1. Respirator Training Filtering Facepiece Respirators (Dust Masks)
For
Voluntarily
Use
“This training was prepared by the Dept. of Labor & Industries - DOSH with modifications and additions we added to apply to our specific workplace situation. This training is on filtering facepieces, commonly called dust masks. They are also sometimes called “disposable masks” or “single use masks.”
Note to supervisors
and instructors. Trainees are
to sign an acknowledgement
form that they have viewed
and understand this training
module.
Developed by the Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH) for employee training
May, 2009, modified by EWU EH&S 9/2011

2. Respiratory Protection – filtering facepieces (dust masks)
If you choose to voluntarily use a respirator (whether it's provided by you or your employer) be aware that respirators can create hazards for you, the user. You can avoid these hazards if you know how to use your respirator properly and how to keep it clean.
The following presentation will help you wear a dust mask safely

3. Why Is This Training Required?
Respirator Training
Why Is This Training Required?
Training is required by DOSH for anyone who wears a respirator.
We also are providing this training so you will know how to protect your health.
If you don’t know how to use a respirator properly, you can get a false sense of protection.
“It is not enough just to slap on a respirator and go. You need to know the reasons for the use of respirators, how they protect you, their limitations, how to use them, keep them in good condition and store them.” 2

4. Respirator Program Administrator
Respirator Training
Respirator Program Administrator
Our respirator administrator is Environmental Health and Safety
This Department is responsible for overseeing our respirator program.
This Department has training on respirators.
[A single person must be designated as the respirator program administrator who has the final word on use of respirators. This person should report directly to top or upper management.]
“The respirator program administrator is responsible for assigning respirators, making sure wearers have medical evaluations and training, and managing the maintenance, repair and replacement of respirators and respirator parts. Go to this person if you have questions about your respirator.” 3

5. How Filtering Facepieces Work
How Do Dust Masks Protect You?
When used properly, dust masks prevent the inhalation of dust in the air and protect the lungs.
When you inhale, air is pulled through the dust mask and dust is captured on the outside of the mask.
Some masks have an exhalation valve which makes the mask cooler, drier and easier to breathe through. 6

6. How Filtering Facepieces Work
Air inhaled in
Air inhaled in
This picture shows how air moves in and out of the dust mask respirator with an exhalation valve. The act of breathing creates a negative pressure inside the mask, which is why these and dust masks are sometimes called “negative pressure respirators”. If the mask does not fit properly along the edges, contaminated air can enter. This is why fit-testing is essential when using dust mask respirators. More about fit-testing in following slides.
Air exhaled out. Not all dust masks will have this 7

7. Using Filtering Facepieces
Limits of dust masks
Dust masks will leak if they don’t fit your face properly.
Dust masks don’t filter out chemical vapors.
Dust masks are not adequate for heavy amounts of dust.
Dust masks may not be suitable for highly toxic dusts.
The first picture shows some leakage around the nose (dust under the nose) which means the dust mask didn’t fit properly. Dust masks work well for wood dust, low levels of sandblasting dust, lime dust, grain dust, fiberglass dust, plastics dust. They can provide protection up to 10 times the permissible exposure limit of the particular dust. They won’t provide enough protection against higher levels (above 10 times the “safe limit”) of silica sand sandblasting dust, dry cutting of concrete or brick or dry drilling in rock, or certain toxic metal dusts such as lead, cadmium and arsenic. 8

8. Dust Mask Protection Factor
How much protection does a dust mask give?
Dust masks only provide protection to levels 10 times above the dust permissible exposure limit (PEL).
Example
“ Another way of saying this is that it is assumed that a dust mask reduces the amount of chemical inside the respirator to one tenth of the concentration outside the respirator, providing it fits properly and has no holes or tears. If the level of chemical in the air is more than 10 times the permissible limit, you would need a more protective respirator. Permissible limits for about 600 chemicals and dusts are published by DOSH. The limits for some very toxic dusts are much lower than wood dust.”
5 mg/cu. meter of wood dust will be a noticeable dust cloud. 50 mg/cu. meter of wood would be very dense cloud and would probably only occur in a small room with no ventilation where heavy sanding or cutting was done. However, some dusts (such as silica sand dust from sandblasting) have much lower allowable limits and dust levels from sandblasting can easily exceed the protection factor of a dust mask. Most sandblasting activity requires a specialized abrasive blasting respirator with fresh air supplied to the respirator.
Wood dust permissible limit – 5 mg/cu. meter
Dust mask protects up to 50 mg/cu. meter
mg/cu. meter = milligrams per cubic meter 9

