Respiratory Protection Guide PDF

Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene Respiratory Protection PPE ◼ Respiratory Protection ▪ Air-purifying respirators (APR) ▪ Filters (for particulates, also vary in type) ▪ Cartridges (for gases or vapors) ▪ Canisters (used with gas masks) ▪ Atmosphere-supplying r...

Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene Respiratory Protection PPE ◼ Respiratory Protection ▪ Air-purifying respirators (APR) ▪ Filters (for particulates, also vary in type) ▪ Cartridges (for gases or vapors) ▪ Canisters (used with gas masks) ▪ Atmosphere-supplying respirators (Supplied air respirators – SAR)  How Respirators Work Air inhaled in Air inhaled in Air exhaled out  NIOSH–Approved Dust Masks Dust masks come in variety of styles and brands. Not NIOSH-approved Not all dust masks provide adequate protection for workplace dust. Only NIOSH-approved dust masks can be used for protection against dust levels that exceed the PEL. NIOSH-approved Dust/Nuisance Mask ◼ Not an approved respirator ◼ No NIOSH certification markings ◼ One strap – poor seal ◼ Negative pressure Particulate Respirator ◼ Approved NIOSH respirator ◼ Usually has certification markings ◼ 2 straps ◼ Negative pressure  How Filtering Facepieces Work Air inhaled in Air inhaled in Air exhaled out  Using Filtering Facepieces Dust masks will leak if they don’t fit your face properly. Dust masks don’t filter out chemical vapors. Dust masks are not adequate for heavy amounts of dust. Dust masks may not be suitable for highly toxic dusts.  Types of Dust Masks/Particulate Filters N95/R95/P95 masks filter out 95% of dust particles N99/R95/P99 masks filter out 99% of dust particles N100/R100/P100 masks filter out 99.7% of dust particles N99 or N100 masks are recommended for very fine dust or dangerous dusts such as asbestos or silica. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI7r99RbbvY Particulate Respirator Series Codes Filter series Filter type Minimum Code designation efficiency % N Not resistant to oil N95 95 N99 99 N100 99.97 R Up to 8 hours R95 95 R99 99 R100 99.97 P Oil proof 8 + hours P95 95 P99 99 P100 99.97 Chemical Cartridge Respirators ◼ Approved NIOSH respirator ◼ Certification markings on cartridges ◼ 2 strong adjustable straps ◼ Negative pressure  How Cartridge Respirators Work Air movement is controlled by rubber straps inhalation and exhalation valves. inhalation Facepiece valves The adjustable straps are used to keep the cartridge respirator snug on the exhalation valve valve cover face. Half-face respirator Full-face respirator 2  Respirator Protection Half-face respirators can provide protection to levels 10 times above the PEL. Full-face respirators could provide protection to levels 50 times above the PEL. Full-face respirators also provide eye protection for irritating chemicals. Powered Air Purifiers ◼ Approved NIOSH respirator ◼ Certification markings on cartridges ◼ Entire head/neck area enclosed ◼ Positive pressure Powered Air Purifying Respirators PAPRs ◼ PAPRs with hoods or helmets can be worn by workers with beards ◼ Powered air source filters air at positive pressure  Respirator Cartridges There are several kinds of chemical cartridges and filters. Cartridges are color-coded for the type of chemical or particulate. Respirator Cartridges Particulate cartridges filter out particulates only. Chemical cartridges trap different types of chemicals, but not particulates. Combination particulate/chemical cartridges are available. Respiratory Cartridge Color Coding Ammonia- green Organic vapor (solvents) - black Acid gas (sulfuric acid, for example) - white Acid gas and organic vapor - yellow Acid gas, ammonia, & organic vapor - brown Chlorine – white & yellow P100 Particulates – magenta  Cartridge Change Schedule Cartridges must be changed regularly. Particulate cartridges are changed when they become difficult to breathe through or are damaged. Chemical cartridges are changed on a pre-determined schedule. Replacement Schedule ◼ There are two ways to set a replacement schedule before service life is exhausted. ◼ end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI; not widely available) ◼ replacement schedule  End-of-Service-Life Indicator (ESLI) A system that warns the user of the approach of the end of adequate respiratory protection; e.g., the sorbent is approaching saturation or is no longer effective. Change Schedule ◼ Procedures have been developed to estimate breakthrough time for organic vapor cartridges and canisters. ◼ The calculation of breakthrough time depends on solvent variables, carbon variables, and ambient conditions. ◼ Most manufacturers have software or tables of breakthrough times for their cartridges and canisters.  Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) Airline respirator–air from a SCBA (self-contained breathing compressor or series of tanks apparatus)–air from a single tank  Air-line Respirator An atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the user  SCBAs An atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to be carried by the user. SCBAs should not be used without extensive hands-on training and frequent re- SCBA training.  Typical Examples of Use Sandblasting Firefighting Chemical leak or spill response Confined space work  When Are They Required? ✓ Oxygen deficiency ✓ High levels of toxic chemicals in the air – above “IDLH” levels ✓ https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/criteria.h tml ✓ https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/intridl4.h tml ✓ Other conditions of high levels of highly toxic chemicals in the air  What is Oxygen Deficiency? ◼ Normal air contains 21% oxygen. A space with oxygen content below 19.5% is “oxygen deficient” ◼ Lack of oxygen can cause immediate collapse and death. ◼ Oxygen deficiency can occur in confined or enclosed spaces or areas of large chemical leaks.  Entering an IDLH Atmosphere ✓ Must have at least one (IDLH) or two (interior structural firefighting) standby persons at entrance. ✓ Standby employees must be trained to conduct emergency rescue. ✓ Appropriate retrieval equipment may be needed.  Air Quality For SCBAs Category Image Grade D air for tanks is usually purchased from a specialized supplier. Grade D air must meet strict requirements. Supplier must certify that tank air meets Grade D requirements.  Protection Factors/Maximum Use Concentrations Assigned Protection Factors Type of Respirator Quarter Half Full Helmet/ Loose-fitting Mask Mask Facepiece Hood Facepiece 1. Air Purifying Respirator 5 10 50 ---------- ---------- 2. Powered Air Purifying Respirator --------- 50 1000 25/1000* 25 3. Supplied-Air or Airline Respirator Demand Mode --------- 10 50 ---------- ---------- Continuous Flow Mode --------- 50 1000 25/1000* 25 Pressure Demand or Other --------- 50 1000 ----------- ---------- Positive Pressure 4. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Demand mode --------- 10 50 50 ---------- Pressure-demand or other positive- --------- ------- 10,000 10,000 ---------- pressure mode The employer must have evidence provided by the respirator manufacturer that testing of these respirators demonstrates performance at a level of protection of 1,000 or greater to receive an APF of 1,000. Absent such testing, all other PAPRs and SARs with helmets/hoods are to be treated as loose- fitting facepiece respirators, and receive an APF of 25.  Protection Factor Concentration Outside Respirator = Protection Factor Needed Concentration Inside Respirator Concentration Outside Respirator = Concentration Inside Respirator Protection Factor Maximum Use Concentration (MUC) OEL * APF = MUC ◼ p. 206 Remember the OEL can be the TLV or the PEL. You do need to know these acronyms. OSHA ◼ OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.134 WRITTEN PROGRAM ◼ Procedures for selecting respirators ◼ Medical evaluation ◼ Fit testing procedures ◼ Procedures for use of respirators during routine and reasonably foreseeable emergencies ◼ Procedures and schedules for respirator maintenance (cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting, repairing, discarding) WRITTEN PROGRAM ◼ Procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of breathing air ◼ Training employees on respiratory hazards, proper use, limitations and maintenance ◼ Procedures for evaluating program effectiveness RESPIRATOR SELECTION ◼ Requires use of NIOSH-approved respirators ◼ TC number is given for respirator as a system, including all parts ◼ Cannot interchange parts from different manufacturers ◼ Must select respirators from a sufficient number of models and sizes so it fits correctly Requirements to Wear a Respirator ◼ Before an employee is provided with a respirator, the employee must: ◼ Be provided with a medical examination to be sure the employee is fit to wear