Tacoma Fire Department Respiratory Protection Policies

Overview

• This document outlines the Tacoma Fire Department's (TFD) respiratory protection policies.

• Applies to all TFD personnel who use or maintain respiratory protection equipment.

• The procedures include:

• Inspecting respiratory protection equipment

• Testing the alarm/pressure gauge

• Cleaning respiratory protection equipment

• Underwater emergencies

• Equipment failure

• Emergency Escape Breathing Support System (EEBSS) transfill

• This document supersedes all former documents regarding respiratory protection, including General Order 3, Section 4, and the TFD Respiratory Protection Program from February 2000.

• The following forms are associated with this document:

• FIR 2530-0019: SCBA Daily Inspection Log

• FIR 2530-0020: SCBA Weekly Inspection Log

• OSHA form A-5-1.2: Respiratory Program Evaluation

• Medical Evaluation Questionnaire - Mandatory: WAC 296-842-22005

• For more information refer to the policies below:

• TFD Policy 2018: MAYDAY

• TFD Policy 2022: Rapid Intervention Crew(s)

• TFD Policy 3503: Exposure Control Plan for Blood-borne Pathogens

• TFD Policy 4002: Confined Space Rescue

• TFD Policy 4004: Hazardous Materials Emergency Response

• TFD Policy 5004: Safety Officer and Incident Safety Officers

• TFD Policy 5024: Overhaul Safety and Post-fire Operations

• TFD Policy 5029: Water Rescue

Responsibilities

• The Deputy Chief of Training and Technology ensures respiratory equipment training, practice, and testing are done per guidelines.
• The Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services confirms annual medical reviews for respirator users.
• The Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety manages the TFD Respiratory Protection Program and keeps the policy updated.
• TFD Incident Commanders ensure personnel use proper respiratory protection and follow policies at incidents.
• TFD Incident Safety Officers ensure on-scene personnel use proper respiratory protection equipment.
• TFD Company Officers:
• Make sure crew members use appropriate respiratory equipment for hazards
• Perform and document daily equipment inspections and donning procedures
• Crew must maintain proficiency in SCBA use.
• The Station 17 Captain:
• Ensures fit testing is performed per guidelines
• Repairs and maintains respiratory protection equipment
• Keeps records of employee fit testing and equipment maintenance
• TFD Training Division personnel provide initial and ongoing respiratory equipment training and maintain training records.
• TFD Fire Garage personnel test, maintain, and repair air compressor equipment per guidelines.
• Each TFD personnel using respiratory protection must:
• Comply with the document requirements
• Maintain, protect, and inspect your own respiratory equipment
• Review this policy annually

Definitions

• Asbestos: A human carcinogen causing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
• Cascade system: A compressed gas storage system using large cylinders to fill smaller ones.
• Company Officer: TFD personnel with the rank of Lieutenant or Captain assigned to a TFD apparatus or medic company.
• EEBSS: Emergency Escape Breathing Support System.
• Facepiece: A full-face respirator with a lens and attached filter or air supply for protection.
• Fit check: A test by an SCBA wearer to ensure the respirator properly seals to the face.
• Grade D breathing air: Air for SCBA cylinders with these minimums:
• Water vapor: 24 ppm or less
• Oxygen: 19.5-23.5%
• Condensed hydrocarbon: no more than 5 mg per cubic meter of air
• CO: no more than 10 ppm
• CO2: no more than 1,000 ppm
• Health care providers are defined as doctors authorized to practice, and state-licensed professionals like:
• Podiatrists and Dentists
• Clinical psychologists and social workers
• Optometrists
• Chiropractors (limited to spinal manipulations)
• Nurse practitioners and midwives
• Christian Science practitioners listed with the First Church of Christ, Scientist
• Any healthcare provider recognized by the employer/health plan manager.
• IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health): Concentrations of airborne contaminants posing a death threat, immediate/delayed health effects, or escape-preventing effects.
• MRSA: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.
• NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
• Oxygen-deficient atmosphere: Less than 19.5% oxygen by volume, or a partial pressure of 148 mm Hg or less.
• PASS: Personal Alert Safety System.
• Qualitative Fit Test: Pass/fail test for respirator fit.
• PHI (Protected Health Information): Any health-related information that is:
• Individually identifiable/demographic
• Regarding past, present, or future physical or mental health
• Concerning provision of or payment for care
• Created/received by healthcare providers, health plans, authorities, etc.
• Maintained or transmitted in any form/medium.
• Quantitative Fit Test: Measured respirator leakage to assess fit.
• Respirator: Device protecting the wearer from inhaling harmful substances.
• Single-use/disposable respirator: NIOSH-approved, soft, fibrous facepiece for tuberculosis (TB) protection, aka N95 mask.
• SCBA: Self-contained breathing apparatus with positive pressure, compressed air cylinder, used for oxygen deficient/IDLH conditions.
• SAR (Supplied Air Line Respirator): Positive pressure respirator via NIOSH-approved high-pressure hose from a remote air source.
• Transfill: Transferring contents from one air bottle to another using the EEBS system.

