TFD Respiratory Protection Policy 5039

• This document establishes TFD's respiratory protection policy.

• Procedures for respiratory protection equipment are included:

  • Inspection
  • Alarm/Pressure Gauge Testing
  • Cleaning
  • Underwater emergencies
  • Equipment failure
  • EEBSS transfill

• This document applies to all TFD personnel who use and maintain respiratory equipment, replacing previous documents, including General Order 3, Section 4 and the TFD Respiratory Protection Program of February 2000.

• Included forms 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

• Refer to these TFD policies for related information:

  • Policy 2018: MAYDAY
  • Policy 2022: Rapid Intervention Crew(s)
  • Policy 3503: Exposure Control Plan for Blood-borne Pathogens
  • Policy 4002: Confined Space Rescue
  • Policy 4004: Hazardous Materials Emergency Response
  • Policy 5004: Safety Officer and Incident Safety Officers
  • Policy 5024: Overhaul Safety and Post-fire Operations
  • Policy 5029: Water Rescue

Responsibilities

• Deputy Chief of Training and Technology ensures training, practice, testing, and record keeping for respiratory equipment align with guidelines.

• Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services ensures annual review of medical status for all respirator users.

• The Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety shall administer and maintain the TFD Respiratory Protection Program and this policy.

• All TFD Incident Commanders ensure TFD personnel use proper respiratory protection and adhere to policies/procedures at each incident.

• TFD Incident Safety Officers ensure on-scene staff wear correct respiratory protection per guidelines.

• All TFD Company Officers ensure crew members:

  • Use appropriate respiratory equipment for hazards
  • Perform/record daily inspections and donning of respiratory gear per guidelines
  • Maintain SCBA proficiency

• Station 17 Captain ensures fit testing is performed per guidelines and repairing/maintaining respiratory equipment.

• Records must be kept of fit testing, repairs, replacement and maintenance.

• The TFD Training Division provides initial and ongoing training and keeps records per guidelines.

• The TFD Fire Garage tests, maintains, and repairs air compressor equipment per guidelines.

• All TFD personnel who use respiratory protection are responsible for:

  • Complying with requirements
  • Maintaining, protecting, and inspecting equipment per guidelines
  • Reviewing this policy annually

Definitions

• Asbestos: A human carcinogen causing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
• Cascade system: Compressed gas storage with large cylinders filling smaller ones.
• Company Officer: TFD personnel who hold the rank of Lieutenant or Captain assigned to a TFD apparatus or medic company.
• EEBSS: Emergency Escape Breathing Support System.
• Facepiece: Full face respirator with filter or air supply, protecting from gases/dangerous atmospheres.
• Fit check: Test by SCBA wearer to ensure a proper face seal on respirator.
• Grade D breathing air: Air for SCBA cylinders with specified minimums:
  • Water vapor under 24 ppm
  • 19.5-23.5% oxygen
  • Condensed hydrocarbon under 5 mg per cubic meter
  • CO under 10 ppm
  • CO2 under 1,000 ppm
• Health care providers considered for this policy are doctors of medicine/osteopathy with state authorization, along with podiatrists, dentists, clinical psychologists, social workers, optometrists, chiropractors (spinal manipulation types), nurse practitioners, midwives, and Christian Science practitioners from Boston, MA. Also, any other health care provider recognized by the employer or the employer's group health plan benefits manager
• IDLH (Immediately dangerous to life or health): Airborne contaminants that poses a threat of death, produce immediate or delayed permanent adverse health effects or effects that could prevent escape from such an environment.
• MRSA: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.
• NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
• Oxygen deficient: An atmosphere containing less than 19.5% oxygen by volume OR a partial pressure of 148 millimeters of mercury or less.
• PASS: Personal Alert Safety System.
• Qualitative Fit Test: A pass/fail test assessing respirator fit adequacy.
• PHI: Protected Health Information includes any health-related information either individually identifiable/demographic, concerning past/present/future health, covering care payment/provision, created/received by related entities, OR maintained/transmitted in any form/medium.
• Quantitative Fit Test: Measures respirator fit adequacy using the level of leakage.
• Respirator: Breathing device protecting the wearer from inhaling harmful substances.
• Single use/disposable respirator: NIOSH approved respirator made with a soft, fibrous, negative pressure facepiece used for protection against tuberculosis (TB); also referred to as an N95 mask.
• SCBA: Self contained breathing apparatus with a positive pressure respirator supplied by a compressed air cylinder carried on the wearer's back; used for oxygen deficient and IDLH conditions.
• SAR (Supplied air line respirator): Positive pressure respirator supplied by a NIOSH approved high pressure hose connected to a remote air source.
• Transfill: Transfer contents from one air bottle to another using the EEBS system.

