Introduction AirPurifying Respirators Supplied Air Respirators Selection and

Introduction Air-Purifying Respirators Supplied Air Respirators Selection and Limitations Inspection and Testing Cleaning and Storage Worker Training

Introduction

1 of 10 Introduction Respirators: • respirators are devices designed to protect the wearer from inhaling contaminants such as dust, vapors, gases, and fumes • why wear respirators? – contaminants can enter your blood stream through your lungs – contaminants in your blood are carried throughout your body

2 of 10 Introduction Why wear respirators? • protect lungs from contaminants: – dusts – smoke – chemicals – vapors – gases – fumes • reduce exposure by preventing contaminants from being inhaled

3 of 10 Introduction Why wear respirators? • exposure to airborne hazards can have shortterm and long-term effects – short-term and long-term exposures can lead to permanent illness – it could take years for dust to damage your lungs

4 of 10 Introduction Why wear respirators? • cumulative damage and scarring can lead to diseases such as: – lung cancer – silicosis – asbestosis – mesothelioma – emphysema

5 of 10 Introduction Respiratory hazards: • oxygen deficiency: – usually found in poorly ventilated confined spaces – can be caused by fire, chemicals, or biological action – oxygen deficient atmosphere considered Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) could cause illness or death in a matter of minutes without proper respiratory protection

6 of 10 Introduction Respiratory hazards: • asbestos fibers • crystalline silica • fiberglass particles • arsenic • lead • chromium

7 of 10 Introduction Respiratory hazards: • metal fumes from welding, cutting, and brazing • smoke • toxic gases and vapors • carbon monoxide from heavy equipment and other toxins from chemicals used on site

8 of 10 Introduction Respiratory hazards: • anthrax • smallpox • poisons

9 of 10 Introduction Protection factor: concentration of airborne contaminant outside the respirator concentration inside the respirator • the higher the PF, the higher the protection • ranges from 5 to 10, 000

10 of 10 Introduction Types of respirators: • two forms of respirators: – air-purifying respirators – supplied-air respirators

Air-Purifying Respirators

1 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Air-purifying respirators (APR): • use filters or cartridges to purify air • worn only when the atmosphere had enough oxygen • do not supply oxygen

2 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Components of air-purifying respirators: • face piece: – made of rubber, plastic, or silicon – face pieces come in different sizes—one size does not fit all

3 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Components of air-purifying respirators: • headband: – holds respirator securely to your head – should be adjusted tightly, but not so tight that the mask deforms or becomes uncomfortable

4 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Components of air-purifying respirators: • inhalation valve: – opens to allow air to enter as you breathe in – closes when you breathe out

5 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Components of air-purifying respirators: • exhalation valve: – valve opens to allow air to escape when you breathe out – valve closes when you breathe out – valve cover protects the valve – if it leaks, you will breathe contaminated air

6 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Components of air-purifying respirators: • cartridge/filter: – cleans the air that you breathe – can be HEPA or P, R, or N-series – must correspond to hazard

7 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Particulate filters: • made of fibrous material • protect against dust, mist, and fumes • size and concentration of particles and the type of filter affect how well APR works • particulate filters do not protect against gases and vapors

8 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Chemical cartridges: • protect against vapors and gases • do not protect against dusts • color-coded to indicate the specific contaminant they protect against

9 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Chemical cartridges: • required when multiple hazards exist • protects against dust, vapors, and gases • provides additional respiratory protection

10 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Changing filters/cartridges: • cartridges have a limited life that varies with level of exposure to contaminants • if you have difficulty breathing, your particulate filter is probably clogged • gas and vapor cartridges should be replaced every shift or more often if needed

11 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Changing filters/cartridges: • if you are unsure how often to change your filter or cartridge, ask your supervisor • if you smell or taste a contaminant, change your cartridge immediately • replace cartridge/filter in an area with clean air

12 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Disposable paper masks: • PF = 5 -10 • simplest and least protective form of respiratory protection • trap airborne particles • only effective for large particle dust • do not seal the face to provide a good fit

