Reference: 29 CFR 1910.134
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Purpose
Scope
References
Medical Evaluation
Monitoring
Selection of Respirators
Training
Maintenance and Care of Respirators
Emergency Use Respirators
Program Monitoring
Definitions
1.0 PURPOSE
The primary objective of this program is to prevent
respiratory injury due to atmospheric
contamination. As far as feasible this shall be accomplished by accepted engineering
controls (i.e., enclosure, confinement, ventilation, and substitution). When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being
instituted, occupational respiratory injuries and illnesses caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts,
fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes sprays or vapors, will be controlled by the use of
appropriate respiratory protection equipment. This program will outline the training,
inspection, and utilization of respirators.
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2.0 SCOPE
This program applies to all BYU-Idaho personnel that wear respiratory
protective devices as part of their routine assignment or in emergency or non-routine
situations.
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3.0 REFERENCES
29 CFR 1926.103
29 CFR 1910.134
29 CFR 1910.38
ANSI Z88.6 (Respirator Use -- Physical Qualifications for Personnel)
ANSI Z88.2 (Standard Practices for Respiratory Protection)
BYU-Idaho College Hazard Communication Program
BYU-Idaho College Chemical Hygiene Program (Lab Standard)
BYU-Idaho College Confined Space Entry Program
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4.0 Medical Evaluation
4.1 (Alternate) BYU-Idaho personnel will not be assigned to tasks
requiring use of respirators unless it has been determined that they are physically able
to perform the work and use the equipment. A BYU-Idaho physician shall determine what health
and physical conditions are pertinent. (This is the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134)
4.1.1 A physician shall determine if employees are indeed
physically able to wear a respirator as part of their work assignment. (This is from ANSI
Z.88.6 a good idea but not mandated)
4.2 Frequency. This medical examination should be conducted every
five years up to age 35, every 2 years up to age 45, and annually thereafter. (This goes
with previous one)
4.3 Pulmonary Function Test. Spirometry will be used to screen
individuals that use respirators incidentally to their job performance. If the FVC (forced
vital capacity) is less than 80 percent or the FEV1 (forced expiratory volume - 1 second)
is less than 70 percent, restriction from respirator use will be considered.
4.4 Medical History. A medical history questionnaire will be
utilized to identify the following:
4.4.1 Previously diagnosed diseases, especially cardiovascular or
respiratory diseases
4.4.2 Psychological conditions that might effect respirator use
(claustrophobia)
4.4.3 Problems associated with breathing during normal work
activities
4.4.4 Past problems with respirator use
4.4.5 Past and current usage of medication
4.4.6 Known physical deformities or abnormalities which may
interfere with respirator use
4.4.7 Previous occupations
4.4.8 Susceptibility to tachycardia (rapid beating of the heart)
produced by breathing heated air.
4.5 A determination will be made by the examining physician into
which of three possible categories the respirator user falls:
Class 1 No restrictions
Class 2 Limited Restrictions (Specifically identified by the
physician)
Class 3 No respirator use allowed under any circumstances (This
goes with medical exam )
4.6 Corrective Lenses. Because of the potential of serious
fitting problems by individuals wearing corrective lenses, ONLY the BYU-Idaho
Safety
Department can authorize respirator use to these individuals.
4.6.1 The wearing of contact lenses in contaminated atmospheres
is not allowed.
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5.0 Monitoring.
5.1 A representative of the BYU-Idaho Safety Office or other
competent person shall perform all required air monitoring.
5.2 The competent person shall make a reasonable determination as
to which substances to monitor and how frequently to monitor
5.3 Air sampling data are important in the selection of the
proper respirator and should include:
5.3.1 Identification of the contaminant
5.3.2 Nature of the hazard
5.3.3 Concentration in the breathing zone.
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6.0 Selection of
Respirators.
6.1 The selection of the appropriate respirator will be made only
after considering a wide assortment of contaminant variables. Among them are the
following:
6.1.1 The physical state of the contaminant -- dust, mist, vapor,
fume, or gas
6.1.2 Its physical properties such as molecular weight, water
solubility and vapor pressure
6.1.3 Physiologic effects on the body, such as eye irritation,
skin adsorption or dulling of the sense of smell.
6.1.4 Measured concentrations compared to permissible exposure
level
6.1.5 Warning properties and odor thresholds.
6.2 Job and individual requirements shall be considered in the
selection of respirators. These include:
6.2.1 Length of time respirator will be worn
6.2.2 The activity of the wearer
6.2.3 Additional requirements of eye protection
6.2.4 Communication
6.2.5 Temperature
6.2.6 Personnel acceptance and face fit
6.3 Unusual factors should be anticipated in selecting
respirators. Some examples include:
6.3.1 Adsorption through or irritation of the skin
6.3.2 Radiation of the skin and whole body
6.4 Air Purifying Respirators
6.4.1 Air purifying respirators will not be worn in atmospheres
containing less than 19.5% oxygen by volume.
6.4.2 Air purifying respirators will not be used where the
contaminants are unknown.
6.4.3 Air purifying respirators will not be used where high or
moderate levels of exposure are expected.
6.4.4 Air purifying respirators will not be used when any of the
following contaminants are present:
carbon monoxide
hydrogen cyanide
hydrogen fluoride
hydrogen sulfide
methylene chloride
nitrous oxides
ozone
Aisocyanates"
vinyl chloride
(This list is not all inclusive)
6.4.5 Only NIOSH/MSHA -- certified respirators will be used.
6.4.6 The selection of respirators will be made by the
BYU-Idaho Safety department or its' qualified designee.
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7.0 Training.
