Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION ................................................................................................................................ 1
Purpose ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Scope .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Application .................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Definitions ................................................................................................................................................................... 2
General ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
Employees ................................................................................................................................................. 6
Medical Evaluation ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
General Requirements.................................................................................................................................................. 6
Fit Test ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Training........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Respirator Cleaning and Maintenance ......................................................................................................................... 8
RESPIRATOR SELECTION GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................... 8
Breathing Air Quality ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Program Evaluation ................................................................................................................................................... 14
Record Keeping ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 1 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to provide the guidelines for the selection, use and maintenance of respirators for
the protection of employees against the inhalation of harmful air contaminants and oxygen-deficient atmospheres in
the workplace where required by regulations and/or specified by P2S Corporate HSE.
Scope
This procedure outlines the personnel responsibilities, medical evaluations and the use, maintenance and selection
of respiratory protection.
Application
This procedure shall apply to all P2S and subcontractor personnel.
Definitions
Atmosphere-Supplying Respirator
A respirator that supplies the respirator user with breathing air from a source independent of the ambient
atmosphere and includes supplied-air respirators (SARs) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) units.
Air-purifying respirator
A device that filters removes specific air contaminants by passing ambient air through the air-purifying element.
Atmospheric contaminant
Any substance, either gaseous or particulate, which is not a constituent of the normal atmosphere or which is
present in a concentration greater than that found in the normal atmosphere.
Breathing air (respirable air)
Air of quality intended to be suitable for human respiration at normal atmospheric pressure with an oxygen range of
between 19.5% and 23.5 %.
Disposable respirator
A device for which maintenance is not intended and which is designed to be discarded after excessive resistance,
sorbent exhaustion, physical damage or end of service-life renders it unsuitable for use.
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 2 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
End-Of-Service-Life-Indicator (ESLI)
A system that warns the respirator user of the approach of the end of adequate respiratory protection.
Escape type respirator
A device for emergency escape from a respiratory hazard.
Fit Factor
A quantitative estimate of the fit of a particular respirator to a specific individual, and typically estimates the ration
of concentration for a substance in ambient air to its concentration inside the respirator when worn.
Filter or Air-Purifying Element
A component used in respirators to remove solid or liquid aerosols from the inspired air.
Full face piece
A close fitting device to cover the eyes, nose and mouth and be secured in position by suitable means.
Hood
That portion of the respirator, which completely covers the head, neck, and portions of the shoulders.
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)
A filter that is at least 99.97% efficient in removing monodisperse particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameter.
Hose-mask respirator
A respirator, used with a full face piece through which respirable air from a source remote from the workplace is
available to the wearer through an air hose at atmospheric or near atmospheric pressure.
Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)
Exposure to an atmosphere that poses an immediate adverse effect on health or the ability to escape.
Negative pressure respirator (tight fitting)
A respirator in which the air pressure inside the face piece is negative during inhalation with respect to the ambient
air pressure outside the respirator.
Nose clip
A device designed to occlude the nostrils to prevent air inhalation. Normally used in conjunction with a
mouthpiece.
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 3 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Oxygen-deficient atmosphere
An atmosphere that does not contain enough oxygen (less than 19.5%) to fully support the body’s metabolic
processes.
Particulates
A term used in this Procedure to refer to particulate aerosols such as dusts, mists, smoke, and fumes.
Positive pressure respirator
A respirator in which the pressure inside the respiratory inlet covering is positive with respect to ambient air
pressure outside the respirator.
Powered air-purifying respirator
An air purifying respirator that uses a blower to force the ambient air through air-purifying elements to the inlet
covering.
Pressure demand respirator
A positive pressure atmosphere-supplying respirator that admits breathing air to the face piece when the positive
pressure is reduced inside the face piece by inhalation.
Qualitative fit test
A facial fit test giving pass/fail results and relying on the subject’s response to a test agent.
Respirable air (breathing air)
Air of quality intended to be suitable for human respiration.
