3M Respirator Cartridge and Filter Replacement Program
This program helps protect workers by efficiently managing the respirator cartridge and filter replacement process. The program assists you in determining how long a 3M™ Gas & Vapor Respirator Cartridge and/or 3M™ Particulate Filter may be used, and includes the procedures and templates needed to document your replacement program. A replacement schedule is a required component of any respiratory protection program, as outlined in OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.134.
Program Benefits Include:
- Environmental Assessment
- Optimize Protection
- Enhanced Inventory and Safety Management
Get Started: A 5-step process designed to help develop and implement a replacement plan for your workplace.
Steps 1 thru 5 provide a comprehensive process to optimize protection and enhance safety management.
Step 1: Current Program Analysis
The first step is to be sure you have an OSHA compliant respirator program and then review the process for how the respirator cartridges and filters are being replaced in your workplace. This process should follow the principles outlined in OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.134.
Step 2: Contaminant Identification
The next step is to identify the contaminants in your workplace using one of these three methods:
Analysis of Existing Data: Review existing air monitoring data to understand contaminants in your workplace. If contaminants are not known, consult material safety data sheets (MSDS) for potential airborne hazards.
Workplace Environmental Analysis: Once potential contaminants are identified, 3M Diffusion and Detection Monitors can be used for certain gas or vapor contaminants to determine the average concentration level in the air.
Consultant Evaluation: Companies that specialize in contaminant evaluation can be found at www.aiha.org by selecting “Consultants Listing”.
Step 3: Respirator/Filter Selection
Based on the contaminants and concentrations documented in step two, the 3M™ Respirator Selection Software and Respirator Selection Guide will help determine which respirator is recommended for a given exposure situation. It includes data on 800+ chemicals, including gases, vapors and particulates.
Step 4: Respirator Cartridge and Filter Replacement Plan
The cartridge and filter replacement plan implements a process that helps employees replace their cartridges and filters at the appropriate time. To help establish how frequently cartridges should be replaced, visit 3M™ Service Life Software. To establish filter replacement frequency, visit Understanding P-Series Particulate Filters.
Step 5: Program Monitoring
Ongoing record keeping is important for ensuring long-term compliance to the replacement schedule. It also assists in purchasing and inventory management. This record keeping template can help you collect and maintain all the necessary information.
