Introduction Air-Purifying Respirators Supplied Air Respirators Selection and Limitations Inspection and Testing Worker Training Cleaning and Storage

Introduction

Air-Purifying Respirators

Supplied Air Respirators

Selection and Limitations

Inspection and Testing

Worker Training

Cleaning and Storage

IntroductionIntroduction

Introduction

Respirators:

• respirators are devices designed to protect the wearer from inhaling contaminants such as dust, vapors, gases, and fumes

• why wear respirators?

– contaminants can enter your blood stream through your lungs

– contaminants in your blood are carried throughout your body

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Why wear respirators?

• protect lungs from contaminants:

– dusts

– chemicals

– gases

• reduce exposure by preventing contaminants from being inhaled

– smoke

– vapors

– fumes

Introduction

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• exposure to airborne hazards can have short-term and long-term effects

– short-term and long-term exposures can lead to permanent illness

– it could take years for dust to damage your lungs

Introduction

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• cumulative damage and scarring can lead to diseases such as:

– lung cancer

– silicosis

– asbestosis

– mesothelioma

– emphysema

Introduction

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Respiratory hazards:

• oxygen deficiency:

– usually found in poorly ventilated confined spaces

– can be caused by fire, chemicals, or biological action

– oxygen deficient atmosphere considered Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) could cause illness or death in a matter of minutes without proper respiratory protection

Introduction

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• asbestos fibers

• crystalline silica

• fiberglass particles

• arsenic

• lead

• chromium

Introduction

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• metal fumes from welding, cutting, and brazing

• smoke

• toxic gases and vapors

• carbon monoxide from heavy equipment and other toxins from chemicals used on site

Introduction

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• anthrax

• smallpox

• poisons

Introduction

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Protection factor:

concentration of airborne contaminant outside the respiratorconcentration inside the respirator

• the higher the PF, the higher the protection

• ranges from 5 to 10,000

Introduction

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Types of respirators:

• two forms of respirators:

– air-purifying respirators

– supplied-air respirators

Introduction

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Air-Purifying RespiratorsAir-Purifying Respirators

Air-purifying respirators (APR):

• use filters or cartridges to purify air

• worn only when the atmosphere had enough oxygen

• do not supply oxygen


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Components of air-purifying respirators:

• face piece:

– made of rubber, plastic, or silicon

– face pieces come in different sizes—one size does not fit all


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• headband:

– holds respirator securely to your head

– should be adjusted tightly, but not so tight that the mask deforms or becomes uncomfortable


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• inhalation valve:

– opens to allow air to enter as you breathe in

– closes when you breathe out


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• exhalation valve:

– valve opens to allow air to escape when you breathe out

– valve closes when you breathe out

– valve cover protects the valve

– if it leaks, you will breathe contaminated air


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• cartridge/filter:

– cleans the air that you breathe

– can be HEPA or P, R, or N-series

– must correspond to hazard


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Particulate filters:

• made of fibrous material

• protect against dust, mist, and fumes

• size and concentration of particles and the type of filter affect how well APR works

• particulate filters do not protect against gases and vapors


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Chemical cartridges:

• protect against vapors and gases

• do not protect against dusts

• color-coded to indicate the specific contaminant they protect against


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Chemical cartridges:

• required when multiple hazards exist

• protects against dust, vapors, and gases

• provides additional respiratory protection


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Changing filters/cartridges:

• cartridges have a limited life that varies with level of exposure to contaminants

• if you have difficulty breathing, your particulate filter is probably clogged

• gas and vapor cartridges should be replaced every shift or more often if needed


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Changing filters/cartridges:

• if you are unsure how often to change your filter or cartridge, ask your supervisor

• if you smell or taste a contaminant, change your cartridge immediately

• replace cartridge/filter in an area with clean air


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Disposable paper masks:

• PF = 5-10

• simplest and least protective form of respiratory protection

• trap airborne particles

• only effective for large particle dust

• do not seal the face to provide a good fit


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Quarter mask:

• PF = 5-10

• fit from the top of the nose to the top of the chin

• use cloth or cartridge filters


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Half-face APR:

• PF = 10

• fit from the top of the nose to under the chin

• no eye protection

• use cartridges with limited life and should only be used in atmospheres with sufficient oxygen


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Full-face APR:

• PF = 50

• cover the entire face, starting at the forehead, down over the temples and eyes, and under chin

• they have a better seal but carry the same limitations as a half-face APR


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Powered air-purifying respirator:

• continuously pulls air through cartridge/filter and blows air into the mask


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Supplied-Air RespiratorsSupplied-Air Respirators

Supplied air respirators (SAR):

• use air tanks or air hose to supply clean air

• provides greatest degree of respiratory protection

• only protection acceptable in an oxygen-deficient environment

• requires extensive, hands-on training

• requires a “buddy system” in situations that are IDLH

Supplied-Air Respirators

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Air line respirators:

• PF = 1,000

• hose connected to an air pump that is equipped with a filtering system that purifies the air

• hoses should never exceed 300 feet from worker to air source

• inspect air hose for punctures and deteriorationbefore use

• always carry an escape bottle in an IDLH or oxygen-deficient atmosphere


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Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA):

• PF = 10,000

• highest level of respiratory protection

• air is contained in a compressed air tank or cylinder carried on your back

• greater mobility than air line respirators

• limited supply of air


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Selection and LimitationsSelection and Limitations

Respirator selection:

• not all respirators are right for all jobs

• to select the appropriate respirator, you must first determine the contaminant

• before choosing a respirator, the air must be tested to find out the concentration of the contaminant in the atmosphere

• you must determine the percentage of oxygen in the air and the hazardous substance workers may be exposed to


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• before selecting a respirator for a job, you must know:

– the concentration of any hazardous substances

– the permissible exposure level (PEL) of hazardous substances


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• if a contaminant is hazardous to the skin and eyes, you will need full face protection

• if you are unsure which respirator to use, ask your supervisor


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Respirator limitations:

• beards and long sideburns can prevent a good seal between your face and the respirator

• mustaches are acceptable as long as they fit under the mask without affecting the seal

• long hair must be pulled back away from the face

• extreme weight gain or loss

• major dental work that could change the structure of your face


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• eyeglasses can prevent a good seal for the respirator because the temple bars prevent the respirator from fitting up against the side of the head

• spectacle kits are used to solve problems with eyeglasses

• if you wear glasses, ask your employer for a spectacle kit

• never attempt to work without your glasses


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• contact lenses cannot be used with respirators in a contaminated atmosphere because they are porous and can absorb chemicals

• humidity inside full-face respirators fluctuates and may affect the ability to wear contact lenses comfortably

• chewing gum, food, or tobacco also puts a strain on the respirator’s seal


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Medical screening:

• before wearing a respirator, you must get medical clearance from a physician or licensed health care professional

• the medical exam may include:

– risk factor questionnaire

– pulmonary function test


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Inspection and TestingInspection and Testing

Respirator inspection:

• respirators should be inspected before and after each use and checked at least monthly, even if not used

• look for cracks, tears, holes, and excessive dirt

• check elastic parts for inflexibility and signs of deterioration

• change cartridges on a regular basis or when the wearer experiences resistance when breathing


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APR inspection:

• check:

– straps

– body

– face piece

– inhalation valve

– exhalation valve and cover

– seal

– cartridge

– O-ring


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SAR inspection:

• check:

– straps

– face piece

– hoses

– harnesses

– compressor or air tank

– regulator

– alarm


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Respirator inspection:

• respirators must be adjusted and fit checked each time they are worn to ensure the best possible seal

• two common and simple procedures for fit check:

– positive pressure check

– negative pressure check


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Positive pressure check:

• make sure the respirator fits snuggly on your face

• cover the exhalation valve

• exhale gently for about 10 seconds—do not exhale too hard or push the mask into the face or fit check will be inaccurate

• if the respirator fits, a slight pressure should build up inside the respirator

• if air leaks out, the seal is inadequate


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Negative pressure check:

• make sure the respirator fits snuggly on your face

• cover the filter openings with the palms of your hands

• inhale gently for about 10 seconds—do not push the respirator into the face too hard or the fit check will be inaccurate


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Negative pressure check:

• if the respirator fits correctly, it should collapse slightly inward

• if it does not collapse and an air leak is felt, the seal is inadequate


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Qualitative testing:

• while wearing the respirator, a harmless odor or irritant smoke is released

• if you cannot detect the substance, than the respirator fits properly


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Quantitative testing:

• most sophisticated fit test

• measures the actual amount of leakage into the respirator

• aerosol generator is used to create an atmosphere of corn oil, salt, or other harmless aerosol inside a fit chamber or booth

• air monitoring instruments measure the concentrations inside the booth

• a measurement probe inserted into the mask samples the air inside the mask


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Cleaning and StorageCleaning and Storage

Respirator cleaning:

• respirators must be cleaned, stored, and maintained properly to ensure effective use

• do not clean respirators with solvents—wash with mild dish detergent or a combination of detergent and disinfectant


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• use a brush and warm water to wash away dust or dirt

• thoroughly rinse with clean water to remove detergent that could cause skin irritation


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• remove APR cartridges before washing respirator—they should not get wet!

• air dry respirators on a drying rack or clean surface

• position respirators so that face piece rubber will not set crooked while drying

• re-inspect all respirator pieces for defects before reassembling them


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Respirator storing:

• at the end of each shift, store the respirator in the original box or bag in such a way as to not distort its shape to protect it from:

– dust

– sunlight

– extreme heat and cold

– excessive moisture

– chemicals


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Respirator maintenance:

• only trained and qualified personnel are authorized to repair respirators

• if you find any defect in your respirator, report it to your supervisor

• keep a record of all repairs and inspections

• never mix parts of respirators from different manufacturers

• never submerge SCBAs in water


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Worker TrainingWorker Training

Before using respirators:

• the employer must develop and implement a respiratory protection training program in compliance with OSHA standard 1926.103

• the employer must provide respiratory protection training to all workers prior to workers' respirator use

Worker Training

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Training objectives:

• recognize why respirators are necessary and how improper fit, use, or maintenance can compromise their protective effects

• recognize the capabilities and limitations for each type of respirator

• recognize the effectiveness of respirators in emergency situations

• perform proper inspection, donning, and doffing procedures

Worker Training

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Training objectives:

• perform proper fit check procedures

• recognize proper respirator maintenance and storage

• recognize medical signs/symptoms that may limit or prevent effective use

• understand the general requirements of OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.103

Worker Training

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Training requirements:

• training must be provided prior to use, unless acceptable training has been provided by another employer within the past 12 months

• retraining is required annually and when:

– changes in the workplace or type of respirator render previous training obsolete

– there are inadequacies in the worker’s knowledge or use

– any other situation arises in whichretraining appears necessary

Worker Training

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The EndThe End

Particulate Filters

Chemical Cartridge

Disposable Paper Mask

Quarter Mask

Half-Face APR

Full-Face APR

Powered APR

Supplied Air Respirator

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

Positive Pressure Check

Negative Pressure Check

Qualitative Testing

Quantitative Testing

Proper Cleaning

Worker Training

Asbestos Fibers

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Documents

Introduction Air-Purifying Respirators Supplied Air Respirators Selection and Limitations Inspection and Testing Worker Training Cleaning and Storage