Lead

OSHA's proposed generalizations, if not paired with clear equivalency guidance, risk shifting complex respirator selection and cartridge change out decisions to employers without adequate direction - particularly for immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmospheres and agent specific constraints (e.g., ethylene oxide sorbent limitations, methylene dianiline [MDA], or formaldehyde STEL scenarios). OSHA should retain non-exhaustive examples of acceptable respirator configurations mapped to exposure tiers (action level, PEL, STEL, IDLH) and common tasks, while referencing §1910.134 for program elements; an appendix crosswalk should state that following the mapped equivalents constitutes compliance. AIHA opposes removing the requirement to provide respirators upon employee request. Lead PELs do not reflect individual susceptibilities (e.g., iron deficiency, kidney disease), and the current PEL is outdated relative to contemporary health evidence; retaining the request provision is a necessary safety net. OSHA should issue an appendix or guidance that maps current prescriptive respirator selections to their equivalents under 1910.134, including APFs, fit testing modalities, cartridge/canister types, change out schedules (with example calculations), IDLH protocols, and agent specific limitations. The guidance should state that employers in compliance with the mapped equivalents are deemed compliant - thereby minimizing retraining burdens and reducing the potential for misinterpretation or enforcement disputes. See additional comments in the attached file.