Respirator
A personal respiratory protective device that is designed to prevent the inhalation of contaminated air.
Routine Respirator Use
Wearing a respirator as a normal procedure when carrying out a regular and frequently repeated task.
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
A portable respirator that supplies oxygen, air or other respirable gas from a source carried by the user.
Supplied air respirator
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 4 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
A source of respirable air, independent of the work environment, which is conveyed to the person through an air
line, air hose or by the person carrying apparatus which provides the air.
General
Lung Function testing is required for personnel requiring routine respirator use. Medical clearance is required for
individuals requiring routine respirator use. Annual medical evaluation is required of personnel requiring routine
respirator use.
Biological monitoring in the form of blood and/or urinary analysis for employees where required by relevant
Statutory Authorities or when specified by the Project Manager.
Carry out and document a Safety Task Assignment (STA) or Job Safety Analysis (JSA) when there is a need for
personnel to wear respiratory protection.
Employee training on correct selection, use and maintenance of respiratory equipment.
Administrator must be knowledgeable of the complexity of the program, conduct evaluations, and be properly
trained.
P2S will provide respirators, training, and medical evaluations at no cost to the employee.
Responsibilities
-
Project Manager
o Implement this Procedure;
o Medically evaluate employees that require routine respirator use; and
o Provide continued support and resources for effective implementation.
o Comply with this Procedure;
o Evaluate the working environment to ascertain which specific applications require the use of
respiratory protection equipment. Where possible eliminate the need for respiratory protection
through engineering controls including elimination of the task, substitution of the substance
creating the hazard, isolation or enclosure, or the provision of adequate ventilation;
o Provide appropriate training to all persons required to wear respiratory protection;
o Maintain records of medical evaluation, and respirator training;
o Implement procedures to regularly inspect and maintain respiratory protection devices; and
o Establish a system for regularly auditing the operation of this Procedure and for dealing with any
non-compliance.
-
Supervisor
o Provide training for all persons under his or her control that have a need for routine respirator use,
in fitting, storage and maintenance of the respiratory equipment supplied.
o Enforce compliance with the requirements of this Procedure;
o Conduct hazardous analysis prior to work commencing requiring the use of respiratory equipment;
and
o Monitor compliance with the requirements of this Procedure. This should include inspection of a
randomly chosen respirator and audit of relevant inspection checklists.
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 5 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Employees
o
o
o
o
o
Wear, inspect, store and maintain respiratory equipment issued in accordance with training and
instructions received;
Report to the supervisor any malfunction of equipment;
Report to the supervisor any change in physical conditions that could affect respirator fit;
Report to the supervisor any medical signs or symptoms related to the ability to use the respirator;
and
Report to the supervisor if the fit of the respirator becomes unacceptable.
Medical Evaluation
Must be confidential, during normal working hours, convenient, understandable, and the employee must be given a
chance to discuss results with PLHCP.
Personnel routinely required to wear a respirator as a normal procedure when carrying out a regular and frequently
repeated task must be subject to a medical evaluation to determine their fitness to wear a respirator.
Pre-Project Medical refers to requirements for employee pre-placement and periodic medical evaluation. Results of
the medical evaluation are noted on the Medical Evaluation Report.
For Projects where employees will be routinely required to wear respiratory protection, or may reasonably be
expected to do so, the Project Manager shall instruct the examining medical practitioner to conduct lung function
testing. This shall be for the purpose of ascertaining each employee’s suitability for wearing respiratory protection.
General Requirements
The selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective devices shall be in accordance with this Procedure.
Project personnel that require respiratory protection shall be “clean shaven” as follows:
-
-
Beards and moustaches must not protrude beyond projected lines, drawn vertically from the corner of the
mouth; and
When wearing full-face protection, sideburns shall not extend below a line drawn through the top of the
notch in the cartilage of the ear just above and immediately in front of the ear hole and the corner of the
eye.
The seal must be inspected each time the mask is put on. Any mask that does not properly seal must be
removed from service.
