UNC Respiratory Protection Program
for Environment, Health & Safety
Department Emergency Responders
Presented by
UNC-CH Environment, Health & Safety
Class Objectives

Be able to explain the Importance of the Respiratory
Protection Program in relation to UNC-CH policy, OSHA
and EPA-HAZWOPER standards.

Understand protection controls and EPA/OSHA levels of
respiratory protection for hazardous material response and
hazardous waste sites.

Be able to discuss the importance of the Selection Process
for different Types of Respirators for Emergency Response

Be able to demonstrate the limitations and Safety Issues
with the use of negative pressure air purifying respirators;
Class Objectives

Be able to select, demonstrate the limitations and use of Air
Purifying Respirator Filters and Respirator Chemical
Cartridges

Be able to demonstrate the inspection, donning and doffing
procedures for air purifying respirators

Be able to demonstrate, using a negative pressure
respirator, the required negative and positive user seal
check procedures

Discuss the importance of Fit-Testing Procedures

Discuss Maintenance & Storage Requirements
Review and Post Test

Introduction
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) Respiratory
Protection Program (RPP) describes written policy and procedures for the
use of respirators to protect the health of employees in accordance with the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Respiratory
Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134 (General Industry Respirator
Standard).
Under 29 CFR 1910.134, OSHA requires a formal written program for the
selection and use of respirators. The two basic objectives are to protect the
worker from respiratory hazards and to prevent injury to the wearer from the
incorrect use or malfunction of the respirator. This program includes
protocols for the selection, training, fitting use, storage, and maintenance of
respirators.
For additional guidance regarding UNC-CH Respiratory Protection Program
policies and procedures, click on the EHS Workplace Safety Respiratory
Section at:
http://www.ehs.unc.edu/workplace_safety/rpp.shtml
Introduction
Some employees are also enrolled in the RPP for other specific standards
(e.g. 29 CFR Subpart Z-Toxic and Hazardous Substances 1910.1001asbestos) or the potential to exceed limits in other specific standards.
For UNC-CH EHS Emergency Responders, personal protective equipment
use requirements are also designated in the OSHA Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Standard, 29 CFR
1910.120.
Respirators should only be used as a "last line of defense" when engineering
control systems are not feasible. Engineering control systems, such as
adequate ventilation should be used to negate the need for respirators.
Use of Controls for Protection
1910.120(g)(1)(i) Engineering controls, work practices and PPE for
substances regulated in subparts G and Z, states:
Engineering controls and work practices shall be instituted to reduce and
maintain employee exposure to or below the permissible exposure limits for
substances regulated by 29 CFR part 1910, to the extent required by subpart
Z, except to the extent that such controls and practices are not feasible.
Engineering controls which may be feasible include the use of pressurized
cabs or control booths on equipment, and/or the use of remotely operated
material handling equipment.
Work practices which may be feasible are removing all non-essential
employees from potential exposure during opening of drums, wetting down
dusty operations and locating employees upwind of possible hazards.
Use of Controls for Protection
1910.120(g)(1)(ii) states: Whenever engineering controls and work
practices are not feasible or not required, any reasonable combination of
engineering controls, work practices and PPE shall be used to reduce and
maintain employee exposures to or below the permissible exposure limit or
dose limits for substances regulated by 29 CFR part 1910, subpart Z.
Use of Controls for Protection
1910.120(g)(1)(i) Engineering controls, work practices and PPE for
substances not regulated in subparts G and Z, states:
An appropriate combination of engineering controls, work practices and
personal protective equipment shall be used to reduce and maintain
employee exposure to or below published exposure levels for hazardous
substances and health hazards not regulated by 29 CFR part 1910, subparts
G and Z.
The employer may use the published literature and MSDS as a
guide in making the employer’s determination as to what level of protection
the employer believes is appropriate for hazardous substances and health
hazards for which there is no permissible exposure limit or published
exposure limit.
Review of Levels of PPE
Selecting the proper PPE for a response involves identifying the potential
hazards that may be faced, the work requirements, and task-specific
conditions, as well as assessing the durability and performance of the PPE
material. PPE ensembles are classified into 4 levels outlined by 29 CFR
