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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Why wear respirators?
• 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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Why wear respirators?
• 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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Respiratory hazards:
• asbestos fibers
• crystalline silica
• fiberglass particles
• arsenic
• lead
• chromium
Introduction
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Respiratory hazards:
• 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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Respiratory hazards:
• 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
Air-Purifying Respirators
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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
Air-Purifying Respirators
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Components of air-purifying respirators:
• headband:
– holds respirator securely to your head
– should be adjusted tightly, but not so tight that the mask deforms or becomes uncomfortable
Air-Purifying Respirators
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Components of air-purifying respirators:
• inhalation valve:
– opens to allow air to enter as you breathe in
– closes when you breathe out
Air-Purifying Respirators
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Components of air-purifying respirators:
• 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
Air-Purifying Respirators
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Components of air-purifying respirators:
• cartridge/filter:
– cleans the air that you breathe
– can be HEPA or P, R, or N-series
– must correspond to hazard
Air-Purifying Respirators
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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
Air-Purifying Respirators
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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
Air-Purifying Respirators
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Chemical cartridges:
• required when multiple hazards exist
• protects against dust, vapors, and gases
• provides additional respiratory protection
Air-Purifying Respirators
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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
Air-Purifying Respirators
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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
Air-Purifying Respirators
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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
Air-Purifying Respirators
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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
Air-Purifying Respirators
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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
Air-Purifying Respirators
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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
Air-Purifying Respirators
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Powered air-purifying respirator:
• continuously pulls air through cartridge/filter and blows air into the mask
Air-Purifying Respirators
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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
Supplied-Air Respirators
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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
Supplied-Air Respirators
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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
Selection and Limitations
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Respirator selection:
• before selecting a respirator for a job, you must know:
– the concentration of any hazardous substances
– the permissible exposure level (PEL) of hazardous substances
Selection and Limitations
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Respirator selection:
• 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
Selection and Limitations
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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
Selection and Limitations
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Respirator limitations:
• 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
Selection and Limitations
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Respirator limitations:
• 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
Selection and Limitations
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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
Selection and Limitations
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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
Inspection and Testing
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APR inspection:
• check:
– straps
– body
– face piece
– inhalation valve
– exhalation valve and cover
– seal
– cartridge
– O-ring
Inspection and Testing
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SAR inspection:
• check:
– straps
– face piece
– hoses
– harnesses
– compressor or air tank
– regulator
– alarm
Inspection and Testing
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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
Inspection and Testing
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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
Inspection and Testing
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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
Inspection and Testing
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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
Inspection and Testing
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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
Inspection and Testing
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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
Inspection and Testing
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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
Cleaning and Storage
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Respirator cleaning:
• 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
Cleaning and Storage
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Respirator cleaning:
• 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
Cleaning and Storage
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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
Cleaning and Storage
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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
Cleaning and Storage
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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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