7.1 Minimum training shall include the following:
7.1.1 Instruction in the nature of the hazard and an appraisal of
what may happen if the respirator is not worn.
7.1.2 A discussion of the respirators capabilities and
limitations.
7.1.3 Every respirator wearer shall receive fitting instructions
including demonstrations and practice in how the respirator should be worn, how to adjust
it, and how to determine if it fits properly. (Respirators shall not be worn when
conditions such as facial hair, temple pieces on glasses, or absence of one or both
dentures, prevent a good face seal.)
7.1.4 Training shall provide individuals an opportunity to handle
the respirator, have it fitted properly, test its facepiece-to-face seal, wear it in
normal air for a long familiarity period, and, to wear it in a test atmosphere.
7.2 Fit Testing.
7.2.1 A qualitative fit test will be conducted initially and as
part of the regular medical evaluation.
7.2.2 A fit check will be conducted by employees each time they
don a respirator. This check can be performed in either of 2 ways:
7.2.2.1 Positive Pressure: the wearer covers the exhalation valve
and breathes out. If a slight positive pressure is felt inside the facepiece, the
respirator is adjusted properly.
7.2.2.2 Negative Pressure: The wearer covers both cartridges with
his hands and inhales. The test is deemed acceptable if the facepiece collapses slightly,
and stays collapsed while the wearer holds his breath.
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8.0 Maintenance
and Care of Respirators.
8.1 Cleaning
8.1.1 Routinely used respirators shall be collected on a regular
basis and be cleaned and disinfected. (At least weekly)
8.1.2 Those respirators used by more than one worker shall be
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use.
8.2 Inspection
8.2.1 All respirators shall be inspected routinely before and
after each use.
8.2.2 Respirators used routinely shall be inspected during
cleaning. Worn, deteriorated, or defective parts shall be immediately replaced.
8.2.3 Parts replacement or repairs should be done only by a
qualified individual.
8.3 Storage
8.3.1 Respirators must be stored to protect against dust,
sunlight, heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture, or damaging chemicals. Storage should be
in a self-sealing type container. (Zip-lock bags or cans with plastic lids)
8.3.2 Respirators should be packed or stored so that the
facepiece and exhalation valve will rest in a normal position and function will not be
impaired by the elastomer setting in an abnormal position
8.4 Repair
8.4.1 Replacements or repairs shall be done only by experienced
persons with parts designed for the respirator. No attempt shall be made to replace
components or to make adjustment or repairs beyond the manufacturer's recommendations
8.5 Air Quality. All breathing air shall meet or exceed the CGA
(Compressed Gas Association) G7.1 standard for Grade "D" air.
8.6 Use of Respirators.
8.6.1 Each respirator permanently assigned to an individual
should be durably marked to indicate to whom it was assigned and when the respirator was
issued.
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9.0 Emergency Use
Respirators.
9.1 Training
9.2 Inspection. Emergency use SCBA or Air-line respirators must
be inspected monthly. This inspection will be made by the "using" department and
shall include as a minimum the following items:
9.2.1 The respirator is where it is supposed to be
9.2.2. The air cylinder(s) are fully charged
9.2.3. The low air-pressure warning alarm is working
9.2.4. The elastomeric parts are in good condition
9.2.5. The air cylinders are hydrostatically tested at least once
every 5 years. (Test date is stamped into cylinder neck)
9.3 A record shall be kept of inspection dates and findings for
respirators maintained for emergency use.
9.4 Cleaning. Respirators maintained for emergency use shall be
cleaned and disinfected after each use.
9.5 Storage. Instructions for proper storage of emergency use
respirators are found in "use and care" instructions usually mounted inside the
carrying case lid.
9.6 Use in Dangerous Atmospheres.
9.6.1 In areas where the wearer, with failure of the respirator,
could be overcome by a toxic or oxygen-deficient atmosphere, at least one additional
person shall be present. Communication shall be maintained, and planning shall be such
that one individual will be unaffected by any likely incident and that individual will
have the proper rescue equipment to be able to assist others in time of an emergency.
9.6.2 When self-contained or hose masks with blowers are used in
atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health, standby men must be present with
suitable rescue equipment.
9.6.3 Individuals using air line respirators in atmospheres
immediately hazardous to life or health shall be equipped with safety harnesses and safety
lines for lifting or removing persons from hazardous atmospheres or, other and equivalent
provisions for rescue, shall be used. A standby rescuer with a SCBA shall be at the
nearest fresh air station.
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10.0 Program Monitoring
10.1 The BYU-Idaho Safety Department will monitor the
"Respiratory Protection Program". Random inspections will be made to insure that
respirators are properly selected, used, cleaned and maintained.
10.2 Results of these inspections will be forwarded to department
supervisors, area directors and the Safety Office.
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11.0 Definitions.
Competent person: One who is capable of identifying existing
and predictable hazards in the surroundings, and who has authorization to take prompt
corrective measures to eliminate them.
Fit testing: Evaluation of the sealing characteristics and
performance of the respirator under controlled conditions.
Respirator: A device designed to protect the wearer from
inhalation of harmful atmospheres. Types include:
1. Atmosphere-supplying respirators:
a. Self contained breathing apparatus (S.C.B.A.)
b. Air-line
c. Hose-mask
d. Combination of self-contained and hose-mask or air-line
2. Air-purifying respirators:
a. Gas and vapor (gas mask and chemical cartridge)
b. Particulate (dust, fog, fume, mist, smoke, and sprays)
c. Combination gas, vapor, and particulate
3. Combination atmosphere-supplying and air-purifying:
Qualified person: A person who by reason of experience or
training is familiar with the operation to be performed and the hazards involved.
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