Respirator Program

Training Outline• 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 RespiratorsWorkers 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• Airline respirator• Air purifying respirator• ALARA substance• Canister or cartridge• Escape respirator• Fit check• Fit test

Terms Used - cont’d.

• HEPA filter• IDLH• MSDS Sheet• Oxygen deficiency• Qualitative fit test• Quantitative fit test• SCBA

The Respirator Program• 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

– 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 RespiratorsAir 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• 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 RespiratorsEscape 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&

Fit Testing

Negative Pressure Check

• 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

• 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• 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.

• 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• The Respirator Program • Terms used • Breathing hazards • Selection, use, inspection, care

and storage of respirators• Fit testing and cleaning

procedures• Medical factors

Questions?