is that in which two or more persons are trapped and share
air supplies by buddy breathing. In this case, survival is based upon the time it takes those outside to
realize that persons are trapped, initiate rescue operations, and accomplish rescue. Unfortunately buddy
breathing might only provide a simultaneous ending of multiple lives.
SCBA emergency procedures should be an integral part of any respiratory protection SCBA program,
with written policies for the removal of victims, both civilian and fire service, from hazardous atmospheres
without compromising the rescuer’s respiratory protection SCBA for any reason.
Factors that can limit the need for buddy breathing include the following:
(1)
A strong, well-administered respiratory protection SCBA program
(2)
Emphasis on user testing and inspection of respiratory protection SCBA
(3)
Required before-use and after-use testing and maintenance
(4)
Functional preventive maintenance program
(5)
Fireground management based upon safe operations with knowledge of fire development, building
construction, and coordinated fire-fighting operations
(6)
Air management training based upon the type of structure the user is entering, which requires the
user to be aware of the distance to exit the structure when the low-air alarm activates or when
necessary to leave the structure
(7)
Quality breathing air
(8)
Personal alert safety system (PASS) devices and portable radios for interior fire-fighting teams
Thorough training in survival techniques, controlled breathing, and stress management
(9)
(10) Accountability for interior fire-fighting crews
(11) Physical fitness of firefighters
(12) Use of positive-pressure SCBA that are NIOSH-approved and that meet the requirements of
NFPA 1981
NFPA, ANSI, IAFF, and most SCBA manufacturers do not recommend buddy breathing because it
compromises one or more SCBA and can result in the needless impairment or death of either the rescuer
or the victim, or both.
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Annex J (informative)
Checklist of competency for respirator fit testers
Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
Proficient
Improvement
required
❑
❑
(b) Limitations on the use of respiratory protection (see Annex G of CSA Z94.4-11)
❑
❑
(c)
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
(b) CSA Z94.4-11 regarding fit testing, interference concerns, user screening,
training, inspection, use, cleaning, maintenance, and storage
❑
❑
(c)
Applicable regulatory requirements
❑
❑
3
Respirators identified in the respiratory protection program (RPP)
(a)
Types of respirators required as determined in the RPP
❑
❑
(b) Make, model, and size of selected respirator inlet covering types
❑
❑
(c)
Respirator components and their functions
❑
❑
4
Pre-use requirements for the selected respirator(s)
(a)
Respirator assembly, pre-use inspection, cleaning and sanitizing, and
maintenance
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
(b) Placement of fit test equipment
❑
❑
(c)
Orderly management of the fit test process
❑
❑
7
Operational aspects and issues in fit test method(s) being used
(a)
Knowledge of fit test procedures, requirements, and limitations
❑
❑
❑
❑
Areas of fit tester competency (see Clauses 4, 5, 8, 9, and 14)
1
Respiratory protection and fit testing fundamentals
(a)
Requirements for the use of respiratory protection
Purpose and applicability of respirator fit testing (see Tables 1 and 2 of
CSA Z94.4-11)
(d) Specific roles and responsibilities of the respirator fit tester
2
Respiratory protection requirements
(a)
Specific requirements as outlined in the organization’s respiratory protection
program
(b) Donning, user seal check procedures, doffing, and redonning
5
Verification of respirator user’s competency
Verification of user’s competency to perform pre-use inspection, donning, and
user seal check procedures, doffing, and redonning without assistance from the
fit tester
6
Organization of fit testing workspace, equipment, and activity
(a)
Room layout and management of ventilation
(b) Description of QLFT challenge agent and how to identify it
(Continued)
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Areas of fit tester competency (see Clauses 4, 5, 8, 9, and 14)
Proficient
Improvement
required
(c)
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
(b) Choose the appropriate canisters/cartridges/filters for the fit test method
❑
❑
(c)
❑
❑
(d) Prepare, inspect, and perform operational checks of fit test equipment and
supplies
❑
❑
(e)
Create and maintain records of fit test equipment maintenance, diagnostic
checks, calibration, and repair
❑
❑
9
Conduct respirator fit tests
(a)
Confirm user pre-qualifications for fit testing (i.e., completion of user screening,
training, freedom from interference concerns due to facial hair and other
personal conditions, effects, or accessories)
❑
❑
(b) Oversee the matching up of a respirator (make, model, and size) with
user’s physical characteristics
❑
❑
(c)
❑
❑
(d) Verify through observation and questioning, without coaching or
❑
assistance, that donning, a user seal check, doffing, and redonning are performed
