online self-study unc respiratory protection program for public safety department
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ONLINE SELF-STUDYUNC Respiratory Protection Program for Public Safety Department
Page Title
Class Objectives
Class Objectives Introduction to the Respiratory Protection Program
Understand why Respiratory Protective Equipment has been issued to UNC-CH Police Officers.
Be able to discuss the types of chemical inhalation hazards including riot control agents, CBRN agents, and miscellaneous chemicals used at UNC-CH.
Review biological agents.
Explain the different types of Respiratory Protective Equipment Used.
Review Respirator Use Procedures.
Review Medical Evaluation Procedures.
Understand the purpose of respirator fit-testing
Review Respirator Inspection, Maintenance, and Storage Procedures.
Introduction
Introduction
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH)Respiratory Protection Program describes written policy
andprocedures for the use of respirators to protect the
health ofemployees in accordance with the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Respiratory ProtectionStandard, 29 CFR 1910.134 (General Industry RespiratorStandard).
The purpose of the Respiratory Protection Program is toprevent occupational illnesses and disease as resultof employee exposure to unsafe levels of airborne
hazards inthe occupational setting.
Introduction
The primary means to control occupational exposures caused
by breathing contaminated air is through the use of feasible
engineering controls, such as enclosures, confinement of operations, ventilation, or substitution of less toxic
materials.
When effective engineering controls and other types ofworkplace controls (administrative, product substitution,
etc.)are not feasible, or while they are being instituted,appropriate respirators shall be used. The use of
respirators is the last line of defense. An effective respirator program is critical for the safe use ofthe issued respiratory protective equipment.
Purpose of Respiratory Protection for Public Safety
Purpose of Respiratory Protection for Public Safety
Why does Public Safety need a respirator? Some examples include:
Maintaining the perimeter at “crowd-control” incidents where tear gas is used
Terrorism/Chemical/Biological threat incidents (warm & cold zone requirements);
To prevent exposure to airborne respiratory infectious agents (i.e. influenza virus)
The following slides explains these examples further.
Purpose of Respiratory Protection for Public Safety
1) Maintaining the perimeter at “crowd-control” incidents where tear gas is used: Crowd Control includes riots, disorders, and violence
arisingfrom dissident gatherings and marches, rock concerts, political conventions, and personal violence among two ormore persons. Respirators could be used by officers during the release of“warning smoke”, “tear-gas,” or other types of riot control agents when there is a potential for exposure to airborne forms of these agents such as when encountered when maintaining crowd control.
Purpose of Respiratory Protection for Public Safety
An example of an incident which law enforcement personnel used respiratory protective equipment forprotection against riot control agents was in Seattle, 1999, during the World Trade Organization protests and demonstrations.
Police officers used tear gas and other devices to control crowds of protestors. The following slides were taken on Wednesday, December 1, 1999 in downtown Seattle, WA. The following two pages illustrate the demonstrations thatoccurred and use of tear gas by Seattle Police Officers tocontrol the crowds of protestors. The third slide illustratesriot police in full dress (including gas masks at their sides)where they arrested hundreds of protestors in WestlakePark, downtown Seattle.
Purpose of Respiratory Protection for Public Safety
Left Picture: The line is drawn at 4th and Pike Street. Right Picture: Tear gas is launched at 4th and Pike
Street.
Purpose of Respiratory Protection for Public Safety
Left Picture: After dark, 4th and Pike Street Middle Picture: Police Use Teargas Again Right: Police occupy 4th and Pike Again
Purpose of Respiratory Protection for Public Safety
Left Picture: Riot Control Police at 4th and Pike St, Seattle, Dec 1, 1999.
Right Picture: Police contain and arrest hundreds of protestors in Westlake Park
Purpose of Respiratory Protection for Public Safety
2) Terrorism/Chemical/Biological threat incidents:
It is a threat that we hope never happens, but we must be
prepared if an incident does occur. Public Safety may be
in the area of a threat or incident or may be required to help
enforce exclusion/barrier/ security zones once exposureconditions are understood. Public Safety may also help
victimsand the public around the incident area.
