Respirators filter toxins from the air or supply fresh air from a tank or hose. The pictures below are all different type of respirators.
A respirator must be used if specified by the pesticide product labeling. Before the handler performs any handler activities where a respirator is required to be worn, the handler employer must ensure the following:
- Provide handlers with fit testing using the respirator specified on the pesticide product labeling in a manner that conforms to the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.134.
- Provide handlers with training in the use of the respirator specified on the pesticide product labeling in a manner that conforms to the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.134(k)(1)(i) through(vi).
- Maintain records of completion on the establishment for two years.
WPS Respiratory Protection Guide - Requirements for Employers of Pesticide Handlers
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Air purifying half-face (elastomeric) respirator with combination OV cartridge and N-type particulate filters. NIOSH Approval #TC-84A | ![]() |
Air purifying half-face (elastomeric) respirator with P-100 (magenta) particulate filters. NIOSH Approval #TC-84A |
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Filtering face-piece respirator (May be an N-, R-, or P-type particulate filter). This is also known as a 'disposable' respirator because none of its parts are replaceable. NIOSH Approval #TC-84A | ![]() |
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Air supplied from a pressurized tank to a full-face mask. NIOSH Approval #TC-13F |
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Air Purifying full-face respirator with a canister specified for a type of chemical contaminant such as organic vapors (OV) (gas mask). NIOSH Approval #TC-14G | ![]() |
Air Purifying full-face respirator with combination OV cartridge and N-type particulate filter. NIOSH Approval #TC-84A |
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Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with OV and combination HE filters. NIOSH Approval #TC-23C | ![]() |
Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with particulate HE filter. NIOSH Approval #TC-21C |
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Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) Air supplied through an air hose from a source such as an air compressor. NIOSH Approval #TC-19C |
*The image above is courtesy of Honeywell Industrial Safety
More detailed information is available here.
You may also be interested in information about Handler Employers.
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Regulatory Guidance
Browse brief guides about protections for workers and handlers, the AEZ, posting, PPE, exemptions, training, respirators, and more, in English and Spanish.