Respiratory protection - New Mexico

New Mexico incorporates by reference the federal regulations for respiratory protection; however, the state adds further requirements.

A summary of the additional requirements includes the following: Minimum requirements for respiratory protection for firefighters are specified in 11 NMAC 5.2.10, Firefighting. This standard is not intended to supersede any more stringent requirements in effect at any fire department in the state. Fire departments are encouraged to provide protection that exceeds the minimum requirements specified in the standard. This standard is not intended to cover catastrophic situations where private citizens not trained in firefighting are pressed into service. 11 NMAC 5.2.10, Subsection B, Firefighting equipment, contains general requirements for all firefighting equipment, including respiratory protection. 11 NMAC 5.2.10, Subsections L, M, and N, the Medical history, Performance criteria, and Medical screening forms respectively, contain the forms required for firefighters. 11 NMAC 5.2.10, Subsection O, Physician’s certification criteria, contains the criteria used by any physician in the examination of any firefighter for certification. 11 NMAC 5.2.10, Subsection Q, Inspection and maintenance checklist for self-contained breathing apparatus, contains all the SCBA inspection checks. 11 NMAC 5.2.10, Subsection R, Qualitative fit test protocols (QLFT), contains the irritant smoke test and odorous vapor test protocols when fit testing a respirator.