Respiratory Protection

Question 1

Fumes

Answer 1

occur during high heat operations such as welding or smelting
hazarads such as painting or pesticide applications or liquids are set in motion in the air
gasses are usually produced such as a chemical process such as hydrogen sulfide found in sewers storm drains
carbon monoxide gas is a byproduct of engine exhaust
some have odors some do not
hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs
carbon monoxide is odorless and has no color
vapors are the products of volatile liquids giving off vapors such as gasoline, paint, or solvents
oxygen deficiency a lack of oxygen in an area where you are working such as confined spaces

Question 2

Protection from Respiratory Hazards

Answer 2

joint cooperation from the ER and EE>
ER has the responsibility to determine and reduce or remove the hazards of the job - ER also provides the protective equipment
EE has the responsibility to follow the company’s policies and procedures

Question 3

29 CFR 1910.134

Answer 3

OSHA requires ER to have a respiratory protection program covering all ee’s whose job requires the use of respirators
1. respirators are selected based on hazards to which the EE is exposed
2. user is to be trained and instructed in the proper use and limitations
3. written procedures must be established
4. must be regularly cleaned and disinfected
5. used routinely must be inspected when cleaning and worn or deteriorated parts are to be replaced
6 stored in a convenient clean and sanitary location
7.appropriate survelance of work area conditions and degree of ee should be maintained
8. user properly fit tested and taught how to check face piece fit before each use
9. er should determine if a user can perform the work use the equipment and be reviewed periodically when conditions change and supervisor recommends PLHCP evaluation
10 effectiveness of the program should be evaluated on a regular basis

Question 4

Selection of respiratory equipment

Answer 4

respiratiory protection is of primary importance since inhalation is the main exposure to chemical toxicants.
protectitave devices consist of a face piece connected to an air source or an air purifying devise

Question 5

Positive and Negatice Air Flow

Answer 5

Different types of airflow may influence the selection of a respirator.
positive pressure air flow
negative pressure air flow

positive pressure air flow

respiratior maintaing a positive pressure face piece during both inhalation and exhalation .

2 types of positive pressure air flow respirators:
pressure demand -
and continuous flow

Pressure demand
a pressue regulator and an exhalation valce on the mask maintains the masks positive pressure except during high breathing rates . if a leak develops in the regulator sends a flow of clean air into the face piece preventing penetration by contaminated ambient air.

Question 6

Continuous Flow Respirators

Answer 6

including some supply respirators SARS including All powered respirators PAPR send a continuous flow of air into the face piece at all times.

with SARs the continuous flow of air iprevents infiltration invasion into ambient air. but uses the air supp;ly more rapidly than air that with pressure demant respirators.
our air purifying air respirators PAPRs are operatied in a positive pressure mode utilizing filtered ambient air. However maximum that is highest breathing rates can create negative pressure in the facepiece of a PAPR

Negative pressure respirators draw air into the face piece via the negative pressure created by user inhalation. the main disadvantage of negative pressure respirators that is if a leak or a crack in the hose or an illfitting mask or the face piece the user draws contaminated air into the facepiece during inhalation. when atmosthere supply respirators are used only those operated in the positive pressure mode are recommended for work at hazardous waste sites.

Question 7

Atmosphere supplying respirators

Answer 7

with an air source or consist of 2 types
2 types
self contained breathing appartus SCBA

supplied Air respirator SAR
supplies with an airline hose
sometimes referred to as airline respinratos

Question 8

Air purigying respiratior APRs

Answer 8

do not have a separate air source they utilize ambient sorrounding air that is purified with a filter before inhalation

Question 9

Types of face pieces

Answer 9

Different types are available for use with various types of respirators
the types generally used at hazardous work sites are
Full face masks cover the hairline to below the chin protecting the eyes
Half masks from the nose to below the chin
Testing
tested an approved by Mine Safety and Health Administration MSHA and NIOSH
29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix a has the regulations
approved numbers are on all equipment
not all respiratory equipment sold is approved
NIOSH has a list of approved respirators and components

Question 10

Protection Factor

Answer 10

the level of protection that can be provided by a respirator is indicated by the respirator’s protection factor. The assigned protection factor APF is determined experimentally by measuring face piece seal and measured and teh exhalation valve leakage
the number indicates the relative difference between
outside and inside the facepiece. is 50 is the protection factor - workers wearing these respirators can be protected in atmospheres containing chemicals at concentrations that are 50 X greater than the appropriate limits - PEL TLVs
refered to as the maximum use limit MUL one source of protection factors for various types of atmosphere SCBA and SAR and air purifying respiratiors can be found in american national Standards Institure ANSI.Z88.2 1980

Question 11

Sites with concentration of chemicals

Answer 11

At sites where the Identity and concentration of the chemicals in the air are known a respirator should be selected with a protection factor that is sufficiently high so they do not go over the limits
these limits in clude -
American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Limits - TLVs
OSHA’s limits PELs
NISHA limits RELs

Question 12

Limits

Answer 12

These limits are designed to protect these workers exposed to chemicals day after day throughout their working lifes
OSHA PELS are legally enforcable exposuer limits has the minimum protection that must be met.

