Respirator Protection Manual

13 Respiratory Protection Program E. Respirator Limitations Dust masks are limited to use with nuisance dusts only. (Users will be fit tested with a Bitrex or saccharin solution.) Air purifying respirators (defined in Definitions section) must NOT be used in: • Atmospheres that are oxygen deficient (< 19.5% oxygen). • Atmospheres that are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). • Atmospheres with contaminants that cannot be removed by the respirator cartridge. • Atmospheres that contain a contaminant whose concentration exceeds the assigned protection factor (rating) of the respirator. • Atmospheres that contain a contaminant which has poor warning properties. Emergency situations often require the highest level of respiratory protection. Atmospheres which have not been characterized (monitored) should be treated as though they are immediately dangerous to life and health. Supplied-air respirators, such as the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or air-line respirator may be used in these atmospheres. However, emergency situations and immediately dangerous to life or health entry must be handled on a case-by-case basis by Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). This will ensure that appropriate hazard assessments and mandatory training and fit-testing have been performed.