1. Respiratory Protection
Asbestos NESHAP
Inspection and Safety
Procedures Workshop
Section 11
Respiratory Protection
This section will describe the various aspects of respirators, respirator use and related regulations
We will also look at the issues, use and regulations regarding protective clothing
It is assumed that all participants will be formally trained on these issues by their agency
This program is an overview of these issues and does not supplant actual hands on training with the actual devices that will be worn by the Inspectors
October 2008

2. OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard 29 CFR 1910.134
This OSHA standard is the universal regulation for the requirements and use of respiratory protection
It applies to all related OSHA standards

3. Organization of Standard 29 CFR 1910.134
(a) Permissible practice
(b) Definitions
(c) Respirator program
(d) Selection of respirators
(e) Medical evaluation
(f) Fit testing
(g) Use of respirators
(h) Maintenance and care
(i) Breathing air quality and use
(j) Identification of filters, cartridges, and canisters
(k) Training and information
(l) Program evaluation
(m) Recordkeeping
(n) Dates
(o) Appendices (mandatory)
A: Fit Testing Procedures
B-1: User Seal Checks
B-2: Cleaning Procedures
C: Medical Questionnaire
D: Information for Employees Wearing Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard
This is the breakdown of the standard by section
Note MANDATORY appendices
We’ll briefly discuss almost all of these aspects

4. Scope - 29 CFR 1910.134 General Industry 29 CFR 1910.1001
This standard applies to the OSHA asbestos standards:
General Industry 29 CFR
Shipyards 29 CFR
Construction 29 CFR
The asbestos standards also have sections within them that address respirator use
Inasmuch as the asbestos standards discuss respiratory protection; is the bulk of what employers must incorporate into their respiratory protection program for complete OSHA compliance

5. Asbestos Standards General Industry Standard Construction Standard
Respiratory Protection - Section (g)
Protective Clothing - Section (h)
Appendices: Fit Testing (C), Medical Questionnaire (D), Medical Surveillance (H)
Construction Standard
Respiratory Protection - Section (h)
Protective Clothing - Section (i)
Medical Surveillance - Section (m)
Appendices: Fit Testing (refer to ), Medical Questionnaire (D)
The sections within the construction and general industry asbestos standards that discuss related issues including the medical aspects

6. OSHA Issues Construction 29 CFR 1926.1101(g)
OSHA Classes of Work
Class I
Removal of surfacing material, TSI or PACM
Class II
Non “high risk” removal (flooring, siding, mastics)
Class III
Asbestos Inspection
Maintenance & Repair
Removal is not the purpose (removal to allow maintenance and repair)
1 glovebag, mini-enclosures (2 workers max.), 1waste bag (60”x60”) max
Class IV
Maintenance & custodial cleaning activities, incidental contact or incidental to construction
A reminder of the OSHA Classes of work
We’re going to refer to this often in this section…with an emphasis on Class I

7. Types of Respirators .
Picture shows a variety or respirators – mention that there are a wide variety available for the myriad of hazardous materials in the work place. It is up to the employer to assure that workers are given the proper respiratory protection for the hazards they face in the workplace
If you are familiar with each, discuss the differences
We’ll look at each in the subsequent sections

8. Tight -Fitting Coverings
Tight fitting means that a seal is formed between the device and the face surface
Half mask (or half face) covers half of the face surface
Full facepiece covers the entire face
Half Mask
Full Facepiece

9. Loose-Fitting Coverings
These devices do not make a tight fit to the face surface
Some offer minimal protection, others can afford a high degree of protection
This varies by design and intended use
Hood
Loose-Fitting
Facepiece
Helmet

10. Respirator Selection
Employer must select and provide an appropriate respirator based on the respiratory hazards to which the worker is exposed and workplace and user factors that affect respirator performance and reliability
Selection must take into consideration the nature of the contaminant AND its concentration in the work place
See slide bullets
Remember; the employer has the burden to protect their employees; public or private!