If a worker has a high breathing rate
Ambient temperature is high or low
most notably if a worker has
If a worker has a poor face piece to face seal

Question 13

Addtitional breathing ingomato

Answer 13

At high breathing rates positive pressure scba and sarr;s
may not maintain pressure for brief
at high work rates may leak consequently

poritive preoffer less prote

Question 14

High Breathing Rates

Answer 14

positive pressure SCBAs and SARs may not maintain positive pressure during peak inhilation.
at high work rates exhalation valves may leak.
Positive pressure respirators working at high flow rates offer less protection than when working at normal rates.

Question 15

Air purifying respirators

Answer 15

APRs consist of a facepiece and an air-purifying device. the device is a removable component of the face piece or an apparatus worn on a body harness and attached to the face piece by a corrugated hose.

APR specifically removes specific airborne contaminants and (particulates gasses vapors and fumes ) from ambient air by filtration aborbtion by chemical reactions

Question 16

Respirators that are clogged

Answer 16

Respirator Clogged with trapped particles. It becomes difficult to breathe or allows odors to enter the breathing zone. When that happens it is time to change the respirator or cartridge. 1/2 mask are designed to cover mouth nose and chin. replacable cartridges that Trap dust mist or vapors entering the breathing zone. Each cartridge has a specific filter for each chemical and some cartridges can protect against several hazards. May have a pre filter that traps additional dust and fumes. Selection of the proper mask is important.
Know the hazard then select the proper protection.
the half-mask respirator is a rubber or Silicone mask with 2 to 3 valves. one valve lets air out and the other lets air in. The entire mask must be inspected before use. check the rubber silicone parts to make sure they are not valves to ensure they are clean, not missing, brittle or broken. 1/2 masks do not protect from oxygen deficiency nor does it protect from what is not written on the cartridge label.

Question 17

APRs

Answer 17

are used in atmospheres containing specific chemicals up to designated concentrations. are not approved for IDLH immediately dangerous for life and health atmospheres.
limited uses at wate sites and can be used when the ambient atmosphere contains sufficient oxygen that is
greater than 19.5 30 CFR part 11.90A

operate only in the negative pressure mode except for powered air purifying respirators which maintain a positive pressure except at PAPRs except at maximum breathing rates.
3 types of air purifying devices
1. particulate filters
2. cartridges and cannisters which contain
3. combination devices

Question 18

Cartridges

Answer 18

attach to the respirator facepiece. larger volume canisters attach to the chin of the facepiece or are carried with the harness and attached to the facepiece with a breathing tube. maximum use concentrations MUC or in the package where the cartridge is sealed.

Question 19

Combination cannisters and cartridges

Answer 19

combination cannisters and cartridges have layers of different sorbent materials and remove multiple chemicals from the ambient air. approved for more than 1 substance they are tested independently against single substances. the effectiveness of more than 2 substances has not been demonstrated.

Filters can be combined with cartridges to give additional protection against particulates. A number of standard cartridges and cannisters are available. They are color coded to show which chemicals or classes of chemicals against which they are effective. 29 CFR 1910.134G

Question 20

Respirators

Answer 20

used Only for the substances for which they are approved. For a limited number of chemicals, MSHA and NIOSH have granted approvals for manufacturers specific assemblies of air purifying respirators. performed at a given temperature and over a narrow range of flow rates and humidity levels . Thus the equipment can be compromised in nonstandard conditons.

The assembly approved by MSHA and NIOSH to protect against organic vapors is testing is tested against only one single challenge substance - carbon tetrachloride. Therefore the assembly’s effectiveness in protecting against other vapors has not been demonstrated.

The efficacy of APR’s varies widely even on closely related substances. Use of a sorbent shall not be allowed when it does not provide adequate sorbtion efficiency against a specific contaminant.

Question 21

Adequate warning properties

Answer 21

If a cannister or cartridge is to be used against gases or vapors the appropriate devise is to be used only if the chemicals have adequate warning properties 30 CFR Part 11.150.

NIOSH considers a substance to have adequate warning properties when:
- odor tase and irritant properties are detectable and persistent concentrations below the permissable exposure limit

poor warning properties when
- its odor or irritation threshhold or applicable properties is above the exposure limit.

Question 22

Sorbent Exhaustion

Answer 22

Respiratory standard emphasizes Contaminant breakthrough should not be relied on as a signal or an indicator of sorbent exhaustion.
Cannistors or cartridges should be changed out in accordance with a change schedule. Change schedules can be obtained through the OSHA website, manufacturers shedules and trade associations.
if these are not applicable then according to the company’s policy.

