TINKERAFBI48-103 — Respiratory Protection Program

TINKERAFBI48-103 governs the Respiratory Protection Program at Tinker Air Force Base, including respirator use, approval, and testing.

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  • Publication number: TINKERAFBI48-103
  • Title: RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM
  • Date: 2023-08-31

View TINKERAFBI48-103 on armypubs.army.mil


The instruction addresses respirator selection, breathing air sources, fit testing, medical qualification, training, and emergency-use inspections. It requires workplace-specific written procedures, documentation, and recurring testing of compressed breathing air systems.

Applies to: This instruction is required to be maintained and read annually by all organizations in which personnel wear respirators for protection against inhalation of potentially harmful atmospheres or for emergency escape or rescue and by organizations who use filtering face pieces.

Topics covered

  • Respirator selection and use
  • Breathing air sources
  • Respirator fit testing
  • Medical qualification
  • Filtering face-piece devices
  • Emergency-use respirator inspections
  • Compressed breathing air testing

Questions and answers

Are privately procured respirators allowed?

Only respirators provided by Tinker AFB and specified by BE will be used. The use of privately procured respirators is prohibited. (paragraph 48-137)

Can compressed shop air be used for breathing air?

At no time will compressed shop air be used as a breathing air source. (paragraph 48-137)

What approval is required for breathing air sources?

All breathing air sources must be approved and inspected by BE prior to initial use. (paragraph 48-137)

How often must compressed breathing air sources be tested?

Ensure compressed breathing air sources are tested by the 76th Maintenance Support Squadron, Analytical Chemistry Section (76 MXSS/MXDTAA) or equivalent every 90 days or immediately after repairs, maintenance or modifications are made to the breathing air system. (paragraph 1)

What qualification is required before initially wearing a respirator?

Ensure personnel on the respiratory protection program are medically qualified by the OMF (72 OMRS/SGPO) prior to initially wearing a respirator. (paragraph 48-137)

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