Respirator Protection Manual

Respiratory Protection Program 19 Organic Vapor Cartridge A cartridge offering protection against organic gases and vapors such as hexane, naphtha, acetone, etc. (Note: Not all organic vapors are removed by this cartridge. Consult with EH&S for limitations). PAPR - Powered Air Purifying Respirator A PAPR uses a power source (usually a battery pack) to operate a blower that passes air across a filter, to supply purified air to a respiratory inlet. PEL - Permissible Exposure Limit An exposure limit that is published and enforced by OSHA as a legal standard. Air contaminant concentrations below a PEL allow a worker to continuously work 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, without ill effects. Work in concentrations about a PEL require respirator protection. See also TLV . Protection Factor The ratio of the ambient airborne concentration of a contaminant to its concentration inside the respirator. Dust masks and half-face respirators are typically rated with a protection factor of 10, thus affording a 10-fold reduction in exposure when used properly. SCBA - Self Contained Breathing Apparatus The type of respiratory protection typically used by fire fighters employing a compressed air tank and positive pressure or pressure-demand air regulators. TLV - Threshold Limit Value A time weighted average air contaminant concentration under which most people can work continuously for 8 hours a day, day after day, with no harmful effects. Unlike PEL’s, TLV’s are updated regularly by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and reflect current “good practice” exposure limits. Though they are similar to the PEL’s enforced by OSHA, TLV’s are guidelines and are not enforceable under federal regulations.