Respirator
Program
Training Outline
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Terms and Regulation requirements
What is a Respirator Program?
Breathing hazards
Types of respirators
Fitting & checking respirators
Inspection & care of respirators
Medical limitations of using respirators
Why Respirators
Workers Must be Protected Who:
– Are exposed to air contaminants
(unknown or in excess of WCB OHS
Reg.)
– May be exposed to IDLH atmosphere
– May be exposed to O2 deficient
atmosphere
– At risk of accidental exposure
Terms Used
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Airline respirator
Air purifying respirator
ALARA substance
Canister or cartridge
Escape respirator
Fit check
Fit test
Terms Used - cont’d.
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HEPA filter
IDLH
MSDS Sheet
Oxygen deficiency
Qualitative fit test
Quantitative fit test
SCBA
The Respirator Program
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Survey the workplace conditions
Steps to reduce exposure
Formally assess remaining hazards
Select and provide respirators
Provide fitting, tests, training
Hazards & Risk Assessment
• Determine the nature of contaminant
• Determine exposure probability
• Determine permissible exposure limit
Respirator Selection
• Is approved for contaminant
• Can be used within concentrations
expected
• Will be adequate for time req’d.
• Is the best choice for the workplace (heat,
humidity, visibility, work mobility)
Ensure adequate visibility
The Breathing Hazards
• Particle hazards (dusts, fibres, mists,
fumes)
• Gaseous hazards (gases and
vapours)
• Oxygen deficiency
• Combination hazards
Particle Hazards
• Formed by breakdown of solids
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Sanding
Milling
Cutting
Crushing
Grinding
Drilling
• Irritate the airways, can cause disease
– Asbestos – asbestosis
– Silica dust - silicosis
Mists
• Very small liquid drops
– Spraying
– Shaking
– Mixing
– Stirring
• Can irritate or damage exposed areas
(skin, eyes, lungs, airways)
• Can damage internal organs
Fumes
• Tiny solid particles (“boil off”)
– Welding
– Smelting
– Soldering
– Brazing
• Exposure can range from irritation to
serious lung & nerve damage
Gaseous Hazards
• Gases
– Carbon Monoxide
– Chlorine
• Vapours of liquids – mix with air
– Solvents
– Gasoline
– Acetone
• Can enter blood – damage nerves and
internal organs
Oxygen Deficiency
• Air is normally 21% O2
• 19.5 % O2 is required
• Deficiency can develop in tanks,
sewers, pipelines.
• Oxygen depleted due to reaction (rot,
rust, burning)
• Oxygen is replaced by other gases
Respirator Limitations
• The type and the uses of Respirators are
limited STRICTLY to the selection and uses
determined by the [[Corporation]]
Respirator Program
• Specific hazards MUST be addressed by
using ONLY the appropriate respirator
Types of Respirators
Air Purifying
– Single Use
– Half-face or Full-face
Powered (air supplied)
– Supplied air
– Self-contained (SCBA)
Air Purifying Respirators
• Single Use
• Half-face and Full-face air-purifying
respirators (non-powered)
Single Use Masks
• Most commonly used
• Only used against lower levels of
contaminants
• Thin filter with 2 straps
• Must be formed around nose
• Eventually clogged by dusts, mists,
fumes
Disposable Don’ts
• Stretch the respirator over the top of
a hardhat
• Fold respirators that are not designed
to be folded
• Cut off straps
• Wear damaged or holed respirators
Half/Full Face Respirators
• Close-seal silicone or rubber
facepiece
• One or more canister/cartridges
• One-way valves
• Half mask – covers nose, mouth and
chin
• Full mask – entire face covered
Half/Full Face Respirators cont’d.
• Half masks can be disposable or with
maintenance/replacement parts
• Full face masks are used where eye
irritants may be present
Filter Efficiency
• Particulate filters screen particles
only
• Chemical cartridge efficiency
deteriorates:
– Smell or taste contaminates
– Lungs or throat feel irritated
– “End of Service” indicator
Filter Don’ts
• Don’t use in O2 deficiency
• Don’t use against very toxic
gas/vapour (IDLH atmospheres)
• Don’t use against concentrations
above manufacturer’s limits
• Don’t use against chemicals with
poor warning properties
Filter Maintenance
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Store in sealed plastic bags
Replace filters regularly
Date filters as they are installed
Match proper filter with the
contaminant
Atmosphere Supplying
Respirators
• Supplied-air (airline) respirators
• Self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA)
Supplied Air Types
• Hood or Helmet Airline Supplied
– No face seal
– No resistance to breathing
• Full Face Airline Supplied
– Face seal
– Positive pressure minimizes leak
Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus (SCBA)
• Full-face respirator with backpack air
cylinder
– Fully mobile
– Up to 60 minutes of air
Emergency Respirators
Escape Respirators
• Used for emergency escape only
• Must be carried or within immediate reach
• Available as air purifying or air supply
– “Bite-block” air supply are common in
pulp mills
– SCBA type with air bottle with half or full
mask or hood
Self-fit Checks
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Fit Testing
Negative Pressure Check
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Don & properly fit the respirator
Gently cover the inlet
Breathe in to create a vacuum
Hold for 10 seconds
The facepiece should collapse
slightly and STAY collapsed
Positive Pressure Check
• Don & properly fit the respirator
• Gently cover the exhaust valve and
breathe OUT slightly to bulge the
facepiece
• The facepiece should bulge and stay
out for 10 seconds
Cold Fit
• Very low temperatures can stiffen
mask material (lose sealing
properties)
• Allow time for material to flex
• Allow the respirator to warm-up
Fit Testing
• Done by a qualified person
• Results are documented
• Qualitative fit test
– Is a compound detected?
• Quantitative fit test
– Concentration inside/outside is
compared
Why Fit is Important
• All contaminants MUST be excluded
• Effective SEAL is essential
• Facial hair must be clean shaven at the
seal (including stubble)
• Eyeglass frames must not pass through
sealing surface (use corrective respirator
lenses)
Inspecting, Cleaning &
Storing Respirators
Respirator Inspection
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Inspect prior to each use
Bend and flex the respirator
Look for distortion
Check the yoke for cracks
Check the canister threads
Check for missing gaskets
Check the inhalation valves
Respirator Inspection cont’d.
• Examine exhalation valve and seats for
damage and debris
• Check straps, harness, buckles
• Check strap elasticity
• Ensure cartridge is not expired
• Examine canister for damage
• Check the hose
• Correct any defects that are noted
Cleaning
• Clean after each use, for a new user,
or as required by the manufacturer
• Remove: filters, cartridges and
gaskets, head straps, demand and
pressure valves, speaking
diaphragms/equipment and any
components recommended by
manufacturer
Cleaning - cont’d.
• Discard any defective parts
• Wash respirator components in warm
water using mild detergent
• NEVER use solvents
• A brush may be used
• Thoroughly rinse in warm, running
water
• Disinfect
Cleaning - cont’d.
• Rinse again to remove disinfectant
and detergent
• Drain all water and air dry (wiping
with clean lint-free cloth is OK)
• Reassemble away from the cleaning
area
Respirator Storage
• Store in a safe place (cabinet, locker) in its
own storage container
• Do not store with tools
• Position so facepiece, hoses and straps
are not stretched
• Store in a plastic bag
• Seal HEPA filters with tape prior to
removing
• Avoid heat or direct sunlight
Medical Limitations
Medical Factors
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Drug use, including alcohol
History of breathing problems
Breathing difficulty when exerting
High blood pressure or heart disease
Claustrophobia
Use of medication with heart/lung side
effects or lowered mental alertness
Medical Factors - cont’d.
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Diabetes
Epilepsy
Some vision or skin problems
Impaired or non-existent sense of
smell
• Physical factors limiting donning or
adjustment of respirator
Consult OH Physician
A physician knowledgeable in
occupational health will be consulted
Summary
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The Respirator Program
Terms used
Breathing hazards
Selection, use, inspection, care and
storage of respirators
• Fit testing and cleaning procedures
• Medical factors
Questions?