13 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Quarter mask: • PF = 5 -10 • fit from the top of the nose to the top of the chin • use cloth or cartridge filters

14 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Half-face APR: • PF = 10 • fit from the top of the nose to under the chin • no eye protection • use cartridges with limited life and should only be used in atmospheres with sufficient oxygen

15 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Full-face APR: • PF = 50 • cover the entire face, starting at the forehead, down over the temples and eyes, and under chin • they have a better seal but carry the same limitations as a half-face APR

16 of 16 Air-Purifying Respirators Powered air-purifying respirator: • continuously pulls air through cartridge/filter and blows air into the mask

Supplied-Air Respirators

1 of 3 Supplied-Air Respirators Supplied air respirators (SAR): • use air tanks or air hose to supply clean air • provides greatest degree of respiratory protection • only protection acceptable in an oxygen-deficient environment • requires extensive, hands-on training • requires a “buddy system” in situations that are IDLH

2 of 3 Supplied-Air Respirators Air line respirators: • PF = 1, 000 • hose connected to an air pump that is equipped with a filtering system that purifies the air • hoses should never exceed 300 feet from worker to air source • inspect air hose for punctures and deterioration before use • always carry an escape bottle in an IDLH or oxygen-deficient atmosphere

3 of 3 Supplied-Air Respirators Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA): • PF = 10, 000 • highest level of respiratory protection • air is contained in a compressed air tank or cylinder carried on your back • greater mobility than air line respirators • limited supply of air

Selection and Limitations

1 of 7 Selection and Limitations Respirator selection: • not all respirators are right for all jobs • to select the appropriate respirator, you must first determine the contaminant • before choosing a respirator, the air must be tested to find out the concentration of the contaminant in the atmosphere • you must determine the percentage of oxygen in the air and the hazardous substance workers may be exposed to

2 of 7 Selection and Limitations Respirator selection: • before selecting a respirator for a job, you must know: – the concentration of any hazardous substances – the permissible exposure level (PEL) of hazardous substances

3 of 7 Selection and Limitations Respirator selection: • if a contaminant is hazardous to the skin and eyes, you will need full face protection • if you are unsure which respirator to use, ask your supervisor

4 of 7 Selection and Limitations Respirator limitations: • beards and long sideburns can prevent a good seal between your face and the respirator • mustaches are acceptable as long as they fit under the mask without affecting the seal • long hair must be pulled back away from the face • extreme weight gain or loss • major dental work that could change the structure of your face

5 of 7 Selection and Limitations Respirator limitations: • eyeglasses can prevent a good seal for the respirator because the temple bars prevent the respirator from fitting up against the side of the head • spectacle kits are used to solve problems with eyeglasses • if you wear glasses, ask your employer for a spectacle kit • never attempt to work without your glasses

6 of 7 Selection and Limitations Respirator limitations: • contact lenses cannot be used with respirators in a contaminated atmosphere because they are porous and can absorb chemicals • humidity inside full-face respirators fluctuates and may affect the ability to wear contact lenses comfortably • chewing gum, food, or tobacco also puts a strain on the respirator’s seal

7 of 7 Selection and Limitations Medical screening: • before wearing a respirator, you must get medical clearance from a physician or licensed health care professional • the medical exam may include: – risk factor questionnaire – pulmonary function test

Inspection and Testing

1 of 9 Inspection and Testing Respirator inspection: • respirators should be inspected before and after each use and checked at least monthly, even if not used • look for cracks, tears, holes, and excessive dirt • check elastic parts for inflexibility and signs of deterioration • change cartridges on a regular basis or when the wearer experiences resistance when breathing

2 of 9 Inspection and Testing APR inspection: • check: – straps – seal – body – cartridge – face piece – O-ring – inhalation valve – exhalation valve and cover

3 of 9 Inspection and Testing SAR inspection: • check: – straps – face piece – hoses – harnesses – compressor or air tank – regulator – alarm

