ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the various types of respiratory protective equipment. It looks at the various types of respirators; how to choose a respirator based upon the level of respiratory protection required by 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.134; the nature of qualitative and quantitative fit testing; and how to develop a respiratory protection program. Various types of respirators are available on the commercial market. There are three basic types of respirators: air-purifying, atmosphere-supplying, and a combination of an air-supplying and air-purifying respirator. Respirators that use pressurized cylinders to deliver air to the wearer are usually called self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The SCBA provides the wearer with his own portable supply of respirable air. The unit is independent of the surrounding air. Respiratory protection is one of the two most important systems that can be used in an emergency or hazardous waste situation.
