Respirators

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

	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
	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
	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
	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
	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.