1. Respirator Program

2. Training Outline Terms and Regulation requirements What is a Respirator Program? Breathing hazards Types of respirators Fitting & checking respirators Inspection & care of respirators Medical limitations of using respirators

3. Why Respirators Workers Must be Protected Who: –Are exposed to air contaminants (unknown or in excess of WCB OHS Reg.) –May be exposed to IDLH atmosphere –May be exposed to O2 deficient atmosphere –At risk of accidental exposure

4. Terms Used Airline respirator Air purifying respirator ALARA substance Canister or cartridge Escape respirator Fit check Fit test

5. Terms Used - contd. HEPA filter IDLH MSDS Sheet Oxygen deficiency Qualitative fit test Quantitative fit test SCBA

6. The Respirator Program Survey the workplace conditions Steps to reduce exposure Formally assess remaining hazards Select and provide respirators Provide fitting, tests, training

7. Hazards & Risk Assessment Determine the nature of contaminant Determine exposure probability Determine permissible exposure limit

8. Respirator Selection Is approved for contaminant Can be used within concentrations expected Will be adequate for time reqd. Is the best choice for the workplace (heat, humidity, visibility, work mobility) Ensure adequate visibility

9. The Breathing Hazards Particle hazards (dusts, fibres, mists, fumes) Gaseous hazards (gases and vapours) Oxygen deficiency Combination hazards

10. Particle Hazards Formed by breakdown of solids –Sanding –Milling –Cutting –Crushing –Grinding –Drilling Irritate the airways, can cause disease –Asbestos – asbestosis –Silica dust - silicosis

11. Mists Very small liquid drops –Spraying –Shaking –Mixing –Stirring Can irritate or damage exposed areas (skin, eyes, lungs, airways) Can damage internal organs

12. Fumes Tiny solid particles (boil off) –Welding –Smelting –Soldering –Brazing Exposure can range from irritation to serious lung & nerve damage

13. Gaseous Hazards Gases –Carbon Monoxide –Chlorine Vapours of liquids – mix with air –Solvents –Gasoline –Acetone Can enter blood – damage nerves and internal organs

14. Oxygen Deficiency Air is normally 21% O 2 19.5 % O 2 is required Deficiency can develop in tanks, sewers, pipelines. Oxygen depleted due to reaction (rot, rust, burning) Oxygen is replaced by other gases

15. Respirator Limitations The type and the uses of Respirators are limited STRICTLY to the selection and uses determined by the [[Corporation]] Respirator Program Specific hazards MUST be addressed by using ONLY the appropriate respirator

16. Types of Respirators Air Purifying –Single Use –Half-face or Full-face Powered (air supplied) –Supplied air –Self-contained (SCBA)

17. Air Purifying Respirators Single Use Half-face and Full-face air-purifying respirators (non-powered)

18. Single Use Masks Most commonly used Only used against lower levels of contaminants Thin filter with 2 straps Must be formed around nose Eventually clogged by dusts, mists, fumes

19. Disposable Donts Stretch the respirator over the top of a hardhat Fold respirators that are not designed to be folded Cut off straps Wear damaged or holed respirators

20. Half/Full Face Respirators Close-seal silicone or rubber facepiece One or more canister/cartridges One-way valves Half mask – covers nose, mouth and chin Full mask – entire face covered

21. Half/Full Face Respirators - contd. Half masks can be disposable or with maintenance/replacement parts Full face masks are used where eye irritants may be present

22. Filter Efficiency Particulate filters screen particles only Chemical cartridge efficiency deteriorates: –Smell or taste contaminates –Lungs or throat feel irritated –End of Service indicator

23. Filter Donts Dont use in O2 deficiency Dont use against very toxic gas/vapour (IDLH atmospheres) Dont use against concentrations above manufacturers limits Dont use against chemicals with poor warning properties

24. Filter Maintenance Store in sealed plastic bags Replace filters regularly Date filters as they are installed Match proper filter with the contaminant

25. Atmosphere Supplying Respirators Supplied-air (airline) respirators Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

26. Supplied Air Types Hood or Helmet Airline Supplied –No face seal –No resistance to breathing Full Face Airline Supplied –Face seal –Positive pressure minimizes leak

27. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Full-face respirator with backpack air cylinder –Fully mobile –Up to 60 minutes of air

28. Emergency Respirators Escape Respirators Used for emergency escape only Must be carried or within immediate reach Available as air purifying or air supply –Bite-block air supply are common in pulp mills –SCBA type with air bottle with half or full mask or hood

29. Self-fit Checks & Fit Testing

30. Negative Pressure Check Don & properly fit the respirator Gently cover the inlet Breathe in to create a vacuum Hold for 10 seconds The facepiece should collapse slightly and STAY collapsed

31. Positive Pressure Check Don & properly fit the respirator Gently cover the exhaust valve and breathe OUT slightly to bulge the facepiece The facepiece should bulge and stay out for 10 seconds

32. Cold Fit Very low temperatures can stiffen mask material (lose sealing properties) Allow time for material to flex Allow the respirator to warm-up

33. Fit Testing Done by a qualified person Results are documented Qualitative fit test –Is a compound detected? Quantitative fit test –Concentration inside/outside is compared

34. Why Fit is Important All contaminants MUST be excluded Effective SEAL is essential Facial hair must be clean shaven at the seal (including stubble) Eyeglass frames must not pass through sealing surface (use corrective respirator lenses)

35. Inspecting, Cleaning & Storing Respirators

36. Respirator Inspection Inspect prior to each use Bend and flex the respirator Look for distortion Check the yoke for cracks Check the canister threads Check for missing gaskets Check the inhalation valves

37. Respirator Inspection - contd. Examine exhalation valve and seats for damage and debris Check straps, harness, buckles Check strap elasticity Ensure cartridge is not expired Examine canister for damage Check the hose Correct any defects that are noted

38. Cleaning Clean after each use, for a new user, or as required by the manufacturer Remove: filters, cartridges and gaskets, head straps, demand and pressure valves, speaking diaphragms/equipment and any components recommended by manufacturer

39. Cleaning - contd. Discard any defective parts Wash respirator components in warm water using mild detergent NEVER use solvents A brush may be used Thoroughly rinse in warm, running water Disinfect

40. Cleaning - contd. Rinse again to remove disinfectant and detergent Drain all water and air dry (wiping with clean lint-free cloth is OK) Reassemble away from the cleaning area

41. Respirator Storage Store in a safe place (cabinet, locker) in its own storage container Do not store with tools Position so facepiece, hoses and straps are not stretched Store in a plastic bag Seal HEPA filters with tape prior to removing Avoid heat or direct sunlight

42. Medical Limitations

43. Medical Factors Drug use, including alcohol History of breathing problems Breathing difficulty when exerting High blood pressure or heart disease Claustrophobia Use of medication with heart/lung side effects or lowered mental alertness

44. Medical Factors - contd. Diabetes Epilepsy Some vision or skin problems Impaired or non-existent sense of smell Physical factors limiting donning or adjustment of respirator

45. Consult OH Physician A physician knowledgeable in occupational health will be consulted

46. Summary The Respirator Program Terms used Breathing hazards Selection, use, inspection, care and storage of respirators Fit testing and cleaning procedures Medical factors

47. Questions?