1. Respirator Fit Testing and Training

2. Definitions High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
Immediately dangerous to life of health (IDLH)
Negative pressure respirator
Oxygen deficient atmosphere
Positive pressure respirator
Powered air-purifying respirator
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Supplied-air respirator (SAR)
1. A filter that is at least 99.97% efficient in removing particles of 0.3 micrometers in diameters.
2. An atmosphere that poses a threat to life, would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or would impair an individual’s ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere.
3. Respirator where the air pressure inside the facepiece is negative during inhalation with respect to the ambient air pressure outside the respirator.
4. An atmosphere with an oxygen content below 19.5% by volume.
5. Respirator where the pressure inside the facepiece is greater than the ambient air pressure outside the respirator.
6. An air-purifying respirator that uses a blower to force the ambient air through air-purifying elements to the inlet covering.
7. An atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to be carried by the user.
8. An atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the user.

3. General Information Why respirator is necessary
How improper fit, use, or maintenance can effect the purpose of the respirator
When a respirator is mandatory there is generally a reason for it. It means that industrial hygiene monitoring has been conducted and the levels of exposure found are above the levels you are supposed to be exposed to during your 8 hour shift. This also means that engineering controls cannot be utilized or have been utilized in the past with no success. If it is mandatory for you to wear a respirator it means we are trying to save your life and the life of your lungs.
If you wear your respirator improperly, it may cost you your life by becoming more of a hazard than not wearing one at all. An improper fit means you could be exposing yourself to a deadly material and still feel protected, when in actuality you will not be protected at all. This is why it is important for us to find the perfect respirator fit for your face. This is also why it is necessary for you to check the fit before EACH use of your respirator, also be sure to check the seals and integrity of the entire respirator before putting on the mask. On little crack that could have been found could cost you your life. If you are wearing a respirator, there is a reason for it, so don’t take any chances.

4. General Information Filter differences USE THE RIGHT FILTER!
Organic Chemical Filters
Dust Filters
Dust Masks
USE THE RIGHT FILTER!

5. Limitations and Capabilities
Oxygen level in atmosphere must be between 19.5% and 21%
Will only work with corresponding filters or cartridges
Can protect you from hazardous levels of materials
If worn properly and in the right atmosphere, respirators can save your life
One major thing to remember when wearing a respirator is the type of cartridge on the respirator. If you are going in to a dusty area you will probably need a HEPA filter, but if you are dumping solvents, you are going to need and organic vapor cartridge. It is pertinent that you understand the hazards before you in order to make the proper choice. If you are unsure about the type of filter or cartridge you need, please contact you safety department and they will be more than happy to help you out.

6. Inspection, Donning, Doffing, Use, and Checking Seals
Always inspect respirator before donning
Check integrity of seals and cartridges before putting on respirator

7. Maintenance and Storage
Cleaning and disinfecting
Storage
Inspection
1. Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters. Disassemble facepieces by removing speaking diaphragms, demand and pressure demand valve assemblies, hoses, or any other necessary components. Discard or repair any defective parts.
2. Wash components in warm water with a mild detergent or cleaner. a stiff bristle (not wire) brush may also be used.
3. Rinse components thoroughly in clean warm running water. Drain
RINSE THOROUGHLY
4. Hand dry components with clean lint-free cloth or air dry.
5. Reassemble facepiece, replacing filters, cartridges, and canisters where necessary.
6. Test respirator to ensure all components work properly.
1. All respirators shall be stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals. They shall be packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve.
1. Inspected before each use
a. check of respirator function, tightness of connections, condition of various parts such as facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, and cartridges.
b. check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration

8. Medical Signs and Symptoms
The following are signs or symptoms that may prevent the use of a respirator:
Seizures
Claustrophobia
Asthma
Emphysema
Pneumonia
Collapsed Lung
Lung Cancer
Broken Ribs
Chest Injuries/Surgeries
Any other lung problems
Heart or Circulation problems
Anxiety
You should have filled out a medical evaluation form in which these items were listed. In order to be fit tested you must be passed by a licensed health care professional. This is done in order to protect you from inadvertently causing harm to yourself by wearing a respirator. If you have any of these conditions, it may be aggravated by the use of a respirator and therefore, cause you more harm than good.
Please be aware that these conditions, plus others may potentially cause you harm if wearing a respirator. Notify a health care professional immediately if you status changes as of this date.

9. Scenarios 10 (Protection factor for half-mask respirator)
A worker is exposed to 50 parts per million (ppm) of Benzene. Benzene has a Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) of 10 ppm. The worker wants to use a half-mask, air-purifying organic vapor cartridge respirator.
10 (Protection factor for half-mask respirator)
X 10 (PEL of 10 parts per million for Benzene)
= 100 (Max. permissible safe concentration for this situation)

10. Scenarios 5 (Protection factor for a disposable mask)
A worker will be exposed to 600 micrograms per cubic meter of lead during a paint removal operation. Lead dust has a PEL of 50 micro grams per cubic meter.
The worker wants to use a disposable, air-purifying, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirator.
5 (Protection factor for a disposable mask)
X 50 (PEL of 50 micrograms/cubic meter for lead)
= 250 (Max. permissible safe concentration for this situation)

11. Any Questions?