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The following list presents a simplified version of characteristics and factors used for respirator selection. It does not specify the contaminant concentrations or particle size. Some OSHA substance-specific standards include more detailed information on respirator selection.
| Hazard |
Respirator |
| Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) 2 |
Oxygen deficiency
Gas, vapor contaminants and other highly toxic air contaminants |
Full-facepiece, pressure-demand SCBA certified for a minimum service life of 30 minutes. A combination full-facepiece, pressure-demand SAR with an auxiliary self-contained air supply. |
| Contaminated atmospheres - for escape |
Positive-pressure SCBA. Gas mask. Combination positive-pressure SAR with escape SCBA. |
| Not immediately dangerous to life or health |
| Gas and vapor contaminants |
Positive-pressure SAR. Gas mask. Chemical-cartridge or canister respirator. |
| Particulate contaminants |
Positive-pressure SAR including abrasive blasting respirator. Powered air-purifying respirator equipped with high-efficiency filters. Any air-purifying respirator with a specific particulate filter. |
| Gaseous and particulate contaminants |
Positive-pressure supplied respirator. Gas mask. Chemical-cartridge respirator with mechanical filters. |
| Smoke and other fire-related contaminants |
Positive-pressure SCBA. |
2 “Immediately dangerous to life or health” (IDLH) means an atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life, would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or would impair an individual's ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere.
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Hard Hats
Hearing Protection