successfully
❑
Identification, knowledge, and understanding of erroneous fit test results
(d) Awareness of health and safety issues associated with chemicals and equipment
used in fit testing
8
Use selected respirators and fit testing equipment
(a)
Select, set up, and use QNFT or QLFT equipment and accessories
Set up respirator facepiece assembly, use of probes, QNFT adapters and, where
required, software application
Identify a poorly fitting respirator through observation and questioning about
comfort and fit (for QLFT, see Clauses B.2.3.3, B.2.3.4, and B.2.3.8 of CSA
Z94.4-11; for QNFT, see Clauses C.2.3.3, C.2.3.4, and C.2.3.8 of CSA Z94.4-11)
(e)
Confirm compatibility of other personal protective equipment during the fit test
❑
❑
(f)
Conduct the chosen procedure (QLFT or QNFT) in accordance with Annex B or C ❑
of CSA Z94.4-11
❑
(g) Confirm fit tester and user adherence to the entire fit test procedure
❑
❑
(h)
Apply problem-solving solutions (for the user, equipment, and
environment) before, during, and after the fit test process, addressing fit test
failures if they occur
❑
❑
(i)
Interpret and document results of the fit test
❑
❑
(j)
Communicate the need to use only the specific respirator make, model, and size
with which the user passed the fit test
❑
❑
(k)
Ensure that cleaning and sanitizing of respirators and fit testing equipment is
carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the organization’s
infection control program
❑
❑
Comments:
Action plan for areas requiring improvement:
Evaluator:
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Annex K (informative)
Scenarios using selection wheels in Figures 2
and 3
Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
K.1 Scenario 1: Histoplasmosis
A worker is directed to go into a warehouse that has been occupied by pigeons for many years. Piles of pigeon
excrement about a metre deep are found under roosting locations. The cleanup will be done indoors with no
additional ventilation.
Step 1
Identify the bioaerosol.
Histoplasma capsulatum
Step 2
Transmission of disease, infection, or adverse effects produced from inhalation of
bioaerosol.
Yes (histoplasmosis)
Step 3
Select applicable control banding wheel: health care facility or general workplace
environment (see Figure 2 or 3)
General workplace environment — Figure 3
Step 4
Determine the bioaerosol risk group (R1, R2, R3, or R4 in accordance with
Clause 7.3.2.3.5)
R3: Agents associated with serious or lethal human disease or adverse health
effects for which preventive or therapeutic interventions might be available
(high individual risk but low community risk)
Step 5
Determine the generation rate (G1, G2, G3, or G4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.6)
G3 — Misting then shovelling
Step 6
Determine the control level (C1, C2, C3, or C4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.7)
C1 — Indoor — Poorly ventilated ACH  1
Step 7
Identify the number and colour of the segment selected at the intersection of the variables
identified in Steps 4 to 6:
R3, G3, C1 = Orange/No. 3. See Figure 4 to determine the assigned protection factor
corresponding to Orange/No. 3 — APF 50.
•
Air-purifying (negative-pressure) full-facepiece;
•
Powered air-purifying half-facepiece;
•
Airline (pressure-demand) half-facepiece; or
•
Airline (continuous-flow) half-facepiece
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K.2 Scenario 2: Hantavirus exposure
Utility worker performing maintenance in a rural shed with windows and door open. Visual inspection of area
shows mouse droppings throughout the area. Unknown if these are white foot deer mouse droppings.
Step 1
Identify the bioaerosol.
Suspected pathogen — hantavirus
Step 2
Transmission of disease, infection, or adverse effects produced from inhalation of bioaerosol.
Yes, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
Step 3
Select applicable control banding wheel: health care facility or general workplace
environment (see Figure 2 or 3)
General workplace environment — Figure 3
Step 4
Determine the bioaerosol risk group (R1, R2, R3, or R4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.5)
R3: Agents associated with serious or lethal human disease or adverse health
effects for which preventive or therapeutic interventions might be available
(high individual risk but low community risk)
Step 5
Determine the generation rate (G1, G2, G3, or G4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.6)
G2 — Soaking then shovelling
or
G4 — Dry sweeping
Step 6
Determine the control level (C1, C2, C3, or C4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.7)
C2 — Indoor — Ventilation 1 < ACH 4
Step 7
Identify the number and colour of the segment selected at the intersection of the variables
identified in Steps 4 to 6:
Cleanup by soaking then shovelling
R3, G2, C2 = Green/No. 1. See Figure 4 to determine the assigned protection factor
corresponding to Green/No. 1 — APF 10
•
Air-purifying (negative-pressure) half-facepiece
or
Cleanup by dry sweeping
R3, G4, C2 = Yellow/No. 2. See Figure 4 to determine the assigned protection factor
corresponding to Yellow/No. 2— APF 25.
