1. Presented By MassArt Environmental Health & Safety

2.  Respiratory hazards found at MassArt  Respirator and cartridge  Protection Factors  Fit Testing  Donning and Doffing (on and off)  Maintenance and Repair  Questions

3.  Toxic Chemical acute or chronic exposure could result in poisoning, organ dysfunction, and ultimately death  Corrosives (acid or base ), which can cause temporary or permanent tissue damage in the respiratory system  Carcinogens & Particulates, which can lead to cancer or other respiratory illnesses respectively (most common for artists)  Allergens that promote illness, allergic reaction, reduced productivity, & sensitization

4.  Your lungs must be healthy in order to wear a respirator safely  At your request, a physician can perform a pulmonary exam to confirm that you are physically fit to wear a respirator  Using a respirator adds stress to the cardiovascular and respiratory system  This added stress could complicate or add to some existing health conditions  Typically when using a respirator, other PPE is also used, creating additional stress on the body.

5.  Important things to remember!  EH&S will assist in selection  If you are a new user or you already use a respirator and are having problems with it, contact your studio manager or health and safety officer for assistance.

6.  Air-Purifying (APR)  Dust Mask (N95)  Half Face  Full Face  Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR)  Supplied Air (SAR)  Air-line ▪ Hood style ▪ Facepiece style ▪ Half Face ▪ Full Face ▪ Escape provisions  Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

7.  Air-Purifying (APR)  Lower protection factor  Oxygen level (19.5%- 23.5%)  Cartridge useful life  Warning properties (some substances can’t be detected or are too toxic)  Supplied Air (SAR)  Higher protection factor  Must provide “Grade D” air source  More cumbersome / unwieldy  Mobility (air line style)  Length of work time (SCBA style)

8.  Air-Purifying (APR) 1  Dust Mask -10  Half Face -10  Full Face -50  Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR) - 100 1- Negative pressure in facepiece  Supplied Air (SAR) 2  Air-line ▪ Hood style -100 ▪ Facepiece style - 1000 ▪ Escape provisions - >10,000  Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) - >10,000 2- Positive Pressure in facepiece

9.  Check the label for recommendation  For the following:  Dust/mist/fumes filter ▪ No spray oils present: N-95 or P-100 (HEPA) ▪ Spray oils present: R-95 or P-100 (HEPA)  Toxics, Solvents, and Aerosols ▪ Organic vapor cartridge (OV), or OV and acid gas cartridge, or multi-contaminant cartridge

10.  When first selecting a respirator, finding one that has a good seal and is comfortable is done by trying a variety of respirators. EH&S can help you with your selection and provide you with a fit test.  Several factors can lead to a respirator that does not seal properly, that is why a respirator fit test is preferred annually to help insure its fit and to review your use and care of the respirator.

11.  Recent dental work and dentures  Facial surgery, treatments & scars  Weight loss or gain of 15 pounds or more  Facial changes from aging  Improper storage and maintenance of respirator  Respirator straps losing their elasticity

12.  A respirator fit test cannot be given if there is facial hair present.  A tight fitting face piece will not seal if there is facial hair along the sealing surface.

13. 1. Inspections 2. Donning and doffing (on and off) 3. Maintenance 4. Changing cartridges and filters

14.  Inspect the respirator to make sure all parts are in place, in good condition, clean, and operable  Make sure cartridges and filters are the proper ones for the job and are not damaged and not expired  After donning the respirator, do a positive and negative fit check

15.  Placing a half-face first on the bridge of the nose and tightening the upper straps first insures placement for best comfort and prevention from sliding down when perspiring  Make sure the straps are adjusted evenly on both sides and the respirator is centered on the face. Using a mirror is helpful for full-face users  Adjusting too tight can result in a poor fit from distortion, discomfort and pain, short use periods due to discomfort, headaches

24.  Organic Vapor Cartridge (OV) need to be change after eight hours of use.  If periods of use are shorter than 8 hours, add cumulative times.  If periods in-between use extend 2 weeks or more reduce the eight hour total time.

25.  N-95 filters – change when breathing becomes more difficult due to resistance  Organic vapor (OV) filters – change after eight hours of use  P-100 – change when breathing becomes more difficult due to resistance

26.  Dirt particles under exhalation valves can reduce your seal/fit factor  Dirt, oils, bacteria, soaps, and disinfectants left on respirators can lead to skin irritation and dermatitis so make sure your respirator is clean and well rinsed before each use  It is recommended to clean after each use

27.  Clean in warm water (not to exceed 100 o F)  Use a mild detergent  Wash with a soft sponge (brush if resistant)  Rinse with running warm water (not to exceed 100°)  Use paper towel or clean rag to hand dry respirator  Allow to finish air drying. (Do not use hairdryer)

28.  Replace worn and defective parts with parts ONLY for that specific respirator  Do not use a respirator until all necessary repairs are completed  If assistance is needed please ask your studio manager or EH&S officer

29.  It prevents it from getting distorted, which will cause it to lose its ability to fit properly and require it to be replaced  It prevents it from becoming contaminated reducing the protection it can provide

30.  Storage in an uncontaminated area  Store contaminated cartridges separate from respirator  Store cartridges and respirator in clean sealed containers such as self-sealing bags or sealed plastic containers  To prevent distortion,store in separate hard containers and not in tool boxes with other items

31.  Storage away from heat, sun, and moisture  Moisture can reduce the life of some cartridges  Leaving cartridges unsealed can reduce their useful life

32. You can operate with a false sense of protection and open yourself to:  Chronic exposures you cannot sense  Acute exposures that you will know about after it’s too late for protection

33.  Please contact MassArt Environmental health and safety office for any questions or concerns.