Lecture 10: PPE

Question 1

Relationship between PPE and OSHA

Answer 1

PPE only when admin and engineering controls not feasible

employers make the determination

Question 2

PPE scenarios other than last case

Answer 2

when new control measures are installed
maintenance and repairs
emergencies
added level of control

Question 3

whats a PPE program

Answer 3

necessary partner to PPE use

addresses hazard present: selection, maintenance, use of PPE, training of employees, monitor program to ensure ongoing effectivness

Question 4

What does PPE protect?

Answer 4

skin, lungs, ears, eyes

Question 5

PPE classification system from OSHA and EPA

Answer 5

Level A, B, C, D 
A: is most protection (chemical requires maximal protection, hazards unconfirmed
B: lower skin hazard may be present, 
C: lower level of skin protection
D: atmosphere contains no known hazards

Question 6

Lets talk about Gloves (6)

Answer 6

purpose: patient care, environmental servies
protecting worker and product
glove materials: vinyl, latex, nitrile
sterile vs non-sterile
one or two pair
single use or reusable

Question 7

What factors go into glove selection?

Answer 7

types of chemicals, nature of contact (total submersion etc), duration of contact, area requiring protection, grip, thermal protection, size and comfort, abrasion/resistance

Question 8

Types of gloves (4)

Answer 8

leather, canvas, mesh: no cuts or burns, sustained heat
fabric: protects against dirt, slivers, chafing, abrasions
chemical/liquid resistant: thicker, but may impair grip
insulating rubber glove: electrical protection

Question 9

4 types of chemical-resistant gloves

Answer 9

natural (latex) gloves: comfortable, protects against most water solutions
butyl gloves: synthetic rubber,
neoprene: good pliability: hydraulic fluids
nitrile: protection against chlorinated solvents, caustics and acids

Question 10

Penetration vs Permeation

Answer 10

penetration: passage through without changing properties. chemicals goes through imperfections in material
permeation: chemicals don’t go through voids or imperfections, chemical diffuses through material

the longer breakthrough time the better

Question 11

Types of Eye protection

Answer 11

safety spectacles, goggles, faceshields (nuisance dusts), welding shields (OSHA has special requirements), laser safety goggles

Question 12

Types of Hearing Protection

Answer 12

earplugs and ear muffs

distinction based on comfort, protection, sizing, ease of fitting, compatibility, use conditions, storage, monitoring

Question 13

Hard hats types

Answer 13

A - impact and protection along with limited voltage
B - highest protection against electrical hazards, protection from impact from falling/flying objects
C - lightweight, much less protection

Question 14

Types of respirators, and basic principles

Answer 14

air purifying respirators (not for toxics, not for odorless, not for oxygen deficient). eg., filtering facepiece respirators, tight fitting respirators, powered APRs

atmosphere supplying respirators (can be tight fitting or loose fitting). supplied air respiratiors, self-contained breathing apparatus, combination respirators

inspired air is drawn through a filter medium (selected for contaminant). must have a good seal (all air passes through filter medium all the time)

Question 15

Niosh rating system

Answer 15

N95 - filters at least 95% of airborne particles (not resistant to oil)
N99 - not resistant to oil
R95 - somewhat resistant to oil
P95 - very resistant to oil
P100 - strongly to resistant to oil

Question 16

Assigned Protection factor and maximum use concentraiton

Answer 16

APF: workplace level of respiratory protection that a respirator or class of respirators is expected to provide (there is also an effective PF)

you can use this and the OEL to select a respirator

MUC = PF x OEL

Question 17

Respirator selection criteria

Answer 17

nature of hazard, prior exposure knowledge, APF vs EPF, MUC, Niosh certification

Question 18

respiratory protection program

Answer 18

written SOPs, medical evaluations, fit testing, use, maintenance, breathing air quality, training and eval, program evaluation

Question 19

Fit Testing, how are they done?

Answer 19

quantitatively evaluate the fit of a respirator, performed before respirator is used, at least annually for each worker (different faces pieces),

Negative and Positive pressure checks