Protecting Yourself The overall objective is that participants will recognize techniques for ensuring functional correctness of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used for chemical hazard protection as it applies to a fixed Facility

Overview zWorker protection strategies zTechniques for ensuring functional correctness of PPE use for chemical hazard protection zThe purpose and use of PPE zCare of PPE zDecontamination procedures

Expectations zDefine worker protection strategy zIdentify purpose and use of PPE zIdentify the major difference between the four EPA levels of PPE zList the limitations of chemical protective clothing zRecognize the purpose of decontamination zRecognize two major types of contamination zRecognize factors that affect permeation zRecognize three methods of decontamination

Personal Protective Equipment zEngineering controls zAdministrative controls zPurpose: “MATCH THE PROTECTION TO THE HAZARD!” zFunction: Place an engineered barrier between the worker and the hazard zPPE MUST BE USED FOR ALL SPILL RESPONSES

Personal Protective Equipment Careful selection and use of adequate PPE should protect the respiratory system, skin, eyes, face, hands, feet, head, body, and hearing

Chemical Protective Clothing zCriteria for selection yChemical resistance yDurability yFlexibility yTemperature resistance yService and shelf life yCleanability yDesign ySize yBrightly colored suits

Definitions zChemical resistance- Ability of protective materials to resist penetration, degradation, and permeation zDurability- Ability of the material to resist punctures, abrasions, tears, and other wear factors zFlexibility- Ability of the material to move with relative ease during work operations

Definitions zTemperature resistance- Ability of the material to maintain chemical resistance during temperature extremes (especially heat) and to maintain flexibility during cold temperatures  Service and shelf life- Ability of the material to resist aging and deterioration and the length of time the material can remain on the shelf and still be usable at manufactured specifications zCleanability- Ability of the material to withstand decontamination and to release contact substances

Definitions zDesign- Fully encapsulating versus multiple pieces; e.g., hoods, face pieces, gloves, boots, location of zippers, buttons, seams, pockets, etc  Size- Directly related to comfort zBrightly colored suits- Aid in visual identification of personnel. Darker colors absorb radiant heat from external sources and transfer it to the worker, increasing risk of heat-related problems

Selection of Chemical Protective Clothing zPermeation zDegradation zPenetration

Inspection Program zIs the clothing correct as specified in the job plan? yOuter suit yInner and outer gloves yBoots ySeals

Inspection Program zIs the material in good condition? yNew or used yCuts yAbrasions yPulls yTears

Inspection Program zAre seams, zippers, and buttons sound? zAre there any signs of chemical attack? yDiscoloration ySoftening yBrittleness yCracking zIs specified gear holding up as designed?

EPA Recommended Guidelines zLevels of protection yLevel A - Moon suit yLevel B - Supplied air yLevel C- Full-face canister yLevel D- Coveralls

Level A zHighest level of respiratory, skin and eye protection zSCBA-type air-supplied respirator zFully encapsulating suit

Level B zHighest level of respiratory protection but limited skin protection zChemical-resistant clothing

Level C zLimited level of respiratory and skin protection from airborne hazards zFull-face canister respirator (APR) zChemical-protective clothing with hood zInner and outer gloves zChemical-resistant shoes zOptional items like hard hat, boot and glove covers, and possibly a five-minute escape pack

Level D zNo respiratory and limited skin protection zDisposable coveralls zSafety shoes zSafety glasses or goggles zHard hat zGloves zOptional: five-minute escape pack for emergency egress

Limitations of PPE zImpairs mobility, vision, and communication zIncompatible with other PPE zProblems with mask fit (facial hair, dentures, glasses, caps, 10% body weight change) zHeat stress zCan cause physical and psychological stress zHinders work performance and active work time

Respiratory Protection zAtmospheric hazards yGases/Vapors yParticulates yOxygen deficiency

Mask Fit Tests zQuantitative yPass/fail pressure test using test agent zQualitative ySmoke test

Types of Respirators zAir-purifying respirators (APR/PAPR) zContinuous flow respirators zAtmosphere-supplying respirators (SAR)

Air-Purifying Respirators zUtilize “purified” ambient air through a filtering element or absorbent cartridge zNegative pressure respirators

Air-Purifying Respirators zLimitations yAtmosphere that is “Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health” (IDLH) yEntry into area or confined space where exposure conditions have not been characterized yInadequate warning properties of identified gases or vapors yUnknown service life of sorbent materials in respirator cartridges yHigh relative humidity

Air-Purifying Respirators z Disadvantages yLimited duration of protection yLimited protection yConstant monitoring yDetectable hazards only zCharacteristics yChemical cartridges yMechanical filters

Air-Supplying Respirators zAir-line with escape SCBA zSelf-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) zLimitations yThe maximum MSHA/NIOSH approved hose length is 300 feet yMobility impairment yThe air lines are vulnerable to damage, contamination, or degradation yThe worker needs to retrace steps when leaving the work area ySomeone needs to supervise and monitor the air supply

Continuous Flow Respirators zPowered-air purifying respirator (PAPR) yContinuous flow of filtered air to the facepiece

Air-Purifying Respirators Warning properties are essential to safe use of air-purifying respirators since they allow detection of contaminant breakthrough should it occur

Air-Purifying Respirators 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 Purple Purple HEPA, Dusts, Fumes and Mists Orangestripe Orange stripe for Dusts, Fumes and Mists in combination with vapor or gas

Air-Purifying Respirators APFRespirator 10Half-facepiece Respirator with Vapor Cartridge or Filter 50 Full-facepiece Respirator with Vapor Cartridge or Filter 1,000 Full-facepiece Supplied Air Respirator operated in Pressure - demand mode. 1,000 toFull-facepiece Self-contained 10,000breathing apparatus operated in Pressure demand mode

Decontamination zPurpose yTo protect workers from contaminants yRemoves or neutralizes contaminants that have accumulated on personnel and equipment xProtective clothing xRespiratory protection equipment xTools and instruments xVehicles xOther fixed facility equipment

Decontamination zTypes of Contamination ySurface- Remains on the surface yPermeated- Go into or through

Decontamination zRate of Permeation Factors Contact time ConcentrationTemperature Contaminant Molecule Size Physical State of Contamination

Decontamination Methods zPhysical removal zChemical removal zCombination methods

Equipment Decontamination zDegree of contamination zNon-cleanable parts zDiscarded

Equipment Decontamination zHand tools zTables, shelves and pallets zLarge equipment