4 of 9 Inspection and Testing Respirator inspection: • respirators must be adjusted and fit checked each time they are worn to ensure the best possible seal • two common and simple procedures for fit check: – positive pressure check – negative pressure check

5 of 9 Inspection and Testing Positive pressure check: • make sure the respirator fits snuggly on your face • cover the exhalation valve • exhale gently for about 10 seconds—do not exhale too hard or push the mask into the face or fit check will be inaccurate • if the respirator fits, a slight pressure should build up inside the respirator • if air leaks out, the seal is inadequate

6 of 9 Inspection and Testing Negative pressure check: • make sure the respirator fits snuggly on your face • cover the filter openings with the palms of your hands • inhale gently for about 10 seconds—do not push the respirator into the face too hard or the fit check will be inaccurate

7 of 9 Inspection and Testing Negative pressure check: • if the respirator fits correctly, it should collapse slightly inward • if it does not collapse and an air leak is felt, the seal is inadequate

8 of 9 Inspection and Testing Qualitative testing: • while wearing the respirator, a harmless odor or irritant smoke is released • if you cannot detect the substance, than the respirator fits properly

9 of 9 Inspection and Testing Quantitative testing: • most sophisticated fit test • measures the actual amount of leakage into the respirator • aerosol generator is used to create an atmosphere of corn oil, salt, or other harmless aerosol inside a fit chamber or booth • air monitoring instruments measure the concentrations inside the booth • a measurement probe inserted into the mask samples the air inside the mask

Cleaning and Storage

1 of 5 Cleaning and Storage Respirator cleaning: • respirators must be cleaned, stored, and maintained properly to ensure effective use • do not clean respirators with solvents—wash with mild dish detergent or a combination of detergent and disinfectant

2 of 5 Cleaning and Storage Respirator cleaning: • use a brush and warm water to wash away dust or dirt • thoroughly rinse with clean water to remove detergent that could cause skin irritation

3 of 5 Cleaning and Storage Respirator cleaning: • remove APR cartridges before washing respirator—they should not get wet! • air dry respirators on a drying rack or clean surface • position respirators so that face piece rubber will not set crooked while drying • re-inspect all respirator pieces for defects before reassembling them

4 of 5 Cleaning and Storage Respirator storing: • at the end of each shift, store the respirator in the original box or bag in such a way as to not distort its shape to protect it from: – dust – sunlight – extreme heat and cold – excessive moisture – chemicals

5 of 5 Cleaning and Storage Respirator maintenance: • only trained and qualified personnel are authorized to repair respirators • if you find any defect in your respirator, report it to your supervisor • keep a record of all repairs and inspections • never mix parts of respirators from different manufacturers • never submerge SCBAs in water

Worker Training

1 of 4 Worker Training Before using respirators: • the employer must develop and implement a respiratory protection training program in compliance with OSHA standard 1926. 103 • the employer must provide respiratory protection training to all workers prior to workers' respirator use

2 of 4 Worker Training objectives: • recognize why respirators are necessary and how improper fit, use, or maintenance can compromise their protective effects • recognize the capabilities and limitations for each type of respirator • recognize the effectiveness of respirators in emergency situations • perform proper inspection, donning, and doffing procedures

3 of 4 Worker Training objectives: • perform proper fit check procedures • recognize proper respirator maintenance and storage • recognize medical signs/symptoms that may limit or prevent effective use • understand the general requirements of OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926. 103

4 of 4 Worker Training requirements: • training must be provided prior to use, unless acceptable training has been provided by another employer within the past 12 months • retraining is required annually and when: – changes in the workplace or type of respirator render previous training obsolete – there are inadequacies in the worker’s knowledge or use – any other situation arises in which retraining appears necessary

The End

Particulate Filters

Chemical Cartridge

Disposable Paper Mask

Quarter Mask

Half-Face APR

Full-Face APR

Powered APR

Supplied Air Respirator

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

Positive Pressure Check

Negative Pressure Check

Qualitative Testing

Quantitative Testing

Proper Cleaning

Worker Training

Asbestos Fibers