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NIOSH Respirator selection logic
OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134)
OSHA Asbestos Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926.1101)
OSHA Lead Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926.62)
It is the policy of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University (CSB/SJU) to provide employees with a safe and healthful working environment. This is accomplished by utilizing facilities and equipment that have all feasible safeguards incorporated into their design. When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or when they are being initiated, protection shall be used to ensure personnel protection.
This program does not apply to contractors as they are responsible for providing their own respiratory protection programs and respiratory protective equipment.
2.1 Environmental Health and Safety
The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for establishing and maintaining a respiratory protection program consistent with the goal of protecting CSB/SJU personnel. EHS will implement a Respiratory Protection Program which is designed and organized to ensure respirators are properly selected, used, and maintained by CSB/SJU personnel, and to meet federal regulatory standards (29 CFR 1910.134) and industry accepted standards (ANSI).
EHS is also responsible for evaluating those tasks for which respiratory protection is thought to be necessary, determine the degree of hazard posed by the potential exposure, determine whether engineering or administrative controls are feasible, and will specify which respiratory protection device is to be used at each task. In addition, EHS will train or arrange to train personnel in the selection and use of respiratory protective devices, conduct qualitative and quantitative fit testing, and issue necessary protective devices.
2.2 Occupational Health Clinic/Health Center, OHC/HC
The Midwest Occupational Health Clinic for College of St. Benedict or Health Center at St. Johns University are charged with establishing medical evaluation and surveillance procedures and reviewing the health status of all personnel who may be required to wear respiratory protective equipment in the completion of their assigned tasks.
2.3 Supervisor
Supervisors will ensure each employee under his or her supervision using a respirator has received appropriate training in its use and an annual medical evaluation. Supervisors will ensure the availability of appropriate respirators and accessories, provide adequate storage facilities, and encourage proper respirator equipment maintenance. Supervisors must be aware of tasks requiring the use of respiratory protection, and ensure all employees engaged in such work use the appropriate respirators at all times.
2.4 Respirator Wearers
It is the responsibility of each respirator wearer to wear his/her respirator when and where required and in the manner in which they were trained. Respirator wearers must report any malfunctions of the respirator to his/her supervisor immediately. The respirator wearer must also guard against mechanical damage to the respirator, clean the respirator as instructed, and store the respirator in a clean, sanitary location.
2.5 Others
Personnel, such as employees, students, inspectors, and visitors, who must enter an area where the use of respiratory protective equipment is required, even when their stay time in the area may be 15 minutes or less, shall be provided with and use appropriate equipment, including instructions regarding use and limitations. Personnel shall be fit tested and medically qualified to wear the respirator being issued prior to entry to the site.
Contractors are required to develop and implement a respiratory protection program for their employees who must enter into or work in areas where exposure to hazardous materials can not be controlled or avoided. This program must meet OSHA regulations and include issuance of respirators, medical evaluations, fit testing and training.
The Occupational Physician, Occupational Health Clinic, initially, and periodically thereafter, makes a determination as to whether or not an employee can wear the required respirator without physical or psychological risk. Based on the overall health of the individual and medical evaluation results, the examining physician determines whether or not the individual will be restricted from wearing respiratory protective equipment. If a medical restriction is applied, the employee, his/her supervisor, and the Environmental Health and Safety Office are formally notified of the restriction.
Specific medical tests and procedures will be determined by the Occupational Health Physician and will be in accordance with OSHA medical surveillance requirements and/or NIOSH recommendations.
4.1 Respirator Use
Respiratory protection is authorized and issued for the following personnel:
4.2 Respirator Selection
Selection of the proper respirator(s) to be used in any work area or operation at CSB/SJU is made only after a determination has been made as to the real and/or potential exposure of employees to harmful concentrations of contaminants in the workplace atmosphere. This evaluation will be performed prior to the start of any routine or non-routine tasks requiring respirators. Respiratory protective devices will be selected jointly by the affected department and the Environmental Health and Safety Office, using ANSI Z88.2, NIOSH Certified Equipment List, and/or the NIOSH Respirator Selection Decision Logic as a guide. The following items will be considered in the selection of respirators:
Supervisors shall contact EHS (5277 at CSB or 3267 at SJU) prior to non-routine work which may expose workers to hazardous substances or oxygen deficient atmospheres. Examples of work which may require the use of respirators includes, but are not limited to:
A review of the real and/or potential exposures is made at least annually to determine if respiratory protection continues to be required, and if so, do the previously chosen respirators still provide adequate protection.