11. Employee Exposure
Exposure to a concentration of an airborne contaminant that would occur if the employee were not using respiratory protection.
For asbestos, this is measured with personal air monitoring.
Samples are analyzed by phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and results are in fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc or f/cm3)
Briefly explain pictures so that they connect the terms
This was discussed in the air sampling section (#10)

12. Filtering Facepiece (Dust Mask)
A negative pressure particulate respirator with a filter as an integral part of the facepiece or with the entire facepiece composed of the filtering medium.
NOT ALLOWED FOR ASBESTOS PROTECTION
NOT ALLOWED FOR ASBESTOS PROTECTION (this will pop in a few seconds on the slide)
In no manner are these allowed for asbestos work, they never have been!!
May want to point out the drywall sanding slide and the use of dust mask – asbestos in joint compound? For years, yes!

13. Negative Pressure Respirator
A respirator in which the air pressure inside the facepiece is lower during inhalation with respect to the ambient air pressure outside the respirator.
☺In other words; you supply the “horsepower”
NPR’s are those respirators where you breathe in and air is pulled through the cartridges
You supply the “horse-power!”

14. Air-Purifying Respirator (APR)
A respirator with an air-purifying filter, cartridge, or canister that removes specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-purifying element.
See slide text
The air outside of the respirator is filtered, delivering safe breathing air to the wearer
This depends on much, such as - choice of proper filter, respirator fit and others we’ll discuss

15. Half Face (Mask), Negative Pressure, Air Purifying Respirators
A wide variety of half mask respirators

16. Full Face (Mask), Negative Pressure, Air Purifying Respirators
A wide variety of FF respirators

17. Positive Pressure Respirator
A respirator that uses a powered source such as a blower unit or compressor that blows filtered air into the face piece
A gap in the face/mask fit will release air and prevent contaminants from entering
This is a tremendous advantage compared to a negative pressure respirator
In this case, instead of the wearer providing the breathing power, a battery powered motor pushes air through a filtration device and then to the mask
This is a far more comfortable device for breathing than a negative pressure respirator
The biggest advantage is “positive pressure”
If a gap occurs in the seal…air is more likely to be pushed out versus contaminated air leaking in

18. Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
For your notes! A PAPR must be provided to workers upon request
Here we see a variety of PAPRs
There is one example of a hood-type (inset)…rarely used, as is the half face type in the same picture
Also; see text box above pictures and the note lines below the pictures; the OSHA Class I requirement is important!
It is an OSHA requirement that ALL Class I jobs begin in PAPRs
Filters for these are rated as “High Efficiency” or “Type H” not P-100

19. Air (Atmosphere) Supplying Respirator
A respirator that supplies the user with breathing air from a source outside of the asbestos work area
Includes supplied-air respirators (SARs) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units
In this case air is mechanically delivered through tubing to the respirator wearer
Usually the air is delivered from a compressor
There are very strict requirements for breathing air quality
See slide bullets

20. Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) Referred to as “Type C”
An atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the user. Also called airline respirator.
See slide info
Type C is an EPA designation that is used conversationally for this type of breathing system

21. Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) Type “C”
Pressure Demand
With Reserve Air
Pressure Demand
Continuous Flow
Continuous flow; it’s just that, air blows constantly, they’re loud and dry out the nose and eyes if worn for long periods
Pressure demand (PD); uses a tilt valve that allows air into the mask when the wearer inhales (pressure drop), and it always maintains a bit of positive pressure in the mask
Pressure demand masks are what OSHA and NIOSH highly recommend because of the additional safety feature of the positive pressure
PD with reserve air is desirable but often impractical for Class I work unless truly necessary (IDLH situations)
Hood style systems are rarely used
Type C was the predominant method used for Class I work early in the Asbestos-in Schools/AHERA era
They are rarely used today
Most Class I jobs utilize PAPRs
Type C
Hood Style

22. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
An atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to be carried by the user.
See slide info
For our purposes here, SCBA is the highest level of protection
Significant training and maintenance issues
A must for many work situations, HAZMAT, first responders, confined spaces etc.
VERY rare for asbestos work in today's market

23. Also called air purifying element.
Canister or Cartridge
A component with a filter, sorbent, or catalyst, or combination of these items which removes specific contaminants from the air passed through the container.
Also called air purifying element.
When a respirator is sold it does not come with “filters”
Canisters/Cartridges use a variety of methods to “block” the hazardous solid or liquid that is in the air; filtration, sorbents or a catalyst
It is up to the employer to know which to use and when
Virtually all asbestos projects rely on canisters/cartridges; ½ and full face negative pressure and PAPR’s

24. Classes of filters for Non-Powered, Air-Purifying, Particulate-Filter Respirators
Nine classes: three levels of filter efficiency, each with three categories of resistance to filter efficiency degradation in the presence of oil aerosols
N R P
Used for Asbestos
Dust Mask
There are nine classes of filters (three levels of filter efficiency, each with three categories of resistance to filter efficiency degradation).
Levels of filter efficiency are 95%, 99%, and 99.97%.
Categories of resistance to filter efficiency degradation are labeled N, R, and P.
N (not resistant to oil) R (resistant to oil) P (“oil proof”)
Use of the filter will be clearly marked on the filter, filter package, or respirator box (e.g., N95 means N-series filter at least 95% efficient).
P-100’s are used in asbestos work
They are referred to as “HEPA” filters by OSHA
N - Not resistant to oil
R - Resistant to oil
P - Oil Proof

25. Selection and Use
For ASBESTOS the P-100 is used for negative pressure respirators (half/full face).
“High Efficiency” or Type H is used for positive pressure respirators such as a PAPR
Type H and P-100 are functionally the same
Both are color coded MAGENTA (colors vary from reddish to purple)
See slide bullets

26. High Efficiency Filters
Filter that is at least 99.97% efficient in removing particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter.
NIOSH Terminology: N100, R100, and P100 filters.
OSHA Terminology: “HEPA”
When HEPA filters are required by an OSHA standard, N100, R100, and P100 filters can be used to replace them.
P-100’s are those used in asbestos work because they offer the best protection

27. Identification of Filters, Cartridges, and Canisters
All filters, cartridges and canisters used in the workplace must be labeled and color coded with the NIOSH approval label
Marked with “NIOSH”, manufacturer’s name and part number, and an abbreviation to indicate cartridge or filter type (e.g., N95, P100, etc.)
Instructor: The NIOSH certification issue and color coding is a must know for students
As mentioned previously, it is up to the employer to be sure that workers are given and use the appropriate device for the hazards present
The picture on the far right “P-100 & OV (organic vapors)” are often used with floor tile removal because the mastic (glue) remover often has organic chemicals in their formulation
Organic Vapor, Chlorine, Hydrogen Chloride, Sulfur Dioxide, Hydrogen Fluoride, Chlorine Dioxide
Combination
P-100 & OV
Ammonia
Organic Vapor

28. 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.
P100 respirator cartridges do not have a specific “end of life” as do some chemical cartridges…
If you have even a slightly hard time breathing through them…replace them.
- All respirator cartridges must be kept dry. If they get wet, they’re ruined…replace them!
ESLI’s are discussed in , but few are actually available
For P-100/Type H issues, see text
Note: if any respirator cartridge gets wet, it needs to be replaced!

29. OSHA Class I
In the absence of negative exposure assessment (NEA, air sample data) or work area fiber concentrations ≤1.0 f/cc
MUST wear PAPR (or better)
In work areas >1.0 f/cc
Must wear Type C with SCBA back up or SCBA
First bullet; The work must start in a PAPR, but if data is produced on that project that will allow a lower protection device then it may be used, such as a half face
This would be rare for Class I work
The reason that this point is made is that poorly trained/managed crews will attempt to use ½ face respirators on Class I jobs

30. OSHA Class II & III Asbestos inspection is OSHA Class III work
Regardless of personal air sample results…
You are REQUIRED to wear a 1/2 face respirator when sampling TSI and surfacing material
Exposure monitoring could require a higher level of protection
For other Class II & III work a NEA or 1/2 face respirator
EPA policy says full-face APR
See Federal Register, Vol. 71. No 64 ( ), p , (h)(iii)
If inspection work involves TSI or surfacing material, a ½ face must always be used
For those performing Class II or III work (as with contractors), they may be able to use a NEA to eliminate the use of respirators and other OSHA issues (ex. roofing, asbestos cement panel removal)

31. Oxygen-Deficient Atmosphere
An atmosphere with an oxygen content below 19.5% by volume
All oxygen-deficient atmospheres are considered immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)
Also, if the atmosphere has unknown hazards, it is are considered IDLH
Students need to know the minimum oxygen level

