AF Form 2773: Respirator Selection Worksheet (Download PDF) – The AF Form 2773, officially titled Respirator Selection Worksheet, is a critical document in the U.S. Air Force’s Respiratory Protection Program (RPP). It helps Bioenvironmental Engineering (BE) teams and supervisors systematically evaluate workplace hazards and select the most appropriate NIOSH-certified respirator for Air Force members.
This worksheet ensures compliance with Department of the Air Force Instruction (DAFI) 48-137 (formerly AFI 48-137), Respiratory Protection Program, and aligns with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, the federal standard governing respiratory protection in the workplace.
Why AF Form 2773 Matters for USAF Safety?
Air Force personnel in maintenance, aerospace ground equipment, painting, fuel handling, welding, pest management, or deployment settings may encounter airborne contaminants such as particulates, vapors, gases, or chemical agents. Proper respirator selection prevents overexposure and protects respiratory health.
The form documents the rationale for respirator choice, including:
- Hazard assessment
- Exposure levels
- Assigned Protection Factor (APF) calculations
This documentation supports the workplace-specific written respiratory protection plan required by OSHA and DAFI 48-137.
Key benefits of using AF Form 2773:
- Ensures selection of the correct respirator type and protection level.
- Supports medical clearance, fit testing, and training requirements.
- Provides auditable records for inspections and program compliance.
- Helps calculate the Hazard Ratio to determine the minimum APF needed.
When to Use the AF Form 2773 Respirator Selection Worksheet?
Use the worksheet whenever:
- A new task or process introduces potential respiratory hazards.
- Exposure monitoring or air sampling indicates a need for respiratory protection.
- Updating the shop’s respiratory protection plan.
- Assigning respirators for routine operations, maintenance, or emergency response.
Bioenvironmental Engineering typically completes or reviews Parts I–III, while supervisors and users handle training and fit-testing documentation. The form is often uploaded to systems like the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System (DOEHRS) or OEHMIS.
Download the official AF Form 2773 PDF here:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af2773/af2773.pdf
Structure of AF Form 2773: Step-by-Step Breakdown
The form is divided into clear sections (parts) that guide users through a logical selection process. While the exact layout is in the official PDF, typical sections include:
Part I: Contaminant Identification
- Chemical name or hazard description
- Physical form (gas, vapor, particulate, liquid, solid)
- Concentration levels (from monitoring data)
- Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) or Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
- IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) status
- Other properties: carcinogen, sensitizer, skin absorption potential, warning properties, lower explosive limit
Part II: Exposure Assessment & Hazard Ratio
- Calculate the Hazard Ratio (exposure concentration ÷ OEL)
- Determine the required Assigned Protection Factor (APF)
- Common APFs referenced in Air Force guidance:
- Half-mask air-purifying respirator: APF 10
- Full facepiece air-purifying respirator: APF 50
- Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR): APF 25–1,000 (depending on configuration)
- Supplied-air respirators: higher APFs for more hazardous environments
Part III: Special Considerations
- User factors (facial hair, vision, communication needs)
- Work conditions (temperature, humidity, confined space)
- Multiple contaminants affecting the same target organ (compliance factor calculation)
- Any substance-specific standards or USAFSAM technical guidance
Part IV: Respirator Selection & Approval
- Selected respirator model, type, and cartridge/filter
- Justification and signature blocks
- References to the workplace-specific plan
The process follows OSHA respirator selection criteria: evaluate the hazard, select a NIOSH-certified device with sufficient APF, and ensure it fits the user and work environment.
How AF Form 2773 Fits into the Full Respiratory Protection Program?
Completing the worksheet is only one part of a compliant RPP. Full requirements under DAFI 48-137 and OSHA 1910.134 include:
- Hazard Assessment — Completed via the worksheet.
- Medical Evaluation — Determines if the individual can safely wear a respirator.
- Fit Testing — Qualitative or quantitative fit testing (documented on AF Form 2772 or equivalent) before initial use and annually for tight-fitting respirators.
- Training — Annual training on proper use, limitations, maintenance, and emergency procedures.
- Program Evaluation — Periodic review of the written plan.
Only NIOSH-approved respirators may be used. The Air Force emphasizes professional judgment combined with exposure data and approved guidance.
Note on recent updates: A 2025 Department of the Air Force Guidance Memorandum (DAFGM) to DAFI 48-137 updated aspects of fit-testing for CBRN gas masks, allowing certain self-guided options. Always check the latest e-Publishing versions for current policy.
Best Practices for Air Force Units
- Involve Bioenvironmental Engineering early in the process.
- Use actual exposure monitoring data when possible rather than estimates.
- Document everything — incomplete worksheets can lead to program deficiencies during audits.
- Combine with AF Form 2772 (Certificate of Respirator Fit Test) for complete records.
- For voluntary respirator use (where exposure is below the OEL), OSHA Appendix D requirements still apply, though the full selection worksheet may not be mandatory.
Need Help with AF Form 2773?
Contact your local Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight for assistance with hazard evaluations, worksheet completion, fit testing, or training. Many installations also maintain templates or example worksheets in OEHMIS/DOEHRS.
Proper use of the AF Form 2773 Respirator Selection Worksheet protects Airmen, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports mission readiness by minimizing respiratory hazards.
Official Download:
AF Form 2773 PDF – Respirator Selection Worksheet
For the most current instruction, search DAFI 48-137 on the Air Force e-Publishing website.
This guide is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Air Force and OSHA resources as of 2026. Always refer to the official form and current DAFI 48-137 for authoritative guidance.