NIOSH issues Respiratory protection recommendations for crystalline silica exposure
A new document describes the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) policy for respiratory protection against airborne exposures to crystalline silica.
NIOSH recommends the use of half-facepiece particulate respirators with N95 or better filters for airborne exposures to crystalline silica at concentrations less than or equal to 0.5 mg/m3. OSHA also specifies the use of at least a 95-rated filter efficiency. The recommendation for a 95-rated filter efficiency reflects the improved filter efficiency of N95 filters over the earlier dust and mist (DM) filters.
A comprehensive respirator program must be instituted prior to the use of these respirators. The requirements for a comprehensive respirator program may be found in the OSHA respiratory protection standard at 29 CFR 1910.134.
For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2008-140/pdfs/2008-140.pdf
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