1910.120, as Level A, B, C and D.
Review of Levels of PPE
Level A: The hazardous substance has been identified and requires the
highest level of protection for the skin, eye, and respiratory system based
on either the measured (or potential for) high concentration of atmospheric
vapors, gasses, or particulates; or the site operations and work functions
involve a high potential for splash, immersion, or exposure to unexpected
vapors, gasses, or particulates of materials that are harmful to skin or
capable of being absorbed through the skin.
Substances with a high degree of hazard to the skin are known or suspected
to be present, and skin contact is possible;
PPE consists of totally encapsulated chemical protective suit and positive
pressure full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical
protective gloves, and boots .
All 5 senses are impaired when in this level of protection.
Review of Levels of PPE
Level A: Another Illustration:
*Courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Website;
Review of Levels of PPE
Level B: Protection should be used when the type and atmospheric
concentration of substances have been identified and require a high level of
respiratory protection, but less skin protection.
The atmosphere contains less than 19.5% oxygen or the presence of
incompletely identified vapors or gasses is indicated by a direct-reading
instrument, but vapors and gasses are not suspected of containing high
levels of chemicals harmful to the skin or capable of being absorbed
through the skin.
Review of Levels of PPE
Level B: The highest level of respiratory protection consisting of either a
positive pressure, full-face piece self contained breathing apparatus or
positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA.
Review of Levels of PPE
Level C: Protection should be used when all types of air contaminants
have been identified, concentrations measured, and an air-purifying
respirator is available that can remove the contaminants; and
all criteria for the use of air-purifying respirators are met.
PPE includes a full-face or half face air-purifying respirator (NIOSH
approved). Hooded chemical-resistant clothing such as tyvek, inner and
outer gloves, and steel shank chemical resistant boots.
Review of Levels of PPE
Level D: Should be used when the atmosphere contains no known hazard;
and work functions preclude splashes, immersion, or the potential for
unexpected inhalation of or contact with hazardous levels of any chemicals.
“Modified D”: No inhalation hazard present. However, potential skin
contact with chemicals may occur.
*Courtesy of the EPA website;
Exxon Valdez Spill Recovery: Note: no respiratory protection is used, but
chemical protective clothing is used.
Review of Levels of PPE
*Courtesy of the EPA website;
This Superfund site, called the Valley of the Drums, was one of the earliest
and most serious hazardous waste sites because it involved a vast quantity
of illegally disposed material. Discovery of this site helped motivate
Congress to develop the Superfund law. (Courtesy EPA).
Can you find the workers in this picture?
Selection of Respiratory Protection-Types
There are two primary types of respirators: Air-purifying and
Atmosphere supplying.
1) Air-Purifying Respirator (APR): Both Negative & Positive Pressure
Types. Removes contaminants by mechanical removal of
particulates using filters and chemical cartridges used for the
removal of gasses & vapors by adsorption (surface binding). They
can’t be worn in oxygen-deficient or IDLH atmospheres. The air
concentration must be within the maximum use concentration of
the respirator.
2) Atmosphere Supplying: Provides fresh breathing air (“Grade D”
quality) from an external source. Examples of types of supplied air
are Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and Airline
respirators, .
Selection of Respiratory Protection-Types
An Air-Purifying Respirator (APR) is a respirator with an airpurifying filter, cartridge, or canister that removes specific air
contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-purifying
element. An APR can be either a negative pressure or positive
pressure type.
Air
Selection of Respirators-Types
A Positive Pressure Respirator is a respirator in which the
pressure inside the respirator inlet covering exceeds the
ambient air pressure outside the respirator.
A Powered-Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) is an
example of a positive pressure respirator. It uses a blower
motor (generally battery powered) to force the Ambient air
through air-purifying elements to the inlet covering.
Selection of Respiratory Protection-Use Factors
To select an Air Purifying Respirator you must know:

The Identity of the contaminant. Generally the contaminants
can be found on the material safety data sheet or product label.
However, specific chemical reactions can create additional hazards.

The Concentration of the contaminant The airborne
concentration of the contaminant must not exceed the maximum
use limit of the respirator (with cartridges and filters).

