Appendix C

Respirators

At most worksites where hot asphalt or asphalt-based paints are used, concentrations of asphalt fumes or aerosols are generally below the NIOSH REL of 5 mg/m3. However, constantly changing environmental and worksite conditions may result in fluctuating airborne concentrations of asphalt fumes and asphalt-based paint aerosols. Such fluctuations may result in exposures exceeding the NIOSH REL and warrant the use of respiratory protection. If respirators are required at the worksite, the employer is responsible for ensuring that respirators are NIOSH-approved and that all OSHA regulations pertaining to the implementation of a respirator program are followed. Important elements of these OSHA regulations [29 CFR 1910.134] are-

• An evaluation or the worker's ability to perform the work while wearing a respirator,
• Regular training of workers,
• Periodic environmental monitoring,
• Respirator fit-testing, maintenance, inspection, cleaning, and storage,
• Periodic changes of cartridges, and
• Cartridge testing for service life.

No NIOSH-approved respirator filter cartridge or canister exists specifically for asphalt fumes or aerosols. But the respirators listed below will reduce exposure.

• Any half-facepiece, air-purifying respirator equipped with a combination R100 or P100 filter and an organic vapor cartridge, or
• Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a hood, helmet, or loose-fitting facepiece equipped with a combination HEPA and organic vapor cartridge.

The appropriate respirator filters are R100, P100, or HEPA as listed under 42 CFR 84 [NIOSH 1996]. The appropriate organic vapor cartridge or canister should contain a charcoal sorbent. This type of protection may also be used when there is a potential exposure to dusts containing coal tar or asbestos.

A comprehensive assessment of workplace exposures should always be performed to ensure that the proper respiratory protection is used. Other types of respirators can provide a higher level of protection and may be required under certain conditions (e.g., work in confined spaces) [NIOSH 1987].