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Respirator Protection

RESPIRATOR PROTECTION PROGRAM

I. Policy and Scope

This program establishes procedures for safety practices in respiratory protection to ensure the safety and health of Lycoming College employees.

II. References

    1. OSHA 29 CFR 1910, Subpart I, Section 1910.134
    2. Manufactures' literature on respiratory protection device use
    3. OSHA voluntary compliance outreach program

III. Administration of the Program

    1. The administrator of this program shall be the Director of Safety and Security who has full responsibility for its development and coordination.
    2. Deans, Directors, Department Chairs, Chemical Hygiene Officers, and Supervisors are responsible for ensuring employee compliance with this program and they should conduct routine monitoring of their subordinates.
    3. Disciplinary action will be administered by supervisory personnel to those employees who fail to comply with the provisions of this policy.
    4. The administrator of this program shall maintain surveillance of College facilities and degree of employee exposure.

IV. When Respiratory Protection is Required

    1. Employee exposures to airborne toxic chemicals exceeding levels established in OSHA 1910, Subpart Z
    2. Employees working in oxygen deficient atmospheres
    3. Routine and non-routine operations in which employees are briefly exposed to variable concentrations of airborne contaminates judged to be at potentially hazardous concentrations

V. Selections of Respiratory Protective Equipment

    1. The selection of respiratory equipment is conducted on the basis of:
      1. Identification of hazard
      2. Nature and classification of hazard
      3. Evaluations of hazard
      4. Characteristics and limitations of respirators
              2.   Only NIOSH/MSHA approved equipment is specific for use

NIOSH - National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health

MSHA - Mine Safety and Health Administration

VI. Medical Screening

    1. All employees who wear respirators in the course of their duties are required to complete an Initial Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire.  
    2. Questionnaires are then reviewed at the Susquehanna Health Systems Work Center.  The designated physician will determine if further medical evaluation is warranted.  
    3. Respirator wearer's status will be reviewed annually.

VII. Use, Care, and Maintenance of Respirators

    1. Employees shall use the provided respiratory equipment in accordance with instructions that have been provided in training sessions, manufacturer's literature, and this program.
    2. Employees shall inspect their respirators before and after each use, and monthly if not in use, with the following considerations:
      1. Disposable Respirators (Check for: )
        1. holes in the filter
        2. straps for elasticity
        3. metal nose clip for deterioration
          (any problems noted, dispose of respirator)
      2. Air-Purifying respirators (half mask and full face)
        1. Face piece - check for:
                 1.  Excessive dirt
                 2.  Cracks, Tears, or holes
                 3.  Distortion (allow face pieces to "sit" free from any
                      constraints and see if distortion disappears; if not, obtain
                      new face piece)
        2. Head straps - check for:
                 1.  Check for breaks or tears
                 2.  Loss of elasticity
                 3.  Broken or malfunctioning buckles or attachments
                 4.  Excessively worn serration on the head harness which
                      could cause slipping
        3. Inhalation Valve, Exhalation Valve - check for:
                 1.  Detergent residue, dust particles, or dirt on valve or
                      valve seat
                 2.  Missing or defective valve cover
        4. Filter Element - check for:
                 1.  Proper selection of filter/cartridge/canister for the hazard
                 2.  Approval designation NIOSH or MSHA
                 3.  Missing or worn gaskets
                 4.  Worn threads - filter and face piece threads
                 5.  Cracks or dents in filter housing
                 6.  Deterioration of gas mask canister harness
                 7.  Service life indicator or expiration date
         3.    Employees shall clean and inspect respirators issued for their use. Cleaning
                consists of the following steps:
      1. Remove filters or cartridges
      2. Wash face piece in soap and water
      3. Rinse thoroughly in clean water
      4. Clean other respirator parts as listed above
      5. Replace filters and cartridges making sure seals are tight
      6. Inspect respirator as above
      7. Stretch and manipulate rubber and elastic parts to keep them pliable and flexible, and prevent them from deterioration in storage
      8. Place respirator in a plastic bag and store in a clean area. It should be stored so that the face piece and exhalation valve will rest in a normal position
      9. Employees should disinfect their respirators monthly by following the procedures specified in the above section
           4.  Employees shall check for the proper fit of the respirator each time they wear
                one. The following tests shall be conducted before wearing an air-purifying
                respirator:
      1. Positive Pressure Test:

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

      2. Negative Pressure Test:

                              Close the inlet opening of the canister or cartridge(s) by covering with 
                              the palm of the hand(s) or by replacing the seal(s), inhale gently so that 
                              the face piece collapses slightly, and hold your breath for ten seconds.  
                              If the face piece remains in its slightly collapsed condition and no inward 
                              leakage is detected, a proper fit has been obtained.

         5.   A good respirator face seal is most important. Therefore, conditions preventing a 
               good face seal for employees required to wear respirators must be considered.
      1. Personal consideration for quarter and half-face respirators
        1. Beards
        2. Sideburns
        3. Face piece covers
        4. Absence of one or both dentures
                      B.    Considerations to be considered for full face piece
        1. All conditions above
        2. Temple pieces on glasses
                      C.   Wearing contact lenses in an environment where quarter or half face 
                             respirators are used requires visual PPE consideration

           6.    Replacement of cartridges and filters should be made when the filter is loaded 
                  with particles and breathing becomes difficult. The replacement of organic 
                  vapor cartridges and canisters shall be conducted when the odors are sensed or 
                  in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.

VIII. Employee Respirator Training

Employees who are required to wear respiratory protection equipment shall be properly instructed in basic respiratory protection practices. The following points are to be included in the training program:

      1. Instruction in the nature of the hazard, whether acute, chronic, or both, and an honest appraisal of what may be happening if the respirator is not used
      2. Explanation of why more positive controls (engineering or administrative) are not feasible

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