The program administrator must address appropriate surveillance, and ensure employees leave the area to
wash, change cartridges, or if they detect break-through or resistance
Persons with long hair must control their hair so that it does not get trapped beneath the fitting surface.
The issue of all respiratory equipment must be recorded.
Hose couplings used with supplied air respirators must be incompatible with other couplings.
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 6 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Employees must exit from work areas when an evacuation alarm is activated, regardless of the type of respirator
being worn.
General plant air shall not be used for respiratory protection unless it is fitted with adequate filtration and safety
devices to support a continued supply of breathable air. Documented results of air quality tests conducted by a fully
accredited laboratory shall be maintained on site and shall be readily available.
NOTE: Many plant air systems use a nitrogen backup to keep the instrument air working. This can switch
to nitrogen without notification and may be fatal if used. DO NOT use the plant air system if it’s on a
nitrogen backup!
Entry to IDLH or oxygen deficient atmospheres, or atmospheres where the level of contaminant may change or be
unknown, shall not proceed until a JSA has been carried out and all necessary actions implemented.
An outside standby person is required for all IDLH environments. A constant communication must be established.
The standby must have been properly trained and have the proper equipment available. Training should include the
notification procedures, and necessary action. Mandatory equipment must include SCBA or SAR with auxiliary air
supply & appropriate retrieval equipment or equivalent rescue means.
Fit Test
P2S is required to ensure employees pass qualitative fit test (QLFT) or quantitative fit test (QNFT) before initial
use, if a different respirator is used, and annually. SARs are required to be fit tested as well.
Training
Employees will be trained initially, annually, and on an as-needed basis in the proper use and limitations of the
respirators to be used for routine and/or emergency work. Training will include the selection of a properly fitting
face-piece and the trial wearing of each type of respirator to be used.
Medical, respirators, and training are required to be provided free to the employee.
A competent and qualified trainer shall conduct training.
As a minimum, the training should cover:
-
Hazard identification – gaseous and particulate contaminants, and oxygen deficient atmospheres, and
hazard evaluation/risk assessment;
Reasons for the use of respirators – exposure limits for various substances set by regulatory authorities;
Project areas where respiratory protection will be required;
Current controls in place (if any) or proposed (e.g., engineering, administrative);
Respirator selection;
Respirator fitting;
Limitations of respirators;
Maintenance, cleaning and storage of respirators; and
Maintain records of training.
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 7 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Respirator Cleaning and Maintenance
Respirators must be regularly inspected, cleaned and maintained with a respirator sanitary wipe pad daily, by the
individual that wore the mask.
If a mask is worn by other than one (1) person, the mask will be sterilized by the safety supply rental company. DO
NOT DISMANTLE THE SUPPLIED AIR RESPIRATOR! When not in use, the respirator must be placed in a
plastic bag and the user’s name as well as date placed on the outside. At no time are masks to be left out in the
open on the job site.
Any respiratory protective equipment found to be defective should be taken out of service, tagged with an “Out of
Service” tag and repaired as soon as possible.
Records shall be maintained for each respirator and will include inspection and repair records. To facilitate proper
maintenance a clean room with running water is required for maintenance of respirators.
Half face respirators shall be inspected, cleaned and maintained by the person to whom it is issued.
Disposable Respirators: All disposable masks are to be rendered un-usable (straps removed, etc.) and then properly
disposed.
The Project Manager shall allocate responsibility for inspection, cleaning and maintenance of all other respirators to
a suitably trained employee(s).
When not in use, respirators shall be stored in clean, sealed containers provided for that purpose.
RESPIRATOR SELECTION GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Hazards must be identified and NIOSH certified respirators must be selected and provided based on those hazards
and factors affecting performance.
P2S shall select and provide an appropriate respirator based on the respiratory hazard(s) to which the worker is
exposed and workplace and user factors that affect respirator performance and reliability.
