In order to ensure that respirator cartridges are replaced before chemical breakthrough occurs, chemical cartridges should be replaced based on one of the following methods:
NIOSH-Approved End of Service Lift Indicator (ELSI)
If the cartridge is equipped with a NIOSH-approved ESLI, this should be the primary means of determining when it is time to replace the cartridge.
Change-Out Schedule
If the cartridge is not equipped with a NIOSH-approved ESLI, cartridges should be changed as indicated in the table below. This schedule has been developed based on previously conducted industrial hygiene monitoring for chemicals typically associated with common production operations. This data has been entered into the 3M Cartridge Service Life Software Program (Version 3.0). Appropriate safety factors have been combined with the results to determine the values listed in the table below:
| Chemical Name | 3M 6000 Series Organic Vapor Cartridge | 3M 6000 Series Multi Gas / Vapor Cartridge |
|
Mineral Spirits |
40 hours | 40 hours |
| VM&P Naphtha | 40 hours | 40 hours |
| Lacquer Thinner | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Styrene | 40 hours | 40 hours |
The Production may conduct industrial hygiene monitoring of operations that involve potential chemical exposure and update this table as necessary.
Mathematical Models
When appropriate, the use of mathematical models may be used to determine the cartridge change out schedule. Reference the Wood Math Model Table for an example.