Rules

• The Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) must have a written respiratory protection policy per WAC 296-305 and WAC 296-842.

• All TFD personnel using respirators undergo medical evaluation per WAC 296-842-14005, regardless of duration/frequency

• Respiratory equipment fit testing (qualitative/quantitative) aligns with WAC 296-842, sections 15005/22010.

• Respiratory equipment training follows WAC 296-305-04001, WAC 296-842, and WAC 296-62-07715.

• TFD personnel can operate in hazardous atmospheres only with:

  • SCBA
  • Properly fitted facepiece
  • Inspected respirator to be in proper working condition

• TFD personnel cannot be assigned to duties needing respiratory protection unless they have:

  • Received respiratory protection, training
  • Obtained medical approval
  • Undergone applicable fit testing

• Wear SCBA when operating in an atmosphere that is:

  • Contaminated/potentially contaminated
  • Oxygen deficient/potentially oxygen deficient
  • Rapidly becoming hazardous/contaminated
  • Present during structure fire overhaul

• Present where asbestos is present

• Shall wear an N95 when transporting an masked medical patient with infectious tuberculosis in an enclosed vehicle.

• Department-provided respiratory protection equipment cannot be used underwater.

• To operate in confined spaces, respiratory protection is given per TFD Policy 4002.

• When working near water, comply with TFD Policy 5029 when respiratory protection equipment is in use.

• This policy is to be reviewed and updated annually per OSHA 29CFR 1910.134(I) using OSHA form A-5-1.2.

Officer Guidelines

• The Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services ensures medical status is reviewed in a timely manner, following the guidelines.

• The TFD Safety Officer will:

  • Administer the department's Respiratory Protection Program
  • Conduct annual program appraisals
  • Develop recommendations for correcting needed improvements to the program
  • Submit annual finding to the Fire Chief with recommendations

• TFD Company Officers, shall confirm personnel:

  • Perform SCBA inspections daily
  • Properly document SCBA inspections on FIR 2530-0019
  • Maintain SCBA proficiency

• The TFD Station 17 Captain shall:

  • Conduct fit testing as in compliance with WAC 296-842
  • Ensure timely respiratory protection equipment repairs/maintenance per guidelines
  • Record employee fit testing as well as respiratory protection equipment repairs, maintenance, and replacements
  • Schedule/verify completion of hydro testing for compressed air cylinders

Operations Personnel Guidelines

• Maintain SCBA and facepiece in sanitary/operational condition.
• Use gear per these guidelines.
• Guard against damage.
• Inspect gear appropriately, as outlined.

Medical Evaluation

• All TFD personnel required to wear a respirator must participate in the medical evaluation program via a mandatory questionnaire reviewed by a Health Care Provider (HCP).

• TFD personnel are to be provided a medical evalutation at no cost before any fitting or SCBA operation.

• A TFD employee may use their own private HCP for the medical evaluation.

• Medical evaluations, shall be conducting during an employee's normal work hours while following PHI rules and regulations.

• TFD shall use licensed HCPs to provide initial evaluations TFD personnel for respirator use and/or follow-up medical evaluations as necessary and appropriate.

• The HCP shall perform the medical evaluation using the department provided medical questionnaire.

• The TFD Safety Officer shall provide the HCP with the following specific information to determine whether an employee is able to use a respirator:

  • Description of the respirator to be used and workplace conditions
    • i. Impose physiological burdens on the user
    • ii. Interact with existing medical conditions thus increasing the risk of adverse impact on an individual's health

• TFD also shall provide the HCP with:

  • A copy of policy documents
  • A copy of medical evaluation questionnaires
  • Work descriptions that include weight/type of respirator needed, anticipated work effort, clothing required and temperature/humidity extremes that may be encountered while using the respirator

• An initial medical evaluation shall be conducted prior to fit testing to identify personnel who have a medical condition that would preclude even a small amount of respirator use associated with the fit testing process.