4.3 Types of Respirators
These respirators remove air contaminants by filtering, absorbing, adsorbing, or chemical reaction with the contaminants as they pass through the respirator canister or cartridge. This respirator is to be used only where adequate oxygen (19.5 to 23.5 percent by volume) is available. Air-purifying respirators can be classified as follows:
4.4 Identification of Respirator Cartridges and Gas Mask Canisters
Respirator cartridges and canisters are designed to protect against individual or a combination of potentially hazardous atmospheric contaminants, and are specifically labeled and color coded to indicate the type and nature of protection they provide.
The NIOSH approval label on the respirator will also specify the maximum concentration of contaminant(s) for which the cartridge or canister is approved. For example, a label may read:
"DO NOT WEAR IN ATMOSPHERES IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE. MUST BE USED IN AREAS CONTAINING AT LEAST 20 PERCENT OXYGEN. DO NOT WEAR IN ATMOSPHERES CONTAINING MORE THAN ONE-TENTH PERCENT ORGANIC VAPORS BY VOLUME. REFER TO COMPLETE LABEL ON RESPIRATOR OR CARTRIDGE CONTAINER FOR ASSEMBLY, MAINTENANCE, AND USE."
4.5 Warning Signs of Respirator Failure
If no discrepancies are observed, replace the cartridge or canister. If any of the warning properties appear again, the concentration of the contaminants may have exceeded the cartridge or canister design specification. When this occurs an airline respirator or SCBA is required.
Respirator users and their supervisors will receive training on the contents of the CSB/SJU Respiratory Protection Program and their responsibilities under it. They will be trained on the proper selection and use, as well as the limitations of the respirator. Training also covers how to ensure a proper fit before use and how to determine when a respirator is no longer providing the protection intended.
EHS will provide or arrange for training of respirator wearers in the use, maintenance, capabilities, and limitations of respirators is initially upon assignment of personnel to tasks requiring the use of respirators. Retraining is given annually thereafter and only upon successful completion of the medical evaluation.
The training program will include the following:
Respirator training will be properly documented (Appendix A) and will include the type and model of respirator for which the individual has been trained and fit-tested.
A fit test shall be used to determine the ability of each individual respirator wearer to obtain a satisfactory fit with any air-purifying respirator. Both quantitative and qualitative fit tests will be performed. Personnel must successfully pass the fit test before being issued an air-purifying respirator.
No CSB/SJU employee is permitted to wear a negative-pressure respirator in a work situation until he or she has demonstrated that an acceptable fit can be obtained. Respirator fitting is conducted initially upon assignment to a task requiring use of a respirator. Refitting is conducted annually thereafter upon successful completion of the respirator training.
Fit testing will be conducted by the Environmental Health and Safety Office and the test results will be the determining factor in selecting the type, model, and size of negative-pressure respirator for use by each individual respirator wearer.
6.1 Fit Checking
Each time a respirator is donned, the user will perform positive and negative pressure fit checks. These checks are not a substitute for fit testing. Respirator users must be properly trained in the performance of these checks and understand their limitations.
Applicability/Limitations: This test cannot be carried out on all respirators; however, it can be used on facepieces of air purifying respirators equipped with tight-fitting respirator inlet covers and on atmosphere supplying respirators equipped with breathing tubes which can be squeezed or blocked at the inlet to prevent the passage of air.
Procedure: Close off the inlet opening of the respirator's canister(s), cartridge(s), or filter(s) with the palm of the hand, or squeeze the breathing air tube or block its inlet so that it will not allow the passage of air. Inhale gently and hold for at least 10 seconds. If the facepiece collapses slightly and no inward leakage of air into the facepiece is detected, it can be reasonably assumed that the respirator has been properly positioned and the exhalation valve and facepiece are not leaking.