P2S shall select a NIOSH-certified respirator. The respirator shall be used in compliance with the conditions of its
certification.
P2S shall identify and evaluate the respiratory hazard(s) in the workplace; this evaluation shall include a reasonable
estimate of employee exposures to respiratory hazard(s) and an identification of the contaminant's chemical state
and physical form. Where the employer cannot identify or reasonably estimate the employee exposure, the
employer shall consider the atmosphere to be IDLH.
P2S shall select respirators from a sufficient number of respirator models and sizes so that the respirator is
acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user.
Respirators for IDLH atmospheres.
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 8 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
P2S shall provide the following respirators for employee use in IDLH atmospheres:
A full facepiece pressure demand SCBA certified by NIOSH for a minimum service life of thirty minutes, or
A combination full facepiece pressure demand supplied-air respirator (SAR) with auxiliary self-contained air
supply.
Respirators provided only for escape from IDLH atmospheres shall be NIOSH-certified for escape from the
atmosphere in which they will be used.
All oxygen-deficient atmospheres shall be considered IDLH. Exception: If the employer demonstrates that, under
all foreseeable conditions, the oxygen concentration can be maintained within the ranges specified in Table II of
this section (i.e., for the altitudes set out in the table), then any atmosphere-supplying respirator may be used.
Respirators for atmospheres that are not IDLH.
The employer shall provide a respirator that is adequate to protect the health of the employee and ensure
compliance with all other OSHA statutory and regulatory requirements, under routine and reasonably foreseeable
emergency situations.
Assigned Protection Factors (APFs) Employers must use the assigned protection factors listed in Table 1 to
select a respirator that meets or exceeds the required level of employee protection. When using a combination
respirator (e.g., airline respirators with an air-purifying filter), employers must ensure that the assigned protection
factor is appropriate to the mode of operation in which the respirator is being used.
Table 1. -- Assigned Protection Factors5
Type of respirator1, 2
Quarter
mask
Half mask Full
Helmet/
facepiece hood
1. Air-Purifying Respirator
2. Powered Air-Purifying Respirator
(PAPR)
3. Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR) or
Airline Respirator
• Demand mode
• Continuous flow mode
• Pressure-demand or other positivepressure mode
4. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA)
• Demand mode
• Pressure-demand or other positivepressure mode (e.g., open/closed circuit)
5
..............
3
10
50
50
1,000
Loosefitting
facepiece
.............. ..............
4
25/1,000 25
..............
..............
..............
10
50
50
50
1,000
1,000
.............. ..............
4
25/1,000 25
.............. ..............
..............
..............
10
..............
50
10,000
50
10,000
..............
..............
Notes:
1
Employers may select respirators assigned for use in higher workplace concentrations of a hazardous substance for
use at lower concentrations of that substance, or when required respirator use is independent of concentration.
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 9 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
2
The assigned protection factors in Table 1 are only effective when the employer implements a continuing, effective
respirator program as required by this section (29 CFR 1910.134), including training, fit testing, maintenance, and
use requirements.
3
This APF category includes filtering facepieces, and half masks with elastomeric facepieces.
4
The employer must have evidence provided by the respirator manufacturer that testing of these respirators
demonstrates performance at a level of protection of 1,000 or greater to receive an APF of 1,000. This level of
performance can best be demonstrated by performing a WPF or SWPF study or equivalent testing. Absent such
testing, all other PAPRs and SARs with helmets/hoods are to be treated as loose-fitting facepiece respirators, and
receive an APF of 25.
5
These APFs do not apply to respirators used solely for escape. For escape respirators used in association with
specific substances covered by 29 CFR 1910 subpart Z, employers must refer to the appropriate substance-specific
standards in that subpart. Escape respirators for other IDLH atmospheres are specified by 29 CFR 1910.134
(d)(2)(ii).
Maximum Use Concentration (MUC)
P2S must select a respirator for employee use that maintains the employee's exposure to the hazardous substance,
when measured outside the respirator, at or below the MUC.
P2S must not apply MUCs to conditions that are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH); instead, use
respirators listed for IDLH conditions.
When the calculated MUC exceeds the IDLH level for a hazardous substance, or the performance limits of the
cartridge or canister, then employers must set the maximum MUC at that lower limit.
The respirator selected shall be appropriate for the chemical state and physical form of the contaminant.
For protection against gases and vapors, P2S shall provide:

An atmosphere-supplying respirator, or

An air-purifying respirator, provided that:
The respirator is equipped with an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) certified by NIOSH for the contaminant; or
If there is no ESLI appropriate for conditions in the employer's workplace, the employer implements a change
schedule for canisters and cartridges that is based on objective information or data that will ensure that canisters
and cartridges are changed before the end of their service life. The employer shall describe in the respirator
program the information and data relied upon and the basis for the canister and cartridge change schedule and the
basis for reliance on the data.
For protection against particulates, the employer shall provide:

An atmosphere-supplying respirator; or

An air-purifying respirator equipped with a filter certified by NIOSH under 30 CFR part 11 as a high
efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, or an air-purifying respirator equipped with a filter certified for
particulates by NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84; or
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 10 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

For contaminants consisting primarily of particles with mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMAD) of at
least 2 micrometers, an air-purifying respirator equipped with any filter certified for particulates by
NIOSH.
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 11 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
TABLE I. -- ASSIGNED PROTECTION FACTORS
[RESERVED]
TABLE II
Altitude (ft.)
Less than 3,001
3,001-4,000
4,001-5,000
5,001-6,000
6,001-7,000
7,001-8,0001
1
Above 8,000 feet the exception does not apply. Oxygenenriched breathing air must be supplied above 14,000 feet.
Oxygen
deficient
Atmospheres
(% 02) for
which the
employer
atmospheremay rely on
supplying
respirators
16.0-19.5
16.4-19.5
17.1-19.5
17.8-19.5
18.5-19.5
19.3-19.5.
Medical evaluation. Using a respirator may place a physiological burden on employees that varies with the type
of respirator worn, the job and workplace conditions in which the respirator is used, and the medical status of the
employee. Accordingly, this paragraph specifies the minimum requirements for medical evaluation that employers
must implement to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator.
There are a number of important aspects of respirator selection that must be considered. These include those noted
below.
The first step in respirator selection is to identify the hazards (i.e., the contaminants that personnel are expected to
be or may be exposed to). On projects where work is taking place on Client’s operating sites (e.g., maintenance
type projects) relevant information may be obtained from the Client.
On projects where Clients already have a respiratory protection program in place Project Managers must confirm
that respirators specified by the Client are appropriate.
Contaminant based selection factors include:
-
The nature, toxicity, physical form and concentration of the contaminant;
Whether the contaminant is particulate, gas or vapor, or a combination of these;
Whether failure of the device can result in a situation which is immediately dangerous to life or health;
The need to wear other forms of personal protective equipment (e.g., eye or skin protection);
The adequacy of the warning given by the contaminant; and
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 12 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
-
The possibility of the contaminated atmosphere being flammable.
Task related selection factors include:
-
Whether device is for regular use or for emergency or rescue purposes;
The expected length of time the wearer will be in the contaminated atmosphere;
The level of activity and mobility required;
The access to and nature of the working environment and its location with respect to a source of air suitable
for breathing;
The need for clear vision and communication; and
The facilities available to maintain the device;
Operator related selection factors include:
-
Basic physiological considerations (e.g.; regular wearing of some types of respirators places additional
strain on cardiac and respiratory systems, and the physical weight of the device may pose additional
physical/muscular strain);
- The importance of facial fit (e.g., Facial hair, scars, hollow temples, very prominent cheekbones, a
misshapen nose), may cause sealing problems. Positive pressure respirators may reduce the effect of poor
facial fit but will not eliminate the effect of leakage caused by facial hair. Where conservation of the air
supply is important (e.g., self-contained breathing apparatus), any leakage from poor facial fit reduces
service time; and
- User acceptance. It is important that the respirator is worn the entire time that a person is at risk of
exposure. This will be influenced by the wear ability (e.g., Comfort, field of vision and the need to
communicate without removing the device).
