EPA Design for the Environment
SUGGESTIONS FOR RESPIRATOR TYPES AND CARTRIDGE-CHANGING SCHEDULES
What type of respirator should be used for what task?
· Provide full-face supplied air respirators (if possible) or respirators with organic vapor (OV) cartridges for all painting
Supplied Air Respirator (SAR)
A SAR should be used for spray painting. This respirator provides the greatest protection for the painter and is recommended by paint manufacturers. OSHA mandates a SAR if levels of isocyanate in the air are determined to be above permissible levels. Some painters experience difficulty using a SAR but, for their own safety, they should look at the various SARs available and select one that is most comfortable. A common complaint is that there are two air hoses to drag around in the booth when a painter uses a SAR. In fact, some have one hose that splits and feeds the gun and the respirator. Be sure, though, that the respirator selected is OSHA approved. We recommend the hood type that gives full protection of head, eyes and neck, thus eliminating the need for additional goggles and head covering. These units cost less than $1000. An approved air source must be used with it. Some states, such as Rhode Island, require that SARs be used for painting cars.
· Provide OV cartridge respirators for priming and filler work
· Provide HEPA filter respirators for cutting, grinding, welding and dry sanding
· Provide N95 dust masks for mechanical repair
When should the cartridges be changed?
· Replace OV cartridges and paint filters at least weekly – or when visibly contaminated or the user detects solvent odor inside the mask
· Replace HEPA filters monthly or bimonthly
When should the respirators be cleaned?
· Clean and properly store respirators by the end of each work shift
Suggestions for Respirators.doc