Respiratory Protection

Marlowe Chica

Overview

This presentation will cover:• Applicable Regulations• Respiratory Hazards.• Types of Respirators available.• Seal Check.• Respiratory Fit Testing.• Inspection and Cleaning• Storage

Applicable Regulations

• US OSHA 1910.134

• Philippine OSHS Rule 1083

• TCCQS SL0102

Respiratory Hazards

Dust• formed whenever solid material is

broken down into tiny particles• common during operations like grinding,

milling, crushing, drilling, sanding, and blasting.

Respiratory Hazards

Smoke and Fumes• produced when solids

are heated during operations such as welding, smelting, and burning.

• Fumes may be impossible to see or smell.

Respiratory Hazards

Mists• occur when small liquid

droplets are sprayed or mixed (for example, during paint spraying or metal cleaning operations).

• Hazardous mists may be formed when liquids are evaporated or distilled, and when chemical reactions occur.

Respiratory HazardsGases and Vapors• molecules suspended in

the air• Some processes that use

high temperatures (like welding) can involve reactions that change harmless elements into toxic gases. For example, nitrogen and oxygen may become toxic nitrogen oxides.

Respiratory Hazards

Oxygen Deficiency• Occurs when the

percentage of oxygen by volume is less than 19.5 percent.

• This can happen when oxygen is depleted by a chemical reaction, when oxygen is intentionally replaced by another gas, or when oxygen is displaced by a heavier gas or vapor.

Respirators

A. A respirator is a protective facepiece, hood or helmet that is designed to protect the wearer against a variety of harmful airborne agents

Q. What is a respirator?

Respirators

A. Respirators are used to protect employees from breathing contaminated and/or oxygen-deficient air when effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted.

Q. When is the use of respirators required?

Respirators

A. No, respirators shall be selected on the basis of hazards to which the worker is exposed.

Q. Can any respirator be used?

Types of Respirators

Air Purifying Respirators • Air Purifying Disposable Particulate

Masks • Air Purifying Half Mask Respirators • Air Purifying Full Face Mask

Respirators

Types of Respirators

Supplied Air Respirators • Airline Respirators• Emergency Escape Breathing

Apparatus• Self-Contained Breathing

Apparatus (SCBA).

Seal Check

Positive Pressure1. Place the palm of your

hand over the exhalation valve cover and exhale gently. If the facepiece bulges slightly and no air leaks are detected between your face and the facepiece, a proper fit has been obtained.

Seal Check

Positive Pressure

2. If face seal air leakage is detected, reposition respirator on your face and/or readjust tension of the elastic straps to eliminate leakage.

3. Repeat above steps until a tight face seal is obtained.

If you cannot achieve a proper fit, DO NOT enter the contaminated area.

Seal Check

Negative Pressure

1. Place palms of hands to cover face of the cartridge to restrict airflow.

2. Inhale gently and hold breath for 5 seconds. If you feel the respirator collapse slightly and pull closer to your face with no leaks between the face and the respirator, a proper fit has been obtained.

Seal Check

Negative Pressure

3. If face seal air leakage is detected, reposition respirator on face and/or readjust tension of straps to eliminate air leakage. Repeat above steps until a tight face seal is obtained.

If you cannot achieve a proper fit, DO NOT enter the contaminated area.

Respiratory Fit Testing

Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT)

• Tell us whether the respirator fits or not

Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)

• Tell us not only if the respirator fits, but will also how well it fits

• Expressed as Numerical fit factor

Inspection of Respirators

The respirator should be inspected and cleaned before and after each use to ensure that it is in good operating condition.

1. Check the respirator for cracks, tears, and dirt. Be certain the respirator, especially face seal area, is not distorted.

2. Examine inhalation and exhalation valves for signs of distortion, cracking or tearing. Ensure the valves are seated flatly on the holder.

Inspection and Cleaning

3. Make sure that head straps are intact and have good elasticity.

4. Examine all plastic parts for signs of cracking or fatiguing. Make sure filter gaskets are properly seated and in good condition.

5. Remove exhalation valve cover and examine exhalation valve and valve seat for signs of dirt, distortion, cracking or tearing. Replace exhalation valve cover.

Storage

• Always store the respirator where it can be protected from dust, sunlight, heat, cold, moisture, and chemicals.

Questions?