OSHA permits the use of air purifying respirators for protection against specific chemicals with poor warning properties provided that one of the following is true.

1. the surface life of the sorbent is known and a safety factor is applied
2. the respirator has an approved surface life indicator

Question 23

chemical absorbent cannisters

Answer 23

sorbent canisters are imprented with an expiration date. they can be use up to that date as long as they are not previously opened. Once opened they absorb humidity or air contaminants when not in use.
since efficiency and service life decrease they should be used immediately. cartridges should not be used for more than 1 shift after breakthrough (detection of the chemical through odor, taste or irritation effects) cartridges should be discarded after use.

Question 24

Self contained breathing apparatus

Answer 24

SCBA facepiece connected by a hose, a regulatorconnected to an air source (compressed air, compressed oxygen and and oxygenated chemical) carried by the wearer.

Question 25

SCBA’s

Answer 25

offer protection against most types and levels o f airborne contaminants. the duration of the air supply is important to the use and is limited by the
amount of air carried and the amount of consumption
bulky and heavy and likelihood of heat stress and can impair movement in confined spaces. Under MSCHA regulations and 30 CFR part 11. 70(A) SCBAs can be
approved for entry into and escape from a hazardous atmosphere or escape only.

Question 26

Escape ONly SCBA’s

Answer 26

are frequently continuous flow devices with hoods that can be donned to provide immediate emergency
protection. er’s must provide and ensure ee’s carry an escape SCBA such emergency protection can become necessary

Question 27

Entry and Escape SCBA respirators

Answer 27

include air tanks worn by workers. give workers undeterred unrestricted access to every section of the worksite. Decrease worker mobility in confined areas because os size and weight. It is advisable to use when unidentifiable and unquantifiable contaminants. Generally SCBAs are required for workers operating in oxygen deficient atmospheres (19.5%) or in contaminated zones or atmospheres where immediately dangerous to life and health. IDLH

Question 28

2 types of entry and escape SCBA respirators

Answer 28

Open circuit - air is exhaled into ambient atmosphere
Closed circuit - exhaled air is recycled by removing the carbon dioxide with an alkaline scrubber and by replenishing the consumed oxygen with oxygen from a solid, liquid or gasseous source.
as required by MSHA/NIOSH 30 CFR Part 11.80 all compressed breathing cylinders must meet minimum DOT requirements for interestate shipments.
Refer to 49 CFR Part 173 and 178)

All compressed air compressed oxygen liquid air and liquid oxygen used for respiration shall be of high purity and must meet all requirements of OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.134(d) . In addition, breathing air must meet or exceed the requirement of grade D breathing air as specified in the Compressed gas aassociation pamphlet G-7.1 and ANSI Z86.1 - 1973

Question 29

Deciding he appropriate use of SCBA

Answer 29

Key questions should be asked when determining if SCBA should be used.
- is the atmosphere IDLH or will it become IDLH - if yes, a positive pressure SBCA should be used. A positive pressure SAR with an escape SCBA can also be used.

• is the duration of the air supply sufficient for accomplishing the tasks? If no, a larger cylinder shoudl be used. a different respirator should be chosen and the work plan modified.
• will the bulk and weight of the SCBA interfere with task performance or cause unnecessary stress. If yes, the use of a SAR may be appropriate if conditions permit.
• will temperature effects compromise respirator effectiveness or cause added stress for the worker? If yes, the work should be shortened or postponed until the temperature changes

Question 30

Supplied air respirators

Answer 30

airline respirators
Pressure demand
not recommended for IDLH atmospheres
Type C

Question 31

more

Answer 31

SAR coupling must be incompatible with the outlets of other gas on site to prevent a worker form connecting to an inappropriate gas source (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 (d)
enable longer work periods than SCBAs and are less bulky.
airline impairs worker mobility and requires the worker to follow the same path that they came in. it is vulnerable to puncture from rough or sharp surfaces, chemical permeation damage from contact with heavy equipment and obstruction from falling drums.

all these hazards are to be removed prior to use.
when in use airlines should be kept as short as possible.
300 ft or 90 meteres is the approved length for SARs - orther workers and vehicles are to be kept away from the air lines. provided there is adequate air supply to reach safety and a bank of bottles can be brought in for extended work time.

