908 - Respiratory Protection Program

10 Questions

What is the purpose of the Chesapeake Fire Department's Respiratory Protection Program?

To protect members from exposure to hazardous atmospheres

Who is responsible for overseeing the objectives of the Respiratory Protection Program?

Respiratory Protection Manager

When must members use respiratory protection devices?

When they are exposed to harmful environments

What is the purpose of fit tests?

To ensure the respirator provides a proper seal

What is the purpose of a medical evaluation questionnaire?

To ensure members are physically fit to use respiratory protection

When should cartridge respirator filters be replaced?

When the wearer smells, tastes, or is irritated by a contaminant

What is the purpose of annual flow testing?

To ensure the respirator is supplying enough air

What should members do if they are exposed to a hazardous atmosphere?

Leave the area and seek medical attention if necessary

When should full-face respirators not be used?

In oxygen-deficient atmospheres

What should members do if they experience an injury or exposure to a hazardous substance?

Document the incident on an injury reporting form

Study Notes

The Chesapeake Fire Department has a Respiratory Protection Program to ensure the safety of its members.
The policy applies to all members whose job duties could require them to use respiratory protection due to exposure to hazardous atmospheres.
The program manager oversees the objectives of the policy and ensures legal mandates are met.
Members must use respiratory protection devices when exposed to harmful environments.
Members must ensure they have no facial hair or other conditions that could interfere with the seal of the facepiece.
Members shall not wear corrective glasses or other PPE that interferes with the seal of the facepiece.
Company officers monitor members using respiratory protection and evaluate the continued effectiveness of the respirator.
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) must be used when entering an atmosphere that may be immediately dangerous to life or health.
Full-face respirators may be used in situations where the use of SCBA is not necessary or practical.
The program includes guidelines for respirator use, inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and repair, as well as required training, testing, and evaluation.
Full-face respirators should not be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Air-purifying respirators (APR) only filter particulates and should not be used in IDLH atmospheres.
Power air-purifying respirators (PAPR) use a blower to supply purified air to the face piece.
Cartridge respirators are used in areas where gases, vapors, dusts, fumes, or mists are present.
Cartridge respirators should not be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres or a risk of exposure to the face or eyes.
Cartridge respirator filters should be replaced when the wearer smells, tastes, or is irritated by a contaminant or has difficulty breathing.
Members should complete mandatory training before using respirators.
SCBA and respirators should meet NFPA and NIOSH standards.
Fit tests should be done annually, or more frequently if there are changes in the respirator or physical changes in the user.
Members using respiratory protection must complete a medical evaluation questionnaire annually.
SCBA and respirators must be inspected and maintained regularly
Inspections should check for issues with air supply, facepiece, head straps, inhalation/exhalation valves, and filter elements
SCBA should be serviced annually by certified technicians
Respirators should be cleaned and sanitized after each use
Respirators in storage must be protected from damage and labeled properly
Annual flow testing is required for all SCBA
Members exposed to hazardous atmosphere should leave the area and seek medical attention if necessary
Any injury or exposure must be documented on an injury reporting form
Exposed members should not drive a vehicle
The exposure agent should be identified if possible and a Safety Data Sheet obtained if available.