he National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides classifications for chemical cartridges used in respirators as part of their Respirator Approval Program. These classifications are designed to indicate the type of contaminants the cartridges are effective against. Here are the key classifications used by NIOSH:
1. NIOSH Chemical Cartridge Color Coding:
- Black: Organic vapors
- White: Acid gases
- Yellow: Organic vapors and acid gases
- Green: Ammonia gas
- Olive: Multi-gas (combination of organic vapors, acid gases, and ammonia gas) This, coupled with P100, is Industrial Breaking's minimum standard for torch cutting operations. We protect our torch cutting operators.
- Magenta: Particulate filter (used in combination with a chemical cartridge)
2. NIOSH Respirator Cartridge Descriptors:
NIOSH uses a combination of letters and numbers to further specify the capabilities of chemical cartridges. The letters indicate the type of cartridge and the numbers represent the cartridge efficiency. Some common descriptors include:
- OV: Organic Vapor
- AG: Acid Gas
- AM: Ammonia/Methylamine
- CD: Chlorine, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen sulfide (escape only)
- FM: Formaldehyde
- MA: Methylamine
It's important to note that these classifications and color codes provide a general guideline for selecting appropriate respirator cartridges. However, it's crucial to refer to the specific cartridge manufacturer's instructions and the NIOSH approval information for the exact cartridge model and its specific capabilities.
When selecting chemical cartridges for respirators, it's essential to consider the specific workplace hazards, perform a hazard assessment, and consult the appropriate safety regulations and guidelines to ensure the correct cartridge selection for effective respiratory protection.
For detailed and comprehensive information about specific chemical cartridges and their NIOSH classifications, it is recommended to consult the official NIOSH publications, guidelines, and resources or refer to manufacturers' documentation for their approved cartridges.
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