The use of air compresser as a source for and SAR at a hazardous waste site is limited by the smae concern that workers wear respirators; the questionable quality of ambient air. On site compressor use is limited by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 (d)

Question 32

Deciding appropriate use of SAR

Answer 32

When considering SAR -

1. Is the atmosphere IDLH or likely to become IDLH? If yes SAR /SCBA combination or SCBA is necessary
2. Will the hose significantly impair worker mobility? If yes, the work task should be modified or other respiratory equipment should be used.
3. Is there a danger of the air line being obstructed or damaged ( heavy duty equipment, falling drums, sharp objects, rough terrain) and permeated or degraded by chemicals (pools of chemicals)? If yes, either the hazard should be removed or utilize another form of respiratory equipment .
4. If a compressor is the air source, is it possible for airborne contaminants to enter the air system? If yes, have all the contaminants been identified and what type of filter or sorbent do you have to capably remove the contaminants If no, either cylinders should be used as the air source or another form of respiratory protection should be used.
5. Can other workers and vendors that might interfere be removed from the site? If no, another form of respiratory protection should be used.

Question 33

Combination SCBA / SAR

Answer 33

a relatively new type of respiratory protection is available and uses a regulator to combines the SCBA with SAR. the user can utilize in either way through the manual or automatic switches of air sources and allows entry into and exiting without using the self contained air supply or extended when connected to an air line.

It is good fo rcases where persons have tor travel a long way in a hot zone and remain for retlatively long area. for eg. drum sampling. enter the site in the SCBA mode connect to the air line during the work period and and return to the SCBA mode to switch back to leave the site.

The primary difference is the length pf air time per the SCBA the combination system contains up to 60 minutes of type of air. enough air generally for only 5 minutes.

NIOSH certification of the combination unit allows up to 20 minutes. The SAR with the escape provision is certified for escape only.

Question 34

air supplied apparatus self contained

Answer 34

self contained breathing apparatus. this is the best protection from respiratory hazards and oxygen deficiency as you breathe purified air.
2 types
air line and self contained breathing apparatus.
air line respirators supply clean air through a special hose attached to a pump or compressed air
compressed ari must be from where all the contaminants are removed as well as fumes
as found on regular air complressors even when wearing you may need an emergency pack of air in case of an emergency. manufacturers have specific instructions for handling using wearing cleaning storing and inspecting of their equipment. follow the manufacturers recommendations. most of the self contained breathing equipment that you carr ofn your back will last about 15 minutes depending on your size. when the air supply goes low an alarm will sound telling you to get our and replace the air supply. don’t always rely on the alarms. check the amount of time that you are in the work area and leave in the amount the time that you are about to run out of air.

Question 35

Respirator Fit

Answer 35

reduction in protection can result from low or high ambient temperatures. for eg. at low temperatures the exhalation valve and regulated can become. ice clogged due to moisture in the breath and air.

at high temperatures excesseve sweat can cause a break in the face seal a poor face seal can be caused by the lack of or improper fit testing
as well as scars missing teeth and facial hair.

Question 36

Facia Hair and Long Hair

Answer 36

Facial hair and long hair interfere with respirator fit and worker vision. any facial hair that passes between the face and the surface of the respirator is prohibited.

even a few days grown of facial har will allow excessice contamination penetration.
long hair must be effectively contained with protective hair coverings

Question 37

Eyeglasses

Answer 37

with conventional temple, pieces earpiece bars will interefere with the respirator to face seal of a full face piece.
a spectacle kit should be installed on the face masks of workers requiring vision correction.

the lenses shall be fitted by qualified individuals to provide good visual comfort for a gas tight seal
contact lenses can trap contaminants and particulates between the lens and the eye causing irritiation damage absorption and an urge toremove the respiratior.
gum and tobacco chewing should be prohibited during respirator use since they can cause ingestion of contaminants and compromise the respirator fit.

Question 38

Respiratior Fit Testing

Answer 38

the fit or integrity of the face-fit-to-face-seal of a respirator affects its performance. A secure fit is important with positive pressure equipment and is essential to the safe functioning of negative pressure equipment such as air purifying respirators.
Most face pieces fit only a certain segment of the population therefore each facepiece must tbe tested on the potential wearer in order to ensure a tight seal.

Remember, scars, facial hair, missing teeth, hollow temples, deep creases, dentures, the chewing of gum or tobacco can interefere with respirator-to-face-seal. A respirator should not be worn when your cannor secure a good seal. Periodic checks should be conducted to ensure worker safety.

qualatiative fit tests
2 types
1. exposes the wearer to irritants (stannic chloride)
substances that have distinctive odors or tastes (banana oil or saccharin mist)
if the test fit is good the wearer should have not reactions or sensations related to the substances used.

Question 39

Quantitative Fit Test

Answer 39

The second type of test is the quantitatice fit test. it is much more complicated and designed to give a numerical value or fit factor indicating the degree of the fit.

the wearer is placed in en an enclosure containing a known concentration of a contaminant. A sample is taken from inside the face piece and the concentration of the contaminant is determined. the airborne concentration is divided by the concentration inside the face piece to get the fit factor.

the new 1910.134 describes fit testing methods in the appendix.