•
Powered air-purifying loose-fitting facepiece/visor;
•
Powered air-purifying helmet/hood without SWPF study;
•
Airline (continuous-flow) loose-fitting facepiece/visor; or
•
Airline (continuous-flow) helmet/hood without SWPF study
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K.3 Scenario 3: Tuberculosis exposure
A registered nurse (RN) is looking after a patient who has been diagnosed with pulmonary mycobacterium
tuberculosis. The patient has a productive cough and is currently in airborne isolation in a negative-pressure room.
The RN is changing the patient’s abdominal dressing.
Step 1
Identify the bioaerosol.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Step 2
Transmission of disease, infection, or adverse effects produced from inhalation of bioaerosol.
Yes, pulmonary mycobacterium tuberculosis
Step 3
Select applicable control banding wheel: health care facility or general workplace environment
(see Figure 2 or 3)
Health care facility — Figure 2
Step 4
Determine the bioaerosol risk group (R1, R2, R3, or R4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.5)
R3: Agents associated with serious or lethal human disease or adverse health
effects for which preventive or therapeutic interventions might be available (high
individual risk but low community risk)
Step 5
Determine the generation rate (G1, G2, G3, or G4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.6)
G3 — Patient coughing or sneezing with mouth uncovered
Step 6
Determine the control level (C1, C2, C3, or C4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.7)
C3 — 6–12 ACH (negative-pressure room)
Step 7
Identify the number and colour of the segment selected at the intersection of the variables
identified in Steps 4 to 6:
R3, G3, C3 = Green/No. 1. See Figure 4 to determine the assigned protection factor
corresponding to Green/No. 1 — APF 10
•
Air-purifying (negative-pressure) half-facepiece
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K.4 Scenario 4: Agriculture — Peat moss packaging
Workers packaging peat moss could be exposed to a very high concentration of non-infectious bioaerosols (mould
spores).
Step 1
Identify the bioaerosol.
Non-infectious bioaerosols — mould spores
Step 2
Transmission of disease, infection, or adverse effects produced from inhalation of bioaerosol.
Yes, hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Step 3
Select applicable control banding wheel: health care facility or general workplace environment
(see Figure 2 or 3)
General workplace environment — Figure 3
Step 4
Determine the bioaerosol risk group (R1, R2, R3, or R4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.5)
R2: Bacterial agents: mycobacterium xenopi and mycobacterium fortuitum
R2: Fungal agent: sporothrix schenckii
Step 5
Determine the generation rate (G1, G2, G3, or G4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.6)
G4 — Very high release of bioaerosol/pathogen
Step 6
Determine the control level (C1, C2, C3, or C4 in accordance with Clause 7.3.2.3.7)
C1 — Indoor — Poorly ventilated ACH  1
Step 7
Identify the number and colour of the segment selected at the intersection of the variables
identified in Steps 4 to 6:
R2, G4, C1 = Orange/No. 3. See Figure 4 to determine the assigned protection factor
corresponding to Orange/No. 3 — APF 50
•
Air-purifying (negative-pressure) full-facepiece;
•
Powered air-purifying half-facepiece;
•
Airline (pressure-demand) half-facepiece; or
•
Airline (continuous-flow) half-facepiece
References
Duchaine, C. et. al. (2004). Santé respiratoire des travailleurs et qualité de l’air des tourbières du Québec
possédant des systèmes de dépoussiérage. Études et recherches, Rapport R-363, IRSST.
Lavoie J., Cloutier, Y., Lara, J., Marchand, G., (2007). Guide on Respiratory Protection against Bioaerosols.
Recommendations on its Selection and Use. Studies and Research projects, technical guide R-501, IRSST.
IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) S520, Standard and Reference Guide
for Professional Mold Remediation, 2003.