The Exposure Limit for the contaminant. This value is
typically found on the product material safety data sheet, NIOSH
pocket guide to chemical hazards, or IH can provide this
information.
Selection of Respiratory Protection-Use Factors
To select an Air Purifying Respirator you must know:

IDLH for the contaminant. The airborne concentration of the
chemical substance must not be exceeded the IDLH value. The
NIOSH pocket guide to chemical hazards provides this information.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg. Also on product MSDS.

The Odor Threshold for the contaminant. A warning
property exists when a chemical vapor has a distinct odor or taste,
or when it causes respiratory tract or eye irritation.

The type of Chemical Cartridge to use for the contaminant.
The chemical substance must be able to be filtered, absorbed, or
neutralized by the APR.

The Oxygen Level: atmospheric level of oxygen must be above
19.5%
Selection of Respiratory Protection-Use Factors
The following conditions exclude or may exclude use of an Air
Purifying Respirator:

Oxygen Deficiency

IDLH concentrations of specific substances

Entry into an unventilated or confined area where the exposure
conditions have not been characterized.

Presence or potential presence of unidentified contaminants.

Contaminant concentrations are unknown or exceed designated
maximum use concentrations (explained on following slides).

Identified gasses or vapors have inadequate warning properties.

High relative humidity (may reduce the protection offered by the
sorbent).
Selection of Respiratory Protection-Supplied Air
Atmosphere-Supplying Respirator is a respirator that
supplies the user with breathing air from a source independent of
the ambient atmosphere. Types include supplied-air respirators
(SARs) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units.
Selection of Respiratory Protection-Supplied Air
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is an
atmosphere supplying respirator for which the breathing air
source is designed to be carried by the user. This type of respirator
is considered to provide the highest level of respiratory protection.
Pressure-demand types of SCBAs are used for fire fighting,
rescue, emergency response, and other situations. They are
acceptable for oxygen-deficient conditions, and against a wide
variety of contaminants, and for entry into IDLH atmospheres.
Disadvantage is that the work time is limited to amount of air in the
external tank and the extra weight of the tank.
Selection of Respiratory Protection-IDLH
Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) is an
atmosphere that posses an immediate threat to life, would cause
irreversible, adverse, debilitating health effects, or would impair an
individuals ability to escape.
For example, Oxygen-deficient atmospheres, less than 19.5 % oxygen by
volume at sea level are considered (IDLH). Examples where IDLH
situations may occur include entry into unventilated silos, boilers, tanks,
sewers, etc.
Other examples of IDLH situations include:
-When a specific chemical exceeds its established IDLH concentration.
IDLH values are published by the National Institute of Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the NIOSH Pocket Guide to
Chemical Hazards. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg.
-Chemical concentrations that are in excess of their published IDLH
value and in excess of their Lower Explosive Limit are considered
IDLH.
-Firefighting and Emergency Response to an unknown contaminated
atmosphere are considered IDLH.
Selection of Respiratory Protection-IDLH
Is the below picture an example of a potential IDLH environment?
What other hazards are present?
Selection of Respiratory Protection-APFs

Assigned protection factors (APFs): APFs are very important part of
the selection process.

The assigned protection factor is the expected workplace level of
respiratory protection that would be provided by a properly
functioning respirator or a class of respirator to properly fitted and
trained users. APFs are a measure of the overall effectiveness of a
respirator used in conjunction with a good respirator program.

Many groups have developed lists of APFs. In the United States, the
two main lists of APFs are from the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) and NIOSH; however, respirator manufacturers
also recommend assigned protection factors.
Selection of Respiratory Protection-APFs

Assigned protection factors (APFs): In these studies measurements
(air samples) are taken simultaneously outside and inside the
respirator as the worker does his or her normal job.
An APF of 10 means that the respirator will reduce the
contaminant's concentration actually breathed in by 10 times
compared with the actual airborne concentration.
Examples of Assigned Protection Factors (NIOSH Guidance):
1. Half face piece APR: both filtering face piece and elastomeric dual
cartridge: 10
2. Full face piece APR: 50 or 100 ( PF 100, e.g. North 7600 8A
series)
3. Powered Air Purifying Respirator (full face): 1,000
4. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus: 10,000
Selection of Respiratory Protection-MUC

Maximum Use Concentration (MUC): A respirator may not be used
at a concentration greater than the contaminant’s occupational
exposure limit times the assigned protection factor for the type of
respirator used.

This is called the Maximum Use Concentration of the respirator. It
is determined by multiplying the PEL or Occupational Exposure
Limit by the APF.
MUC = PEL (OEL) of contaminant X APF of the
respirator
However, other factors must be considered. For example the MUC
will be limited by the following:
* IDLH value
*Chemical cartridge rating
*Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres
Selection of Respiratory Protection-MUC
Maximum Use Concentration (MUC):
MUC = PEL (OEL) of contaminant X
APF of the respirator
For example, Toluene’s PEL is 200 PPM. A ½ face APR has
an APF of 10. What is the MUC? Could a ½ face APR be
used safely for this environment if the air concentration was
2,000 PPM?.
Do any other factors apply?
Selection of Respiratory Protection-MUC
Maximum Use Concentration (MUC):
MUC = PEL (OEL) of contaminant X APF of the respirator
Answer: The MUC for the ½ face APR is 2,000 PPM.
However, other important factors must be considered besides the MUC
calculation.
The chemical cartridges would probably experience breakthrough at
1,000 ppm.
In addition, the NIOSH IDLH value for Toluene is 500 ppm.
*Therefore at this concentration, a ½ face APR can not be used due to
an IDLH environment and due to over saturation of the chemical
cartridges.
Only a positive pressure SCBA or positive pressure supplied
air line respirator with an escape cylinder could be used.!!!!
Selection of Respiratory Protection-MUC
Maximum Use Concentration (MUC):
MUC = PEL (OEL) of contaminant X APF of the respirator
For example, there is a large spill of Acetic Anhydride. After initial
investigation in Level B protection, air monitoring determined an air
concentration of 100 ppm. What would be an appropriate respirator to
use for response to clean up the spill?
-The PEL =
5 PPM
-IDLH value= 200 PPM
-Assume a cartridge rating of 0.1% by volume = 1,000 PPM
Answer: A half face APR could not be used. MUC = PF 10 X 5 = 50
A full face APR could be used! MUC= PF 50 X 5 = 250
Safety Issues/Problems with Use of Respirators
The use of Personal Protective Equipment (including a respirator) can
itself create significant worker hazards such as:
-Heat stress,
- Physical and psychological stress,
- Impaired vision, impaired mobility, and impaired communication.
In general, greater levels of PPE can cause the associated risk to increase.
The next couple of slides addresses specific problems with use of a
respirator.
Safety Issues/Problems with Use of Respirators
Facial Hair- facial hair that lies along the sealing area of the respirator
such as beards, sideburns, or even a few days of growth of stubble, shall
not be permitted because wit will prevent a good seal and may cause
leakage of the respirator, which could cause contaminants to enter your
breathing zone.
The use of a:
=
Safety Issues/Problems with Use of Respirators
Prescription Eye Glasses: Responders can not wear prescription
glasses with a full- face air purifying respirator or SCBA face piece. Eye
glasses with temple bars or straps that pass between the sealing
surface of a full face piece and can cause the mask to not fit tightly on the
face. This will produce a break in the face to face piece seal and can
cause leakage and cause contaminants to enter your breathing zone.
Special inserts with corrective lenses can be placed inside a full-facepiece
respirator and are available from all manufactures of full-facepiece
respirators.
Eye glasses or goggles may interfere with half-face respirators. When
interference occurs, a full-facepiece with special corrective lenses should
be provided and worn.
Safety Issues/Problems with Use of Respirators
Impaired Vision: Peripheral vision is impaired when using most types
of full face respirators. Dependent on the type of respirator, you can
only see a limited field of view. In addition, certain weather conditions
such as high humidity and cold weather can fog the interior lens of the
respirator which can further impair vision.
Impaired Situational Awareness: With the respirator donned, you
