Respiratory Protection Equipment Quiz

Respiratory Protection

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes air-purifying respirators (APRs) and atmosphere-supplying respirators (SARs)
• APRs use filters, cartridges, or canisters to remove contaminants from inhaled air.
• Filter types vary depending on the contaminant
• Cartridges/canisters filter particular gases/vapors
• SARs (supplied air respirators) provide external air supply to the user.

How Respirators Work

• Air is inhaled, filtered, and exhaled through the respirator, keeping contaminants outside the user's respiratory system.
• Air-purifying respirators filter contaminants from inhaled air.

NIOSH-Approved Dust Masks

• Not all dust masks meet workplace protection standards.
• Only NIOSH-approved dust masks are suitable for workplace dust that exceeds the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).
• NIOSH-approved masks come in various designs and brands.

Dust/Nuisance Mask

• Not an approved respirator
• Lacks NIOSH certification markings
• Poor seal due to a single strap
• Negative pressure

Particulate Respirator

• An approved NIOSH respirator
• Typically features certification markings
• Two adjustable straps
• Negative pressure

How Filtering Facepieces Work

• Air inhaled through the face piece, filtered, and then exhaled through the face piece, allowing a user to be protected.

Using Filtering Facepieces

• Facepieces may leak if fit improperly.
• Dust masks do not filter out chemical vapors.
• Dust masks are not suitable for high levels of dust.
• Dust masks may not be suitable for highly toxic dusts.

Types of Dust Masks/Particulate Filters

• N95/R95/P95 masks filter 95% of dust particles
• N99/R95/P99 masks filter 99% of dust particles
• N100/R100/P100 masks filter 99.7% of dust particles
• N99 or N100 masks are best for fine particles like asbestos or silica.

Particulate Respirator Series Codes

• N: Not oil-resistant
• R: Up to 8 hours of use
• P: Oil-proof, 8+ hours of use
• N95, R95, or P95 are minimum 95% efficient.
• N99, R99, or P99 are minimum 99% efficient.
• N100, R100, or P100 are minimum 99.7% efficient.

Chemical Cartridge Respirators

• Approved NIOSH respirator
• Certification markings are on cartridges
• Two sturdy adjustable straps
• Negative pressure system

How Cartridge Respirators Work

• Controlling air movement with rubber inhalation and exhalation valves.
• The adjustable straps hold the respirator in place.

Respirator Types

• Half-face respirators can protect against contaminants ten times above the PEL.
• Full-face respirators offer protection against contaminants up to 50 times above the PEL.
• Full-face respirators often include eye protection for chemicals.

Powered Air Purifiers

• Approved NIOSH respirator
• Cartridge/filter certification markings
• Entire head/neck area is enclosed
• Positive pressure system.

Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs)

• PAPRs with hoods/helmets can be worn by workers with beards
• Powered air source filters air at positive pressure

Respirator Cartridges

• Cartridges are color-coded based on the type of chemical.
• Particulate cartridges filter out particulates only.
• Chemical cartridges trap specific chemicals, but not particulates.
• Combination cartridges are available.

Respiratory Cartridge Color Coding

• Ammonia-green
• Organic Vapor-black
• Acid gas-white
• Acid gas & organic vapor-yellow
• Acid gas, ammonia, and organic vapor - brown
• Chlorine-white and yellow
• P100 Particulates-magenta

Cartridge Change Schedule

• Respirator cartridges must be changed regularly
• Particulate cartridges are changed when the wearer has difficulty breathing or the filter is damaged.
• Chemical cartridges are changed based on a pre-determined schedule.

Replacement Schedule

• Two ways to set a replacement schedule:
• End-of-service life indicator (ESLI)
• Respirator replacement schedule

End-of-Service-Life Indicator (ESLI)

• A system to warn users about the nearing end of useful life of the respirator cartridge
• Sorbent material, like the filter, can become saturated or ineffective.

Change Schedule

• Procedures estimating organic vapor cartridge/canister breakthrough time.
• Calculation of breakthrough time depends on parameters including solvents, ambient conditions

Supplied Air Respirators (SARs)

• Airline respirators-air source from a compressor/series of tanks.
• SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus)-air source from a single tank

Air-Line Respirator

• The air source of an atmosphere supplying respirator is not designed to be carried by the user, e.g. a hose attached to a system.

SCBA

• Atmosphere-supplying respirator designed to be worn by the user.
• Extensive hands-on training and frequent retraining is required for SCBA use.

Typical Examples of Use

• Examples of when to use respirators include tasks such as:
• Sandblasting
• Firefighting situations
• Chemical leak or spill responses
• Confined space work

When Are Respirators Required?

• Oxygen deficiency (e.g. < 19.5% oxygen.)
• Harmful chemical levels above the Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) limit.
• Other situations where highly toxic chemicals are present at high levels in the air.

What is Oxygen Deficiency?

• Normal air has 21% oxygen.
• Oxygen deficiency occurs when oxygen content falls below 19.5%.
• Lack of oxygen causes immediate collapse and death.
• Oxygen deficiency happens in confined spaces or areas with large chemical leaks.