General Rules and Guidelines

• TFD to have a written respiratory protection policy compliant with WAC 296-305 and 296-842.

• All TFD personnel using a respirator require a medical evaluation per WAC 296-842-14005.

• Respiratory equipment fit testing must comply with WAC 296-842, sections 15005 and 22010.

• Respiratory equipment training to be conducted as per WAC 296-305-04001, WAC 296-842 and WAC 296-62-07715.

• TFD personnel in hazardous atmospheres need SCBA with fitted facepiece and inspected components.

• Personnel cannot be assigned to duties that require respiratory protection, without:

• Respiratory protection training

• Medical approval

• Applicable fit testing

• SCBA is required while operating in:

• Known contaminated or oxygen-deficient atmospheres

• Atmospheres suspected of contamination or oxygen deficiency

• Atmospheres that may rapidly become hazardous or contaminated

• Structure fire overhaul operations

• Atmospheres with asbestos fibers

• When transporting an unmasked medical patient with suspected or confirmed infectious tuberculosis in an enclosed vehicle, TFD personnel need to wear an N95 mask.

• Respiratory equipment is not permitted underwater.

• Respiratory protection must be used while operating in confined spaces as per TFD Policy 4002

• TFD Policy 5029 must be complied with, when using respiratory protection near water

• Policy to be reviewed and updated yearly per OSHA 29CFR 1910.134(1) using OSHA form A-5-1.2.

Officer Guidelines

• The Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services will make sure that the medical status of TFD personnel using respiratory protection equipment is reviewed in a timely manner per guidelines set forth in this document.
• The TFD Safety Officer is required to:
• Administer the department's Respiratory Protection Program as per federal and state guidelines
• Perform annual program effectiveness appraisal
• Develop recommendations for corrections or program improvements
• Submit appraisal findings to the Fire Chief
• TFD Company Officers must verify that personnel under their supervision:
• Perform daily SCBA inspections
• Properly document SCBA inspections on FIR 2530-0019
• Maintain SCBA proficiency
• The TFD Station 17 Captain will:
• Ensure fit testing follows WAC 296-842
• Ensure timely repairs and maintenance of respiratory protection equipment
• Maintain records of employee fit testing and repair
• Schedule and verify hydro testing of TFD compressed air cylinders

Operations Personnel Guidelines

• Each TFD staff member using respiratory protection:
• Keep assigned SCBA and facepiece sanitary/operational
• Use respiratory protection consistent with guidelines in this document
• Guard against damage to assigned respiratory protection equipment
• Inspect respiratory protection equipment at proper time intervals

