Safety Systems Hawaii, Inc.
presents
“RESPIRATOR TRAINING: How to
Conduct a Respirator Fit-test?”
By Rocky Alvin T. Guillermo
Cell: (808) 330-2320
Email: rockyguillermo@hawaii.rr.com
Reasons WHY We Are Having this
Training…
1. To know some significant OSHA standards.
2. To be aware of what a contaminated air or
hazardous particles can bring to us.
3. To know some basic points about respirators.
4. To learn the proper protocol on how to conduct
respirator fit-testing.
Some OSHA Standards…
1910.134 (a) (2)
“A respirator shall be provided to each employee when such equipment is
necessary to protect the health of such employees. The employer shall
provide the respirators which are applicable and suitable for the purpose
intended.”
1910.134 (d) (1) (ii)
“The employer shall select a NIOSH-certified respirator. The respirator shall
be used in compliance with the condition of its certification.”
1910.134 (d) (1) (iii)
“…Where the employer cannot identify or reasonably estimate the employee
exposure, the employer shall consider the atmosphere to be IDLH.”
Today’s Major topics…
1. Respirators
2. Fit-testing Procedure using Bitrex/Saccharin
Where?
When?
Why?
What?
How?
Who?
WHAT?
1. WHAT is a respirator?
2. WHAT are the kinds of respirator?
a. APR (Air Purifying Respirators)
- Disposable Respirators
- Reusable Half Masks/Halfpiece Respirators
- Reusable Full Mask/Fullface Respirators
b. SAR (Supplied Airline Respirators)
c. SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)
WHERE?
1. WHERE NOT to use Air-Purifying Respirators?
- environment less or greater than 20.9% Oxygen
- egress or means of escape is limited
- where ventilation is a problem
- in IDLH Environments(Immediately Dangerous to Life
and Health)/Confined Spaces like manholes, vaults, silos,
sewers and etc.
- working places not designed for continuous occupancy
- working areas where unknown atmospheric hazards are
present like ( CO, H2S, and Methane)
DANGER: Do not use an APR in a confined space.
WHEN?
1. WHEN to change or toss a respirator?
- Worn
- Loose Straps
- Torn
- Really Dirty
- Cuts
- Frayed
- Chemical Burns
- Missing Parts/Components
* If a respirator is of disposable kind then it should be
tossed away or condemned right after use.
WHY?
1. WHY should you use a respirator?
a. For protection of yourself from airborne Pathogens like
viruses, flu, and SARS, and also from toxic dusts and
particulates, and noxious gases and vapors;
b. For protection of the patient especially when doing surgery
operations; (Ex. Surgical masks)
c. For compliance to avoid citations;
“Respiratory protection is the number 1 most frequently cited
OSHA standards in year 2008 here in Hawaii. Statistics
shows that there were a total of 42 citations.”
WHO?
1. WHO uses a respirator?
- Militaries
- Maintenance Workers
- Doctors and nurses
- Firefighters
- Construction Workers
- Painters
2. WHO can use a respirator?
- Anyone who has money;
- Most importantly, anyone who is expose to atmosphere hazards
3. WHO is responsible to provide a respirator?
- EMPLOYER.
4. WHO is responsible to take care of a respirator?
- EMPLOYEE/WEARER.
HOW?
1. HOW to inspect a disposable respirator ?
DON’Ts of Disposable Respirators
- Clean the respirator with alcohol/non-alcohol wipes/towelletes.
- Clean it with warm water and mild soap/detergents.
- Air dry or put it in the dryer machine.
- Soak respirator in water.
Always inspect your respirator every time you use it.
PARTICLES
Dusts
Less than 500 micrometer
like soil dusts, human skin
cells, plant pollen, human
& animal hairs, and etc.
usually carried by wind.
Solid
Filter
Fogs
- 5 degree Celsius or 40
degree Fahrenheit
- Forms when water
vapors condenses into
tiny liquid water particles
in the air.
Liquid
Filter
Mists
Same as fog but differs in
density. Reduces visibility
in 2 KM.
Liquid
Filter
Fumes
Any smoke-like
Solid and Liquid
Filter
Smokes
Fires from stove, candles,
oil lamps, and other
combustible materials.
Solid, Liquid and Gas
Combination of Filter and
Cartridge
Sprays
Aerosol paints
Liquid and Gas
Combination of Filter and
Cartridge
Gases/Odors
Ammonia, Chlorine, OV
Gas
Cartridge
Vapors
Substance in a gas phase
Gas
Cartridge
Filter Ratings
Oil resistance
Not oil resistant
Oil Resistant
Oil Proof
Rating
Description
N95
Filters at least 95% of airborne particles
N99
Filters at least 99% of airborne particles
N100
Filters at least 99.97% of airborne
particles
R95
Filters at least 95% of airborne particles
R99*
Filters at least 99% of airborne particles
R100*
Filters at least 99.97% of airborne
particles
P95
Filters at least 95% of airborne particles
P99*
Filters at least 99% of airborne particles
P100
Filters at least 99.97% of airborne
particles
*No NIOSH approvals are held by this type of disposable particulate respirator.
