Overview
ISO/TS 16975-1:2016 - Respiratory protective devices - Selection, use and maintenance - Part 1: Establishing and implementing a respiratory protective device programme - is a Technical Specification (first edition, 2016) that provides detailed guidance for establishing and running an effective RPD programme. It describes the processes, roles and records needed so respiratory protective devices (RPD) meet applicable performance standards. The document excludes RPD used exclusively underwater, for aircraft use, and medical life‑support respirators and resuscitators. WARNING: incorrect selection, use or maintenance of RPD can cause injury, illness or death.
Key topics and requirements
ISO/TS 16975-1 covers the full lifecycle of RPD within a workplace programme. Major technical topics include:
- RPD programme elements and roles - responsibilities for employers, programme administrators, competent persons and wearers.
- Risk assessment and RPD selection - hazard assessment, adequacy and suitability assessments, protection classes (PC1–PC6) and assigned protection factor (APF).
- Selection procedure - documented flows/decision steps and selection record forms.
- Fit testing - requirements and references to Part 3 (fit testing procedures) for ensuring proper facepiece fit.
- Training and competence - user training programme elements and refresher requirements.
- Use and pre‑use checks - including filter change schedules for filtering RPD and breathable gas quality for supplied‑air devices.
- Maintenance, storage and escape devices - maintenance procedures, storage guidance and special considerations for escape respirators.
- Programme review, records and record‑keeping - ongoing review, inspection and documentation practices.
- Informative annexes - types/components, hazard assessment templates, adequacy/suitability guidance, compressed air quality, maintenance, bioaerosol selection and example forms.
Practical applications and users
ISO/TS 16975-1 is intended for organizations that must implement occupational respiratory protection programmes. Typical users include:
- Employers and safety managers developing or improving RPD programmes
- Occupational health professionals and hygienists conducting hazard and adequacy assessments
- RPD programme administrators and competent persons responsible for selection, fit testing, training and maintenance
- PPE suppliers and procurement teams specifying devices by protection class, APF and work‑rate class
- Regulators and standards bodies using the guidance to inform national/local regulations (note: it does not supersede local law)
Practical outputs facilitated by the standard: selection records, training curricula, fit‑test protocols, maintenance schedules, and documented programme reviews.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO/TS 16975-1:2016, respiratory protective devices, RPD programme, risk assessment, fit testing, APF, protection class, PPE, occupational safety.
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