Respiratory Protection Program (RPP)

                                                    

San Joaquin Delta College

Revised: 10/05/2011

Objective

To prevent excessive exposure to airborne contaminants.

To create an environment that will not adversely affect the health, safety, and well being of employees and/or visitors.

Responsibilities - Management Purchase equipment Provide training Conduct initial and

annual required fit tests

Obtaining Medical Questionnaire from employee

Maintaining records, medical, training, and fit test

Responsibilities - Supervisor

Identifying which employees need Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).

Evaluating new or non-routine operations that may present health and safety hazards.

Assisting employees in obtaining and provide training for any new RPE.

Responsibilities - Employee Utilizing the issued RPE

Completing the Medical Evaluation

Informing the supervisor of any personal health problems that may arise with the use of RPE

Guarding against damage

Reporting malfunctions

Using the RPE for which they have been trained and fit tested

Medical Evaluation

An initial medical evaluation is used to determine the employee’s ability to use a respirator, before the fit test or use of.

Additional medical evaluation shall be given if: An employee reports medical signs or symptoms related to use

of a respirator.

A PHLCP, supervisor or respirator program administrator informs the employer that an employee needs to be reevaluated.

Medical Examinations

Will be conducted on all persons: Who work with asbestos containing materials.

Whose Medical Evaluation Questionnaire indicates, or reports a health problem that could be aggravated by the use of RPE.

Who have previously used RPE but have experienced respiratory, cardiovascular, or gastro-intestinal problems that might prove hazardous to their health and safety.

Who require medical clearance for any reason before assignment to activities requiring the use of RPE.

Medical Clearance

Delta College shall obtain a written recommendation from the PLHCP regarding the employee’s:

Limitations on respirator use and whether or not the employee is medically able to use a respirator.

The need, if any, for a follow-up medical evaluations.

A statement that PLHCP has provided the employee with a copy of the written recommendation.

Training

Shall include: Why the respirator is necessary. What the limitations and capabilities. How to use the respirator effectively in emergencies. How to inspect, use and check seals. Maintenance and storage. How to recognize medical signs and symptoms. Requirements of this program and the respirator protection

standard.

Retraining

Changes in the workplace or the type of respirator render precious training obsolete.

Inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of respirator.

Any situation where retraining appears necessary to ensure safe respirator use.

Respirator Selection Determine which NIOSH-certified respirator based on the

respiratory hazard(s).

Is it a gas, vapor, mist, dust, or fume? What is the estimated concentration? What is the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) or Threshold

Limit Value (TLV)? Is it Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (TLV). If flammable does the estimated concentration approach the

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). Does the contaminant have adequate warning properties.

Prohibited-Activities

Do Not alter or modify your respirator in any manner, unless specified in the instruction manual.

Face-piece Seal Protection Facial hair that comes between the

sealing surface of the face-piece and the face or that interferes with valve function.

Any condition interfering with seal or valve function.

If employee wears corrective glasses, must be worn in a manner that it does not interfere with the seal.

Respirator Effectiveness

Employees may leave each respirator use area:

To wash their faces and respirator face-pieces to prevent eye or skin irritation associated with respirator use.

If they detect vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance,or leakage of the face-piece.

To replace the respirator of the filter, cartridge, or canister elements.

Dust Mask

Protect against low concentrations of certain nuisance dusts.

Limitations 1. NO protection against gasses, vapors, or toxic

contaminants.

2. Cannot be used in oxygen deficient areas, or asbestos work.

Air Purifying Half Mask

Protects from irritating chemicals or particulate atmospheres.

Limitations 1. Cannot be used in oxygen deficient or in confined

spaces.

2. Can only be used for protection against contaminants and the concentration limits listed on the cartridge.

Air Purifying Full Mask Similar to half faced but protects eyes from

irritating chemicals or particulate atmospheres.

Limitations1. Cannot be used in oxygen deficient or in

confined spaces. 2. Can only be used for protection against

contaminants and the concentration limits listed on the cartridge.

Powered Air Purifying Half Mask Used in atmospheres with chemical

concentrations exceeding protection factor limitations.

Limitations 1. Cannot be used in oxygen deficient or in

confined spaces.

2. Can only be used for protection against contaminants and the concentration limits listed on the cartridge.

Fit Testing

Must be fit tested with the same:– make,

– model,

– style,– size

of respirator that will be used by employee.

Maintenance and Care of Respirators.

The respirators shall be cleaned and disinfected at the following intervals:

as often as necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition.

before being worn by different individuals.

emergency use shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

Storage

All respirators shall be stored to protect them from:

Damage Contamination Dust Sunlight Extreme temperatures Excessive moisture Damaging chemicals

Inspection includes the following: A check of respirator function,

tightness of connections, and the condition of the various parts.

A check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration.

Self-contained breathing apparatus shall be inspected monthly.

Recordkeeping

Retain written information regarding:

medical evaluations, fit testing, and the respirator program

training.

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