ASTM F3620-22

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3620 − 22
Standard Practice for
Respiratory Protection—Respirator Use—Physical
Qualifications for Personnel
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3620; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This practice provides information that is useful for the 3.1 Definitions:
medical evaluation of respirator users.
3.1.1 body mass index, BMI, n—measurementusedtoassess
weight relative to height.
1.2 This practice does not deal with medical surveillance or
3.1.1.1 Discussion—BMI is calculated by dividing body
biological exposure monitoring. It is understood that since
weight in kilograms by height in metres squared (kg/m ).
local circumstances vary, no set of guidelines can cover all
situations, and specific programs and procedures should be
3.1.2 canister (air purifying), n—container with (1) gas and
modified for each individual workplace. Medical evaluation is
vapor-removing sorbent or catalyst, or (2) gas and vapor-
onlyoneelementofacompleterespiratoryprotectionprogram.
removing sorbent or catalyst that removes gases and vapors
A complete respiratory protection program is defined in Prac-
and filter that removes particles from inspired air (or air drawn
tice F3387.
through the unit).
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Typically attached to a full face piece,
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
either mounted directly to the chin or connected to a breathing
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
tube so the canister may be worn in the front or back of the
standard.
person. Respirators with air-purifying canisters are approved
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
(NIOSH) as gas masks and contain approval number TC-14G-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
XXXX.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1.3 cartridge, n—small container filled with sorbents or
catalysts that remove gases and vapors from the inspired air.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.1.3.1 Discussion—Thecartridgemayalsohaveparticulate
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the filters that are an integral part or ones that are replaceable.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.4 emergency situation, n—any occurrence such as, but
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
failure of control equipment that may or does result in an
uncontrolled significant release of an airborne contaminant.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.5 employee exposure, n—exposure to a concentration of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
anairbornecontaminantthatwouldoccuriftheemployeewere
F3387 Practice for Respiratory Protection
not using respiratory protection.
2.2 Federal Standards:
29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection
3.1.6 end-of-service-life indicator, ESLI, n—system or de-
29 CFR 1910.155 Fire Protection
vice that warns the wearer of the approach of the end of
adequate respiratory protection.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F23 on Personal
3.1.7 escape-only respirator, n—respiratorintendedonlyfor
Protective Clothing and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F23.65 on Respiratory. use during emergency egress from a hazardous atmosphere.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. DOI:
3.1.8 exercise stress test, EST, n—standard graded exercise
10.1520/F3620-22.
test used to assess an individual’s ability to tolerate increasing
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
intensities of exercise while electrocardiographic (EKG),
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
hemodynamic, and symptomatic responses are monitored for
the ASTM website.
3 manifestations of ischemia, electrical instability, or other
Available from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200
Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov. exertion-related abnormalities.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3620 − 22
3.1.9 filter, n—material used in air-purifying respirators to provide independently, or be delegated the responsibility to
remove solid or liquid aerosols from inspired air. provide some or all of the healthcare services required by 29
CFR 1910.134(e).
3.1.9.1 Discussion—Some filters are encapsulated in a con-
tainer and some are not.
3.1.22 positive pressure respirator, n—respirator in which
3.1.10 filtering face piece—negative pressure respirator in the pressure inside the respiratory inlet covering is normally
whichthefilterisanintegralpartofthefacepieceorcomprises positive with respect to ambient air pressure.
the entire face piece.
3.1.23 qualitative fit test, QLFT, n—pass/fail test that relies
3.1.11 fit factor, n—numeric expression of how well a on the subject’s sensory response to detect a challenge agent.
tight-fittingrespiratorfitsawearerduringaquantitativefittest,
3.1.24 quantitative fit test, QNFT, n—fit test that uses an
and it is the ratio of the measured challenge agent concentra-
instrument to measure face seal leakage.
tion outside the face piece (C ) to its concentration inside the
out
3.1.25 respiratory inlet covering, n—that portion of a res-
respirator (C ) (fit factor = C / C ).
in out in
pirator that connects the wearer’s respiratory tract to an
3.1.11.1 Discussion—Afitfactorresultingfromaqualitative
air-purifying or atmosphere-supplying respirator.
fit test has been validated to 100.
