For National Safety Month, this is the second in a two-part series on the value of respirators.
Half-face respirators, full-face respirators, and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators filter air through cartridges selected according to your exposure to contaminants. Filters capture these contaminants and prevent you from breathing in potentially toxic substances. They are color-coded according to the type of contaminant. The color-coding system is identical across manufacturers but the cartridges themselves are not interchangeable.
Color | NIOSH-approved for use with: |
White | Acid gas |
White/Yellow | Chlorine |
White/Green Stripe | Hydrocyanic acid gas |
Yellow; Yellow/Pink | Organic vapors, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen fluoride |
Orange; Orange/Pink | Organic vapors, chlorine, ammonia, methylamine, hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen sulfide (esc), formaldehyde |
Green; Green/Pink | Certain organic vapors, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, chlorine dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide (escape only), ammonia, methylamine, formaldehyde†, or hydrogen fluoride |
Olive | Multi-contaminants and CBRN agent |
Blue | Carbon monoxide |
Teal | Dust, fumes, and mists; any particulates free of oil |
Magenta | Radioactive materials (except tritium and noble gases) |
Purple | Any particulates—P100 |
Brown | Acid gases, organic vapors, and ammonia gases |
Black | Certain organic vapors |
†When used for protection from formaldehyde, OSHA requires that gas-proof goggles be worn in addition to half-face mask respirators.
Mastering the Fit
Any respirator is only effective when it fits and is worn properly. For this reason, OSHA requires employers to fit test workers who must use respirators on the job. Respirator styles vary, and those that form a tight seal against the face or neck can allow contaminated air in if they do not fit properly.
Physical changes, such as weight gain or facial or dental surgery can also affect the fit of the respirator over time. OSHA details both qualitative and quantitative tests to determine if the respirator fit is sufficient. Cleaning and maintaining respirators is also necessary to keep them functioning optimally.
For self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), other criteria apply as well. You must be trained in the use and testing of SCBA. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions precisely as gauges and valves must be checked.
View our selection of respirators and masks.
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