The respiratory equipment (gas mask with P100 filter &chemical cartridge) issued provides protection against
gasses, vapors, and all biological aerosol agents that could
potentiallybe encountered.
Purpose of Respiratory Protection for Public Safety
2) Terrorism/Chemical/Biological threat incidents (Continued):
The issued gas mask also provides protection against low level
chemical warfare agents such as nerve and blister agents, but
it is not designed to be used in oxygen deficient atmospheres
or in areas where levels of agents exceed the limitations of the
respirator chemical cartridge and are considered Immediately
Dangerous to Life and Health.
Purpose of Respiratory Protection for Public Safety
3) To prevent exposure to airborne respiratory infectious agents (i.e. influenza virus):
In the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak, researchindicates that a N95 filtering face piece respirator is anadequate form of protection against the inhalation exposurehazard to the influenza virus due to the respirator’s ability tofilter out very small size particles including the size of viruses.
In addition to your issued disposable N95 respirator, you use a
combination filter/chemical protective cartridge (P/N 817588)with your MSA gas mask. . The prefilter, is a P100 filter, which
hasthe highest filtering efficiency (99.97% against very smallparticles) of all NIOSH approved respirator filters. It is alsoprotective against respiratory infectious agents.
Review of Airborne Hazards and Chemical Inhalation Hazards
Review of Airborne Hazards and Chemical Inhalation Hazards
Airborne hazards which public safety could be potentially exposed
during an incident generally fall into the following basic categories:
Gases. Gases are formless fluids that occupy the space or enclosure and which can be changed to the liquid or solid state only by the combined effect of increased pressure and decreased temperature.
Vapors. Vapors are the gaseous form of substances that are normally in the solid or liquid state at room temperature and pressure.
Smoke. Smoke consists of carbon or soot particles resulting from the incomplete combustion of carbonaceous materials such as coal or oil. Smoke generally contains droplets as well as dry particles.
Review of Airborne Hazards and Chemical Inhalation Hazards
Dusts. Particles that are formed or generated from solid organic or inorganic materials by reducing their size through mechanical processes such as crushing, grinding, drilling, abrading, or blasting.
Fumes. Particles formed when a volatilized solid, such as a metal, condenses in cool air. The media usually confuses the definition of vapor with fume.
Oxygen deficiency. The respirators issued to Public Safety are not protective against oxygen deficient atmospheres. Only approved air supplying respirators (e.g. SCBA’s such as used by Fire Fighters) can be used in this type of environment.
Review of Airborne Hazards and Chemical Inhalation Hazards
Acute health effects are the negative effects from a substance that occur after one or multiple exposures in a short period of time. (e.g. the immediate effects of riot control agents explained on the next slides)
Chronic health effects are the negative adverse health effects from a substance that occur over a longer period of time, usually from repeated exposure of low doses. Sometimes delayed for years. (Ex. Asbestos exposure)
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
Riot Control Agents
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
Riot Control Agents
Riot Control Agents: Are compounds that cause temporary
incapacitation by irritation of the eyes and irritation of the upper
respiratory tract.
They are often called irritants, irritating agents, and harassing agents.
The general public usually calls them tear gas.
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
Riot Control Agents When using riot-control agents you could be exposed to
differentairborne hazards through breathing fine droplets or particles in
theair, or a combination of forms of agents.Some of the different riot control chemical types
include: -CS (Coroson/Stoughton), malenonitrile Pepper spray (Capsaicin) Oleoresin capsicum, the “active” ingredient of OC tear gas. CN (commercial); Mace; chloracetophenone -DM (vomiting agent)
Your issued MSA phalanx gas mask is protective against CN-Mace, CS irritant, and OC tear gas agents.
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-Riot Control Agents
Riot Control Agents Acute Health Effects of Exposure:
Eyes- burning, lacrimation, injection, blepharospasm
Nose- Burning, rhinorrhea, sneezing
Mouth- burning of mucosa membranes including palate and tongue.
