Respirator Awareness Training CFR 1910.134 Facilities Management By: Chaizong Lor, Safety Coordinator UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Training Objectives: Medical Qualification Respirator Selection Respirator Fit Testing Respirator Maintenance and Care Training UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Medical Qualification Before employees wear a respirator, they must be determined to be “medically qualified” by completion of the following requirements: Medical Evaluation Before you can wear a respirator you must be “medically qualified.” Medical Questionnaire Medical Re-evaluation UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Medical Evaluation Employees must be examined by a qualified physician to determine if they can safely wear a respirator. Some employees may have medical problems that prevent them from using a respirator. Lung problems, previous exposures to hazards, some medications or physical deformities may disqualify them from using a respirator. 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. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Medical Questionnaire The first step is a confidential medical questionnaire. It is used to evaluate personal health conditions. (See FM Respiratory Protection Program, Appendix A. Respirator Request Form) Results are only used to determine if you are fit to wear a respirator. (See FM Respiratory Protection Program, Appendix C. Employee Respirator Medical Approval Form) Note: Employees must be allowed to discuss the questionnaire with the physician UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Medical Re-evaluation Any signs & symptoms while using respirator. Any change in work activity Any health condition changes of employees Employee reports medical signs & symptoms that are related to ability to use a respirator. Supervisor feels that employee needs to be re-evaluated. Follow-up medical exam for any positive response to questionnaire UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Respirator Selection Evaluation of the workplace hazard to identifying the substance(s) and user factors that affect respirator performance. Determine respiratory protection accordingly and match the respirator to the hazard. Respirators are issued only by trained personnel who are aware of the correct selection. evaluate respiratory hazards identify relevant workplace and user factors determine respiratory protection accordingly UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Respirator Fit-Testing There are a variety of respirator models and styles, made to fit a variety of face shapes and sizes. Fit testing is required for all personnel who are assigned to use a respirator. Required Fit-Testing Prior to Fit-Testing Fit-Testing Fit Checks UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Allowed to try on several types & sizes of respirators Prior to Fit-Testing Models & styles of respirators Position the respirator under the chin with the nosepiece up. Position the Respirator on face Know how to put on respirator Set strap tension and determine an acceptable fit The respirator seal should be checked by using a negative and positive pressure check before each use. Allowed to try on several types and sizes of respirators. Know how to put on respirator Know how to position the respirator on face Know how to set strap tension and how to determine an acceptable fit. Pull the top strap over the head so it rests high on the back of head. If air leaks at respirator edges, adjust the straps back along the side of the hand and test again. Pull the bottom strap over the head and position it around neck below ears. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Fit Checks Performed each time the respirator is worn, after donning & before entering the potentially hazardous working environment. Two types of Fit Checks: Negative Pressure Close off the inlet of the masks, cartridges, or filters by covering with the palm of the hands. Inhale gently so that the face piece collapse slightly. Positive Pressure Close off the exhalation valve with the palm of the hand. Exhale gently into the face piece. Air Inhaled in Exhaled out positive pressure - cover exhalation valve, exhale, feel positive (outward) pressure. (In addition, Close off the exhalation valve and exhale gently into the facepiece) negative pressure - cover inhalation valve, inhale, feel negative (suction) pressure. In addition, Close off the inlet opening of the canister or cartridge(s) by covering it with the palm of the hand(s) or by replacing the filter seal(s). UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Fit-Testing Employees wearing respirators must be fit tested at least annually after the initial fit test to insure proper fit/protection. The following two types of fit tests are OSHA approved: Qualitative Fit Test (Irritant Smoke) Quantitative Fit Test UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Qualitative Fit Test Definition A pass/fail means of testing that relies on the subject’s sensory response to detect the challenge agent: Irritation = Irritant smoke Taste = Saccharin Smell = Banana oil Disadvantages Individual response is different, wearer can “fake” a good fit. Advantages Less expensive, less operator training Note: FM Respirator Policy uses the “Qualitative Fit Test”. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Quantitative Fit Test = Measures the amount of concentration or objective Measures the effectiveness of a respirator seal in the ambient atmosphere. Measures the particle concentration both outside and inside the mask. The ratio is known as the fit factor Advantages: Accurate, employees cannot “fake” it. Disadvantages: Cost, operator training Quantity = measure, amount (objective) Quantitative fit testers such as the Portacount measure the concentration outside the mask and the concentration inside the mask and calculate a protection factor Advantages: accurate, testee can’t “fake it” Disadvantages: Cost, operator training UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Before each use, check the Air-Purifying Respirators (APR) Check the cartridges to ensure they are approved for the hazard that will be exposed to. Visually inspect the respirator to ensure there are no missing or broken parts. Check to ensure the respirator is clean. Perform Fit Checks. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Respirator Maintenance & Care Employees maintenance and care of respirator shall include: Monthly Inspection Cleaning and Disinfecting Repair Storage UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Monthly Inspection Inspect all parts for defects, deterioration and cracks, tears, and holes Inspect the valves for holes, warping, cracks, and dirt. Inspect hoods, helmets, and face shields for cracks, tears, and distortions. Visually inspect the area between the cartridge and the face piece to make sure the cartridge is seated correctly. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Removal of Respirator Properly Remove your contaminated gloves first If the respirator is contaminated, decontaminate the respirator or put new clean gloves on before removing your respirator UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Cleaning and Disinfecting Reassemble the respirator Disassemble respirator Disassemble respirator, removing any filters, and cartridges. Reassemble the Respirator & replace any defective parts. Step 6 Step 1 Air dry in a clean area Step 5 Wash face pieces & associated parts FM Step 2 The clean area shall have air to dry the respirator. Wash the face piece & associated parts in a mild detergent with warm water. Step 4 Step 3 Wipe the respirator The parts are rinsed Rinse completely all parts in clean warm water and allow to air-dry. Wipe the respirator with disinfectant wipes (70% Isopropyl Alcohol) to kill germs. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Respirator Repair Respirator users should ensure their equipment is working properly If respirator repair cannot be made and a respirator is needed, a temporary replacement with the same model and size, and a new respirator shall be issued. Exchange of parts from one brand to another is “NOT ALLOWED”. Use only cartridge, filters, and replacement parts specified from each respirator. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Storage Store all clean respirator in a plastic bag and place in a proper storage cabinet in a non-hazard area. All respirator shall be kept accessible to the work area. A. Ensure that respirators are stored carefully, in order to protect them from dust, harmful chemicals, sunlight, excessive heat or cold, and moisture. Effective storage measures include: Zippered plastic bags. Plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, such as freezer containers. Cans and jars with tight fitting lids. B. Pack or store the respirator so that the face piece and exhalation valves will rest in a normal position. Do not hang the respirator by its straps. Careful placement will ensure that proper function is not be impaired by distortion of the respirator or its straps. C. Emergency use respirators should be stored where they are easily accessible. Their location should be clearly marked. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training N95 Particulate Respirator The "N" stands for respirator filters that can be used when no oil is present in the contaminants The "95" means that the product has been tested and certified by NIOSH to have a filter efficiency level of 95% or greater against particulate aerosols Note: According to FM Respirator Policy, it is not required to have medical evaluation when employee uses N95 Particulate Respirator. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Proper Use N95 Particulate Respirator Step 1 Slightly stretch the two straps and cup the face piece in your hand with the nosepiece at finger tips, allowing the headbands to hang freely below hands. Step 2 Position the face piece under your chin with the nosepiece up. Step 3 Pull the top strap over your head so it rests high on the back of the head. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Proper Use N95 Particulate Respirator Step 4 Pull the bottom strap over your head and position it around neck below ears. Step 5 Using two hands, mold the nosepiece to the shape of your nose by pushing inward while moving fingertips down both sides of the nosepiece. Pinching the nosepiece using one hand may result in less effective performance. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Removal of the N95 Respirator Step 1 - Cup the respirator in you hand to maintain position on face. Pull bottom strap over head. Step 2 - Still holding respirator in position, pull top strap over head. Step 3 - Remove respirator from face and discard. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

Respirator Awareness Training Each employee designated to wear a respirator must receive training at least annually. Know how to inspect, put on, remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator. Know the procedures for maintenance and storage of the respirator. Recognize the medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators. UW-Eau Claire Facilities Management

?? Any Questions (http://www.uwec.edu/facmgt/safety/traininglist.htm) Please visit FM Website (http://www.uwec.edu/facmgt/safety/traininglist.htm) for additional information. Revision Dated: October 15th, 2013