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

Introduction

contaminants can enter your blood stream through your lungs 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

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

exposure to airborne hazards can have short-term and long-term effects 3 of 10 Introduction Why wear respirators? exposure to airborne hazards can have short-term 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

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

usually found in poorly ventilated confined spaces 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

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

metal fumes from welding, cutting, and brazing smoke 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

the higher the PF, the higher the protection ranges from 5 to 10,000 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

two forms of respirators: air-purifying respirators Introduction Types of respirators: two forms of respirators: air-purifying respirators supplied-air respirators

Air-Purifying 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

Air-Purifying Respirators 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

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

Supplied-Air Respirators 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

Supplied-Air Respirators 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

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

Selection and Limitations 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

Selection and Limitations 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

Selection and Limitations 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

Selection and Limitations 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

Selection and Limitations 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

Selection and Limitations 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

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

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

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

Inspection and Testing 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

Inspection and Testing 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

Inspection and Testing 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

Inspection and Testing 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

Inspection and Testing 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

Inspection and Testing 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

Cleaning and Storage Respirator cleaning: 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

use a brush and warm water to wash away dust or dirt 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

air dry respirators on a drying rack or clean surface 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

Cleaning and Storage Respirator storing: 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

Respirator maintenance: 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

Before using respirators: 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 

recognize the capabilities and limitations for each type of respirator Worker Training 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

perform proper fit check procedures 3 of 4 Worker Training 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

Training requirements: 4 of 4 Worker Training 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

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