Entering an IDLH Atmosphere

• Need at least one (IDLH) or two (structure firefighting) standby people at the entrance.
• Standby employees need training on emergency rescues.
• Appropriate retrieval equipment might be needed

Air Quality for SCBAs

• Grade D air for tanks is often purchased from a specialized supplier.
• Grade D air meets strict requirements, and the supplier certifies meeting these requirements.

Protection Factors / Maximum Use Concentrations

• Table defining protection factors for various respirator types
• Protection factors are dependent on what the concentration level is measured at, inside or outside of the respirator.
• Concentrations are typically measured in parts per million (ppm).

Protection Factor

• Formula: Concentration outside of respirator / Concentration inside of respirator
• The protection factor (PF) is needed to achieve the desired level of safety.

Maximum Use Concentration (MUC)

• Formula: Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) x Protection Factor (PF) = Maximum Use Concentration (MUC)
• OEL can be either TLV or PEL, abbreviations that are important to remember.

OSHA

• OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.134

Written Program

• Procedures for choosing respirators
• Medical evaluation
• Fit testing procedures
• Procedures for emergencies
• Maintenance schedules (e.g., cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding)

Written Program

• Procedures must be in place to ensure enough air quality, quantity, and flow to be breathed.
• Employee training on:
• Respiratory hazards
• Proper respirator use
• Limitations
• Maintenance.
• Procedures for evaluating program effectiveness.

Respirator Selection

• NIOSH-approved respirators
• Unique TC (Technical Certification) number, including parts, is essential.
• Parts cannot be mixed between different manufacturers
• Respirators must have a sufficient selection of appropriate models and sizes to ensure a proper fit

Requirements to Wear a Respirator

• Employee must have a medical exam showing they are suitable for respirator use.
• Employee must be tested/fitted to ensure the correct model is chosen.
• Employee must be properly trained.

Respirators and Physical Fitness

• Medical evaluations are mandatory for anyone wearing a respirator.
• Breathing with a respirator is strenuous; physical fitness is important.
• Respirators can be hazardous for people with lung/heart problems.

Medical Evaluation

• Medical evaluations are needed before fit-testing.
• Evaluations are performed by physicians or other licensed health care professionals (PLHCPs).
• A medical questionnaire or exam is used.
• Follow-up exams may be required in case of positive answers on tests/questionnaires.

Medical Evaluation

• Provide written procedures including weight, duration, and frequency of use; physical effort required; and temperature/humidity to the PLHCP.
• Written report must be provided to the employer and the employee

Examples of Conditions That May Prevent Respirator Use

• Seizures, claustrophobia, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, collapsed lung, lung cancer, broken ribs, chest injuries, lung/heart problems, and anxiety.

Fit Testing

• Required for new or changed respirators and annually.
• Required for tight-fitting respirators
• Use of OSHA protocol

Fit Testing

• Qualitative fit testing (QLFT) uses certain agents (smoke or chemicals) as a trigger.
• Quantitative fit testing (QNFT) uses measurement tools for leakage.
• Example testing agents include smoke test, isoamyl acetate, saccharin, and bitrex.

Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT)

• A pass/fail fit test that determines if the respirator fits appropriately based on the wearer's response.

Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)

• Assesses adequacy of respirator fit, measuring the amount of leakage with a numerical value

USE OF RESPIRATORS

• Prohibits facial hair that obstructs seal or valve functionality
• Must conduct a user seal check before use
• Follow manufacturer instructions

Respirator Seal Check

• Inhalation and exhalation seal checks are performed before each use.

Training

• Training prior to initial use and annually; also required if the workplace or respirator type change.

Training

• Employees must demonstrate knowledge of:
• Why the respirator is needed
• Respirator limitations and features
• Proper respirator usage
• Inspection procedures
• Donning/doffing procedures
• Seal checks
• Maintenance and storage
• Medical signs/symptoms that limit usage
• General 1910.134 requirements

Maintenance

• Clean and disinfect personnel-assigned respirators regularly.
• "Group" respirators must be cleaned and disinfected between users.

Respirator Maintenance

• Respirators need regular cleaning, inspection, and maintenance.
• Cleaning is crucial in dusty areas.
• Thorough cleaning in warm, soapy water is necessary.
• The device should be allowed to thoroughly dry before use or storage.

Inspection

• Inspect respirators for:
• Dirt
• Cracks
• Tears
• Holes
• Distortion
• Broken parts
• Missing parts
• Elasticity
• Corrosion
• Valve functionality

Respirator Storage

• Respirators must be stored in a clean, dry place
• Store respirators separately from hazardous substances.

Respiratory Equipment Storage

• Protect respirators from contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, and moisture.

Program Administrator

• Appoint a qualified program administrator to manage and supervise the program.
• Experience/training is important.
• Evaluations are also conducted regularly

Voluntary Use of Respirators

• Use is voluntary if: exposure assessment was performed and PEL was not exceeded, OSHA regulations do not require respirators, employer does not believe it is necessary to reduce exposure, employer does not recommend their use, or workers ask not to wear them
• Voluntary use means the workers themselves ask to use respirators, and respirators are not for emergency response/escape.

Voluntary Use of Respirators

• Workers wearing filtering facepieces must have the information of proper use in 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix D.
• Misuse procedures should be prohibited (facial hair).
• Other respirators require medical evaluation, correct cleaning, storage, maintenance, proper use, and prohibiting misuse.
• Information in Appendix D must be provided.