General Cautions and Limitations for 84A - Non-powered Air-Purifying Particulate Filter Respirators
These limitations are by no means all inclusive. The respirator manufacturer may also identify further cautions and limitations for their respirators. In addition, regulatory agencies may also place a limit on the use of respirators in their standards.
Approval
| 84A - Non-Powered Air-Purifying Particulate Filter Respirators | |
|---|---|
| N95 | Particulate Filter (95% filter efficiency level) effective against particulate aerosols free of oil; time use restrictions may apply.* ** |
| R95 | Particulate Filter (95% filter efficiency level) effective against all particulate aerosols; time use restrictions may apply.* *** |
| P95 | Particulate Filter (95% filter efficiency level) effective against all particulate aerosols.* |
| N99 | Particulate Filter (99% filter efficiency level) effective against particulate aerosols free of oil; time use restrictions may apply.* ** |
| R99 | Particulate Filter (99% filter efficiency level) effective against all particulate aerosols; time use restrictions may apply.* *** |
| P99 | Particulate Filter (99% filter efficiency level) effective against all particulate aerosols.* |
| N100 | Particulate Filter (99.9% filter efficiency level) effective against particulate aerosols free of oil; time use restrictions may apply.* ** |
| R100 | Particulate Filter (99.9% filter efficiency level) effective against all particulate aerosols; time use restrictions may apply.* *** |
| P100 | Particulate Filter (99.9% filter efficiency level) effective against all particulate aerosols.* |
* Limited by consideration of hygiene, damage, and breathing resistance.
** High (200 mg) filter loading in the certification test is intended to address the potential for filter efficiency degradation by solid or water-based (i.e., non-oil) aerosols in the workplace. Accordingly, there is no recommended service time limit in most workplace settings. However, in dirty workplaces (high aerosol concentrations) service time should only be extended beyond 8 hours of use (continuous or intermittent) by performing an evaluation in specific workplace settings that demonstrates (a) that extended use will not degrade the filter efficiency below the certified efficiency level, or (b) that the total mass loading of the filter is less than 200 mg (100 mg per filter for dual-filter respirators).
*** No specific service time when oils are not present. In the presence of oil aerosols, service time may be extended beyond 8 hours of use (continuous or intermittent) by demonstrating (a) that extended use will not degrade the filter efficiency below the certified efficiency level, or (b) that the total mass loading of the filter is less than 200 mg (100 mg per filter for dual-filter respirators).
NIOSH will be conducting and encouraging other researchers to conduct studies to assure that these service time recommendations are adequate. If research indicates the need, additional service time recommendations may be recommended by NIOSH for specific workplace conditions.
General Limitations - All Part 84A Approvals
| General Limitations - All Part 84A Approvals | |
|---|---|
| A | Not for use in atmospheres containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen. |
| B | Not for use in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health. |
| C | Do not exceed maximum use concentrations established by regulatory standards. |
| D | Air-line respirators can be used only when the respirators are supplied with respirable air meeting the requirements of CGA G-7.1 Grade D or higher quality |
| E | Use only the pressure ranges and hose lengths specified in the User's Instructions. |
| G | If airflow is cut off, switch to filter and/or cartridge and immediately exit to clean air. |
| H | Do not wear for protection against organic vapors with poor warning properties or those which generate high heats of reaction with sorbent. |
| I | Contains electrical parts which have not been evaluated as an ignition source in flammable or explosive atmospheres by MSHA/NIOSH. |
| J | Failure to properly use and maintain this product could result in injury or death. |
| K | The Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations require gas-proof goggles to be worn with this respirator when used against formaldehyde. |
| L | Follow the manufacturer's User's Instructions for changing cartridges and/or filters. |
| M | All approved respirators shall be selected, fitted, used, and maintained in accordance with MSHA, OSHA, and other applicable regulations. |
| N | Never substitute, modify, add or omit parts. Use only exact replacement parts in the configuration as specified by the manufacturer. |
| O | Refer to User's Instructions, and/or maintenance manuals for information on use and maintenance of these respirators. |
| P | NIOSH does not evaluate respirators for use as surgical masks. |
| S | Special or critical User's Instructions and/or specific use limitations apply. Refer to User's Instructions before donning. |
- CEL Data last Updated: N/A
- Page last reviewed: December 13, 2024
- Page last updated: December 13, 2024
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Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Page maintained by: National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory