1. Purpose This Work Instruction is to be used for the proper inspection, cleaning, maintenance, repair and storage of respirators. 2. Procedure 2.1. General All respirators used in routine situations shall be inspected before each use and during cleaning. When it is available, the respirator manufacturer s checklist may be used. See Attachment #3 for checklist. All respirators maintained for use in emergency situations shall be inspected at least monthly and in accordance with the manufacturer s recommendations, and shall be checked for proper function before and after each use. In addition, the manufacturer recommends that the monthly inspection be more frequent (e.g., weekly) for emergency use respirators that are stored in harsh (e.g., hot, corrosive, etc.) environments. If the monthly inspections consistently reveal low air cylinder pressures or other deficiencies, then the inspection frequency should be changed to weekly. See Attachment #4 for mandatory Seal Check Procedures. See Attachment #3 for checklist. When it is available, the respirator manufacturer s checklist may be used. Air supplied suits must be inspected before and after each use. Air supplied suit owners are to develop and use an inspection check sheet based on manufacturer s inspection requirements or as per Section 2.2.4, as a minimum. All units/departments are to develop and implement an on-hand inventory list of the following spare equipment to ensure equipment is in compliance with service life dates, hydrotest dates and to ensure all equipment is inspected as per requirements. Ska-Pak cylinders SCBA cylinders SAR cylinders (110 cu. ft.) Hoses Canisters/cartridges Respirators Air supplied suits Page 1 of 7
2.2. Inspection 2.2.1. Air Purifying Respirators (Reference Attachment #3 Checklist or the Respirator Manufacturer s Checklist). Inhalation Valve Check for obstructions and deterioration. Exhalation Valve Check for obstructions and deterioration. Rubber Face-piece Check face-piece body for signs of deterioration or extreme distortion. Straps/netting Check for damaged serrations, deteriorated rubber and damaged netting. Face-piece lens Check for proper sealing in the rubber face-piece, ensure all retainer clips are in place and for cracks or vision impairing scratches. If equipped with a nose cup, inspect the inhalation valves for damage and the nose cup for proper seating. Visually inspect canister/cartridge attachment ports for damaged threads and seats. If the respirator is an emergency use unit and has a canister/cartridge attached, check for proper type (for intended use) as well as for a valid (good) expiration date on the filter. Check the condition of the canister/cartridge to respirator connecting tube. Check all connections for tightness. 2.2.2. Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) Reference Attachment #3 Check list or the Respirator Manufacturer s Checklist. Check applicable items from 2.2.1 as well as applicable items as follows: Supply air cylinders - Check the supply cylinders for proper pressure and verify that an oxygen purity test has been performed on the cylinder(s) content(s). If the purity has not been checked (check for tag) then you must check it before proceeding. See 4.8.1 of for procedure. Page 2 of 7
Note: Minimum SAR supply air cylinder pressure is 500 psig. Regulator Check the operation of the regulator by charging the unit and donning the respirator. Set the SAR air supply at 60 to 125 psig and check the regulator s operation. Check the integrity of all hoses, hose bands/clamps and related fittings. Check the function of any low-pressure alarms. Set point should be at 500 psig. If the SAR is equipped with an escape-pack (Ska-Pak) check for proper cylinder pressure. Check the hose and connections for deterioration and related fittings for integrity and tightness. Check the Ska-Pak cylinders hydrotest date. 2.2.3. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Check applicable items from 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 as well as the following: Alarm Test Charge up the unit by opening the cylinder valve. The low-pressure alarm should annunciate briefly. The alarm will also annunciate steadily when the cylinder pressure gets to ~ 25% of capacity or briefly when you depressure the system after inspection. Regulator With the system charged check the operation of the regulator by donning the respirator and checking its function. Check the supply cylinder for proper pressure and for a current (valid) hydrotest date. Hydro-test frequencies are listed below: Aluminum/steel cylinders (yellow) five (5) years Aluminum wrapped in fiberglass (yellow) three (3) years. Cylinders have a fifteen (15) year life expectancy. Composite/carbon wrapped cylinders (silver) manufactured before May 2001 shall be hydro-tested every three (3) years. Per manufacturer s guidelines - once these cylinders have been hydro-tested after May 2001, they will go to a five (5) year frequency. Cylinders have a fifteen (15) year life expectancy. Page 3 of 7
Inspect the cylinder for gouges or other integrity impairing abnormalities. Inspect the back frame carrier assemblies metal parts, straps, buckles and the cylinders hold down strap/lock. Check the pressure of the supply cylinder for proper pressure level. The pressure must be within 10% of the recommended full pressure. SCBA bottles must be secured during transport. 2.2.4. Supplied Air Suits Air supplied suits must be inspected before and after each use. The inspection must include the following: Suit Body Inspect the integrity of the whole unit including face piece, seams, zipper and booties. Inspect all hoses associated with the assembly for deterioration as well as the condition of all clamps/bands and associated fittings. Check the regulator for proper function and for proper alarm operation. Check the operation of the exhalation valve. Check the condition of the vortex, pass-through and the air distribution vest. Perform a positive pressure check on the assembly. Page 4 of 7
2.2.5. Cleaning/Disinfecting and Storage Respirators that are used by more than one person must be cleaned and disinfected after each use. Respirators that are issued to a single employee and used only by that employee must be cleaned and disinfected at a frequency that ensures proper respiratory protection and personal hygiene. Cleaning and disinfecting must follow the procedures in Attachments #1 and 2, or the manufacturers procedures, provided that they are of equivalent effectiveness. After cleaning and disinfecting respirators must be properly stored in a manner that protects the respirator from dust, harmful chemicals, sunlight, excess heat or cold, moisture and face piece or harness distortion. Respirator must be stored in a hermetically sealed bag. Once sealed the bag must be initialed and dated by the individual performing the inspection and cleaning. Air supplied suits are exempted from the bagging requirement. All emergency use respirators must be really accessible at all times. All emergency use respirators must be stored in compartments or in covers clearly marked as containing emergency respirators. 2.2.6. Maintenance and Repair Respirators that fail an inspection or are otherwise found to be defective must be removed from service and are to be discarded or repaired or adjusted in accordance with the following: Repairs or adjustments to respirators are to be made only by persons appropriately trained to perform such operations and shall only use the respirator manufacturer s NIOSH approved parts designed for the respirator, Repairs shall be made according to the manufacturer s recommendations and specifications for the type and extent of repairs to be performed; and Reducing and admission valves, regulators, and alarms shall be adjusted or repaired only by the manufacturer or a technician trained by the manufacturer. Page 5 of 7
2.2.7. Documentation Certification of inspection shall be accomplished by the use of an approved durable tag affixed to the respirator bag or case. In addition, the following information must be documented electronically or on a paper inspection report; Date of the inspection. Name of the person who performed the inspection. Findings of the inspection. Any required remedial action. A serial number or other means of identifying the respirator that was inspected. The inspection report must be kept until a subsequent inspection is performed. See Attachment #3 for inspection checklist. When it is available, the respirator manufacturer s checklist may be used 2. Records The inventory/inspection sheet will serve as the record of inspection. Retain records for the current year. 3. Responsibility/Accountability Function Responsibility/Accountability 1. Inspection a) Before use a) User b) After use b) User c) Monthly c) Daily Operations Team 2. Decontamination User 3. Deficiencies a) Report/red tag a) Inspector b) Repair/replace b) Daily Operations Team 4. Compliance Audits Quarterly Unit/Dept. EHS Coordinator Annually EHS Specialist Page 6 of 7
ATTACHMENTS WI - Attachment 1 Respirator Cleaning Procedures (Mandatory) WI - Attachment 2 Manufacturer s Recommended Cleaning Instructions WI - Attachment 3 Inspection List WI - Attachment 4 User Seal Check Procedures (Mandatory) Page 7 of 7