Identification of Filters, Cartridges, and Canisters
A canister or cartridge is a container with a filter, sorbent, or catalyst, or combination of these items, which removes specific contaminants from the air passed through the container.
1910.134(j) Identification of Filters, Cartridges, and Canisters. The employer must ensure that all filters, cartridges and canisters used in the workplace are labeled and color coded with the NIOSH approval label and that the label is not removed and remains legible.
The color and markings of all canisters and cartridges or labels must conform with the requirements of the American National Standards Institute, American National Standard for Identification of Air-Purifying Respirator Canisters and Cartridges, ANSI K13.1-1973.
All cartridges are assigned a color designating the type of contaminant they filter:
| Color Coding | Contaminant |
|---|---|
| WHITE | Acid gases |
| WHITE and 1/2" GREEN stripe near canister bottom. |
Hydrocyanic acid gases |
| WHITE and 1/2" YELLOW stripe near canister bottom. |
Chlorine gas |
| BLACK | Organic vapors |
| GREEN | Ammonia gas |
| GREEN and 1/2" WHITE stripe near canister bottom. |
Acid gasses and ammonia gas |
| BLUE | Carbon monoxide |
| YELLOW | Acid gases and organic vapors |
| YELLOW and 1/2" BLUE stripe near canister bottom. |
Hydrocyanic acid gas and chloropicrin vapor |
BROWN |
Acid gases, organic vapors, and ammonia gases |
PURPLE (MAGENTA) |
Radioactive materials, except tritium & noble gases |
| Organic vapor canister plus particulate filer | Pesticides |
| OLIVE | Multi-Contaminant and CBRN agent |
| PURPLE | Any particulates - P100 |
| ORANGE | Any particulates - P95, P99, R95, R95, R100 |
| TEAL | Any particulates free of oil - N95, N99, or N100 |
To fulfill these requirements, you should adopt appropriate procedures for ensuring that:
- only NIOSH-certified filters, cartridges and canisters are used, and
- labels are not removed, defaced, or obscured during respirator use.
What is on the Label
The label clearly states the class of contaminants for which the filter, cartridge, or canister may be used (e.g., permissible particulate respirator filter for dusts, fumes and mists, including asbestos-containing dusts and mists and radionuclides. The NIOSH certification number and any limitations or precautions are also included on the label.
Purpose of the Label
The NIOSH label serves several purposes. It ensures selection of the appropriate cartridge/canister for the contaminants found in the workplace. Also, it permits the employee using the respirator to check and confirm that the respirator has the appropriate filters before the respirator is used. The color coding scheme allows fellow employees, supervisors and the respiratory protection program administrator to readily determine that the worker is using the appropriate filter.
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2-11. What must employers ensure when using filters, cartridges, or canisters in the workplace?
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