This standard sets forth minimally accepted practices for occupational respirator use; provides information and guidance on the proper selection, use and maintenance of respirators and contains requirements for establishing, implementing and evaluating respirator programs. The standard covers the use of respirators to protect persons against the inhalation of harmful air contaminants and against oxygen-deficient atmospheres in the workplace. The following are not covered by this standard:

a) underwater breathing devices;
b) aircraft oxygen systems;
c) supplied-air suits;
d) use of respirators under military combat conditions, and
e) medical inhalators and resuscitators.