UPDATES AND CHANGES The following examples illustrate significant updates made in Z88.2-2015. Approved Respirators Standards and annexes provide recommended practices associated with particulate respirators and their associated terms. In its Respiratory Protective Devices standard, NIOSH filter designations and efficiency levels identify N-series, R-series, P-series, and high efficiency (HE) PAPR filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters include HE PAPR filters, and N100, R100, and P100 non-powered air purifying respirator filters. Only HE PAPR filters and P100 filters are magenta color-coded. These approved respirators, which did not exist when Z88.2-1992 was approved, are addressed in sections of the 2015 revision on respirator classification, selection, and use, as well as in informative annexes. Assigned Protection Factors Definitions and terms were updated to be consistent with OSHA and NIOSH regulations, the ISO Respiratory Protective Devices standard, and the definitions adopted by the AIHA Respiratory Protection Committee. The term “assigned protection factor” was revised to emphasize that an APF is meaningful only when applied in a fully compliant respirator program. The definition of APF in the 2015 revision is: The minimum expected workplace level of respiratory ​protection that would be provided by a properly functioning and used respirator or a class of respirators to properly fitted and trained wearers when all elements of an effective respirator program are established and are being implemented. This standard references OSHA required APFs for use in respirator selection. Thus, it eliminates previous conflicting published recommendations among ANSI, NIOSH, and OSHA. An ANSI/ASSE Z88.15 subcommittee has been approved to review current research and published literature and update (where necessary) OSHA APFs, which are now nine years old. To support the importance of wearing the respirator during the full period of needed protection, a new annex addressing effective protection factors was added to the standard. The annex illustrates the substantial reduction of protection provided by the respirator when not used for even short periods of time in circumstances that require usage. Program Managers and Respirator Wearers The standard highlights the distinction between users (employers, respirator program managers, and others) from respirator wearers (the individuals who actually wear the respirators). Accordingly, the process of checking the fit of the respirator each time the respirator is donned is a role of the wearer. Previous versions of the standard referred to this responsibility as a “user seal check”; this term has been changed in the 2015 revision to “wearer seal check.” Guidance on wearer seal checks, which was a non-mandatory recommendation in the 1992 revision, is now a mandatory requirement. The section on Program Administration emphasizes the responsibilities of a single qualified individual to ensure the components of the respirator program are established and implemented. This section also adds a requirement for annual audits of the respirator program by the program administrator and periodic respirator program audits by a knowledgeable, objective person not directly associated with the program. The frequency of this outside audit should be determined by the size and complexity of the respirator program and previous audit findings. These sections help clarify the various responsibilities of respirator us​ers (employers, program managers) and respirator wearers. This approach is consistent with ISO in its establishment of an international respiratory protective device standard.

 

Additional Updates Additional updates in in Z88.2-2015 that relate to mandatory standards are listed below:

 

Informative Annexes In addition, newly added annexes provide information on classifying, selecting, and using respirators; establishing cartridge/canister change schedules; determining required fit factor values for respirator fit-testing; calculating effective protection factors; complying with compressed air dew point requirements; using compressed breathing air equipment and systems; and designating positive-pressure respirators. These annexes emphasize important practical information on these complex topics. COMMENTS WELCOME A related article comparing OSHA’s respiratory protection program element standards to the 2015 revision of Z88.2 will appear in an upcoming issue of The Synergist. In the meantime, readers’ comments and suggestions for​ additional topics, updates, or corrections to Z88.2 are welcome. These comments are important for initiating the next Z88.2 subcommittee and standard revision process. Please send comments to Richard W. Metzler or James S. Johnson. RICHARD W. METZLER, MSIE, a consultant based in Houston, Pa., is chair of the ANSI/ASSE Z88.2 subcommittee. He can be reached at rwmetzler@comcast.net. JAMES S. JOHNSON, PhD, CIH, QEP, is a consultant with JSJ and Associates in Pleasanton, Calif., and chair of the ANSI/ASSE Z88 committee. He can be reached at jsjsrj@comcast.net. DAVID L. SPELCE, MS, CIH (1997–2015), served as the Navy’s res​pirator expert from 1987 to 2015 and was the Navy’s official liaison to the ANSI Respirator Committee and the ANSI respirator subcommittees. He can be reached at spelce@cox.net. TIMOTHY R. REHAK, PE, is a general engineer with the NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) and a member of the ANSI/ASSE Z88.2 subcommittee. He can be reached at ter1@cdc.gov.