Respirators usually are not needed in a pathology laboratory. However, they are required if formaldehyde exposure exceeds the action level of 0.5 ppm. Respirators, if required, must be provided to you at no cost.
Some OSHA-approved respirators include:
- Air-purifying full-facepiece or half mask respirator equipped with a canister or cartridge approved for protection against formaldehyde.
- If a half mask is used, gas-proof goggles must also be worn.
- Self-contained breathing apparatus operated in the demand mode or pressure-demand mode.
