3M Respirator Selection Guide

Understanding Respirator Selection

The 3M™ Respirator Selection Guide assists in identifying appropriate respiratory protection for nearly 700 chemicals. It is designed to supplement industrial hygiene knowledge and help users select respirators based on workplace contaminants and their concentrations.

Key Considerations for Respirator Use

• Respirator Program Management: Outlines requirements for a formal respiratory protection program, including training and fit testing, as mandated by OSHA in the U.S. and CSA standards in Canada.
• Respirator Fit: Emphasizes the importance of proper fit testing for all tight-fitting respirators to ensure effectiveness.
• Assigned Protection Factors (APF): Explains how to use APFs to match respirator capabilities with workplace exposure levels.
• Human Factors: Discusses compatibility with other personal protective equipment and the importance of worker comfort and acceptance.
• General Use Instructions & Limitations: Provides critical information on proper usage, potential hazards of misuse, and limitations of different respirator types.

Format Explanation

The guide includes detailed explanations of chemical names, CAS numbers, synonyms, IDLH levels, Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs), and respirator types, aiding in informed selection.

Additional Resources

For further information or assistance with respirator selection and use, contact 3M Technical Service at 1-800-243-4630 or visit 3M.com/PPESafety.