3.1.25.1 Discussion—They may be a face piece, helmet,
3.1.12 fit test, n—use of a qualitative or quantitative proto-
hood, or mouthpiece/nose clamp.
col to evaluate sealing surface leakage of a specific tight-fitting
3.1.26 self-contained breathing apparatus, SCBA,
respirator while worn by an individual.
n—atmosphere-supplyingrespiratorinwhichtherespirablegas
3.1.13 helmet, n—hood that offers head protection against
source is designed to be carried by the user.
impact and penetration.
3.1.27 service life, n—time that a respirator provides ad-
3.1.14 hood, n—tight or loose-fitting respiratory inlet cov-
equate protection to the wearer.
ering that completely covers the head and neck and may cover
3.1.28 tight-fitting respiratory inlet covering, n—respirator
portions of the shoulders.
component designed to form a complete seal with the face or
3.1.15 immediately dangerous to life and health, IDLH,
neck.
n—any atmosphere that poses an immediate hazard to life or
3.1.28.1 Discussion—A half face piece (includes quarter
immediate irreversible debilitating effects on health.
face piece, filtering face piece, and half face piece with
3.1.16 interior structural firefighting, n—physical activity
elastomeric face pieces) covers the nose and mouth; a full face
of fire suppression, rescue, or both, inside of buildings or
piececoversthenose,mouth,andeyes.Tight-fittinghoodsseal
enclosed structures that are involved in a fire situation beyond
at the neck.
the incipient state (see 29 CFR 1910.155).
3.1.29 wearer seal check (namely, user seal check),
3.1.17 loose-fitting face piece, n—respiratory inlet covering
n—procedure conducted by the wearer to determine if a
that is designed to form a partial seal with the face, does not
tight-fitting respirator is properly donned.
cover the neck and shoulders, and may or may not offer head
3.2 Acronyms:
protection against impact and penetration.
3.2.1 APR—air-purifying respirator
3.1.18 metabolic equivalents, METs, n—unit of energy ex-
3.2.2 BP—blood pressure
pended; one MET is 3.5 mL O /kg/min and represents the
energy expended at rest.
3.2.3 CAD—coronary artery disease
3.1.18.1 Discussion—Standardized exercise protocols ex-
3.2.4 DBP—diastolic blood pressure
press energy expended in terms of multiples of resting meta-
3.2.5 EKG—electrocardiogram
bolic energy or METs.
3.2.6 IDLH—immediately dangerous to life and health
3.1.19 negative pressure respirator, n—respirator in which
the air pressure inside the respiratory inlet covering is negative
3.2.7 NIOSH—National Institute for Occupational Safety
during inhalation with respect to the ambient air pressure.
and Health
3.1.20 oxygen-deficient atmosphere, n—oxygenpartialpres-
3.2.8 PAPR—powered air-purifying respirator
sure of 96 to 122 mm Hg shall be considered an oxygen-
3.2.9 PVC—premature ventricular contraction
deficient atmosphere that is not immediately dangerous to life
3.2.10 SBP—systolic blood pressure
and health (IDLH).
3.1.20.1 Discussion—An oxygen partial pressure of 95 mm
4. Significance and Use
Hg or less shall be considered IDLH. The oxygen deficiency
may be caused by a reduction in the normal 20.9 % oxygen
4.1 This practice provides information and guidance to
content by reduced total atmospheric pressure or any combi-
PLHCPs to assist them in determining the medical suitability
nation of reduced percentage of oxygen and reduced pressure.
ofpersonnelforrespiratoruse.Itidentifiestheresponsibilityof
3.1.21 physician or other licensed healthcare professional, management to provide the PLHCP with supplemental infor-
PLHCP, n—individual whose legally permitted scope of prac- mation before the PLHCP makes a recommendation concern-
tice (that is, license, registration, or certification) allows them ing an employee’s ability to use a respirator (9.1). Evaluators
to provide independently, be delegated the responsibility to shall use their clinical judgment in the application of these
F3620 − 22
guidelines and require additional information or evaluation as weight is 16 kg, although modern half-hour units may weigh
necessary to permit certification or classification for respirator 4.5 kgless.Significantreduction(upto20 %)inworkcapacity
use. of the wearer can occur since the 16 kg load shall be carried.