must be cognizant of the surrounding work environment such as
distance away from hazardous equipment, moving objects, potential slip,
trips, and fall hazards, moving vehicles, etc.
Impaired Communication: Is much more difficult. Especially if
using radios or talking to a buddy in PPE with background noise.
Safety Issues/Problems with Use of Respirators
Heat Stress: In the summer months, this is a major concern. Ensure
everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms of heat related injuries (e.g.
heat rash, heat exhaustion, & heat stroke).
In addition, a person working in high temperatures is under increased levels of
stress. Wearing a respirator causes additional stress. A respirator that
provides low breathing resistance is recommended under these conditions (e.g.
supplied air respirator or powered-air purifying respirators). Such a respirator
used in low or high temperature atmospheres may be equipped with a vortex
tube to cool the air inspired. Also recommend drinking plenty of water before
and during the response action.
Also heat stress is a major concern with the various levels of PPE used during a
response. Cooling packs are recommended to help cool responders. They come
in different styles by safety manufacturers.
Safety Issues/Problems with Use of Respirators
Fatigue: has both a physical and psychological effect. During major
response events, 1st Responders and support staff could be faced with a
work schedule where routine meals or breaks are suddenly interrupted.
Work conditions suddenly change from an office or training environment
to real conditions.
Recommendations consist of adequate work/rest cycles; Use of the
buddy system to identify signs of fatigue; and enforcement of operational
periods and fatigue recommendations in the field.
Selection of Filters and Chemical Cartridges
Filters are an integral component used with negative and positive
pressure air purifying respirators to remove solid or liquid aerosols such as
dusts, mists, fibers, and metal fumes.
This type of element "filters" particulate matter by physically trapping it in
the fibrous filter material. In addition, the wool-felt filters contain an
electrostatic charge that increases filter efficiency by electrostatically
attracting the particles to the fibers. Although mechanical filters become
more efficient as they are used, they should be changed when breathing
resistance becomes excessive.
Selection of Filters and Chemical Cartridges
Particulate filters have different classifications of filter efficiency based on
the testing procedures for protection against oil mist.
P100 filter designation is the primary type of HEPA used for protection
against dusts, mists, fumes, smokes (any particulates). It has been
tested for a 99.97% filter efficiency when tested against 0.3 um docytl
phthalate (DOP- “oil mist”) particles.
P100 filters are color coded purple/magenta.
Selection of Filters and Chemical Cartridges
There are 9 classes of respirator particulate filters:
3 Series Types
N = Not oil resistant
R = Resistant to oil
P = oil Proof
3 Efficiency Percentages
95 % efficient
99 % efficient
100 % efficient
Filter Classifications can be any combination of the listed Series
and Efficiency
(e.g.. N-95, N-pp, N-100, R-95, R-99, R-100, P-95, P-99, P100)
Selection of Filters and Chemical Cartridges
Canister or Cartridge is a container with a filter, sorbent, or
catalyst, or combination of these items, which removes specific
contaminants from the air passed through the container. They
differ from aerosol filters in that they use sorbents, generally
carbon to remove harmful gasses and vapors.
Selection of Filters and Chemical Cartridges
To make it easier for the user to identify respirator cartridges and
filters, they have designated colors. The color is based on the type
of air contaminant (s) which the user will be wearing the respirator
for protection against. Examples of filter and cartridge colors and
associated contaminant type include:






Acid gasses – White
Organic vapors- Black
Ammonia gas- Green
Acid gasses and organic vapors- Yellow
P100 & HEPA filters- Purple/magenta
Mercury Vapor- Orange
Selection of Filters and Chemical Cartridges
The service life of the chemical cartridge varies
based on variables including:
-Chemical weight (carbon and molecular weight) of the
vapor,
-The cartridge media
-The concentration of vapor in the atmosphere,
-The relative humidity of the atmosphere,
-The breathing rate of the respirator wearer.
Selection of Filters and Chemical Cartridges
It is important to implement a Chemical Cartridge Change Out
Schedule. The change schedule described in the plan for canister
and cartridges must be based on objective information or data
(e.g. industrial hygiene air monitoring data) that will ensure that
canisters or cartridges are changed before their end of service life.
This will help prevent “break-through” of the chemical cartridge
and will prevent the wearer from being exposed to air
contaminants as a result of overuse of a saturated chemical
cartridge.
If uncertain about the length of use, recommend disposing of the
chemical cartridges after the response action or the work shift and
obtain new ones.
Selection of Filters and Chemical Cartridges
When using a respirator for protection for gasses and
vapors, if you detect a chemical taste, smell, or irritation, you
should exit to a clean area and replace the cartridges and inspect
the respirator immediately.
Additional assistance in determining chemical cartridge change
schedules can be found under the Workplace Safety/Respiratory
Protection Section of our website at: http://www.ehs.unc.edu/workplace
If uncertain about the length of use, recommend disposing of the
chemical cartridges after the response action or the work shift and
obtain new ones.
Selection of Filters and Chemical Cartridges
What type of filter or cartridge is the below?
Types of Respirators
Review of the Characteristics of Specific Types of Respirators
Category and Type of
Respirator
Air-Supplying:
Positive Pressure, Self
Contained Breathing
Apparatus
NIOSH
Protection
Factor
Use for Unknown
Exposures and
Concentrations?
Specific
Cartridge(s)
Needed?
Required
Maintenance
Level
Interferes
with
Eyeglasses?
Can be
worn by
persons
with
Facial
hair?
Yes
No
High
Yes
No
10,000
Air-Supplying:
Supplied air (air line)
10-2000
No
No
High
Yes
Air-Purifying:
Powered, Tight-fitting hood
50- 1,000
No
Yes
High
Yes
No
No
Yes
High
No
Yes
Powered, Loose-fitting
hood
25
Yes (with
loose fitting
hood only)
Air-Purifying:
Full-face piece
50
No
Yes
Moderate
Yes
No
Air-Purifying:
Half-face piece
10
No
Yes
Moderate
Maybe
No
10
No
No
Low
Maybe
No
Air-Purifying:
Filtering face piece,
Disposable (e.g. N95)
Medical Evaluation
Using a respirator may place a physiological burden, which varies
with type of respirator worn, the job and workplace conditions in
which the respirator is used, and the medical status of the
employee. Potential negative physical demands of wearing a
respirator include:





Extra strain on the heart
Increased body temperature
Heat Stress
Dehydration
Other ill health effects
Each employee assigned to wear a respirator in carrying out his/her
job responsibilities is to receive a medical evaluation to determine
his/her ability to wear a respirator. The medical evaluation must
be performed to determine the employee’s ability to use a
respirator, before fit testing and use.
Inspection Procedures
All respirators used in routine situations are to be inspected before
and after each use and during cleaning. Before donning and using
the respirator check for any malfunctions such as:







Broken/loose connectors
Receptacles
Cracked distorted facepieces
Deformed valves
Unclean respirators
Check that you have the correct filter/cartridge and that the
service life has not been exceeded.
If something is damaged or worn, get a replacement part
before using it.
Respirator Inspection
Donning the respirator: There are general steps you take with
any respirator-try different respirator sizes until you are sure of
fit and comfort. For example, if a half-mask respirator does not
fit, you may have to wear a full face respirator.
Steps: Place chin in the respirator, pull it over your head,
tighten straps, check for tight seal.
Always perform a positive and negative pressure user seal
check to ensure a good seal (explained in more detail in the
following slides).
Respirators that fail an inspection or are found to be defective
are to be removed from service, and either discarded, repaired,
or adjusted. Repairs or adjustments are to be made by persons
appropriately trained.
Respirator Inspection
Each individual who uses a tight-fitting respirator is to perform
a user seal check to ensure that an adequate seal is achieved
each time the respirator is put on. This can be achieved by
performing a positive and negative pressure check.
Positive Pressure Check
Negative Pressure Check
Respirator Inspection
Negative Pressure Check: Close off the inlet opening of the
canister or cartridges by covering with the palm of the hand or
by replacing the filter seal, inhale gently so that the face piece
collapses slightly, and hold the breath for ten seconds. This
test can be performed by covering the inlet opening of the
cartridge with a thin latex or nitrile glove. If the face piece
remains in its slightly collapsed condition and no inward
leakage of air is detected, the tightness of the respirator is
considered satisfactory.
Respirator Inspection
Positive Pressure Check: Close off the exhalation valve (place
palm of your hand over exhalation valve) and exhale gently into the
face piece. The face fit is considered satisfactory if a slight positive
pressure can be built up inside the face piece without any evidence of
outward leakage of air at the seal.
Fit-Test Procedures
Employees at UNC-CH are required to receive a quantitative fit test
with the respirator that they will be using. The fit-testing will occur
prior to initial use of the respirator, or whenever a different respirator
face piece (size, style, model, or make) is used, and at least annually
thereafter.
An additional fit-test is conducted annually thereafter and whenever
the employee, supervisor, the Environment, Health, and Safety Office,
or the UEOHC makes visual observations of changes in the employee’s
physical condition that could affect respirator fit.
Such conditions include, but are not limited to, facial scarring, dental
changes, cosmetic surgery, or any obvious change in body weight. The
employee may select a different respirator if he/she does not think the
respirator fit is acceptable, even after passing the test.
Fit-Test Procedures
Quantitative fit testing is an assessment of the adequacy of
respirator fit by numerically measuring the amount of leakage
into the respirator. Testing is accomplished by modifying the
face piece to allow sampling inside the face piece in the
breathing zone of the user, midway between the nose and
mouth. This requirement is accomplished by using a sampling
adapter designed to temporarily provide a means of sampling
air from inside the face piece.
Fit-Test Procedures
A quantitative fit-test determines a fit-factor for the employee based on the type of
the respirator used. A fit-factor is a quantitative estimate of the fit of a particular
respirator to a specific individual, and estimates the ratio:
Fit Factor = Concentration of particles in the ambient air
Concentration of particles inside the respirator when worn
•
•
Fit Factor Range: 1 to greater that 10,000
Particle Size Range: 0.02 to greater than 1.0 micrometer
Required Fit-Factor
Type of Respirator
100
Half-face APR & N95 respirator
500
Full Face APR
1000
North 76008A Series Full Face
APR
Maintenance & Storage Requirements
All respirators are to be stored to protect them from damage,
contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive
moisture, and damaging chemicals. They are to be packed or
stored to prevent deformation of the face piece and exhalation
valve.
Store respirators in a sealed plastic bag in a clean and preferably
cool area such as a storage cabinet or locker.
Emergency use respirators are to be kept accessible to the work
area; and stored in compartments or in covers that are clearly
marked as containing emergency respirators; and stored in
accordance with any applicable manufacturer instructions.
Maintenance and Storage Requirements
Maintenance and Care of Respirators: Employees are to be
provided with respirators that are clean, sanitary, and in good
working order. Respirators are to be cleaned and disinfected using
procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer. Review the
respirator instruction manual for specific procedures for cleaning and
disinfecting the respirator.
Respirators are to be cleaned and disinfected at the following
intervals:
-As often as necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition;
-Generally after each use
-If the respirator is shared among employees it must be disinfected
and cleaned after each use.
Review
Respiratory Protection- Review

UNC-CH has established rules about hazardous atmospheres to
protect you at work?
 True or False

You are required to perform and positive and negative pressure
check every time you don an air purifying respirator?
 True or
False

The type of hazards you are exposed to determines the
respirator selection process?
 True or
False.

Which of the following is NOT a method of engineering control
for airborne contaminants?
 Respirators.
 Substitution.
 Local Exhaust Ventilation
Respiratory Protection- Review

The two primary classifications of respirators are called?



A P100 filter is what kind of filter and what color code is it?


High efficiency particulate air/purple-magenta
An organic vapor chemical cartridge (color coded black) can be
used for what work operations?


Air-Purifying
Atmosphere Supplying
Paint and solvent vapors when there is a potential vapor exposure
hazard
What type of maintenance should you perform on PPE?



Inspect it.
Proper storage.
Clean it.
Any questions regarding UNC-CH Respiratory
Protection Program, please call:
Workplace Safety
Phone: 919.962.5507
1120 Estes Drive Ext.
Campus Box 1650
Chapel Hill, NC, 27599
Web: www.ehs.unc.edu