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Annex L (informative)
Classification of biohazardous agents by risk
group
Note: This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
L.1 Additional references
The following references are provided to assist a qualified person in selecting an appropriate risk group
classification for bioaerosols.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2007 Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing
Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings.
http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/isolation/Isolation2007.pdf
Health Canada. “Infection Control Guidelines: Prevention and Control of Occupational Infections in Health
Care.” Canada Communicable Disease Report. Volume 28S1, March 2002.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/
Health Canada. “Infection Control Guidelines: Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing
the Transmission of Infection in Health Care: Revision of Isolation and Precaution Techniques.” Canada
Communicable Disease Report, Volume 25S4, July 1999.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/
Table 6, Transmission characteristics and empiric precautions by clinical presentation:
Recommendations for acute care centres
Table 7, Transmission characteristics and empiric precautions by specific etiology: Recommendations
for acute care centres
IRSST (Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail) documents
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/en/find-a-publication.html
Pathogen Safety Data Sheets (PSDSs) (previously titled Material Safety Data Sheets for infectious
substances)
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/msds-ftss/index-eng.php
Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC). Routine Practices And Additional Precautions In
All Health Care Settings, Appendix N: Clinical Syndromes and Conditions with Level of Precautions
Required. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Ontario. August 2009; revised May 2010.
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/infectious/diseases/best_prac/bp_routine.pdf
Public Health Agency of Canada. Laboratory biosafety guidelines, 3rd edition, 2004.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/lbg-ldmbl-04/index-eng.php
Public Health Agency of Canada. 2010 Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for
Preventing the Transmission of Infection in Health Care (at press).
Note: See also Annex N of this Standard for additional guidance on respirator selection in health care environments.
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L.2 Risk group classification
For the purpose of classifying bioaerosols into risk groups in Clause 7.3.2.3.5, this Standard has adapted
the risk group classifications BI to BIV of the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA
Molecules, Appendix B, “Classification of Human Etiological Agents on the Basis of Hazard”. An excerpt
from this Appendix is reproduced below.
Note: Appendix B of the NIH Guidelines clarifies and augments the current biosafety guidance for research with potentially
pandemic influenza viruses and harmonizes with the CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (5th
edition) and other regulatory policies in the United States. Users of CSA Z94.4 can view the NIH Guidelines at
http://oba.od.nih.gov/rdna/nih_guidelines_oba.html
The list given in the Appendix is extensive and includes many pathogens that are not known to be
transmitted by inhalation. The mode of transmission should always be determined by a qualified person.
Excerpt from NIH Guidelines for
Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules, Appendix B
Risk Group 1 (RG1) Agents
RG1 agents are not associated with disease in healthy adult humans. Examples of RG1 agents include
asporogenic Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus licheniformis (see Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus licheniformis Host-Vector
Systems, Exceptions); adeno- associated virus (AAV) types 1 through 4; and recombinant AAV constructs,
in which the transgene does not encode either a potentially tumorigenic gene product or a toxin molecule
and are produced in the absence of a helper virus. A strain of Escherichia coli (see Escherichia coli K-12 Host
Vector Systems, Exceptions) is an RG1 agent if it (1) does not possess a complete lipopolysaccharide (i.e.,
lacks the O antigen); and (2) does not carry any active virulence factor (e.g., toxins) or colonization factors
and does not carry any genes encoding these factors.
Those agents not listed in Risk Groups (RGs) 2, 3 and 4 are not automatically or implicitly classified in RG1;
a risk assessment must be conducted based on the known and potential properties of the agents and their
relationship to agents that are listed.
Risk Group 2 (RG2) Agents
RG2 agents are associated with human disease which is rarely serious and for which preventive or
therapeutic interventions are often available.
