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Respirator Program

Respirator Program. Training Outline. Terms and Regulation requirements What is a Respirator Program? Breathing hazards Types of respirators Fitting & checking respirators Inspection & care of respirators Medical limitations of using respirators. Why Respirators.

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Respirator Program

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  1. Respirator Program

  2. Training Outline • Terms and Regulation requirements • What is a Respirator Program? • Breathing hazards • Types of respirators • Fitting & checking respirators • Inspection & care of respirators • Medical limitations of using respirators

  3. Why Respirators Workers Must be Protected Who: • Are exposed to air contaminants (unknown or in excess of WCB OHS Reg.) • May be exposed to IDLH atmosphere • May be exposed to O2 deficient atmosphere • At risk of accidental exposure

  4. Terms Used • Airline respirator • Air purifying respirator • ALARA substance • Canister or cartridge • Escape respirator • Fit check • Fit test

  5. Terms Used - cont’d. • HEPA filter • IDLH • MSDS Sheet • Oxygen deficiency • Qualitative fit test • Quantitative fit test • SCBA

  6. The Respirator Program • Survey the workplace conditions • Steps to reduce exposure • Formally assess remaining hazards • Select and provide respirators • Provide fitting, tests, training

  7. Hazards & Risk Assessment • Determine the nature of contaminant • Determine exposure probability • Determine permissible exposure limit

  8. Respirator Selection • Is approved for contaminant • Can be used within concentrations expected • Will be adequate for time req’d. • Is the best choice for the workplace(heat, humidity, visibility, work mobility) • Ensure adequate visibility

  9. The Breathing Hazards • Particle hazards (dusts, fibres, mists, fumes) • Gaseous hazards (gases and vapours) • Oxygen deficiency • Combination hazards

  10. Particle Hazards • Formed by breakdown of solids • Sanding • Milling • Cutting • Crushing • Grinding • Drilling • Irritate the airways, can cause disease • Asbestos – asbestosis • Silica dust - silicosis

  11. Mists • Very small liquid drops • Spraying • Shaking • Mixing • Stirring • Can irritate or damage exposed areas (skin, eyes, lungs, airways) • Can damage internal organs

  12. Fumes • Tiny solid particles (“boil off”) • Welding • Smelting • Soldering • Brazing • Exposure can range from irritation to serious lung & nerve damage

  13. Gaseous Hazards • Gases • Carbon Monoxide • Chlorine • Vapours of liquids – mix with air • Solvents • Gasoline • Acetone • Can enter blood – damage nerves and internal organs

  14. Oxygen Deficiency • Air is normally 21% O2 • 19.5 % O2 is required • Deficiency can develop in tanks, sewers, pipelines. • Oxygen depleted due to reaction (rot, rust, burning) • Oxygen is replaced by other gases

  15. Respirator Limitations • The type and the uses of Respirators are limited STRICTLY to the selection and uses determined by the [[Corporation]] Respirator Program • Specific hazards MUST be addressed by using ONLY the appropriate respirator

  16. Types of Respirators Air Purifying • Single Use • Half-face or Full-face Powered (air supplied) • Supplied air • Self-contained (SCBA)

  17. Air Purifying Respirators • Single Use • Half-face and Full-face air-purifying respirators (non-powered)

  18. Single Use Masks • Most commonly used • Only used against lower levels of contaminants • Thin filter with 2 straps • Must be formed around nose • Eventually clogged by dusts, mists, fumes

  19. Disposable Don’ts • Stretch the respirator over the top of a hardhat • Fold respirators that are not designed to be folded • Cut off straps • Wear damaged or holed respirators

  20. Half/Full Face Respirators • Close-seal silicone or rubber facepiece • One or more canister/cartridges • One-way valves • Half mask – covers nose, mouth and chin • Full mask – entire face covered

  21. Half/Full Face Respirators - cont’d. • Half masks can be disposable or with maintenance/replacement parts • Full face masks are used where eye irritants may be present

  22. Filter Efficiency • Particulate filters screen particles only • Chemical cartridge efficiency deteriorates: • Smell or taste contaminates • Lungs or throat feel irritated • “End of Service” indicator

