Respiratory Protection

1. Respiratory Protection OSHA CFR 1910.134

2. Respiratory Protection Program • Provide a written program. • Selection based on hazards involved. • Operator training for the selection and use of NIOSH approved respirators. • Provide training on proper use, maintenance, and storage of respirator equipment. • Provide a fit testing program for personnel wearing respirators. • Maintain fit testing and training records. • Regular evaluation of respirator program.

3. OSHA’S Policy on Respirator Use • Where engineering or administrative controls are not feasible or insufficient • During the time when engineering or administrative controls are being implemented • For emergency response situations

4. Respiratory Protective Equipment Types of Respirators Air-purifying respirators – Utilized on this campus » Filters (for particulates) » Cartridges (for gases or vapors) may have filters as well » Canisters (used with “gas masks” – large capacity) » Oxygen must be > 19.5% Atmosphere supplying respirators – Not utilized on this campus » SCBA’s (self-containing breathing apparatus) » Supplied air respirators (Type C or CE) » Combinations of SCBA’s and SARS’s

5. Air-Purifying respirators Disposable (Dust) Masks Single-use With Valve Without

6. Air-Purifying Respirators Half Face Respirators Design allows for better fit Protects against dusts, mists, fumes, vapors, gases.

7. Air-Purifying Respirators Cartridges and Filters Change after each use Choose the right filter for the job

8. Air-Purifying Respirators Full Face Respirators

9. Emergency Evacuation Air Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus Provides 5 minutes (42 Ipm high-volume air flow) for quick escape. Includes plastic hood w/deflector to minimize fogging. Refillable lightweight aluminum air cylinder. Harness for wear on shoulder, neck, or waist. NIOSH/MSHA approved for respiratory protection from: » deficient atmospheres, » gases » vapors At temperatures above 0˚ F (-18˚ C).

10. Particulate Respirator Selection NIOSH 42 CFR 84 Regulations Regulation provides nine filter types • 3 levels of filter efficiency: » 95% (called “95”) » 99% (called “99”) » 99.97% (called “100”) • 3 categories of resistance to filter efficiency degradation: » N (Not resistant to oil) » R (Resistant to oil) » P ( oil Proof)

11. Selection of N,R, and P-series filters • If no oil particles are present, use a filter of any series. • If oil particles are present, use an R- or P-series filter. • If oil particles are present and the filter is to be used for more than one work shift, use only a P-series filter. • Selection of filter efficiency depends on how much filter leakage can be accepted. • Choice of face piece depends on level of protection needed – the assigned protection factor (APF).

12. Definitions • High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter (HEPA) » A filter that is at least 99.97% efficient in removing particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter.

13. Definitions • Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH): - An atmosphere that poses a threat to life, would cause irreversible health effects, or would impair an individuals ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere

14. Definitions • Oxygen Deficient Atmosphere - An atmosphere with an oxygen content below 19.5% by volume.

15. Why are respirators necessary? 1. Because industrial hygiene monitoring has been done and the levels of chemicals in the air are above what you can be exposed to over an 8 hour work day.

16. Why are respirators necessary? 2. Could mean that engineering controls can not be put into place.

17. Medical Evaluation • Is done by a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) to determine of employee is medically able to use respiratory protective equipment. • A medical questionnaire is administered confidentially during normal working hours. It provides description for review and any required medical follow-up examinations. • See Appendix F for sample Form

18. Fit Testing • Qualitative Fit Tests - The worker is exposed to Banana Oil and then asked to: breath deeply, move head side to side, move head up and down, and talk. The worker reports any noticeable odor that is leaking into the mask. - Banana Oil Test: This chemical has a pleasant, easily detectable odor, which is used to check the face piece seal when organic vapor cartridges are used. If odor is detected this indicates the fit is faulty and adjustment is required.

19. Positive Pressure Fit Check 1. Block the exhalation valve with the palm of the hand. 2. Gently exhale and hold for about 10 seconds. 3. Check to see if the face piece is bulging slightly. 4. If the face piece remains bulging and there are no air leaks between your face and the face piece, your respirator fits properly. If you do detect leaks, readjust the straps and check again for a proper fit.

20. Negative Pressure Fit Check • Block the cartridges/filters with the palms of your hand. • Gently inhale and hold for about 10 seconds. • Check to see if the face piece is collapsing slightly. • If the face piece remains collapsed • and there are no air leaks between • the face and face piece, you have a • properly fitting respirator. If you • detect leaks, readjust the straps • and check again for a proper fit.

21. Improper fit, use and maintenance • If a respirator is worn improperly, it can be more of hazard than not wearing one at all • An improper fit means you could be exposing yourself to a deadly material and still feel protected, when you are really not protected at all • It is important to find a respirator that perfectly fits your face • It is important to check your respirator before EACH use for cracks or broken seals

22. Limitations and Capabilities • A respirator can ONLY be used when the oxygen level in the atmosphere is between 19.5% and 21% • Respirators will only work with corresponding filters or cartridges • Dusty area = HEPA filter • Dumping solvents, painting = organic vapor cartridge

23. Signs or Symptoms that could prevent use • Seizures • Claustrophobia • Asthma • Emphysema • Pneumonia • Collapsed Lung • Lung Cancer • Broken Ribs • Chest Injuries/Surgeries • Any other lung problems • Heart or Circulation problems • Anxiety

24. Inspection of Respirators • Respirators should be inspected before each use • Check the respirator function, tightness of connections and the condition of various parts such as the face piece, head straps, valves and cartridges • Check elastic parts for pliability and signs of deterioration

25. Cleaning and Disinfecting • Remove filters, cartridges or canisters. Discard or repair any defective parts • Wash components in warm water with a mild detergent or cleaner; use a brush with bristles NOT wire • Rinse components thoroughly in clean warm running water

26. Cleaning and Disinfecting 4.Hand dry components with clean lint free cloth or air dry 5. Reassemble face piece, replacing filters, cartridges and canisters where necessary 6. Test respirator to ensure all components work properly

27. Storage • All respirators shall be stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture and damaging chemicals. • They shall be packed and stored to prevent deformation of the face piece and exhalation valve

28. Recordkeeping • Training • Testing • Medical Evaluation • Fit Testing • Inspection • Program Evaluation

29. Questions http://www.osha.gov/html/respirator.html http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl