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Interim Federal Specification GG-B-00675b, April 27, 1965, Breathing Apparatus, Self-Contained.

(e) Use of respirators.

(1) Standard procedures shall be developed for respirator use. These should include all information
and guidance necessary for their proper selection, use, and care. Possible emergency and routine
uses of respirators should be anticipated and planned for.

(2) The correct respirator shall be specified for each job. The respirator type is usually specified in the
work procedures by a qualified individual supervising the respiratory protective program. The
individual issuing them shall be adequately instructed to insure that the correct respirator is issued.

(3) Written procedures shall be prepared covering safe use of respirators in dangerous atmospheres
that might be encountered in normal operations or in emergencies. Personnel shall be familiar with
these procedures and the available respirators.

(i) In areas where the wearer, with failure of the respirator, could be overcome by a toxic or
oxygen-deficient atmosphere, at least one additional man shall be present. Communications
(visual, voice, or signal line) shall be maintained between both or all individuals present.
Planning shall be such that one individual will be unaffected by any likely incident and have the
proper rescue equipment to be able to assist the other(s) in case of an emergency.

(ii) When self-contained breathing apparatus or hose masks with blowers are used in
atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health, standby men must be present with suitable
rescue equipment.

(iii) Persons using air line respirators in atmospheres immediately hazardous to life or health shall
be equipped with safety harnesses and safety lines for lifting or removing persons from hazardous
atmospheres or other and equivalent provisions for the rescue of persons from hazardous
atmospheres shall be used. A standby man or men with suitable self-contained breathing
apparatus shall be at the nearest fresh air base for emergency rescue.

(4) Respiratory protection is no better than the respirator in use, even though it is worn
conscientiously. Frequent random inspections shall be conducted by a qualified individual to assure
that respirators are properly selected, used, cleaned, and maintained.

(5) For safe use of any respirator, it is essential that the user be properly instructed in its selection, use
and maintenance. Both supervisors and workers shall be so instructed by competent persons.
Training shall provide the workers an opportunity to handle the respirator, have it fitted properly, test
its face-piece-to-face seal, wear it in normal air for a long familiarity period, and, finally, to wear it in a
test atmosphere.

(i) Every respirator wearer shall receive fitting instructions including demonstrations and practice
in how the respirator should be worn, how to adjust it, and how to determine if it fits properly.
Respirators shall not be worn when conditions prevent a good face seal. Such conditions may be
a growth of beard, sideburns, a skull cap that projects under the face piece, or temple pieces on
glasses. Also, the absence of one or both dentures can seriously affect the fit of a face piece. The
worker’s diligence in observing these factors shall be evaluated by periodic check. To assure
proper protection, the facepiece fit shall be checked by the wearer each time he puts on the
respirator. This may be done by following the manufacturer’s face piece fitting instructions.

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