A powered air respirator is approved for which multiple of the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)?

A powered air respirator is an essential piece of personal protective equipment designed to protect workers from airborne contaminants, such as asbestos fibers. The approval for the use of a powered air respirator is based on its ability to provide adequate protection against exposure levels significantly higher than the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).

The correct answer indicates that powered air respirators are approved for use in environments where exposure can be from 10 to 100 times the PEL. This range demonstrates the effectiveness of these respirators in maintaining respiratory safety for workers, as they are designed to deliver clean air at an adequate flow rate to ensure that even in highly contaminated environments, the exposed individual is not inhaling harmful levels of asbestos.

Using a powered air respirator that meets this standard ensures that workers can operate safely in various environments where asbestos may be present, mitigating risks associated with high concentrations of airborne hazardous materials. This protective capability is critical for maintaining health standards and ensuring the safety of workers in occupations where asbestos exposure risks are prevalent.