CALVIN COLLEGE - RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM, Cont.

HAZARD CONTROL

Hazard control should start at the process, equipment and plant design levels where contaminants can be effectively controlled at the outset. With operating processes, the problem becomes more difficult. In all cases, however, consideration should be given to the use of effective engineering controls to eliminate and/or reduce exposures to respiratory hazards. This includes consideration of process encapsulation or isolation, use of less toxic materials in the process and suitable exhaust ventilation, filters and scrubbers to control the effluents.

Because it is sometimes not practical to maintain engineering controls that eliminate all airborne concentrations of contaminants, proper respiratory protective devices should be used whenever such protection is required.

STEPS INVOLVED IN OBTAINING A RESPIRATOR

If EHSO determines that a respirator is necessary or prudent, the employee must then obtain a respirator medical clearance, receive respirator training, and then be fit tested.

Employees must have a medical examination to establish their fitness to wear a respirator. The college will make arrangements to conduct these examinations. Contact the EHSO at x6342 regarding how to schedule the medical exams. Note that these exams must be conducted at least once a year. The supervisor is responsible for assisting the employee in keeping the medical exam current.

Employees must receive appropriate training to understand the limitations of their respirators and how to inspect, wear, maintain, clean, and store them. The EHSO will conduct the training. Some of the critical information covered in the training follows.

CLASSES OF RESPIRATORS

Different types of respirators provide different levels of protection. There are three classes of respirators: air-purifying respirators; air-line respirators; and self-contained breathing apparatuses. These latter two are air-supplied respirators.

Air-purifying respirators

At Calvin, employees/students generally use air-purifying respirators. Air-purifying respirators work by removing contaminants from inhaled air. This type of respirator does NOT supply oxygen and must NOT be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres! The filter or cartridge attached to the air-purifying respirator will provide protection ONLY for the specific contaminants for which it is specified. The most common types of cartridges are listed below:

Cartridge types may differ from one brand to another; therefore, read the information provided by the manufacturer. Cartridges are NOT interchangeable between different brands of respirators.

Cartridges must be replaced when contaminant odors are detected (if the contaminant has a warning odor), when breathing becomes difficult, or other warnings are apparent. The period of time between replacement depends upon the type of contaminant, conditions, and concentration levels. It may be necessary to replace the cartridge after each use. When fresh cartridges are placed on the respirator, write the date on them with an indelible pen.

Used cartridges should be place in a sealed plastic bag and discarded. However, if the cartridges were used while working with asbestos, PCBs, or while cleaning a spill, they must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

The effectiveness of air-purifying respirators depends upon the seal of the respirator on one's face. Beards, or any other facial hair that prohibits a good fit, are not allowed.

RESPIRATOR MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

Respirators must be inspected prior to each use to ensure proper function. If there are deficiencies, the worn or missing parts must be replaced. Parts for different brands of respirators cannot be interchanged.

Respirators worn for general use must be cleaned and disinfected after each use to prevent contamination. Respirators maintained for emergency use shall be inspected and sanitized after each use and inspected at least monthly.

A record of the most recent inspection shall be maintained on the respirator's storage container, and shall include the inspector's identification, the date, and the employee/student's name. Note that the name of the individual should appear on the respirator, too.

Respirators must be stored in a clean, sanitary, convenient location in a sealable bag or container.

TRAINING

For proper use of any respiratory protection device, it is essential that the user be properly instructed in its selection, use and maintenance. Both supervisors and workers must be instructed by competent persons.

Minimum training must include the following:

Training should provide personnel with an opportunity to handle the device, have it fitted properly, test its face-to-facepiece seal, wear it in normal air for long familiarity period and, finally, to wear it in a test atmosphere.

FIT TESTING In order to determine which type and size respirator an employee or student needs, EHSO will conduct a qualitative fit test. After the fit testing session is complete, EHSO will make a report available to the supervisor. The report will contain the following information:

Fit testing will be conducted by EHSO at least annually. Working with certain contaminants may require more frequent testing (e.g., semiannually). Note that the supervisor is responsible for assisting the employee in keeping the training and fit testing current.

RESPIRATOR ASSIGNMENT

Employees/students will be assigned respirators for their personal use. Positive and negative fit checks must be performed by the employee to ensure that the respirator is providing a proper fit.

For further information about respirators contact the EHSO Industrial Hygiene Program x6342.

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