  • Follow-up medical evaluations shall be conducted every three years or:
    • As relevant when the employee reports signs or symptoms
    • When recommended by a HCP after an initial medical evaluation
    • When requested by the employee's supervisor and/or the TFD Safety Officer
    • As necessary when information obtained from fit testing and/or respiratory program evaluation indicate it Also as needed, changes in workplace conditions, equipment and/or department policy cause a substantial increase in the physiological burden on the respirator user.

• Upon completion of a medical evaluation, the HCP must provide the Assistant Chief of Administration and Support Services a written recommendation related to if an employee is able to use a respirator and any limitation or follow-up needs as determined.

• The Assistant Chief of Administration and Support Services shall provide the employee with a copy of the HCP's written recommendation.

Fit Testing

• All new TFD personnel who will use respirators must be fit tested prior to initial training on SCBA and must also be proficient in SCBA use prior to entering a hazardous atmosphere TFD personnel shall use only the make, model and size respirator that they has been trained on and fit tested within the previous 12 months.
• Also, TFD personnel may wear contact lenses with a respirator facepiece if a HCP has determined that wearing such lenses will not increase the risk of eye damage.
• All TFD personnel who must wear spectacles, goggles or a face shield with a respirator facepiece shall wear them in a manner that does not adversely affect the seal between the facepiece and the face.
  • Straps and/or temple bars must not pass between the surface and the respirator facepiece, which applies if using respirators (with no facial hair, such that it comes between the sealing periphery of the facepiece and the face or interferes with the valve function of the SCBA or any respirator used by TFD.
• Fit testing will not be conducted on TFD personnel with any facial hair growth. TFD personnel should conduct a fit check each time before they use a respirator (per outlined procedure, which shall not substitute as qualitative or quantitative)
• TFD shall use appropriate equipment and conduct fit testing with that equipment per manufacturer's instructions and form.
• Fit testing must be repeated at least every 12 months OR whenever changing type of respirator that they use OR whenever employee has significant physical changes including weight change, scarring, dental procedure and cosmetic surgeries.
• Fit test records will include:
  • Fail/pass criteria
  • Size/model
  • Type
  • Equipment
  • Tested person, id
  • Operator name, date and test results

Selection of Protection Equipment

– Equipment must be selected to be compliant with NIOSH, NFPA 1981, WAC 296-305-04001 and WAC 296-842-13005. – Users may only use positive pressure SCBA’s or air line respirators (aka supplied air respirators aka SAR) with escape bottles in IDLH atmospheres.

• Service capacity of the SCBA must exceed 15min and no more that 20% of the supply can be used for entry.
• The SAR airline must be connected before entering IDLH atmospheres. SAR must include a possitive pressure escape bottle with a minimum capacity of 5min and a max of 300 feet of thick hose approved by NIOSH – For airborne pathogens, wear disposable respirators and never an SAR for firefighting.

Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

– If one works in a hazardous area, they’ll need a PASS device (personal alert safety system) and a pressure gauge that complies with NFPA 1981.

• The definition of “Use of SCBA” = “firefighter puts on their facepiece”
• Personnel must use SCBA when operating in an atmosphere that is:
  • Known to be contaminated, or suspected to become contaminated
  • Is oxygen deficient, or is suspected to be oxygen deficient Also If operating in the following areas
  • Near fire area.
  • Potential explosion area.
  • Products of combustion present.
  • And confined spaces that are no safe.

In locations that have asbestos fibers, the TFD personnel must:

• Wear a SCBA
• Avoid producing dust or hazardous substances
• Wet substances down with water

In cold weather operations it is required that users store the mask mounted regulator in the STANDBY belt mount, use the neckstrap to keep the MMR dry and prevent moisture from entering the system.

• Shut off button and bypass valve must remain free from ice to enter a hazardous setting
• At all times personnel must ensure that their PASS device functions, and regularly use a damp cloth to clean the device (but never a solvent).
• If a PASS device becomes contaminated by a hazardous substance its important that you follow the TFD 4004 instructions

Emergency Escape Breathing Support System (EEBSS)

• Any TFD personnel must be trained in EEBSS operation per WAC 296-304-04001.
• EEBSS devices must be available.
• It may only be used during threatening emergencies or for training and must not extend operational time for routine tasks.
• If a transfill, happens the firefighter (donor) with the highest SCBA will supply. This does not apply if:
  • A firefighter, needs under 1000 psi for a 2216 rated cylinder or 2000 psi for a 4500 rated cylinder.
  • Donor is under low air alarm, if so immediately disconnect and call for help.
  • There are issues with the integrity of high pressure or with pressure relief valves.
  • IC must be notified, and a RIC is required.

