(f)(8)
* Fit testing of tight-fitting atmosphere-supplying respirators and tight-fitting powered air-purifying
respirators shall be accomplished by performing quantitative or qualitative fit testing in the
negative pressure mode, regardless of the mode of operation (negative or positive pressure) that
is used for respiratory protection.
(f)(1)(8)(i)
* Qualitative fit testing of these respirators shall be accomplished by temporarily converting the
respirator user's actual face piece into a negative pressure respirator with appropriate filters, or
by using an identical negative pressure air-purifying respirator face piece with the same sealing
surfaces as a surrogate for the atmosphere-supplying or powered air-purifying respirator face
piece.
(f)(1)(8)(ii)
* Quantitative fit testing of these respirators shall be accomplished by modifying the face piece to
allow sampling inside the face piece in the breathing zone of the user, midway between the nose
and mouth. This requirement shall be accomplished by installing a permanent sampling probe
onto a surrogate face piece, or by using a sampling adapter designed to temporarily provide a
means of sampling air from inside the face piece.
(f)(1)(8)(iii)
* Any modifications to the respirator face piece for fit testing shall be completely removed, and
the face piece restored to NIOSH-approved configuration, before that face piece can be used in
the workplace.
(g)
*
Use of respirators
. This paragraph requires employers to establish and implement procedures
for the proper use of respirators. These requirements include prohibiting conditions that may
result in face piece seal leakage, preventing employees from removing respirators in hazardous
environments, taking actions to ensure continued effective respirator operation throughout the
work shift, and establishing procedures for the use of respirators in IDLH atmospheres or in
interior structural firefighting situations.
(g)(1)
*
Face piece seal protection.
(g)(1)(i)
* The employer shall not permit respirators with tight-fitting face pieces to be worn by employees
who have:
(g)(1)(i)(A)
* Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the face piece and the face or that
interferes with valve function; or
(g)(1)(i)(B)
* Any condition that interferes with the face-to-face piece seal or valve function.
(g)(1)(ii)
* If an employee wears corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective equipment, the
employer shall ensure that such equipment is worn in a manner that does not interfere with the
seal of the face piece to the face of the user.
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Summary of Contents for Opti-Fit 9800-25
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