Statement of Standard for CBRN Escape Respirators

September 30, 2003

Cautions and Limitations - CBRN Escape Respirators

Cautions and Limitations – Air-Purifying Escape Respirators:

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

1. This respirator is to be used for escape only and will protect against the inhalation of certain respiratory hazards.
2. Not for use in atmospheres containing less than 19.5 percent oxygen.
3. Failure to properly use and maintain this product could result in injury or death.
4. All approved respirators shall be selected, fitted, used, and maintained in accordance with MSHA, OSHA, and other applicable regulations.
5. Refer to User’s Instructions and/or maintenance manuals for information on use and maintenance of these respirators.
6. Consult manufacturer’s User’s Instructions for information on the use, storage, and maintenance of these respirators at various temperatures.
7. This respirator provides respiratory protection against inhalation of certain gas and vapor chemical agents, biological particulates, and radiological and nuclear dust particles. This respirator provides limited dermal (skin) protection to the head area and eyes.
8. Eye irritation may be experienced based upon the CBRN agent and exposure (concentration and duration)
9. Some CBRN agents may not present immediate effects from exposure, but can result in delayed impairment, illness, or death.
10. CBRN Agents, depending on how they are used, may provide disabling effects as a result of skin exposure
11. Direct contact with CBRN agents requires proper handling of the respirator after use. Correct disposal procedures must be followed.
    For air-purifying escape respirators that include carbon monoxide protections:
12. This respirator provides protection from certain inhalation hazards associated with fire.

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.

Cautions and Limitations – Self-Contained Escape Respirators:

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

1. This respirator is to be used for escape only and will protect against the inhalation of certain respiratory hazards.
2. Failure to properly use and maintain this product could result in injury or death.
3. All approved respirators shall be selected, fitted, used, and maintained in accordance with MSHA, OSHA, and other applicable regulations.
4. Refer to User’s Instructions and/or maintenance manuals for information on use and maintenance of these respirators.
5. Consult manufacturer’s User’s Instructions for information on the use, storage, and maintenance of these respirators at various temperatures.
6. This respirator provides respiratory protection against inhalation of certain gas and vapor chemical agents, biological particulates, and radiological and nuclear dust particles. This respirator provides limited dermal (skin) protection to the head area and eyes.
7. Eye irritation may be experienced based upon the CBRN agent and exposure (concentration and duration)
8. Some CBRN agents may not present immediate effects from exposure, but can result in delayed impairment, illness, or death.
9. CBRN Agents, depending on how they are used, may provide disabling effects as a result of skin exposure
10. Direct contact with CBRN agents requires proper handling of the respirator after use. Correct disposal procedures must be followed.
11. This respirator provides protection from certain inhalation hazards associated with fire.

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.

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