Document qmeOZwEOL2ejk6NmkXyZkp5jj

CM CHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION MEMORANDUM January 27, 1983 TO: CMA OSHA Contacts FROM: Timothy O'Leary''^/ SUBJECT: OSHA Revision of Occupational Exposure to Testing On November 12, 1982 OSHA published a significant revision of its rules on Respirator Fit Testing to allow the use of relatively simple and inexpensive Qualitative Fit Testing (QLFT) procedures. The old regulation had mandated initial and periodic (6 month) Quantitative Fit Testing (QNFT) for employees exposed to less than 500 ug/m^ of airborne lead. The new rules demand the same frequency of fit testing, but allow the employer a much wider choice of methods to demonstrate compliance. The employer can now select either QNFT or any one of three different QLFT procedures: 1. Isoamyl Acetate Protocol 2. Saccharin Solution Aersol Protocol 3. Irritant Fume Protocol QNFT and the three QLFT protocols have very similar requirements for selection of respirators by the employee. Whereas the QNFT requires expensive and sophisticated equipment to measure particulate concentrations quantitatively and assure a good fit, the QLFT require only low cost, easily obtainable and portable testing equipment. The essential feature of all fit testing is to demonstrate that a protection factor of at least 10 can be obtained when the employee has been given assistance in respirator selection and has been proper ly trained in its use and care. In all cases the employer has the responsi bility to assure that the respirator is properly maintained and used for protection against moderate 10 X PEL) airborne concentrations of lead. While none of the other current OSHA regulations mandate respirator fit test ing, it may be in the employer's best interest to adapt similar criteria for all their respiratory protection programs. TFO:rbw 012783 .t Formerly Manufacturing Chemists Association-Serving the Chemical Industry Since 1672. 25Qi M Street. NW - Waahmgton DC 20037 Telephone 202/887-1100 Telex 89617 ICMA WSH)