Risk Group 2 (RG2) — Bacterial Agents Including Chlamydia
Acinetobacter baumannii (formerly Acinetobacter calcoaceticus)
Actinobacillus
Actinomyces pyogenes (formerly Corynebacterium pyogenes)
Aeromonas hydrophila
Amycolata autotrophica
Archanobacterium haemolyticum (formerly Corynebacterium haemolyticum)
Arizona hinshawii — all serotypes
Bacillus anthracis
Bartonella henselae, B. quintana, B. vinsonii
Bordetella including B. pertussis
Borrelia recurrentis, B. burgdorferi
Burkholderia (formerly Pseudomonas species) except those listed in Appendix B-III-A (RG3))
Campylobacter coli, C. fetus, C. jejuni
Chlamydia psittaci, C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae
Clostridium botulinum, Cl. chauvoei, Cl. haemolyticum, Cl. histolyticum, Cl. novyi, Cl. septicum, Cl. tetani
Corynebacterium diphtheriae, C. pseudotuberculosis, C. renale
Dermatophilus congolensis
Edwardsiella tarda
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
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Escherichia coli — all enteropathogenic, enterotoxigenic, enteroinvasive and strains bearing K1 antigen,
including E. coli O157:H7
Haemophilus ducreyi, H. influenzae
Helicobacter pylori
Klebsiella — all species except K. oxytoca (RG1)
Legionella including L. pneumophila
Leptospira interrogans — all serotypes
Listeria
Moraxella
Mycobacterium (except those listed in RG3) including M. avium complex, M. asiaticum, M. bovis BCG
vaccine strain, M. chelonei, M. fortuitum, M. kansasii, M. leprae, M. malmoense, M. marinum, M.
paratuberculosis, M. scrofulaceum, M. simiae, M. szulgai, M. ulcerans, M. xenopi
Mycoplasma, except M. mycoides and M. agalactiae which are restricted animal pathogens
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, N. meningitidis
Nocardia asteroides, N. brasiliensis, N. otitidiscaviarum, N. transvalensis
Rhodococcus equi
Salmonella including S. arizonae, S. cholerasuis, S. enteritidis, S. gallinarum-pullorum, S. meleagridis,
S. paratyphi, A, B, C, S. typhi, S. typhimurium
Shigella including S. boydii, S. dysenteriae, type 1, S. flexneri, S. sonnei
Sphaerophorus necrophorus
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptobacillus moniliformis
Streptococcus including S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes
Treponema pallidum, T. carateum
Vibrio cholerae, V. parahemolyticus, V. vulnificus
Yersinia enterocolitica
Risk Group 2 (RG2) — Fungal Agents
Blastomyces dermatitidis
Cladosporium bantianum, C. (Xylohypha) trichoides
Cryptococcus neoformans
Dactylaria galopava (Ochroconis gallopavum)
Epidermophyton
Exophiala (Wangiella) dermatitidis
Fonsecaea pedrosoi
Microsporum
Paracoccidioides braziliensis
Penicillium marneffei
Sporothrix schenckii
Trichophyton
Risk Group 2 (RG2) — Parasitic Agents
Ancylostoma human hookworms including A. duodenale, A. ceylanicum
Ascaris including Ascaris lumbricoides suum
Babesia including B. divergens, B. microti
Brugia filaria worms including B. malayi, B. timori
Coccidia
Cryptosporidium including C. parvum
Cysticercus cellulosae (hydatid cyst, larva of T. solium)
Echinococcus including E. granulosis, E. multilocularis, E. vogeli
Entamoeba histolytica
Enterobius
Fasciola including F. gigantica, F. hepatica
Giardia including G. lamblia
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Heterophyes
Hymenolepis including H. diminuta, H. nana
Isospora
Leishmania including L. braziliensis, L. donovani, L. ethiopia, L. major, L. mexicana, L. peruvania, L. tropica
Loa loa filaria worms
Microsporidium
Naegleria fowleri
Necator human hookworms including N. americanus
Onchocerca filaria worms including, O. volvulus
Plasmodium including simian species, P. cynomologi, P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, P. vivax
Sarcocystis including S. sui hominis
Schistosoma including S. haematobium, S. intercalatum, S. japonicum, S. mansoni, S. mekongi
Strongyloides including S. stercoralis
Taenia solium
Toxocara including T. canis
Toxoplasma including T. gondii
Trichinella spiralis
Trypanosoma including T. brucei brucei, T. brucei gambiense, T. brucei rhodesiense, T. cruzi
Wuchereria bancrofti filaria worms
Risk Group 2 (RG2) — Viruses
Adenoviruses, human — all types
Alphaviruses (Togaviruses) — Group A Arboviruses
Eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus
Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis vaccine strain TC-83
Western equine encephalomyelitis virus
Arenaviruses
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (non-neurotropic strains)
