Section 227.203 - Criteria for selecting EEBAsIn selecting the appropriate EEBA to provide to an employee, the railroad shall do the following:
(a) Select an atmosphere-supplying EEBA that protects against all PIH materials (including their residue) that are being transported by the freight train while in service.(b) Ensure that the type of respirator selected meets the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section regarding minimum breathing capacity and is-(1) Certified for an escape only purpose by NIOSH pursuant to 42 CFR part 84 ; or(2) Declared by the manufacturer, based on verifiable testing by the manufacturer or an independent third party, to meet the criteria established by one of the following: (i) ISO 23269-1:2008 (incorporated by reference, see § 227.219 );(ii) BS EN 13794:2002 (incorporated by reference, see § 227.219 ); or(iii) BS EN 1146:2005 (incorporated by reference, see § 227.219 ).(c) Document, and provide such documentation for inspection by FRA upon request, the rationale for the final selection of an EEBA by addressing each of the following concerns: (1)Breathing time. Each EEBA must be fully charged and contain a minimum breathing capacity of 15 minutes at the time of the pre-trip inspection required under § 227.207(a)(1) .(2)Head and neck protection. The EEBA selected must provide a means of protecting the individual's head and neck from the irritating effects of PIH materials to facilitate escape.(3)Accommodation for eyeglasses and a range of facial features. The EEBA selected must provide a means of protecting each employee who is required to be provided with the EEBA, including those who wear glasses, and allow for the reasonable accommodation of each such employee's facial features, including facial hair.