it for the duration needed ◼ Be fit tested to make sure the right make and model is provided ◼ Be trained on the requirements and limitations of wearing a respirator  Respirators and Physical Fitness Medical evaluations are required for anyone wearing respirators Breathing through a respirator is work for the body. Respirators can be hazardous to people with heart or lung problems. MEDICAL EVALUATION ◼ Required prior to fit test ◼ Must be performed by a physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) using a medical questionnaire or exam ◼ Appendix C - Medical Questionnaire ◼ Follow up exam if positive answer - any tests or procedures determined by PLHCP MEDICAL EVALUATION ◼ Provide written procedures, respirator weight, duration and frequency of use, physical effort required, temperature and humidity to PLHCP ◼ Written report provided to employer and employee Examples of Conditions That May Prevent Use of a Respirator Seizures Broken Ribs Claustrophobia Chest Injuries Asthma Other Lung Emphysema Problems Pneumonia Heart or Circulation Collapsed lung Problems Lung Cancer Anxiety FIT TESTING ◼ Required prior to initial use ◼ Whenever a different respirator is used ◼ Annual requirement ◼ Change in employee physical condition ◼ Required for all tight-fitting respirators ◼ Follow OSHA Protocol in Standard Fit Testing ◼ Qualitative ◼ Smoke test ◼ Isoamyl acetate ◼ Saccharin ◼ Bitrex ◼ Quantitative ◼ Portacount Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) A pass/fail fit test to assess the adequacy of respirator fit that relies on the individual’s response to the test agent. Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT) An assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit by numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator. USE OF RESPIRATORS ◼ Prohibits facial hair at the sealing surface or that interferes with valve function ◼ Must conduct a user seal check before each use ◼ Procedures as recommended by manufacturer Respirator Seal Check Inhalation check Exhalation check TRAINING ◼ Required: ◼ Prior to initial use ◼ Annually ◼ Changes in workplace or respirator type TRAINING ◼ Employee must be able to demonstrate knowledge: ◼ Why respirator is necessary ◼ Limitations and capabilities of respirator ◼ How to use the respirator properly ◼ How to inspect, put on, use, check seal ◼ Respirator maintenance and storage ◼ Medical signs and symptoms that may limit the use of a respirator ◼ General requirement of 1910.134 MAINTENANCE ◼ Cleaning and disinfecting ◼ Personally assigned must be cleaned regularly ◼ “group” respirators must be cleaned and disinfected between uses  Respirator Maintenance Respirators must be cleaned, inspected and maintained regularly. Cleaning is especially important in dusty areas. Clean in warm soapy water. Allow to dry thoroughly before storing or using. Inspection ◼ Dirt ◼ Broken parts ◼ Cracks ◼ Missing parts ◼ Tears ◼ Elasticity ◼ Holes ◼ Corrosion ◼ Distortion ◼ Valve test  Respirator Storage Respirators must be stored in a clean dry place. Don’t store them unprotected in work area (will continue to absorb/adsorb) Don’t store them like this! Respiratory Equipment Storage Protect from: contamination dust sunlight extreme temperatures moisture Program Administrator ◼ Must designate a program administrator who is qualified by appropriate training or experience to administer or oversee the program and conduct the required program evaluations Voluntary Use of Respirators ◼ Voluntary use means: ◼ An exposure assessment has been conducted; ◼ The PEL is not exceeded; ◼ No OSHA regulation requires that respirators be provided by the employer; ◼ The employer does not believe it is necessary to reduce exposures below their current levels; ◼ The employer does not require, recommend, encourage or suggest that respirators be used; ◼ Workers ask to wear respirators; and ◼ Respirators will not be used for emergency response or escape. Voluntary Use of Respirators ◼ Workers wearing filtering facepieces: ◼ Provide the employee with the information in 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix D https://www.osha.gov/laws- regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134AppD ◼ Prohibit misuse (e.g., can’t have facial hair) ◼ Any other respirator: ◼ Provide medical evaluation ◼ Ensure proper cleaning, storage, and maintenance ◼ Prohibit misuse ◼ Provide information in Appendix D