32. Fit Testing
Before an employee uses any respirator with a negative or positive pressure tight-fitting facepiece, the employee must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that will be used.
Switching gears at this point and moving into fit testing issues
See slide text
ALSO; workers must have had OSHA-required medical monitoring BEFORE fit testing

33. Fit Testing
Employees using tight-fitting facepiece respirators must pass an appropriate qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT):
prior to initial use,
whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and
at least annually thereafter
See slide text
We’ll look at the two techniques in the slides that follow
Fit testing must be performed before use and at least annually thereafter
Previous OSHA regs, fit testing was every 6 months…this changed in 1998
In a few minutes, we’ll see slides of these techniques
Instructor: It is imperative that students know the difference between qualitative and quantitative fit tests and “seal checks” (seen 2 slides from here)

34. Fit Testing
Additional fit testing shall be conducted whenever change in an employee’s physical condition could affect respirator fit:
facial scarring
dental changes
cosmetic surgery
noticeable change in body weight
See text
These issues do occur, especially weight changes and dental work

35. Respirator Use
Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces must not be worn by employees who have facial hair or any condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal or valve function
Corrective glasses or goggles or other PPE must be worn in a manner that does not interfere with the face-to-facepiece seal
OSHA permits contact lenses to be worn inside of full face respirator masks.
Employees wearing tight-fitting respirators must perform a user seal check each time they put on the respirator
First bullet; Many firms require clean shaven faces only
Trimmed mustaches and “Van Dyke” type beards can be worn ONLY if the hair does not void the respirator seal
Beards as shown above are not allowed
There are spectacle kits available that fit into the FF respirator facepiece
Contact lenses were not allowed for a long time, they are allowed today
Seal checks are required every time the mask is donned, see next slide

36. User Seal Check “Fit Check”
An action conducted by the respirator user to determine if the respirator is properly seated to the face.
If the instructor has a respirator available, this technique should be demonstrated
Positive pressure check; the hand is place over the exhalation port, breathe out slightly (you’re not blowing up a balloon)
Negative pressure check; cover the inlets on the cartridge and breathe in
If leaks are detected, re-adjust (tighten) the straps and try again
If still leaking seek assistance
This cannot be reliably performed on the “pancake” style filters in the picture (the pics are from the OSHA web site!)
For pancake-type, the filters are removed, respirator checked and filters replaced
Positive Pressure Check
Negative Pressure Check
THIS MUST BE PERFORMED EACH TIME
THE RESPIRATOR IS PUT ON!

37. Fit Testing
The fit test must be administered using an OSHA-accepted QLFT or QNFT protocol contained in Appendix A of
Before respirator use and annually thereafter
Seal checks (or fit checks) are performed each time the respirator is donned
Here we discuss FIT TESTING
See slide info

38. 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.
QLFT Protocols:
Irritant smoke (cough)
Bitrex (taste)
Isoamyl acetate (taste)
Banana oil (taste)
-Saccharin (taste)
In this case we rely on the uses sense of smell or taste to detect leaks
Irritant smoke and Bitrex are common, but the others are used too.
There are very specific procedures required by OSHA for this function (in the appendices)

39. Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT)
Bitrex
Banana Oil Ampules
Irritant Smoke
Examples of qualitative fit testing
Note that test administrator is also wearing a respirator for the irritant smoke test
Irritant smoke should only be preformed in areas with adequate ventilation and never in an enclosed chamber (this was done in eras past)
Bitrex Test Kit
Irritant Smoke Kits – Powered & Manual

40. Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)
An assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit by numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator.
In this type of test, the atmosphere outside of the respirator is compared to the atmosphere inside of the respirator
This results in a numerical value called a “fit factor”
Note the number on the machine (it’s meaningless number for now, just to show the students what it looks like)

41. Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)
Probed respirators & probe kits
TSI PortacountTM
In this case the subject wears a respirator that is attached to a machine and follows OSHA enumerated activities
There are a 4 OSHA recognized devices for this type of testing, 2 are shown here
OHD FitTester 3000TM

42. QNFT Fit Factor
A numerical estimate of the fit of a particular respirator on a specific individual; typically estimates the ratio:
Concentration of a substance in ambient air
Concentration inside the respirator when worn
This explains what a fit factor represents; it’s a ratio
See slide text
NOTE; the device must yield a value of 100 for a ½ face, 500 for FF respirators
This is a must for FF respirators if the protection factor published by OSHA is to be referenced
If the fit factor is determined to be equal to or greater than 100 for tight-fitting half facepieces or equal to or greater than 500 for tight-fitting full facepieces, the quantitative fit test has been passed with that respirator

