Asbestos Abatement (C-22) · Lesson 3 of 5

Respirator Selection: Class of Work, Exposure Level, and Maximum Use Concentration

"Respirator Selection: Class of Work, Exposure Level, and Maximum Use Concentration" is lesson 3 of 5 in the Asbestos Abatement (C-22) Learning Hub. It opens with "When Respirators Are Required" and works through 5 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. When Respirators Are Required
  2. Start With the Minimum Type the Standard Names
  3. Class I Work Has Its Own Ladder
  4. Check the Number: Required APF and MUC
  5. Use Both Tests Together

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 6 steps, from "Minimum type by rule" through "Conclusion".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Respirator Selection: Class of Work, Exposure Level, and Maximum Use Concentration" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Class I Work Has Its Own Ladder".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Check the Number: Required APF and MUC".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Use Both Tests Together".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Respirator Selection: MUC = APF x 0.1 f/ccRespirator typeAPFMUC f/ccvs 1.4Half-mask air-purifying (HEPA)101.0FAILSFull-facepiece air-purifying (HEPA)505.0OKFull-facepiece PAPR (HEPA)1,000100OKFull-face SAR, pressure-demand1,000100OKSCBA, pressure-demand10,0001,000OKMUC = APF x 0.1 f/cc (the asbestos PEL)WORKED CHECKClass III, TSI disturbedNo negative assessmentMeasured: 1.4 f/ccNeeded APF = 1.4 / 0.1= 14Half-mask: 10 x 0.1= 1.0 f/cc, FAILSFull-face: 50 x 0.1= 5.0 f/cc, OK1.4 f/cc exceeds the half-mask MUC of 1.0 f/ccSTEP UP to a full facepiece (APF 50, MUC 5.0 f/cc) or betterFiltering facepieces are never allowed against asbestos (1529(h)(3)(A))Source: 8 CCR 1529(h)(3); 8 CCR 5144(d)(3)(A)1 Table 1 (APF) and 5144(b) (MUC definition)CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: When Respirators Are Required

Title 8 section 1529(h)(1) requires respirators during all Class I work; Class II work where the ACM is not removed substantially intact; Class II and III work not done wet or without a negative exposure assessment; Class III work disturbing TSI, surfacing ACM or PACM; Class IV work in a regulated area where others must wear respirators; any work above the TWA or excursion limit; and emergencies. The respirator program itself must follow section 5144 (section 1529(h)(2)(A)).

Step 2: Start With the Minimum Type the Standard Names

Section 1529(h)(3) fixes some choices no matter what the numbers say. Filtering facepiece respirators may never be used against asbestos (h)(3)(A), and powered and non-powered air-purifying respirators must have HEPA filters (h)(3)(B). A half-mask air-purifying respirator with high-efficiency filters is the minimum for Class II and III work without a negative exposure assessment and for Class III work disturbing TSI or surfacing ACM or PACM (h)(3)(D). If an employee asks for a tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirator and it protects adequately, the employer must provide it (h)(3)(C).

The remaining 3 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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