Breathing Air Quality

• For TFD the breathing air should be up to ANSI/CGA G7.1 standards as well as conditions in WAC 296 -842 – 20005
• If mobile air compressors are necessary, they must:
  • Ensure that the compressor is level during operation
  • Keep moisture level minimal in the air or water of the area. When its all said and done all personal should be trained correctly on the system. Air quality must be tested quarterly.

Removal of Respiratory Protection Equipment

• If the atmosphere is contaminated never remove until the IC advises or given approval for take off. To take precaution minimize exposure when changing air cylinders and field decontaminate if you have participated in hazardous activities. When there is an unkown or potentially hazardous atmosphere there is to be no SCBA integrity compromise.

Inspection of Respiratory Equipment

TFD staff must inspect and maintain gear, including:

• Ensuring functionality of all parts
• That spare respiratory protection equipment has been inspected and cleaned. If you have been specifically assigned a SCAB you should inspect it weekly - any repairs necessary should be sent to station 7 immediately, however if the SCBA fails on the job it is not to be used until fixed or with a PASS functions improperly

Repair and Maintenance of Respiratory Protection Equipment

• Any and all repairs to gear and components of TFD must be made in accordance with manufacture standards and per NIOSH.
• Remove the item from service, tag the item for repair with information as pertains to needed repairs, as well as identify defects found by 2530-0019 and obtain spare equipment to deliver and repair.
• Every day it is required that users discard respirators that have worn, damaged, or otherwise unable for use. Replacing batteries and removing from damaged cylinders.

Cleaning and storage

• Normally its just the facepeice that needs cleaning, personal gear can be cleaned with soap and water while a shared piece must be disinfected by manufacture standards. Make sure it is in good working order at all times and store them in a way that protects from damage, dust, and contaminants. Any personal that uses protective equipment must know the cleaning procedure.

Training

• All provided respiratory equipment must supply the best training that covers - Situational awareness to when equipment is needed all the way to a functional check. Personnel should practice annually on proper respirator function and records be maintained.

Inspection

• The wearer or user is responsible for visually checking:

For High components:

• That a hose reads correctly and the fittings are tight For the Face Piece:
• That the straps are not torn - if not is elasticity in the material being used
  • Check connections and valves. For the carrier and Harness:
• Inspect all signs with heat and that the cylinder band is holding and the straps are not twisted and the buckles clasp For cylinder and gauges
• If cracked, or there is structural damage and that the reading is proper and doesn’t read less than 90%
• See that the gauge is reading correctly Audible Alarms - Bell secure to ensure that it functions The regulator
  • Is operational and doesn’t smell and they can breathe easily. After Inspection
• The individual that is responsible for repairs follows the given procedure.
• The testing of redundant alarms must go:
  • Test switch and note. Put the SCBA one.
  • Pressurize and note audible alarms.
• This testing and maintenance of the TFD is essential.

Underwater Emergencies

• When in equipment do everything to keep a face and regulate supply.

If there is Equip Fail

To follow correct procedure: - Stay calm, notify the chain of command and exit asap, while following other procedures for by pass and skip breathing or filter gear. - To assist by pass: open valve slightly inhale, then exhale through mouth. To skip breathing

1. First, regain composure then continue to inhale with the most limited breath.
2. Keep as little CO2 inside you body to stay balanced even if your apparatus fails ensure:

• Leave face piece on.
• Airway is not compromised by using a hood or Nomex material.

EEBSS TRANSIFILL

Use the TFD provided equipment, hook the cylinder by the audile click so there is now pressure. If there is severe leakage, stop and disconnect. Once they are connected, the hoses by anodized sleeve. if fittings leak: remove dust the cap.

This lesson covers key aspects of the TFD Respiratory Protection Policy 5039. It addresses N95 mask usage, underwater procedures for respiratory equipment, compliance standards, and roles of various personnel such as the Assistant Chief of Emergency Medical Services and the TFD Safety Officer.