Ontario recognizes CSA approval in three respiratory-protection amendments

October 7, 2026

Ontario’s respiratory-protection amendments took effect July 1, 2026 after being filed April 20. O. Regs. 113/26, 114/26 and 115/26 amend the rules for biological or chemical agents, designated substances and specified asbestos work respectively.

The first two amendments expressly recognize respirators approved by NIOSH or CSA. Approval by another testing and certification agency remains conditional on a qualified industrial-hygiene practitioner’s opinion that the protection is at least equivalent to a NIOSH- or CSA-approved respirator.

The Ontario respiratory-approval record links the three instruments. Each provides for commencement on the later of July 1, 2026 and filing day; their April filing establishes July 1 as the operative date.

Filter identifiers and suitability still need review

The amendments add CA-N100, CA-R100 and CA-P100 alongside N100, R100 and P100 in specified filter clauses and the asbestos table. The asbestos amendment also adds CSA approval to the named respiratory-protection provisions.

APT’s practical interpretation is to review the approval documentation and filter designation used in the applicable workplace program. An accepted approval route still needs to be read with task suitability, selection and the remaining respiratory-protection requirements.

These amendments establish no new numerical exposure limit or assigned protection factor. Their coverage follows the three underlying regulations, and they do not establish a universal substitution right for every respirator or filter. Federal workplaces and other provinces require separate checks.

For related developments, consult the industrial hygiene regulatory tracker.