Heavy work rates may be required during firefighting and
4.2 Shall and Should—The provisions of this practice are
rescue situations while wearing SCBA.
mandatory in nature when the word “shall” is used and
5.2.2.1 Regulators on current SCBAmay not meet the high
advisory in nature when the word “should” is used.
instantaneous demand of wearers at heavy work rates and so
4.3 Exceptions—Users of this practice should be aware that
may impair work output further. The increased exhalation
regulatory agencies may have requirements that are different
resistance of pressure-demand units may also degrade the
from this practice.
ability to perform heavy work.
5.2.3 Closed-Circuit SCBA—Closed-circuit SCBA is avail-
5. Respirator Characteristics
able in demand or pressure-demand devices. In closed-circuit
units (also known as rebreathers), oxygen is supplied from a
5.1 Air-Purifying Respirators (APRs):
compressed gas, liquid, or chemical source. Exhaled air is
5.1.1 General—APRs remove specific air contaminants by
scrubbed of carbon dioxide and returned to the face piece.
passing ambient air through an air-purifying filter, cartridge, or
Closed-circuit devices have a longer duration for their weight
canister. APRs are either nonpowered or powered. APRs are
than do open-circuit equipment. Breathing is into and out of a
not approved for firefighting efforts.
bag rather than from a regulator. Oxygen concentrations may
5.1.2 Air-Purifying (Nonpowered) Respirators—Inhalation
range from 21 to 90 %.
through the filtering media and exhalation through the valve
5.2.4 Supplied-Air Respirators (SARs)—Supplied-air or air
depend only on the breathing action of the lungs. The maxi-
line respirators are available as continuous-flow, demand, or
mum allowed inhalation and exhalation resistance depends on
pressure-demand devices. All SARs require a trailing air hose
the respirator type. For particulate-removing (particle filter)
that limits movement about the workplace. Duration of use is
respirators,inhalationresistancesarelessthan35 mmH Oand
limited only by the air source and the metabolic work rate.
exhalationresistancesarelessthan25mmH O.Forgas/vapor-
Exhalation resistance is equal to or lower than that of demand
removing(chemicalcartridge)respirators,includingthosewith
equipment since the exhalation valve is held open by the
particle filters, inhalation resistances are less than 70 mm H O
continuous outward flow of air. Demand and pressure-demand
and exhalation resistances are less than 20 mm H O. For gas
versions of air line units have physiological effects similar to
mask respirators, inhalation resistances are less than 85 mm
the SCBA, except for the additional weight burden of the
H O and exhalation resistances are less than 20 mm H O. All
2 2
SCBA.
resistances are measured at a maximum airflow of 85 L/min.
5.1.3 PAPRs—Powered units contain a blower to move the
6. Medical Evaluation Rationale
air through the filtering media. Inhalation and exhalation
6.1 The effects of physical work effort, protective clothing,
resistance are negligible similar to a continuous-flow air line
temperature, humidity, and the physiological burden placed on
device. The weight of the blower varies from approximately 2
a worker using a respirator shall be considered during the
to 7 kg.
medical evaluation for respirator use. PLHCPs shall provide
5.2 Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators:
reasonable assurance that a worker can endure these stressors
5.2.1 General—Atmosphere-supplyingrespiratorsareeither
without adverse medical consequences and recommend any
self-contained or air line units. The SCBA is completely
limitations on respirator use related to the medical condition of
portable. The air line apparatus requires the trailing of an air
the employee or the workplace conditions in which the
hose from the wearer to the source of breathing air.
respirator will be used.
5.2.1.1 Atmosphere-supplying respirators operate in
continuous-flow, demand, or pressure-demand modes.
7. Qualifications of Persons Who Conduct Medical
Continuous-flow respirators blow air continuously into the
Evaluations to Determine Suitability to Use
mask. Demand-type apparatus require the wearer to inhale and
Respiratory Protective Devices
reduce the mask pressure below atmospheric pressure before
7.1 Medical evaluation shall be performed by a PLHCP.
the regulator will supply air. (This is similar to inhaling
7.2 PLHCPs are expected to consult with an appropriate
through an air-purifying device.) In a pressure-demand (posi-
physician when questions arise about an employee’s physical
tivepressure)device,aslightpositivepressureismaintainedin
condition and capability, such as those described in this
thefacepieceatalltimesbytheregulator.Moreairisadmitted
practice.
to the mask as the positive pressure decreases during inhala-
tion. Exhalation resistances are greater than for demand de-
8. Evaluation Requirements
vices.