  23. Filter Don’ts • Don’t use in O2 deficiency • Don’t use against very toxic gas/vapour (IDLH atmospheres) • Don’t use against concentrations above manufacturer’s limits • Don’t use against chemicals with poor warning properties

  24. Filter Maintenance • Store in sealed plastic bags • Replace filters regularly • Date filters as they are installed • Match proper filter with the contaminant

  25. Atmosphere Supplying Respirators • Supplied-air (airline) respirators • Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

  26. Supplied Air Types • Hood or Helmet Airline Supplied • No face seal • No resistance to breathing • Full Face Airline Supplied • Face seal • Positive pressure minimizes leak

  27. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) • Full-face respirator with backpack air cylinder • Fully mobile • Up to 60 minutes of air

  28. Emergency Respirators Escape Respirators • Used for emergency escape only • Must be carried or within immediate reach • Available as air purifying or air supply • “Bite-block” air supply are common in pulp mills • SCBA type with air bottle with half or full mask or hood

  29. Self-fit Checks& Fit Testing

  30. Negative Pressure Check • Don & properly fit the respirator • Gently cover the inlet • Breathe in to create a vacuum • Hold for 10 seconds • The facepiece should collapse slightly and STAY collapsed

  31. Positive Pressure Check • Don & properly fit the respirator • Gently cover the exhaust valve and breathe OUT slightly to bulge the facepiece • The facepiece should bulge and stay out for 10 seconds

  32. Cold Fit • Very low temperatures can stiffen mask material (lose sealing properties) • Allow time for material to flex • Allow the respirator to warm-up

  33. Fit Testing • Done by a qualified person • Results are documented • Qualitative fit test • Is a compound detected? • Quantitative fit test • Concentration inside/outside is compared

  34. Why Fit is Important • All contaminants MUST be excluded • Effective SEAL is essential • Facial hair must be clean shaven at the seal (including stubble) • Eyeglass frames must not pass through sealing surface (use corrective respirator lenses)

  35. Inspecting, Cleaning & Storing Respirators

  36. Respirator Inspection • Inspect prior to each use • Bend and flex the respirator • Look for distortion • Check the yoke for cracks • Check the canister threads • Check for missing gaskets • Check the inhalation valves

  37. Respirator Inspection - cont’d. • Examine exhalation valve and seats for damage and debris • Check straps, harness, buckles • Check strap elasticity • Ensure cartridge is not expired • Examine canister for damage • Check the hose • Correct any defects that are noted

  38. Cleaning • Clean after each use, for a new user, or as required by the manufacturer • Remove: filters, cartridges and gaskets, head straps, demand and pressure valves, speaking diaphragms/equipment and any components recommended by manufacturer

  39. Cleaning - cont’d. • Discard any defective parts • Wash respirator components in warm water using mild detergent • NEVER use solvents • A brush may be used • Thoroughly rinse in warm, running water • Disinfect

  40. Cleaning - cont’d. • Rinse again to remove disinfectant and detergent • Drain all water and air dry (wiping with clean lint-free cloth is OK) • Reassemble away from the cleaning area

  41. Respirator Storage • Store in a safe place (cabinet, locker) in its own storage container • Do not store with tools • Position so facepiece, hoses and straps are not stretched • Store in a plastic bag • Seal HEPA filters with tape prior to removing • Avoid heat or direct sunlight

  42. Medical Limitations

  43. Medical Factors • Drug use, including alcohol • History of breathing problems • Breathing difficulty when exerting • High blood pressure or heart disease • Claustrophobia • Use of medication with heart/lung side effects or lowered mental alertness

  44. Medical Factors - cont’d. • Diabetes • Epilepsy • Some vision or skin problems • Impaired or non-existent sense of smell • Physical factors limiting donning or adjustment of respirator

  45. Consult OH Physician A physician knowledgeable in occupational health will be consulted

  46. Summary • The Respirator Program • Terms used • Breathing hazards • Selection, use, inspection, care and storage of respirators • Fit testing and cleaning procedures • Medical factors

  47. Questions?

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