Tacaribe virus complex
Other viruses as listed in the reference source (see Footnotes and References of Sections I through IV)
Bunyaviruses
Bunyamwera virus
Rift Valley fever virus vaccine strain MP-12
Other viruses as listed in the reference source (see Footnotes and References of Sections I through IV)
Caliciviruses
Coronaviruses
Flaviviruses (Togaviruses) — Group B Arboviruses
Dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4
Yellow fever virus vaccine strain 17D
Other viruses as listed in the reference source (see Footnotes and References of Sections I through IV)
Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses
Herpesviruses — except Herpesvirus simiae (Monkey B virus) (see Risk Group 4 (RG4) — Viral Agents)
Cytomegalovirus
Epstein Barr virus
Herpes simplex types 1 and 2
Herpes zoster
Human herpesvirus types 6 and 7
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Orthomyxoviruses
Influenza viruses types A, B, and C (except those listed in Risk Group 3 (RG3) — Viruses and Prions)
Tick-borne orthomyxoviruses
Papovaviruses
All human papilloma viruses
Paramyxoviruses
Newcastle disease virus
Measles virus
Mumps virus
Parainfluenza viruses types 1, 2, 3, and 4
Respiratory syncytial virus
Parvoviruses
Human parvovirus (B19)
Picornaviruses
Coxsackie viruses types A and B
Echoviruses — all types
Polioviruses — all types, wild and attenuated
Rhinoviruses — all types
Poxviruses — all types except Monkeypox virus (see Risk Group 3 (RG3) — Viruses and Prions) and restricted
poxviruses including Alastrim, Smallpox, and Whitepox (see Footnotes and References of Sections I
through IV)
Reoviruses — all types including Coltivirus, human Rotavirus, and Orbivirus (Colorado tick fever virus)
Rhabdoviruses
Rabies virus — all strains
Vesicular stomatitis virus — laboratory adapted strains including VSV-Indiana, San Juan, and Glasgow
Togaviruses (see Alphaviruses and Flaviviruses)
Rubivirus (rubella)
Risk Group 3 (RG3) Agents
RG3 agents are associated with serious or lethal human disease for which preventive or therapeutic
interventions may be available.
Risk Group 3 (RG3) — Bacterial Agents Including Rickettsia
Bartonella
Brucella including B. abortus, B. canis, B. suis
Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) mallei, B. pseudomallei
Coxiella burnetii
Francisella tularensis
Mycobacterium bovis (except BCG strain, see Risk Group 2 (R2) — Bacterial Agents Including Chlamydia),
M. tuberculosis
Pasteurella multocida type B — “buffalo” and other virulent strains
Rickettsia akari, R. australis, R. canada, R. conorii, R. prowazekii, R. rickettsii, R, siberica, R. tsutsugamushi,
R. typhi (R. mooseri)
Yersinia pestis
Risk Group 3 (RG3) — Fungal Agents
Coccidioides immitis (sporulating cultures; contaminated soil)
Histoplasma capsulatum, H. capsulatum var.. duboisii
Risk Group 3 (RG3) — Parasitic Agents
None
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Risk Group 3 (RG3) — Viruses and Prions
Alphaviruses (Togaviruses) — Group A Arboviruses
Semliki Forest virus
St. Louis encephalitis virus
Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus (except the vaccine strain TC-83, see RG2)
Other viruses as listed in the reference source (see Footnotes and References of Sections I through IV)
Arenaviruses
Flexal
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCM) (neurotropic strains)
Bunyaviruses
Hantaviruses including Hantaan virus
Rift Valley fever virus
Flaviviruses (Togaviruses) -— Group B Arboviruses
Japanese encephalitis virus
Yellow fever virus
Other viruses as listed in the reference source (see Footnotes and References of Sections I through IV)
Orthomyxoviruses
Influenza viruses 1918–1919 H1N1 (1918 H1N1), human H2N2 (1957–1968), and highly pathogenic
avian influenza H5N1 strains within the Goose/Guangdong/96-like H5 lineage (HPAI H5N1).
Poxviruses
Monkeypox virus
Prions
Transmissible spongioform encephalopathies (TME) agents (Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease and kuru agents)
(see Footnotes and References of Sections I through IV, for containment instruction)
Retroviruses
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) types 1 and 2
Human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) types 1 and 2
Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)
Rhabdoviruses
Vesicular stomatitis virus
Risk Group 4 (RG4) Agents
RG4 agents are likely to cause serious or lethal human disease for which preventive or therapeutic
interventions are not usually available.
