Respiratory Protection Overview, страница 2

• Read the manufactures guidelines first!
• Disassemble in accordance with procedures.
• Scrub respirators in detergent and warm water.
• Treat with disinfectant.
• Re-rinse to remove detergent and disinfectant.
• Air-dry, do not dry rubber under heat or sunlight.
• Never use solvent to clean plastic or rubber.

INSPECTION AND CARE OF RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT

STORAGE CONSIDERATIONS:

• Protect from sunlight, heat, cold, moisture and chemicals!
• Place respirators in individual sealable plastic bags.
• Emergency-use units should be stored according to the manufacturers guidelines.
• For SAR and SCBA units consult the manufacturers guidelines for storage.

Supplied Air Respirators

• SAR’s provide a high level of user protection and allow for a continuous air supply from either bottles or a breathing-air compressor.

• All supplied air respirators are required to be positive pressure units.

• Breathing air must be certified “Grade D” breathing air.

• Types of SAR’s include: SCBA’s, half mask, full face piece, air line respirators fed by cylinders or a breathing air compressor, and air line escape bottles.

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

The SCBA is designed for maximum user protection and for entry into areas of oxygen deficiency and very high or unknown levels of toxic air contamination.

The full face piece mask for SCBA’s requires fit testing every two years.

SCBA’s Stored in Operating Units are for Emergency Use

Hose Line SAR’s

Hose Line SAR’s are either half mask or full face piece types and may or may not include a portable escape bottle worn on a belt.

Hose Line SAR’s are supplied by air hoses coming from either compressed gas cylinders or a breathing air compressor.

Supplied Air Respirators

Full Face SAR with Escape Bottle

Spectacle Kits for Full Facepiece Respirators

Spectacle kits allow you to wear prescription lenses inside your full face respirator without compromising the seal.

Contact your supervisor for information about obtaining a spectacle kit and lenses.

RESPIRATOR FIT TESTING

Anyone required to use a respirator must be fit tested every two years for the type of respirator that will be used.

Factors Affecting Respirator Fit

Facial Hair - Employees must meet site guidelines for facial hair.

Other Factors Affecting Respirator Fit

• Significant loss or gain of weight.
• Injuries to the face that cause swelling or require bandages.
• Recent facial or dental surgery.
• Using a respirator that is not the exact same brand, model and size that you were fit tested with.

PRE-USE INSPECTION

Respirators must be inspected before each use:

• Check entire mask for deformities or cracks;
• Check the face to seal area for cleanliness & cracks;
• Check the lens for cracks or obstructions;
• Check the integrity of the straps.

SEAL CHECKS

Positive and Negative seal checks must be performed every time before each use of any type of respirator.

SEAL CHECKS

Positive and Negative Seal Check Requirement

1. The individual who uses a tight-fitting respirator is to perform a user seal check to ensure that an adequate seal is achieved each time the respirator is put on. 2. Either the OSHA required positive and negative pressure checks, or the respirator manufacturer's recommended user seal check method must be used. User seal checks are not substitutes for qualitative or quantitative fit tests.

SEAL CHECKS

Positive Pressure Check

1. Close off the exhalation valve and exhale gently into the facepiece. 2. The face fit is considered satisfactory if a slight positive pressure can be built up inside the facepiece without any evidence of outward leakage at the seal.

SEAL CHECKS

Negative Pressure Check

1. Close off the Inlet Opening of the Canister or Cartridge(s) by Covering With the Palm of the Hand(s) or by Replacing the Filter Seal(s).

2. Inhale Gently So That the Facepiece Collapses slightly. 3. Hold Your Breath for Ten Seconds and Ensure That the Face Piece Remains Collapsed.

Medical Signs and Symptoms that may prevent use of respirators

You must be aware of health conditions that could increase the risk of adverse health effects if a respirator is used.

Such things as the fear of tight or enclosed spaces, pulmonary or cardiovascular symptoms or problems, eye irritation, nose, throat, or skin problems, vision or hearing problems, and musculoskeletal problems are indicative that the ability of an employee to use some types of respiratory protection equipment may be compromised.

Medical Signs and Symptoms that may prevent use of respirators

It is important for you to recognize that minor conditions (e.g., back pain), as well as serious symptoms (e.g., sustained chest pain radiating into one or both arms), may have serious consequences if you continue to use a respirator.

Any medical condition, or signs or symptoms of a medical condition, that may limit your ability to effectively use a respirator or that increases the risk of adverse health effects if a respirator is used, should be reported and a follow up medical evaluation initiated.

Congratulations!

You have completed the Course.

Respiratory Protection Overview