43. How much asbestos inside the mask?
OSHA allows up to the PEL inside the mask
OSHA asbestos PEL 0.1 f/cc (8 hr TWA)
The EPA’s policy is a lower number
0.01 f/cc, EPA PCM Final Clearance Value
This is a generally accepted industry practice
Has been in EPA asbestos model course materials for many years
Here we begin our discussion of protection factors
See slide text
While OSHA may allow up to the PEL inside a workers mask…that is not the general industry practice
We many years the value of 0.01 f/cc has been used as the desired fiber concentration inside a workers mask

44. PROTECTION FACTORS (PF)
CO = Concentration Outside Mask (f/cc)
CI = Concentration Inside Mask (f/cc)
For determining concentration inside the facepiece
Conc.outside
PF Conc.
Inside
This slide explains the value of PF; it’s a ratio
That calculation is re-ordered to calculate what is INSIDE a workers mask.
Co is from personal sampling data!!!
If personal sampling data is not available, the competent person cannot evaluate what is inside a workers facepiece
The blue bubble calculation is another way to explain this
MUC helps the competent person evaluate which respirator to choose based on work area personal sampling data; see next slide
“MUC” = PF x Concentration Inside
(Maximum Use Concentration)
Concentration = f/cc
This number comes from personal air sample data! ÷ ÷ X

45. Protection Factors (PF) 29 CFR 1910.134
Respirator Type PF MUL2
Half face APR f/cc
Full face APR f/cc
PAPR1 (tight fitting and hood) f/cc
Supplied Air (Type C, PD) f/cc
The PF values are a MUST KNOW
MUL = the maximum work area concentration that respirator should be worn into if 0.01 f/cc is the max fiber concentration desired in the facepiece
1 Hoods can only claim 1000 if supported by manufacturer’s data.
2 Using recommendation of 0.01 f/cc inside mask: MUL = (0.01 f/cc)(PF)

46. Respirator Program
Must develop a written program with worksite-specific procedures when respirators are necessary or required by the employer
Must update program as necessary to reflect changes in workplace conditions that affect respirator use
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
Must provide respirators, training, and medical evaluations at no cost to the employee
The next two slides are about OSHA required respirator programs
Some contractors may not have up to date programs

47. Respirator Program Elements
1. Selection
2. Medical evaluation
3. Fit testing
4. Use
5. Maintenance and care
6. Breathing air quality and use
7. Training
8. Program evaluation
Required elements

48. Medical Evaluation Procedures
Must provide a medical evaluation to determine employee’s ability to use a respirator, before fit testing and use
Medical evaluation procedures for all OSHA regulated asbestos activities will follow the procedures outlined in 29 CFR (m) “Medical Surveillance”…at least
Medical questionnaire (29 CFR , Appendix D)
Pulmonary function test
Physical Exam
May also perform X-ray or other procedures
All records from medical evaluation are kept employment plus 30 years
See slide text
The procedures in yellow are REQUIRED by the OSHA construction standard
Pulmonary function test; evaluates lung capacity
X-Rays are commonly obtained but not required unless by physician
Physician can require additional test; common for older workers (stress tests etc.)
Note recordkeeping requirement!!

49. Respirator Care and Storage
Provide each user with a respirator that is clean, sanitary and in good working order
Use procedures in Appendix B-2 or equivalent manufacturer’s recommendations
Store in a sealed bag to ensure cleanliness
Store in a manner to ensure the integrity of the facepiece. (no heavy objects on top, don’t leave in a hot car)
See slide text
OSHA has specific requirements for respirator care, disinfection etc…
Only place in a sealed bag when completely dry!!
Respirators can be deformed if improperly stored, if deformed for any reason, it should be replaced
Note: for all issues in this section…the costs are borne by the EMPLOYER, not the worker

50. SUMMARY Anticipate Hazards Determine Appropriate Protection
Use the right respirator with the right cartridge
Maintain the respirator
Have a written respiratory protection program
Sample smart – use good techniques
This section covers a lot of ground…a quick summary and discuss these issues as much as time will allow