5.2.2 Open-Circuit SCBA—Open-circuit SCBA is available 8.1 The industrial hygienist, safety professional, or other
in demand or pressure-demand devices. In open-circuit employer representative shall provide the PLHCPwith supple-
devices, breathing air is supplied from a cylinder to the mask mental information before the PLHCP makes a recommenda-
and then dumped into the atmosphere on exhalation. The tion concerning an employee’s ability to use a respirator. The
nitrogen in the breathing air is excess weight that does not followingsupplementalinformationshallbeprovided(seeFig.
contribute to the wearer’s metabolism. The maximum allowed A2.2):
F3620 − 22
8.1.1 Thetypeandweightoftherespiratortobeusedbythe ments. These work restrictions should be identified to permit a
employee, and this should include effort of breathing and decisionbythesupervisororsafetyrepresentativetodetermine
special features such as size, shape, bulk, full face, hood, and suitability for a specific task. Restrictions may include
so forth; moderate/light work only, no SCBA use, PAPR only, annual
8.1.2 The duration and frequency of respirator use (includ- medical evaluation, or age-specific medical evaluation.
ing use for rescue and escape); 8.8.2.3 Class 3—Permanent restriction from respirator use.
No respirator use permitted (permanently) under any circum-
8.1.3 The expected physical work effort;
8.1.4 Additional protective clothing and equipment to be stances.Thereasonshouldnotbeidentifiedonthereporttothe
supervisororthesafetydepartmentorothergroupsresponsible
worn;
8.1.5 Temperature and humidity extremes that may be for the respirator program.
8.8.2.4 Class 4—Temporary restriction from respirator use.
encountered;
No respirator use permitted (temporary). Worker requires
8.1.6 A copy of the written respiratory protection program;
additional medical evaluation or treatment, or both, and phy-
and
sician evaluation.
8.1.7 A copy of 29 CFR Part 1910.134.
8.8.2.5 Class 5—Additional temporary or permanent non-
8.2 Extent of usage should be defined as:
respirator work restrictions (for example, no heavy lifting, no
8.2.1 On a daily basis (if so, state maximum hours a day of
climbing, and no heat stress).
expected use);
8.9 Awritten respiratory protection program shall include a
8.2.2 Occasionally, but probably more than once weekly (as
written worksite-specific procedure describing the medical
in maintenance worker); if so state maximum hours per week
evaluation process for respirator users.
of expected use;
8.2.3 Rarely (if so, state maximum hours per year of
9. Medical History
expected use); and
9.1 A medical history (respirator questionnaire) should be
8.2.4 For emergency situations only.
used to identify (see Fig. A2.3 for example):
8.3 Special responsibilities should be defined, such as indi-
9.1.1 Previously diagnosed diseases, particularly known
viduals who have responsibility for the safety of others and
cardiovascular or respiratory diseases;
consequently may be expected to have special physical capa-
9.1.2 Psychological problems or symptoms including claus-
bilities. This would include rescue workers, firefighters, secu-
trophobia;
rity personnel, and the like.
9.1.3 Problems associated with breathing during normal
8.4 The estimated frequency for each type of “emergency
work activities;
situation” that may pose an IDLH risk should be provided.
9.1.4 Past problems with respirator use;
9.1.5 Past and current usage of medication;
8.5 Other special environmental conditions (that is, exces-
9.1.6 Any known physical deformities or abnormalities,
sive heat, confined space usage, and hyperbaric or hypobaric
including those that may interfere with respirator use; and
environments) should be identified. Additional requirements
9.1.7 Known current pregnancy.
for protective clothing should also be listed.
9.2 The PLHCP shall review the medical questionnaire.
8.6 The above supplemental information need not be pro-
Conditions that may possibly disqualify personnel for respira-
vided for subsequent medical evaluations if the information
tor use, as identified by a positive response on the respirator
remains the same and is transferred to the new evaluator.
questionnaire,shallbefollowedbyaninterviewwithaPLHCP.