Applicability/Limitations: This test cannot be carried out on all respirators; however, respirators equipped with exhalation valves can be tested.
Procedure: Close off the exhalation valve or the breathing tube with the palm of the hand. Exhale gently. If the respirator has been properly positioned, a slight positive pressure will build up inside the facepiece without detection of any outward air leak between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face.
6.2 Qualitative Fit Testing
Federal regulations (29 CFR 1910.1001) require qualitative fit tests of respirators and describe step-by-step procedures. This test checks the subject's response to a chemical introduced outside the respirator facepiece. This response is either voluntary or involuntary depending on the chemical used. Several methods may be used. The two most common are the irritant smoke test, and the odorous vapor test.
The irritant smoke test is an involuntary response test. Air purifying respirators must be equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter for this test. An irritant smoke, usually either stannic chloride or titanium tetrachloride, is directed from a smoke tube toward the respirator. If the test subject does not respond to the irritant smoke, a satisfactory fit is assumed to be achieved. Any response to the smoke indicates an unsatisfactory fit.
The irritant smoke is an irritant to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. It should not be introduced directly onto the skin. The test subject must keep his or her eyes closed during the testing if a full facepiece mask is not used.
The odorous vapor test is a voluntary response test. It relies on the subject's ability to detect an odorous chemical while wearing the respirator. Air purifying respirators must be equipped with an organic cartridge or canister for this test. Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) is the usual test. An isoamyl acetate-saturated gauze pad is placed near the facepiece-to-face seal of the respirator of the test subject's skin. If the test subject is unable to smell the chemical, then a satisfactory fit is assumed to be achieved. If the subject smells the chemical, the fit is unsatisfactory.
If the subject cannot smell the chemical, the respirator will be momentarily pulled away from the subject's face. If the subject is then able to smell the chemical, a satisfactory fit is assumed. If the subject cannot smell the chemical with the respirator pulled away from the face, this test is inappropriate for this subject, and a different test will be used.
This test is limited by the wide variation of odor thresholds among individuals and the possibility of olfactory fatigue. Since it is a voluntary response test it depends upon an honest response.
6.3 Quantitative Fit Testing
Quantitative fit testing, using the Portacount Plus fit test system, is generally performed on both full-face and half-face negative pressure respirators. Fit factors are determined by comparing the particle concentration outside the respirator with the concentration inside the respirator facepiece. An acceptable fit is achieved when the respirator wearer successfully completes a series of six programmed exercises (normal breathing, deep breathing, moving head up and down, moving head side to side, reading, and normal breathing) with a fit factor of 100 or more.
6.4 Special Problems
No attempt is made to fit a respirator on an employee who has facial hair which comes between the sealing periphery of the facepiece and the face, or if facial hair interferes with normal functioning of the exhalation valve of the respirator.
Proper fitting of a respiratory protective device facepiece for individuals wearing corrective eyeglasses or goggles, may not be established if temple bars or straps extend through the sealing edge of the facepiece. If eyeglasses, goggles, face shield or welding helmet must be worn with a respirator, they must be worn so as not to adversely affect the seal of the facepiece. If a full-facepiece respirator is used, special prescription glasses inserts are available if needed.
6.5 Respirator User Certification
Respirator User Certification will be issued by OHS to workers who have been trained, fitted, and medically evaluated to use respirators. A Respirator User Certification will include:
6.6 Recordkeeping
Respirator fit-testing shall be documented and shall include the type of respirator, brand name and model, method of test and test results, test date and the name of the instructor/tester (See Appendix B).
7.1 Maintenance
The maintenance of respiratory protective devices involves a thorough visual inspection for cleanliness and defects (i.e., cracking rubber, deterioration of straps, defective exhalation and inhalation valves, broken or cracked lenses, etc.). Worn or deteriorated parts will be replaced prior to reissue. No respirator with a known defect is reissued for use. No attempt is made to replace components, make adjustments or make repairs on any respirator beyond those recommended by the manufacturer. Under no circumstances will parts be substituted as such substitutions will invalidate the approval of the respirator. Any repair to reducing or admission valves, regulators, or alarms will be conducted by either the manufacturer or a qualified trained technician.