Medical Evaluation Rules

• All TFD personnel needing a respirator must participate in a medical evaluation, which includes a questionnaire reviewed by a Health Care Provider (HCP).
• TFD provides free medical evaluations to determine fitness for respirator use before fit testing or using a respirator.
• Employees may use their own HCP for medical evaluations at their own expense.
• Medical evaluations, that include medical questionnaires, must:
• Happens during normal work hours
• Follow all rules/regulations on PHI & patient confidentiality
• TFD uses licensed HCPs for initial and follow-up respirator evaluations.
• The HCP must perform the medical eval using the department's questionnaire.
• The TFD Safety Officer gives the HCP specific information to determine if an employee can use a respirator:
• Description of the respirator
• Workplace conditions and possible burdens
• Health and existing medical conditions
• TFD gives the HCP:
• A copy of this policy
• A copy of WAC 296-842-14005
• Medical evaluation questionnaire: WAC 296-842-22005
• Work descriptions:
• Respirator weight
• Type of respirator
• Anticipated work effort
• Protective clothing/equipment
• Temperature/humidity extremes
• Initial medical evaluation before fit testing identifies individuals with medical conditions preventing respirator use.
• Follow-up medical evaluations must happen every three years, or when:
• Employees report relevant signs/symptoms
• Recommended by HCP after the initial evaluation
• Requested by the employee’s supervisor and/or the TFD Safety Officer
• Fit testing or program evaluation indicates a need
• Workplace conditions, gear, or policy changes substantially increase the respirator's physiological burden
• Upon completing a medical evaluation, the HCP provides a written recommendation to the Assistant Chief of Administration and Support Services that states whether or not the employee is medically fit to use a respirator.
• This recommendation will show:
• Employee's use limits for respirators
• The need to keep the patient in for follow-up to check on the effects on the employee's health.

Fit Testing Rules

• New TFD personnel using respirators:
• Must be fit tested before initial SCBA training
• Must be proficient in SCBA use before entering a hazardous atmosphere
• Personnel must only use the make, model, and size respirator they were trained and fit tested on within the last 12 months.
• Individuals may wear contacts with a respirator facepiece if an HCP determines it doesn't increase eye damage risk.
• Personnel needing spectacles, goggles, or face shields with a respirator facepiece must wear them without affecting the facepiece seal.
• Straps or temple bars cannot pass between the seal or the face and the respirator facepiece.
• Respirator users must not have facial hair that:
• Comes between the face and the sealing periphery of the facepiece
• Impairs the valve function of any respirator or SCBA.
• Do not conduct fit testing on personnel with facial hair growth extending under/interfering with face seal.
• Respiratory users will fit check each time they put on a respirator, per outlined procedure and notes user checks do not replace qualitative and quantitative fit tests.
• Proper equipment must be used and fit testing conducted per the manufacturer's instructions using the manufacturer's fit test form.
• Fit testing must be repeated:
• At least every 12 months
• When the employee changes the type of respirator or facepiece
• With significant physical employee changes, like:
• Weight change of 10% or more
• Scarring to the facial area
• Dental changes
• Cosmetic surgery
• Fit test records must have written guidelines for the respirator fit test program, including:
• Pass/fail criteria
• Respirator manufacturer, model, and size
• Type of fit test
• Instrumentation/equipment used
• Name of tested person
• Name/ID number of the test operator
• Test date
• Test Results

Respiratory Equipment Selection

• TFD will select and provide NIOSH-certified respiratory protection equipment per NFPA 1981, WAC 296-305-04001, and WAC 296-842-13005.
• TFD personnel use only positive pressure SCBA or airline respirators (SAR) with escape bottles in IDLH atmospheres.
• SCBA service capacity must exceed 15 minutes with no more than 20% of air supply use upon entry.
• SAR air line must connect before entering IDLH atmospheres
• SAR must have:
• Positive pressure escape bottle with a minimum five-minute rating
• NIOSH-approved, non-kinking, heavy-duty hose (max 300 ft)
• TFD personnel use single-use/disposable respirators for airborne pathogens.
• TFD personnel cannot use SAR for structural firefighting.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Rules

• Every TFD personnel that works in a hazardous environment where they need to use the SCBA, has to be provided with SCBA that has a PASS device (or personal safety system) and a pressure gauge that is compliant with NFPA 1981’s most current edition.
• Use of and SCBA means for the firefighter to put on hisher face piece and for them to breath in the air that the supply has given them.
• Peronnel needs to use and SCBA when:
• When they are working in an area where it has contaminates
• When the area is expected to have contaminates
• When the area is oxygen deficient
• or when the area is suspected to be that off oxygen deficient or have contaminates.
• Some areas to need to use SCBA’s:
• in an active fire zone
• Directly above avtive fire zone
• gas and fuel leaks
• Invisible contaminates (carbon monoxide)
• toxic producst
• Confined space, that has not been tested for Respiratory safety
• overhaul ops
• When working in areas with asbestos, must wear SCBA, avoid creating dust, keep materials wet, and decontaminate per TFD Policy 4004.
• In cold weather, store the MMR in its belt mount, keep the facepiece upside down with its neckstrap, and prevent moisture from entering the system when changing cylinders.
• Make sure if PASS device is working when SCBA is in use.
  • No cleaning solvent should be used on PASS devices
  • chemical or radioactive materials in accordance with TFD Policy 4004 and/or all applicable regulatory standards
• TFD is not allowed to paint or etch the PASS devices.

