Reference

OSHA 1910.134(c) requires a written respiratory protection program before mandatory respirator use. This guide decodes all 12 required elements — selection, medical evaluation, fit testing, use procedures, maintenance, and training — with cross-references to relevant 1910.134 subsections and a worked spray-painting contractor example.

Most OSHA PELs derive from 1968 ACGIH TLVs and have not been updated since 1971 — ACGIH updates TLVs annually. For many chemicals the TLV is 5–20× lower than the PEL, requiring a higher APF respirator. ANSI/ASSP Z88.2 directs employers to use the most protective OEL. This guide covers the practical selection implications.

OSHA 1910.134(d)(3)(iii)(B) requires a documented change-out schedule for OV respirators. This guide covers ESLI vs. calculated schedules, 3M Service Life Software inputs, P100 replacement rules, combination OV/P100 dual service life limits, per-SKU guidance for 3M cartridges, and a 6-step worked example for solvent spray painting.