8.7 The agents to which a worker will be exposed should be
9.2.1 If indicated, following an interview, the PLHCP shall
identifiedforregularlyscheduledworkandduringemergencies
referorperformanevaluationoftheindividual(seeFig.A2.1).
when possible.
The PLHCP will determine the scope of the evaluation and
8.8 Based on this medical evaluation and the information what testing, if any, shall be required to determine medical
provided, the PLHCP shall certify whether the individual is
suitability to use a respirator.
permitted to use a respirator under the circumstances de- 9.2.2 In certain cases following an evaluation, additional
scribed.Thephysicaldemandsoftheworkshallbethelimiting medical tests, consultation, or diagnostic procedures (such as,
factor.Thespecialcharacteristicsoftherespirator(s)tobeused a cardiac EST, spirometry, an audiogram, and an ophthalmol-
for this work insofar as they significantly increase the work ogy consultation) may be necessary to make a final determi-
demands while in use shall be considered. nation (see Annex A1 and Fig. A2.1). Only the PLHCP’s
8.8.1 In addition to the classification for respirator use, the determination shall be communicated to the supervisor/
report to the employer representative should include any other manager; no medical information shall be communicated.
work limitations or restrictions found during evaluation, even
10. Medical Evaluation
if they are not necessarily related specifically to respirator use.
8.8.2 The PLHCP shall classify the examinee in a category 10.1 Frequency—An initial medical evaluation shall be
as follows (see Fig. A2.1).
performed using a medical history (respirator questionnaire,
8.8.2.1 Class 1—No restriction on respirator use. see Fig. A2.3) or interview and examination that obtain the
8.8.2.2 Class 2—Conditional respirator use permitted sub- same information as the medical questionnaire. Additional
ject to specific use restrictions, medical evaluations, or treat- evaluations shall be required if: (1) the employee reports
F3620 − 22
medical signs or symptoms that are related to the ability to use 10.2.3.3 “Moderate to severe” restrictive or obstructive
arespirator;(2)aPLHCP,supervisor,ortherespiratorprogram pulmonary disease or perfusion disorders may require further
administrator informs the employer that an employee needs to evaluation. The worker’s medical history, physical
be reevaluated; (3) information from the respiratory protection examination, and spirometry results may be used as a basis for
program including observations made during fit testing and temporary disqualification pending further medical evaluation
program evaluation indicates a need for employee reevalua- (see Fig. A2.1). Spirometry may also be useful for medical
tion; or (4) a change occurs in workplace conditions (for surveillance purposes with certain workplace exposures.
example, physical work effort, protective clothing, and tem-
10.2.3.4 Symptomatic CAD, significant arrhythmias (for
perature) that may result in a substantial increase in the
example, PVCs, tachycardia, or bradycardia), or a history of
physiological burden placed on an employee.
myocardial infarction may require further evaluation. If an
EKG is performed, it should be interpreted using informed
10.1.1 In addition, a follow-up questionnaire or interview
should be used periodically to identify medical conditions that clinical judgment with consideration of the worker’s overall
health status.
developaftertheinitialevaluation.Thisquestionnairecouldbe
administered before an annual fit test (see Fig. A2.4). The
10.2.3.5 The PLHCP, using clinical judgment, shall decide
frequency of this follow-up could be age specific, for example, if individuals with treated or untreated hypertension, individu-
everyfiveyearsuptoage35,theneverytwoyearsuntilage45,
als using cardiovascular medications, and individuals with
and annually thereafter. multiple risk factors or a single extreme risk factor require
further medical evaluation.
10.1.2 Annual evaluations for SCBA users of all ages shall
10.2.3.6 Workers with an SBP greater than or equal to 180
be required.
or a DBP greater than or equal to 110, treated or untreated,
10.1.3 Following review of the periodic questionnaire,
shall be temporarily restricted from respirator use. Workers
interview, and/or limited medical testing, the PLHCP may
with an SBPgreater than or equal to 140 or a DBPgreater than
determine that certain individuals require additional evaluation
or equal to 90 shall be referred for physician evaluation. The
(such as all or part of the physical examination and testing
PLHCP will disposition the worker after consideration of the
described in Fig.A2.1) an
...