Risk Group 4 (RG4) — Bacterial Agents
None
Risk Group 4 (RG4) — Fungal Agents
None
Risk Group 4 (RG4) — Parasitic Agents
None
Risk Group 4 (RG4) — Viral Agents
Arenaviruses
Guanarito virus
Lassa virus
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Junin virus
Machupo virus
Sabia
Bunyaviruses (Nairovirus)
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus
Filoviruses
Ebola virus
Marburg virus
Flaviruses (Togaviruses) — Group B Arboviruses
Tick-borne encephalitis virus complex including Absetterov, Central European encephalitis, Hanzalova,
Hypr, Kumlinge, Kyasanur Forest disease, Omsk hemorrhagic fever, and Russian spring-summer
encephalitis viruses
Herpesviruses (alpha)
Herpesvirus simiae (Herpes B or Monkey B virus)
Paramyxoviruses
Equine morbillivirus
Hemorrhagic fever agents and viruses as yet undefined
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
Annex M (informative)
Illustrations of acceptable and unacceptable
facial hair for tight-fitting respirators
Notes:
(1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
(2) This Annex is to be used in conjunction with Clause 9.2.2 and 10.
(3) The examples provided in this Annex are illustrations of the application of the criteria specified in the Standard. These
examples are limited, not comprehensive, and are provided only as guidance for program administrators, fit testers,
supervisors, and users. Variations not illustrated in this Annex do not necessarily meet the criteria for acceptable facial
hair.
(4) Acceptable facial hair for respirator fit testing and use does not interfere with
(a) the respirator sealing surface; or
(b) valve or respirator function.
Acceptable
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Unacceptable
Note: Adapted with permission from Brookhaven Lab.
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Selection, use, and care of respirators
Annex N (informative)
Additional guidance for qualified persons on
respirator selection in health care environments
Notes:
(1) This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
(2) This Annex is adapted from the Public Health Agency of Canada’s draft 2010 Routine Practices and Additional
Precautions for Preventing the Transmission of Infection in Health Care.
N.1 General
This Annex provides additional guidance for qualified persons responsible for determining levels of risk
associated with micro-organisms transmitted by the airborne route in health care environments.
N.2 Probability of airborne exposure
The probability of airborne exposure to a micro-organism contained in a bioaerosol is influenced by
several factors:
(a) proximity of the infected source (patient) to the host (respirator user);
(b) particle sizes containing the infectious agent;
(c) viability of the infectious agent; and
(d) animate and inanimate environment of a room.
N.3 Conditions for airborne transmission
The following conditions must be present for airborne transmission of infection to occur:
(a) Micro-organisms contained in the particles must be capable of remaining viable in the air for a
prolonged period of time.
(b) There must be a susceptible host.
(c) The susceptible host must be exposed to a sufficient concentration (infectious dose) of the viable
micro-organisms.
(d) The appropriate cell-surface receptors for the micro-organisms are present at the site of exposure.
N.4 Additional routes of transmission
When micro-organisms have additional routes of transmission or a patient is infected with more than one
type of micro-organism with multiple routes of transmission, the qualified person takes all routes of
transmission into consideration during the risk assessment stage.
If there is also a risk of acquiring the disease by the contact route, the qualified person considers the risk
to the user of self-inoculation from contaminated personal protective equipment and to anyone else who
might come into contact with that equipment.
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N.5 Micro-organisms known to be transmitted from human
to human by the airborne route
Susceptible workers should use a respirator when caring for a patient, resident, or client with a suspected
or confirmed infection caused by any of the following micro-organisms until the patient or environment is
deemed no longer to be infectious:
(a) rubeola (measles virus);
(b) monkeypox;
(c) respiratory (pulmonary, laryngeal, pleural) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (also M. africanum, M. bovis). A
respirator is also recommended while performing aerosol-generating medical procedures on
non-pulmonary lesions infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (also M. bovis, M. africanum);
(d) variola virus (smallpox);
(e) vaccinia;
(f) varicella zoster virus (varicella/chickenpox); and
(g) varicella zoster virus (disseminated herpes zoster/shingles).
N.6 Aerosol-generating medical procedures with possible
airborne transmission from human to human
The following diseases can be transmitted from human to human by the airborne route during
aerosol-generating medical procedures (e.g., intubation, bronchoscopy):
(a) coronavirus in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS CoV); and
(b) emerging respiratory infections.
N.7 Aerosol-generating medical procedures where it is
theoretically possible to have human-to-human airborne
transmission
Viral hemorrhagic fevers due to Lassa, Crimean-Congo, Ebola, and Marburg viruses could theoretically be
transmitted from human to human by the airborne route during aerosol-generating medical procedures.
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