
Respiratory Protection eTool
Respirator Change Schedules Decision Logic Flowcharts
Text Version
- 4 The results of the following decisions can be combined based on contaminant/cartridge combinations.
- Does the cartridge have an ESLI for all contaminants?
- Yes - A change-out schedule is not required.
- No - Go to "Is manufacturer recommendation available for cartridge type?"
- Is manufacturer recommendation available for cartridge type?
- Yes - Go to "Using manufacturer's information and your work environment, develop service life for each respirator user".
- No - Go to "Is breakthrough data available for contaminants?"
- Is breakthrough data available for contaminant?
- Yes - 5 Go to flowchart 5
- No - Go to "Will you perform testing to obtain needed data?" - 5R
- Will you perform testing to obtain needed data?
- Yes - 6 Go to flowchart 6
- No - Insufficient information to develop a change-out schedule. You cannot use an APR.
- Using manufacturer's information and your work environment, develop service life for each respirator user.
- 7 - Document respirator cartridge change-out schedule.
- Identify all gas/vapor respirator type, manufacturers, and cartridges to be included.
- Identify each job classification which will be using a respirator.
- Identify all environmental and work factors (temperature, humidity, work rate, expected time used, etc.) for each job class.
- For each job class, identify all contaminants and worse case concentration.
- For each combination of the above items, document the maximum time between cartridge changes.
- Unless substantial information supports a decision otherwise, require cartridges to be changed at the end of each work shift.
- Prepare a written document describing all factors and supportive data used to develop the change-out schedule.
- Train respirator users in the application of the change-out schedule and ensure they are aware of the availability of the change-out schedule documentation.
- Enter change-out schedule information into respiratory protection program.
- Review change-out schedule annually or whenever a change occurs in respirator manufacture or usage.
- Does the cartridge have an ESLI for all contaminants?