Employees required to use respiratory protection should be offered a choice of at least two different makes, and
where available, different models of respirators. They must be allowed to choose the respirator that gives the best
fit.
Only certain types of respirators are allowable in IDLH atmospheres. They include the following:
-
A SCBA, full face piece with minimum service life of 30 minutes;
A combination supplied air respirator with an auxiliary self-contained supply;
A respirator specifically certified for escape from an IDLH atmosphere.
When employees must enter IDLH atmospheres, the Project Manager must be notified. A specific IDLH entry plan
will be created in which one or more rescue personnel will be located outside the IDLH area and will maintain
contact with the employees in the IDLH area. The rescue personnel outside the area will be trained to provide
effective emergency rescue and will be equipped with retrieval equipment or other means for rescue as necessary.
Breathing Air Quality
Air supplied to airline respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus shall meet the following Grade D minimum
requirements:
-
Oxygen: 19.5% min., 23.5% max.
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 13 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
-
Carbon Dioxide: 0.1% max.
Carbon Monoxide: 10 ppm max.
Condensed Hydrocarbons: 5 mg/m3 max.
Water: Concentration to be below the dew point when the air is released into face piece.
All Grade D breathing air must be compressed, not mixed and from a reputable safety supply
company. NO mixed gas processes will be allowed to produce Grade D breathing air.
10% of all grade D breathing air bottles must be tested with a 4 gas monitor to ensure a safe supply
of breathing air.
An air compressor system may be used to supply breathable air, provided the compressor used does not require oil
to lubricate the piston rings and the valves. To be used, an oil-lubricated compressor must be equipped with:
-
-
A filter to remove oil mist;
Charcoal to remove oil vapor;
A carbon monoxide high concentration alarm or a high temperature alarm. When a high temperature alarm
is used, the carbon monoxide concentration shall be tested often enough to assure that the concentration
remains below 10 ppm;
An air tank with sufficient capacity to allow the respirator user to escape to clean air upon compressor
failure;
A compressor failure alarm capable of warning the respirator user or his/her standby; and
A compressor air intake located away from air contaminants such as engine exhaust, ventilation exhaust,
process vents, welding fumes, or paint spray.
Airline respirator couplings shall be incompatible with all other couplings.
When air is supplied from cylinders, the quantity of air available shall be monitored frequently enough to ensure
that the airline respirator user will leave the contaminated atmosphere before the air supply runs out.
Personal air samples must be collected on a representative employee in each job classification without sufficient
objective data. Air Monitoring Record shall be used for this purpose.
Program Evaluation
In an effort to evaluate the programs effectiveness, employees must be asked about fit, selection, use, maintenance
and other related questions. A lack of specific knowledge will require a retraining.
Record Keeping
The purpose of this section is to provide employees and their designated representatives a right of access to relevant
exposure and medical records; and to provide representatives of the Assistant Secretary a right of access to these
records in order to fulfill responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Access by employees, their
representatives, and the Assistant Secretary is necessary to yield both direct and indirect improvements in the
detection, treatment, and prevention of occupational disease.
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 14 of 15
Origination Date:
October 7, 2011
Revision Date:
Release Authorized by:
Danny Trahan, Safety Director
June 2012
Manual Rev 4
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Should P2S cease to do business and there is no successor employer to receive and maintain the records subject to
this standard, the employer shall notify affected current employees of their rights of access to records at least three
(3) months prior to the cessation of the employer's business.
In the absence of an employer to receive and maintain the records, as required to be 30 years, P2S will transfer the
records to the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
P2S Health, Safety & Environmental
Copyright © 2012, P2S. All Rights Reserved.
Page 15 of 15