1 Emergency and Disaster Response to Chemical Releases Personal Protective Equipment Module 5

2 Overview The proper selection and use of personal protective equipment will ensure when an individual responds to an emergency situation the threat of contamination and injury is greatly reduced. The understanding no single combination of protective equipment and clothing is capable of protecting against all hazards is equally important.

3 Objectives Describe PPE over-protection and under-protection. Rank the level of protection provided by different respirators. List two factors that affect the protection provided by an air-purifying respirator. Describe procedures for the selection and inspection of chemical protective clothing. List measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of heat-related injuries.

4 Introduction Anyone responding to a release of hazardous materials must be protected against potential hazards and exposure. The purpose of chemical protective clothing (CPC) and personal protective equipment (PPE) is to shield or isolate individuals from chemical and physical hazards.

5 Respiratory Protection Respirators with an air source are called atmosphere-supplying respirators.  Supplied-air respirators (SARs).  Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

6 Respiratory Protection SAR SCBA  Positive pressure Pressure demand Continuous flow

7 Respiratory Protection Air-purifying respirators do not have a separate air source. APRs utilize ambient air that is "purified" through a filtering element prior to inhalation. Half-faceFull-face

8 Respiratory Protection There are three types of air-purifying devices:  Particulate filters.  Cartridges and canisters, which contain sorbents for specific gases and vapors.  Combination devices.

9 Medical Surveillance Every responder must be approved to wear respiratory protection under 29 CFR Additional medical evaluation is necessary under 29 CFR

10 Fit Testing A fit test shall be used to determine the ability of response personnel obtain a satisfactory fit with a respirator. A quantitative fit test will be performed.  Personnel must successfully pass the fit test before being issued a respirator.

11 APF to10,000 Respirator Half-facepiece respirator with vapor cartridge or filter Full-facepiece respirator with vapor cartridge or filter Full-facepiece supplied air respirator operated in pressure-demand mode Full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand mode Protection Factor

12 Protection Factor A respirator can be compromised if:  A worker has a high breathing rate.  The ambient temperature is high or low.  The worker has a poor facepiece to face seal.

13 Protection Factor Respirator Cartridges/filters Color Approved For Black Organic vapors Yellow Yellow Organic vapors and acid gases White White Acid gases Green Green Ammonia and methylamine Magenta Magenta HEPA, dusts, fumes and mists Orangestripe Orange stripe Dusts, fumes and mists in combination with vapor or gas

14 CBRNE Respirators For APRs, canister labels will specify the CBRN protection level (CBRN Cap 1, CBRN Cap 2 or CBRN Cap 3). Label will be olive in color.

15 CBRNE Respirators An SCBA that has been tested and certified by NIOSH for emergency responders to use in CBRN events has the following label.

16 Selection of PPE The PPE selected for use should resist:  Permeation  Penetration  Degradation

17 Selection of PPE Other selection considerations:  Durability  Flexibility  Effects of temperature  Ease of decontamination  Compatibility with other equipment  Duration of use  Special conditions

18 Level A See Page 5-11 in the Participants Manual.

19 Level B See Page 5-11 in the Participants Manual.

20 Level C See Page 5-12 in the Participants Manual.

21 Level D See Page 5-12 in the Participants Manual.

22 PPE Inspection Inspection and operational testing of equipment received from the factory or distributor. Inspection of equipment as issued to workers. Inspection after use or training and prior to maintenance. Periodic inspection of stored equipment. Periodic inspection when a question arises concerning the appropriateness of the selected equipment, or when problems with similar equipment arise.

23 Monitoring PPE and Responders Degradation of the protective ensemble. Perception of odors. Skin irritation. Unusual residues on PPE. Discomfort. Resistance to breathing. Fatigue due to respirator use. Interference with vision or communication. Restriction of movement. Personal responses such as rapid pulse, nausea, and chest pain.

24 Monitor the Responder Heart rate. Oral temperature. Body weight. Proper hydration.

25 Heat Stress/Physiologic Factors Wearing PPE puts a spill response responder at considerable risk of developing heat stress.  This can result in health effects ranging from transient heat fatigue to serious illness or death. Heat stress is caused by a number of interacting factors:  Environmental conditions.  PPE and Clothing.  Workload.  Individual characteristics of the responder.

26 Prevention: Temperature Related Injuries Modify work/rest schedules according to monitoring requirements. Alternate job functions to minimize overstress or overexertion at one task. Add additional personnel to work teams. Provide shelter (air-conditioned, if possible) or shaded areas to protect personnel during rest periods. Maintain responder's body fluids at normal levels.

27 Summary Level A dressout and equipment is used in unknown environments where maximum skin and respiratory protection are necessary. Level B dressout and equipment is used where maximum respiratory protection is required but the response atmosphere does not provide a skin exposure hazard. Level C provides protection against some respiratory protection to particulate hazards if the appropriate filters are used.