NEWSWATCH​

A new NIOSH fact sheet warns that worker safety can be compromised by the use of replacement component parts or accessories that are not NIOSH-approved for a specific respirator. The new guidance reminds users that though NIOSH-approved respirators comprise various component parts, they are approved as a complete unit. According to NIOSH, use of components that are not part of the approved assembly results in a respirator that has not been evaluated and certified by the agency. More frequent issues with unapproved parts include cylinders used for SCBA air supply and airlines used for supplied-air respirators. When replacing component parts, NIOSH urges users to check with the respirator manufacturer to ensure that correct parts are used. See NIOSH’s on the agency's .