Statement of Standard for Full Facepiece Air Purifying Respirators (APR)

March 14, 2003

The following Cautions and Limitations statements shall be prominently displayed in the respirator user instructions:

1. Not for use in atmospheres containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen.
2. Not for use in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life and health or where hazards have not been fully characterized.
3. When used at defined occupational exposure limits, the rated service time cannot be exceeded. Follow established canister change schedules or observes End of Service Life Indicators to ensure that canisters are replaced before breakthrough occurs.
4. Failure to properly use and maintain this product could result in injury or death.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s User’s Instructions for changing canisters.
6. All approved respirators shall be selected, fitted, used, and maintained in accordance with MSHA, OSHA, and other applicable regulations.
7. Use replacement parts in the configuration as specified by the applicable regulations and guidance.
8. Refer to User’s Instructions and/or maintenance manuals for information on use and maintenance of these respirators.
9. Consult manufacturer’s User’s Instructions for information on the use, storage, and maintenance of these respirators at various temperatures.
10. This respirator provides respiratory protection against inhalation of radiological and nuclear dust particles. Procedures for monitoring radiation exposure and full radiation protection must be followed.
11. If during use an unexpected hazard is encountered such as a secondary CBRN device, pockets of entrapped hazard or any unforeseen hazard, immediately leave the area for clean air.
12. Use in conjunction with personal protective ensembles that provide appropriate levels of protection against dermal hazard. Failure to do so may result in personal injury even when the respirator is properly fitted, used, and maintained.
13. Some CBRN agents may not present immediate effects from exposure, but can result in delayed impairment, illness, or death.
14. Direct contact with CBRN agents requires proper handling of the respirator after each use and between multiple entries during the same use. Decontamination and disposal procedures must be followed. If contaminated with liquid chemical warfare agents, dispose of the respirator after decontamination.
15. The respirator should not be used beyond eight (8) hours after initial exposure to chemical warfare agents to avoid possibility of agent permeation. If liquid exposure is encountered, the respirator should not be used for more than two (2) hours.

These limitations are not 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.

Download the complete document: Statement of Standard for Full Facepiece Air Purifying Respirators (APR)