9. NIOSH–Approved Dust Masks
Dust masks come in variety of styles and brands.
Not all dust masks provide adequate protection for workplace dust.
Only NIOSH-approved dust masks can be used for protection against dust levels that exceed the PEL.
Not NIOSH-approved
NIOSH is the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health. All respirators used in the workplace for protection against chemicals and dust must be NIOSH-approved. Single-strapped dusts masks are not NIOSH-approved. So-called “comfort masks” or “allergy masks” are also not NIOSH approved. The NIOSH approval will be found printed directly on the mask or on the mask package or carton.
NIOSH-approved 10

10. Types of Dust Masks Some masks are more protective than others
N95/R95/P95 masks filter out 95% of dust particles
N99/R95/P99 masks filter out 99% of dust particles
N100/R100/P100 masks filter out 99.7% of dust particles
[This slide is optional if you use more than one type of dust masks] The “N” means not resistant to oil mist, “R” means somewhat resistant to oil mist, and the “P” means the mask is strongly resistant to oil mist. Most work situations do not have oil mist in the air and the “N” masks suffice.
N99 or N100 masks are recommended for very fine dust or dangerous dusts such as asbestos or silica. 11

11. Where Dust Masks Can’t Be Used
Dust masks will not provide adequate protection in the following situations:
Exposure to chemical gases or vapors
Dust levels more than 10 times the permissible exposure limit (PEL)
Oxygen deficiency
“Dust masks do not filter out gases or vapors at all, and of course do not provide oxygen. For these reason dust masks are not recommended for any confined space work. Some dust masks have a layer of charcoal to capture so-called “nuisance” odors or vapors, but these cannot be used if the chemical levels in the air exceed the PEL.” 12

12. Respirators and Physical Fitness
Medical Evaluations
Medical evaluations are required for anyone required to wear respirators. This medical certification service is available through many occupational health providers such as Health Works clinics.
Breathing through a respirator is work for the body.
Respirators can be hazardous to people with heart or lung problems.
If you wear a dust mask voluntarily look at the following slide for conditions and concerns. If you have any of these listed you should consult your doctor before use.
“Most people have no problem wearing a dust mask. But because some people can have problems, medical evaluations are required. They start with a confidential medical questionnaire. Medical evaluations must be done before any type of respirator is used.” [Medical exams are not required if employees “voluntarily” wear dust masks, that is, they bring their own dust masks to work and wear them even though they don’t actually need them for protection from dust. Exams are required if the employer requires employees to wear respirators.] 13

13. Things to consider before wearing a respirator
Medical Evaluation
Things to consider before wearing a respirator
Seizures
Diabetes (sugar disease)
Allergic reactions that interfere with your breathing:
Claustrophobia (fear of closed-in places):
Trouble smelling odors:
Any other lung problem that you have been told about, past or present
Shortness of breath
Coughing
Cardiovascular or heart problems including blood pressure problems
Pain or tightness in your chest
Heartburn or indigestion that is not related to eating
If you answer yes to any of these you may want to consult your Doctor
For a complete questionnaire see:

14. Respirator and Physical Fitness
Medical Questionnaire
The first step of a medical evaluation is a confidential medical questionnaire.
A healthcare provider decides if you need a medical exam.
Results are only used to determine if you are fit to wear a respirator.
[This slide is optional. You may elect to send all your employees who wear respirators for a physical exam without filling out a questionnaire first as long as the medical exam addresses the questions on the questionnaire.] “Before you wear a respirator, you must fill out a medical questionnaire. The questions in the medical questionnaire are required by DOSH. You fill out the questionnaire and send it directly to the doctor or clinic. Our medical provider for this service is [name]. We do not see the questionnaire or the results of a medical exam. We only receive notice on whether you are medically fit to wear a respirator or not.” 14

15. Dust Masks Must Fit Properly
Respirator Fit
Dust Masks Must Fit Properly
Dust masks must fit properly to prevent leaks around the edges.
Fit-testing must be done before first wearing a dust mask.
Beards are not allowed when wearing a dust mask.
[The top photo shows a worker with a poorly fitting dust mask – only one strap is used and it appears to be upside down. He was drilling in concrete and was often enveloped in a cloud of dust. Concrete dust contains silica, a substance that scars the lungs.]
Fit-testing is extremely important because without a tight fit, a respirator is nearly useless. You may think you are protected when in fact you are not, if the respirator does not fit properly. Beards are not allowed because they will always cause a respirator to leak around the edges. Even a day’s growth of facial hair can cause a leak. Mustaches are usually O.K., but goatees will usually cause the respirator to leak.” [Fit-testing is not required for voluntary use of dust masks.]
[Optional] “DOSH will cite us if they find employees with beards wearing respirators. This is one area where safety takes precedence over personal appearance. This is not the case however, if you want to wear a dust mask even though we don’t require it. “ 15

16. Fit-testing
Hold respirator in hand with molded nose contour (narrow end) at finger tips, allowing headstraps to fall below hand.
Place respirator under chin with molded nose contour (narrow end) up. Flange must be uncreased inside respirator. Raise top strap to top back of head. Pull shorter bottom strap over head, below ears, to around neck. Do not wear with only one strap.
Adjust respirator for comfortable fit.
Each time user enters contaminated area seal should be fit checked. Cover front of respirator by cupping both hands. INHALE SHARPLY. A negative pressure should be felt inside respirator. If any leakage is detected at respirator edges, adjust straps by pulling back along the sides and/or reposition respirator. Repeat until sealed properly, otherwise see your supervisor. Entry into a contaminated area with an improper fit may result in sickness or death. 16

17. Replacing Dust Masks Replace dust masks at least daily
Dust masks cannot be cleaned or repaired if soiled or damaged.
Replace dust masks if breathing becomes difficult, if they are damaged, or if they are dirty or dusty on the inside.
Dispose of dust masks at the end of the day or shift.
Note the tear in the mask in the red circle. This mask must be replaced. Dust masks must also be worn with both straps attached to the head, otherwise they will probably leak.
Torn mask 17

18. When it Smells Bad or You Feel Sick
Respirator Problems
When it Smells Bad or You Feel Sick
If you notice an odor, find dust inside the mask, feel ill, or you think your respirator leaks, notify your supervisor or instructor.
Leave the area if you know your mask is leaking.
“Your respirator may leak because of a poor fit or a tear or hole in the mask. Sometimes you may feel ill without noticing an odor since some chemicals and most dusts have no noticeable odor. If you do smell an odor, remember dust masks don’t filter out chemical vapors or gases which can have odors. Be especially aware of such symptoms as dizziness, nausea, coughing, nose or throat irritation, feeling “high”, or having trouble breathing.” 18

19. Respirator Regulations
L & I – DOSH has regulations on respirator use.
Everything covered in this training is required in these regulations.
The regulations on respirators is in WAC – Respirators 19

20. Optional Quiz
The following questions are optional. They can be used to check employees’ understanding of this training and promote discussion. You can add more questions for a short written or verbal quiz. 20

21. Quiz Question 1 1. What do filtering facepieces protect you from?
a) solvents and dust
b) only dust and particles
c) nothing much
d) only pollen
The correct answer is b). 21

22. Quiz Question 2 Why can’t you wear a dust mask over a beard?
a) The beard will interfere with your breathing
b) It will cause the respirator to leak
c) It will cause skin irritation
d) It will look stupid
The correct answer is b). 22

23. Quiz
Question 3
What does it mean if you smell a chemical while wearing your dust mask?
a) You may need a different kind of respirator
b) The dust mask doesn’t fit properly
c) You have a very sensitive nose
a) is the best answer since dust masks do not filter chemical vapors with an odor. c) may be true, but the point is that dust masks don’t provide protection from chemical gases or vapors. 23