Before wearing a respirator…
1. You must be fit-tested;
2. You must be trained how to use, inspect and
maintain it;
3. You must be aware about its scope and
limitations;
Before undergoing a respirator fittesting…
1. You must have a medical clearance from a physician or other
licensed health care professional (PLHCP);
2. You must be clean shaven; (mustache, side burns, stubble
beard growth and any thing that may interfere with the seal of
the respirator is not allowed.)
- A Licensed Health Care Professional (PLHCP) is an individual
who has successfully completed a prescribed program of study
in a variety of health fields and who has obtained a license of
certificate indicating his or her competence to practice in that
field.
- A Licensed Health Care Professional (PLHCP) is one who
administers, prescribes, or dispenses medications or
procedures to relieve another person’s pain or discomfort, even
if the medication or procedure may hasten or increase the risk
of death.
Fit-testing
Means the use of protocol to qualitatively or quantitatively
evaluate the fit of a respirator on an individual.
1. Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT)
Means a pass/fail fit test to assess the adequacy of respirator
fit that relies on the individual’s response to the test agent.
1. Using a Bitrex (Denatonium Benzoate)/Saccharin – test of taste
2. Using an Irritant Smoke (Stannic Chloride) – test of smell
2. Quantitative Fit Test (QTFT)
Means an assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit by
numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the
respirator.
Ex. Through the use of computer/sensor
Things needed in conducting a
respirator fit-test:
• Fit-testing kit (Bitrex/Saccharin/Irritant Smoke)
• Paperwork (Records/Certificates)
• Selection of Respirators (Brand, Sizes, and
Kinds)
• Gloves/Safety Glass
• Shaver and Shaving Cream
• Pens
• Mirror
Criteria in Choosing the Best
Respirator Fit…
•
•
•
•
•
•
Comfortability
Seals well on the nose bridge
Room for eye protection/vision
Room to talk
Covers the nose bridge to the chin
Adequate strap tension
Fit-testing using a Bitrex or Saccharin
- Ask for medical clearance.
- Ask to shave if there are any beards, sideburns, mustache or anything that may interfere with the
seal of the respirator.
- Did you eat, drink (except plain water), smoke and chew gum in the last 15 minutes?
- Protect yourself using gloves.
- Inform what kind of testing agent and ask fit-test subject to open mouth and slightly extend tongue.
- Check sensitivity of the employee with the sensitivity solution using an approved hood with an
interval of 10 squeezes. Trial and error, up to 30 squeezes. (Note how many squeezes was solicited
which is either 10, 20 or 30 squeezes)
- Ask test subject to gargle with water.
- Conduct a simple training.
- Must ask to wear the respirator for at least 5 minutes.
- Each step shall be performed in a minute.
- Do positive and negative user seal check.
- Pump the number of squeezes solicited initially then pump half of the number of squeezes solicited
every after 30 seconds.
Steps: (Remember: Tell test subject to breathe through the mouth with tongue
extended and not to adjust mask during the process or this voids the test.)
1. Breathe normally; (ASK)
2. Breathe deeply; (ASK)
3. Turn head all the way from one side to another; (ASK)
4. Nod head up-and-down; (ASK)
5. Talking; (ASK) (Ex. Rainbow Passage, Count backward from 100, or recite a
memorized poem or song)
6. Bending over/Jogging in place; (ASK)
7. Breathe normally; (ASK)
Questions:
1. How about if a disposable respirator does not give good fit to the wearer
or he failed during the fit-testing?
ANSWER: Recommend another brand.
2. How often shall a qualitative fit-testing be conducted?
ANSWER: At least 6 months.
3. When is fit-testing required?
ANSWER:
a. Every year;
b. Weight change of 20 pounds or more;
c. Significant facial scarring in the area of the facepiece seal;
d. Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery;
e. Significant dental changes; multiple extractions without
prosthesis.
Influenza A Virus Subtype H1N1
* Popularly known as the swine flu and this is caused by any strain
of influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine). Swine flu is rare in
human. The 2009 swine flu outbreak originated in Venacruz State,
Mexico and the first victim was a 5-year old child.
* Right now, there are 3766 confirmed deaths because of Swine Flu
in America and 5335 total all over the world.
* Symptoms: chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe
headache, coughing, weaknesses, and general discomfort.
* Prevention of spread in humans:
1. Frequent washing of hands with soap and water;
2. Social Distancing;
3. Using protective barriers like respirators and safety glasses;
4. Covering mouth when sneezing and coughing;
Questions???
Cheat Sheet
Hands-on Test