Respiratory Safety

1.0 Introduction

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University (CSB/SJU) policy is to provide employees with a safe and healthful work 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, appropriate personal protection equipment shall be accomplished by use of personnel protective Equipment (PPE).

This program does not apply to contractors as they are responsible for providing their own respiratory protection programs and respiratory protective equipment, but they expected to comply with set regulatory standards.

2.0 Responsibilities

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 that to ensures respirators are properly selected, used, and maintained by CSB/SJU personnel, and the program meets federal regulatory standards (29 CFR 1910.134) and industry accepted best practices such as (ANSI).

EHS in collaboration with impacted departments, will evaluate 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 or recommend 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, arrange for the online medical screening and conduct fit testing for the proper fit of the respirators.

2.2 Supervisor

Supervisors will ensure each participating employee receives appropriate initial and annual training, medical evaluation and fit-testing. 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.

2.3 Employee (Respirator) Wearers

It is the responsibility of each respirator wearer to wear respirator when and where required and in the manner in which they were trained. Respirator wearers must report any malfunctions of the respirator to the 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.

2.4 Others

Nonparticipating 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 minimal must be authorized by the supervisor and based knowledge of level hazard at the time. Authorization will not be granted when hazard exist.

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 cannot be controlled or avoided. This program must meet OSHA regulations and include issuance of respirators, medical evaluations, fit testing and training.

3.0 Medical Evaluation

Environmental Health and Safety office coordinates online medical screening to determine whether or not an employee can wear the required respirator without adverse health effect. 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 indicated, the employee and the supervisor are formally notified of the restriction.

Participating employees who are not cleared by the online screening procedure and required to do a follow up medical evaluation, will continue the evaluation with the personal primary health care provider or a clinic of their choice.

4.0 Selection and Use of Respiratory Devices

4.1 Respirator Use

Respiratory protection is authorized and issued for the following personnel:

Workers in areas known to have contaminant levels requiring the use of respiratory protection or in which contaminant levels requiring the use of respiratory protection may be created without warning (e.g., emergency purposes such as hazardous material spill responses).
Workers performing operations in documented hazardous environment.
Workers in suspect areas or performing operations suspected generating hazardous environment but for which adequate sampling data has not been obtained.

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 the real and/or potential harmful concentrations of a contaminant in the workplace atmosphere is verified by Environmental Health and Safety office. This evaluation will be performed prior to the start of any routine or non-routine tasks requiring respirators. A respirator 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:

Effectiveness of the device against the substance of concern;
Estimated maximum concentration of the substance in the work area;
General environment (open shop or confined space, etc.);
Known limitations of the respiratory protective device;
Comfort, fit, and worker acceptance; and
Other contaminants in the environment or potential for oxygen deficiency.

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:

Chemical or physical hazard	Biological Agents (Infectious Agents (bacteria and viruses; SARS-COV-2,such as TB, influenza)
Asbestos abatement activities	Healthcare setting, attending to contagious patient
Abrasive blasting; Welding or burning	Medical emergency response
Cutting or melting lead or stripping lead-based paints from surfaces	Custodial cleaning and disinfection of surfaces contaminated by infectious agents in aerosol generating units.
Painting, especially with epoxy or organic solvent coatings	Biohazard Waste handling and disposal that generate aerosol.
Using solvents, thinners, or degreasers
Any work which generates large amounts of dust
Working in a confined space

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

Air-Purifying Respirator

These respirators remove air contaminants by filtering, absorbing, adsorbing, or chemical reaction with the contaminants as they pass through the respirator canister or cartridge. They are used only where adequate oxygen (19.5 to 23.5 percent by volume) is available. Air-purifying respirators are classified as follows:

Particulate removing respirators, which filter out dusts, fibers, fumes and mists. These respirators may be single-use disposable respirators or respirators with replaceable filters.

NOTE:

Face covering clothes that surfaced during the COVI-19 pandemic, are not respirators. They do not protect the wearer, but rather are source control from wearers respiratory droplets.
Surgical masks do not provide protection against air contaminants. They are never to be used in place of an air-purifying respirator. They are for medical use only.
Gas- and vapor-removing respirators, which remove specific individual contaminants or a combination of contaminants by absorption, adsorption or by chemical reaction. Gas masks and chemical-cartridge respirators are examples of gas- and vapor-removing respirators.
Combination particulate/gas- and vapor-removing respirators, which combine the respirator characteristics of both kinds of air-purifying respirators.

