RESPIRATORS & FIT TESTING

Transcription

1 RESPIRATORS & FIT TESTING Presented By: Jamie Papian Licensed Lead & Asbestos Inspector Licensed Lead & Asbestos Abatement Supervisor HUD Housing Quality Standards Inspector State of Iowa, Illinois and Missouri Certified Training Provider Respirators: Your Last Line of Defense Respirators are absolutely necessary to protect your lungs from respirable airborne particles. OSHA Standard For Respiratory Protection OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard Provides For: a) Permissible practice b) Definitions c) Respirator program d) Selection of respirators e) Medical evaluation f) Fit testing 1

2 OSHA Standard For Respiratory Protection OSHA Respiratory Protection g) Use of respirator h) Maintenance and care i) Breathing air quality and use j) Identification of filters, cartridges, and canisters k) Training and information m) Recordkeeping n) Dates OSHA Standard For Respiratory Protection OSHA Respiratory Protection o) Appendices A - Fit test procedures B-1 User seal checks B-2 Cleaning procedures C Medical questionnaire D Information for employees wearing respirators when not required Permissible Practice Primary means of control of breathing contaminated air is through use of feasible engineering controls; If engineering controls are not feasible or while implementing such, respirators shall be used; Respirators must be appropriate for use intended; Employer is responsible for establishment of respirator program. 2

3 Required: Written Respiratory Program EMPLOYERS MUST: Develop a written program with worksite specific procedures. Update program as needed as conditions change. Designate a program administrator who is qualified. Provide respirators, training, and medical evaluations at no cost to employees. Written Program Must Contain Selection methods Medical evaluation Fit testing Use Maintenance and care Breathing air quality Training Program evaluation Respirator Selection Employer must select appropriate respirator based on respiratory hazards and user factors which affect performance and reliability Select NIOSH certified respirators and use in compliance with conditions of certification Identify and evaluate the respiratory hazards in the workplace and estimate the employee s exposure 3

4 Medical Evaluation Must be done before fit testing in order to determine users ability to wear respirator Identify a PLHCP (physician or other licensed health care provider) to perform evaluations using the questionnaire or other examination which obtains information Appendix C Part A questionnaire Follow up exam required if positive response to any question of questions 1-8 in section 2 Annual review required Fit Testing The OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29CFR ) requires that all employees using a tight-fitting respirator whether required to be worn by an OSHA standard, or required by the employer, pass a fit test. Fit testing is required prior to initial use, whenever a different facepiece is used, and at least annually thereafter Fit testing must also be performed when there is a noticeable change to the employees physical condition Fit Testing Fit testing must be performed using an OSHA accepted QLFT or QFNT protocol: QLFT: Qualitative (pass or fail test) QNFT: Quantitative (measurement of contaminant levels inside the mask) 4

5 Qualitative Fit Testing Involves the use if contaminants and test exercises to determine whether a respirator s fit is sufficient. If the wearer detects the contaminant during the fit testing exercises, the respirator fit is deemed not sufficient and not approved. If the contaminants are not detected during the fit testing exercises, the respirator fit is deemed satisfactory until the next fit test. Quantitative Fit Testing Requires specialized equipment to measure differences in airborne particulate concentrations and a trained tester. The airborne concentration of particulate is measured both outside of and inside the respirator while a worker performs several exercises. The specific degree of protection fit factor is determined for the wearer with the specific respirator worn. Minimum fit factor required for half mask is 100, full face is 500. These levels must be achieved or surpassed during the test exercise Fit Test Method Selection Determining which method to use is based on test quality and costs Quantitative testing is viewed as better than qualitative testing OSHA has fit test protocol requirements based on the type of respirator 5

6 Fit Testing User Seal Check OSHA also requires that the fit of the respirators be checked EACH TIME the respirator is worn, according to manufacturer s instructions. This is called a user seal check. Negative pressure seal check Positive pressure seal check Use of Respirators Tight fitting respirators may NOT be worn by anyone with facial hair or any condition that interferes with the faceto-facepiece seal or valve function Any PPE must be worn in such a manner that does not interfere with the seal of the facepiece to the face of the user. Caring For Respirators Respirators should be inspected before and after each use. Face straps, head straps, valves, tubes, filter elements etc. After each use, respirators should be cleaned and disinfected Face straps, head straps, valves, tubes, filter elements etc. 6

7 Caring For Respirators Repair of Respirators At some point any respirator will need replacement parts or some other repair. Only trained, qualified persons can LEGALLY repair respirators. Respirator parts from different manufacturers are NOT interchangeable NIOSH approval is invalidated if parts are substituted or non-approved parts are used. Storage Storing Respirators Respirators must be protected from dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture and damaging chemicals. When not in use, place in a closed bag and store in a clean and sanitary location. Breathing Air Quality Compressed breathing air must meet the requirements for Type-1Grade D breathing air 7

8 Identification of Filters, Cartridges and Canisters All filters, cartridges and canisters used in the workplace must be labeled and color coded with the NIOSH approval label. The label must not be removed and must remain legible Training Employer must provide effective training to respirator users, including: Why respirator is needed Limitations and capabilities of the respirator Use in emergency situations How to inspect, put on, and check seals How to store Medical signs and symptoms which may limit effective use General requirements of the standard How to fit test and maintain Training required prior to use and annually, or when changes occur Training Training required prior to use and annually, or when changes occur such as: Workplace conditions New types of respirators are used Inadequacy in the employee s knowledge or use indicates need The basic advisory information in Appendix D of has to be provided to employees who choose to wear respirators when their use is not required. 8

9 Program Evaluation Employer must conduct evaluations of the workplace as necessary to ensure proper implementation of the program and consult with employees to ensure proper use Recordkeeping Records of medical evaluations must be retained and made available per 29CFR A record of fit tests must be established and retained until the next fit test A written copy of the current program must be retained. 9

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