Emergency Escape Breathing Support System (EEBSS) Rules

• With WAC 296-305-04001, all of the TFD personal has to be fully trained to use respirators.
• Officers has to keep EEBSS hose on hsir SCBA units
• EEBSS should be used for emergencies that threatens your life.
• EEBSS isnt suposed to to be used to extend a routine task.
• In the event of an EEBSS transfill, the fire fighter that has more air has to donar to the person who has less air.
• A FF has to have the following pressure to donate:
• 1000 psi in a 2216 rated cylinder
• 2000 psi in a 4500 rated cylinder
• You are able to transfill from a high bottle pressure, to a low bottle pressure
• No trans filling if there is an alarm going off on a FF air alarm.
• Disconnect immediately and seek further help. If there is an alarm.
• Donor tell the IC where the EEBSS is needed.
• IC has to provide a support crew.
• If the trans fill is complete, get out of the atmosphere.

Breathing Air Quality Rules

• Should meet grade D breathing. ANSI/CGA G7.1
• Dew point stds WAC 296-842-20005
• When using mobile air compressors:
• Keep level
• Keep from water
• Keep away from contamination sources
• TFD personel should be trained to use it,
• Fire garage personal should test air compressors at least quarterly.
• And if something is bad or not working properly.

Respiratory Protection Equipment Removal Safety Rules

• If the air has any chance of being contaminated, you have to use until the commander says its okay
• Maintain clean, uncontaminated area in facemask when changing cylinders in hazardous areas
• Clean equipment ofter being in hazardous areas.
• dont play around the air quality.

Equipment Inspection

• TFD personnel must ensure all of the following:
• SCBA inspections are done daily after use ensuring proper fit with helmet/coat
• PASS devices must be inspected for functionality
• Inspected PASS devices are a must before any use
• Conducted at each shift change during SCBA inspection
• Documentation completed on FIR 2530-0019
• Advise office of bad equipment
• TFD Comapny officer must check:
• Maintain inspection of extra equipment
• Station 17 for repairs
• obtain spare equipment
• maintain after repair
• personal has to maintain SCBA Equipment
• Personnel is never allowd to use SCBA if there anything wrong.

Repair and Maintenance Rules

• To maintain repairs make sure to: - Follow manufacture recomedations approved part.
• Tfd station 17 have to be the pepolre to do this stuff.
• Personal has to:
• remove the item from the service
• And document the repairs.
• Personal must discard if has damages

Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Storing Respiratory Protection Equipment Rules

• SCBA facepeice is what needs to be cleaned after each use.
• Then keep the facepiece:
• Sanitary
• Good working order
• Personel has to train to all the proper clean and sanitizing procedures.

Training

• TFD training division personnel must provide training on the following for respiratory equipment:
• Require equipment
• Managing equipment
• wearing and removing it
• Equipment is good and functionable
• Potential hazards
• component
• limitations
• clean it
• what todo when fails
• Training devision has to make sure ppl are using it.

Procedure for Inspection of Respiratory Protection Equipment

• Check to see there is not rips, wear and tear, or not so clean equipment
• Check harness
• Check the lens
• Check valve
• Check cylinder
• Check gauge
• Check all alarms.

Steps to donning SCBA unit

• Make sure the cylinder gauge has enough air. Put it on
• Make sure all checks are good
• Check hose and all systems

Procedure for Testing The Redundant alarm/pressure gauge.

• Test by pressing the switch
• The alarm should work.
• Check alarms as pressure
• System as to be in monitor made

Procedure for Cleaning Respiratory Protection Equipment

• TFD personel must Remove MM
• And clean it up.

Procedure for Underwater Emergencies

• TFD personel must not relay on it, or take it off, just give yourself air through the system.

In the Emergency, the personel must:

• stay calm Know the situations:
• Breathe to the bypass
• Remove contaminated equipment
• Filter air out.