Regulations last checked for updates: Jun 01, 2024

Title 42 - Public Health last revised: May 30, 2024
§ 84.203 - Breathing resistance test; minimum requirements.

(a) Resistance to airflow will be measured in the facepiece, mouthpiece, hood, or helmet of a chemical cartridge respirator mounted on a test fixture with air flowing at a continuous rate of 85 liters per minute, both before and after each test conducted in accordance with §§ 84.206 through 84.207.

(b) The maximum allowable resistance requirements for chemical cartridge respirators are as follows:

Maximum Resistance

[Millimeter water column height]

Type of chemical-cartridge respirator Inhalation Exhalation
Initial Final 1
Other than single-use vinyl chloride respirators:
For gases, vapors, or gases and vapors404520
For gases, vapors, or gases and vapors, and particulates507020
Single-use respirator with valves:
For vinyl chloride202520
For vinyl chloride and particulates30452
Single-use respirator without valves:
For vinyl chloride1520( 2)
For vinyl chloride and particulates2540( 2)

1 Measured at end of service life specified in Table 11 of this subpart.

2 Same as inhalation.

authority: 29 U.S.C. 651
source: 60 FR 30355, June 8, 1995, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 42 CFR 84.203