Use of Air-Purifying Respirators In Dangerous Concentrations of Gases Or Vapors

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

 


January 10, 1990

Respirator rules as applied to open hatch gauging of sour crude oil storage tanks.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

June 11, 1990

M. E. McAllister, Ph.D.
Manager - Environmental, Safety
& Regulatory Compliance
TOTAL Minatome Corporation
Post Office Box 4326
Houston, Texas 77210-4326

Dear Dr. McAllister:

Thank you for your letter of April 2, regarding an interpretation of respirator rules as applied to open hatch gauging of sour crude oil storage tanks. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

Spray painting relating to vehicle maintenance operations.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 28, 1992

Mr. Darrell K. Mattheis
Organization Resources Counselors, Inc.
1910 Sunderland Place, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036

Dear Mr. Mattheis:

This is in further response to your letter of January 23 to Patricia K. Clark, Director, Directorate of Compliance Programs, requesting interpretations of the Occupational Safety and Health standard for spray painting under 29 CFR 1910.107(n), relating to vehicle maintenance operations. Please accept our apologies for the delay in responding.

Respirator Exhalation Valve Leakage.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

May 25, 1994

 

 

Tuberculosis: respiratory protection and complaint inspection.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 22, 1996

The Honorable Frank Mascara
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Mascara:

Job requiring respiratory protection.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 16, 1996

The Honorable Scott Klug
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Klug:

Interpretation of the Personal Protective Equipment standard

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

July 3, 1995

Mitchell S. Allen, Esquire
Constangy, Brooks, & Smith
Suite 2400
230 Peachtree Street, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1557

Dear Mr. Allen:

The Use of the Bullard "Free Air" Pump.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 18, 1996

Ms. Jeni Leberknight
Rapley Engineering Services, Inc.
900 East Nichols Avenue, Suite 250
Enqlewood, Colorado 80112

Dear Ms. Leberknight:

Thank you for your letter of March 11, requesting an interpretation of the use of the Bullard "Free Air" Pump.

Respirators required during initial hazardous waste site entry

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

MAY 1 1990

Ms. Kym Mohrman
Health and Safety Officer
MAECORP Incorporated
Michigan Division
8180 Valley Point Drive
Caledonia, Michigan 49316

Dear Ms. Mohrman:

Thank you for your letter of March 23, requesting an interpretation of the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (29 CFR 1910.120).

Permissible Exposure Limits for Nuisance dust.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

May 15, 1997

Mr. Michael A. Russo
President
Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics
& Allied Workers International Union
Local Union #77
890 Third Street
Albany, New York 12206

Dear Mr. Russo:

This letter is in response to your March 11 letter expressing disagreement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) New York Regional Office's response to your respirator questions. However, we concur with Mr. Shapiro's response.