Supplied-Air Respirators

These respirators provide breathing air independent of the environment. They are used when the contaminant has insufficient odor, taste or irritating warning properties, or when the contaminant is of such high concentration or toxicity that an air-purifying respirator is inadequate. Supplied- air respirators, also called air-line respirators, are classified as follows:

Demand
This respirator supplies air to the user on demand (inhalation) which creates a negative pressure within the facepiece. Leakage into the facepiece may occur if there is a poor seal between the respirator and the user's face.

Pressure-Demand
This respirator maintains a continuous positive pressure within the facepiece, thus preventing leakage into the facepiece.

Continuous Flow
This respirator maintains a continuous flow of air through the facepiece and prevents leakage into the facepiece.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
This type of respirator allows the user complete independence from a fixed source of air and offers the greatest degree of protection but is also the most complex. Training and practice in its use and maintenance is essential. This type of device will likely be reserved and used by personnel in emergency situations only.

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

Particulate Air-Purifying
When breathing difficulty is encountered with a filter respirator (due to partial clogging with increased resistance), the filter(s) must be replaced. Disposable filter respirators must be discarded.
Gas or Vapor Air-Purifying
If any of the warning properties (e.g., odor, taste, eye irritation, or respiratory irritation) occur, when using a gas or vapor respirator (chemical cartridge or canister), promptly leave the area and check the following:

Proper face seal
Damaged or missing respirator parts
Saturated or inappropriate cartridge or canister

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.

Service Life of Air-Purifying Respirator Canisters and Cartridges
The canisters or cartridges of air-purifying respirators are intended to be used until filter resistance precludes further use, or the chemical sorbent is expended as signified by a specific warning property, e.g., odor, taste, etc. New canisters, cartridges or filters shall always be provided when a respirator is reissued. When in doubt about the previous use of the respirator, obtain a replacement canister or cartridge.

Supplied Air Respirator
When using an airlines respirator, leave the area immediately when the compressor failure alarm is activated or if an air pressure drop is sensed. When using an SCBA leave the area as soon as the air pressure alarm is activated.

5.0 Respirator Training

Employees will receive training on the contents of the CSB/SJU respiratory protection program. The training includes 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 the training prior assignment of personnel to tasks requiring the use of respirators. A refresher training is given annually thereafter and only upon successful completion of the medical evaluation.

The training program will include the following:

Nature and degree of respiratory hazard

Respirator selection, based on the hazard and respirator capabilities and limitations

Donning procedures and fit tests including hand's-on practice

Care of the respirator, e.g., need for cleaning, maintenance, storage, and/or replacement

Use and limitations of respirator

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.

6.0 Respirator Fit Testing

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134AppA

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. 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 employee.

6.1 Fit Checking

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134AppB1

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. The user must be properly trained in the performance of these checks and understand their limitations.

Negative Pressure Check

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 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.

Positive Pressure Check

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.

Irritant Smoke

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 eyes closed during the testing if a full facepiece mask is not used.

Odorous Vapor

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 (Not currently available at CSB/SJU)

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

Facial Hair

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.

Glasses and Eye/Face Protective Devices

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 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).

7.0 Maintenance and Issuance of Respirators

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

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134AppB2

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:

Remove and discard all used filters, cartridges, or canisters.
Wash facepiece and breathing tube in a cleaner-disinfectant solution. A hand brush may be used to remove dirt. Solvents which can affect rubber and other parts shall not be used.
Rinse completely in clean, warm water.
Air dry in a clean area in such a way as to prevent distortion.
Clean other respirator parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
Inspect valves, head straps, and other parts to ensure proper working condition.
Reassemble respirator and replace any defective parts.
Place in a clean, dry plastic bag or other suitable container for storage after each cleaning and disinfection.

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 toolboxes 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.

8.0 Program Surveillance

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.

9.0 Record Keeping

The following records are maintained for the CSB/SJU Respirator Program:

Medical screening and clearance, Training records, Fit test and respirator type records are all kept at the Environmental Health and Safety office.

References

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".

Appendices

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:

Instruction on putting on, fitting, testing and wearing the respirator.
Instruction on inspection, cleaning, and maintaining the respirator.
Explanation of dangers related to misuse.
Instructions on emergency situations.

I further certify that I understand the use, care, and inspection of the respirator and have tested and worn the unit.

Date: ________________________________

Signed:___________________________ Banner #: _____________________

Respirator Type Issued: __________________________________

Training Coordinator: _____________________________________

APPENDIX B - FIT TEST WORKSHEETS QUALITATIVE RESPIRATOR FIT TEST

APPENDIX C - OSHA RESPIRATORY PROTECTION STANDARD OSHA RESPIRATORY PROTECTION STANDARD - 29 CFR 1910.134

RESPIRATORY MEDICAL EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.134

View Respirator Types