Rynek pracy i bezpieczeństwo · 6.06.2003
Assigned Protection Factors
OSHA is proposing to revise its existing Respiratory Protection Standard to add definitions and specific requirements for assigned protection factors (APFs) and maximum use concentrations (MUCs). The proposed revisions also would supersede the respirator selection provisions of existing substance-specific standards with these new APFs (except the APFs for the 1,3-Butadiene Standard). The Agency developed the proposed APFs after thoroughly reviewing the available literature, including chamber simulation studies and workplace protection factor studies. The proposed APFs would provide employers with critical information to use when selecting respirators for employees exposed to atmospheric contaminants found in general industry, construction, shipyard, longshoring, and marine terminal workplaces. Proper respirator selection using APFs is an important component of an effective respirator protection program. Accordingly, OSHA has made a preliminary conclusion that the proposed APFs are necessary to protect employees who use respirators against atmospheric contaminants.