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. Replace those filters, cartridges, and canisters that have damaged color codes or labels. All cartridges are assigned a color designating the type of contaminant they filter as shown in the chart to the right.
Where Respirator Use is Not Required
An employer may provide respirators at the request of employees or permit employees to use their own respirators if the employer determines such respirator use will not in itself create a hazard.
If the employer determines any voluntary respirator use is permissible, the employer must provide the respirator users with the information contained in Appendix D of the standard.
In addition, the employer must establish and implement those elements of a written respiratory protection program necessary to ensure that any employee using a respirator voluntarily is medically able to use the respirator and the respirator is cleaned, stored, and maintained so its use does not present a health hazard to the user. Exception: Employers are not required to include in a written respiratory protection program those employees whose only use of respirators involves the voluntary use of filtering face pieces (dust masks).
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4-5. What should you do if a cartridge on your respirator is missing the NIOSH label?
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