7.2 Cleaning of Respirators
All respirators in routine use shall be cleaned and sanitized on a periodic basis. Respirators used non-routinely shall be cleaned and sanitized after each use and filters and cartridges replaced. Routinely used respirators are maintained individually by the respirator wearer. Obtaining replacement cartridges and filters are to be coordinated through EHS.
Cleaning and disinfection of respirators must be done frequently to ensure that skin-penetrating and dermatitis-causing contaminants are removed from the respirator surface. Respirators maintained for emergency use or those used by more than one person must be cleaned after each use by the user.
The following procedure is recommended for cleaning and disinfecting respirators:
7.3 Issuance of Respirators
Respiratory protective equipment shall not be ordered, purchased, or issued to personnel unless the respirator wearer has received respirator training and a fit test. New employees who require respiratory protective equipment, must be placed into the respirator program before being issued equipment.
Some types (Brand) of devices available include: MSA Comfo II, MSA Ultravue, Survivair half-mask, Survivair full-face, and 3M....... RACAL powered air-purifying respirators. These facepieces have a variety of canisters that may be worn with them; hence, the canisters and facepieces are packaged separately. At the time of issue the appropriate canister is determined, based on the user's needs, and is issued with the appropriate facepiece. In addition, disposable respirators with filter ratings N-95 and N-100 ratings are available for use under appropriate conditions.
7.4 Storage
After inspection, cleaning, and any necessary minor repairs, store respirators to protect against sunlight, heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture, damaging chemicals or other contaminants. Respirators placed at stations and work areas for emergency use shall be stored in compartments built for that purpose, shall be quickly accessible at all times and will be clearly marked. Routinely used respirators, such as half-mask or full-face air-purifying respirators, shall be placed in sealable plastic bags. Respirators may be stored in such places as lockers or tool boxes only if they are first placed in carrying cases or cartons. Respirators shall be packed or stored so that the facepiece and exhalation valves will rest in a normal position and not be crushed. Emergency use respirators shall be stored in a sturdy compartment that is quickly accessible and clearly marked.
The ANSI Z88.2-1980 document entitled "Practices for Respiratory Protection" specifies:
"Section 3.5.15 Respirator Program Evaluation. An appraisal of the effectiveness of the respirator program shall be carried out at least annually. Action shall be taken to correct defects found in the program."
The evaluation of the Respirator Program will include investigating wearer acceptance of respirators, inspecting respirator program operation, and appraising protection provided by the respirator. Evidence of excessive exposure of respirator wearers to respiratory hazards will be followed up by investigation to determine why inadequate respiratory protection was provided. The findings of the respirator program evaluation will be documented, and this documentation will list plans to correct faults in the program and set target dates for the implementation of the plans. These evaluations will be conducted at least annually.
The following records shall be developed and maintained for the CSB/SJU Respirator Program:
|
Record |
Location |
|---|---|
| Medical Evaluations | Human Resources Office CSB- Main Building, SJU-Quad 127 Occupational Health Clinic/Health Center |
| Training Records | Environmental Health and Safety Office CSB-Building Richarda Hall P 1 SJU-Building NSC 118 |
| Respirator Program Safety Manual |
Environmental Health and Safety Office CSB-Building Richarda Hall P 1 SJU-Building NSC 118 Supervisor's Office |
| Hazard Evaluations (Air sampling results, surveys, respirator selection records) |
Environmental Health and Safety Office CSB-Building Richarda Hall P 1 SJU-Building NSC 118 |
| Biohazard Risk Assessments | Environmental Health and Safety Office CSB-Building Richarda Hall P 1 SJU-Building NSC 118 |
| Fit Test Records | Environmental Health and Safety Office CSB-Building Richarda Hall P 1 SJU-Building NSC 118 |
| Program Evaluations | Environmental Health and Safety Office CSB-Building Richarda Hall P 1 SJU-Building NSC 118 |
American National Standards Institute: American National Standard Practices for Respiratory Protection, ANSI Z88.2, New York, NY: American National Standards Institute, 1989.
American National Standards Institute: American National Standard For Respiratory Protection - Respirator Use - Physical Qualifications for Personnel, ANSI Z88.6, New York, NY: American National Standards Institute, 1984.
Colton, Craig, et. al., Respiratory Protection: A Manual and Guideline, 2nd Ed., Akron, OH: American Industrial Hygiene Association, 1991.
Compressed Gas Association: Commodity Specification for Air. (ANSI/CGA G-7.1), Arlington, VA: Compressed Gas Association, Inc., 1989.
OSHA Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, "Respiratory Protection".
Table 4-1 Respirator Selection and Use
|
HAZARD |
RESPIRATOR TYPE |
|---|---|
| Asbestos | Half-mask, air-purifying respirator with HEPA filters Full-face, air-purifying respirator with HEPA filters Full-face, powered air-purifying respirator with HEPA filters |
| Epoxy- or Oil-based Paints | Half-face, air-purifying respirators with organic vapor filters Full-face powered air-purifying respirator with organic vapor filters |
| Lead-based Paint removal | Half-face, air-purifying respirators with HEPA filters Full-face, air-purifying respirators with HEPA filters Full-face, powered air-purifying respirators with HEPA filters |
| Use of Pesticides, Herbicides, and Rodenticides | Full-face, air-purifying respirator with combination particulate and pesticide cartridges Full-face, powered air-purifying respirator with combination particulate and pesticide cartridges |
| Use of Formaldehyde | Full-face, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor or specific formaldehyde cartridges Full-face, powered air-purifying respirator with organic vapor or specific formaldehyde cartridges Type C supplied air respirator with pressure- demand mode |
APPENDIX A - RESPIRATOR TRAINING CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that I have been trained in the proper use and limitations of the respirator issued to me. The training included the following:
I further certify that I understand the use, care, and inspection of the respirator and have tested and worn the unit.
Date: ________________________________
Signed:___________________________________ SSN: _________________________
Respirator Type Issued: __________________________________
Training Coordinator: _____________________________________
APPENDIX B - FIT TEST WORKSHEETS QUALITATIVE RESPIRATOR FIT TEST
Name: ________________________________ SSN: ________________________________
Clean Shaven? __Yes __No
Spectacle Kit? ___Yes ___No
Manufacturer/Model _____________________________ Size: ___S ___M ___L
Irritant Smoke ___Pass ___Fail
Isoamyl Acetate ___Pass ___Fail
Manufacturer/Model______________________________ Size: ___S___M___L
Irritant Smoke ___Pass ___Fail
Isoamyl Acetate ___Pass ___Fail
WHEN THE SUNLIGHT STRIKES RAINDROPS IN THE AIR, THEY ACCT LIKE A PRISM AND FORM A RAINBOW. THE RAINBOW IS A DIVISION OF WHITE LIGHT INTO MANY BEAUTIFUL COLORS. THESE TAKE THE SHAPE OF A LONG ROUND ARCH, WITH ITS PATH HIGH ABOVE, AND ITS TWO ENDS APPARENTLY BEYOND THE HORIZON. THERE IS, ACCORDING TO LEGEND, A BOILING POT OF GOLD AT ONE END. PEOPLE LOOK, BUT NO ONE EVER FINDS IT. WHEN A MAN LOOKS FOR SOMETHING BEYOND HIS REACH, HIS FRIENDS SAY HE IS LOOKING FOR THE POT OF GOLD AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW.
Examiner ___________________________________ Date________________________________
Employee ___________________________________ Date _______________________________
QUANTITATIVE RESPIRATOR FIT TEST REPORT
LAST NAME _______________________________
FIRST NAME_______________________________
ID NUMBER________________________________
NEXT TEST DUE____________________________
OPERATOR NAME__________________________
RESPIRATOR MODEL_______________________
NOTES________________________________
TEST DATE____________________________
TEST TIME_____________________________ TEST DATA Fit Factor Pass Level: 100
|
Ex. |
Ambient |
Mask |
Fit Factor |
Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NB DB SS UD R NB |
OVERALL FIT FACTOR = _______________
Operator _____________________________ Date ____________________________
Subject_______________________________ Date ____________________________
APPENDIX C - OSHA RESPIRATORY PROTECTION STANDARD
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