Airways- burning, tightness in the chest, coughing
Skin- Burning, stinging, erythema
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
Riot Control Agents Long-lasting exposure or exposure to a large
dose of riot control agent; especially in enclosed, unventilated areas can cause
severe effects such as the following: Eyes- Blindness, Glaucoma (a serious eye condition
that could lead to blindness). Nose- Severe burning Mouth- Severe chemical burns to the throat Airways- Severe chemical burns to the lungs Skin- Severe burns
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
Riot Control Agents Characteristics of Riot Control Agents: Usual forms of dispersal and delivery consists of solid
primarily (CS, CN,) and aqueous solution (e.g. CN-Mace). Dispersal devices consist of: pressurized canisters
(spray devices) & explosive cartridges (pen guns, shotgun canisters)
Dispersal forms consist of: -solid suspended in the air (aerosol, smoke). -solution suspended in the air (true aerosol).
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
Riot Control Agents Degrees of Hotness: -Measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU) *Green bell pepper – zero *Jalapeno pepper – 5,000 *Pepper Spray – 5000,000 to 2 Million *Pure capsaicin – 15 Million
The Scoville Organoleptic Scale was developed by Wilbur Scoville in 1919
as a way to quantify a chile pepper’s heat. Originally, tasters were asked
to judge how many parts of sugar water added to one part of chile essence
were needed to completely erase the chile’s heat.
Now a chemical process called High Performance Liquid Chromatography
(HPLC) measures capsaicin concentrations in chiles, but the Scoville scale is
still very accurate, approx. 16 times the HPLC calculation.
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
Riot Control Agents How can you protect yourself from exposure to
riot control agents?: If released outdoors, move away from the area where
released. Avoid dense, low-lying clouds of riot control agent vapor.
Go to the highest ground possible, because riot control agents will form a dense cloud that can travel close to the ground.
If the release of agents was indoors, get out of the building.
Additional guidance can be found on the Center for Disease Control website at http://emergency.cdc.gov
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
“CBRN” & Toxic Industrial Chemicals
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-“CBRN” & Toxic Industrial Chemicals
Classes of Threat ChemicalsCBRN is an acronym for “Chemical, Biological,
Radiological, andNuclear” usually followed by a word like “agents”,
“weapons”, or“warfare”.
CBRN includes a full spectrum of potential and non-traditional
threats from terrorism including chemical warfare agents and
toxic industrial chemicals.
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-“CBRN” & Toxic Industrial Chemicals
What is a Chemical Warfare Agent? Synthesized substance used to incapacitate, seriously
injure,or kill man as a result of its physiological effects. Can be disseminated by a variety of Means: artillery,
aircraft, or by non conventional methods Examples include Nerve Agents, Blistering
Agents/Vesicants, Blood Agents. Can be disseminated by a variety of Means: artillery,
aircraft, or by non conventional methods Can be in form of Gas, Vapor, or Aerosol (droplets) Additional guidance on specific types of chemical
warfare agents can be found on the Center for Disease Control website at http://emergency.cdc.gov
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
“CBRN” & Toxic Industrial Chemicals What is an example of a situation in the past
where CBRN agents were used in terrorism? Sarin (Nerve Agent)- On a Monday morning in
March 1995, Aum Shinrikyo cultists released a cloud of impure Sarin gas in a crowded Tokyo subway. Even in dilute form, the chemical killed 12 and sickened thousands. Though they posed no threat in the U.S., the cult had an office in New York City, just a few blocks from the Times Square subway station.
Cyanide- A London plot to release cyanide gas on the Underground tube network was foiled with the arrest of three reported to have links to Al Quaeda.
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
“CBRN” & Toxic Industrial Chemicals
Toxic Industrial ChemicalsToxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) is a term that refers tochemical agents that are used in industrial operationswhich could be used by terrorists. The intentional use
ofTICs could cause not only health effects, but flammableand explosive hazards.
Some examples of chemicals that are considered TICsInclude Anhydrous Ammonia, Acrylontirile, Propane, Ethylene Oxide, and Chlorine.
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
“CBRN” & Toxic Industrial ChemicalsToxic Industrial Chemicals
The University uses a variety of chemicals for research
procedures and in industrial work areas for work processes.
There are federal and state regulations (e.g. HAZCOM and
environmental regulations) to ensure that these materials are
properly controlled, inventories of materials are maintained,
and to ensure that employees that work with themunderstand the potential hazards and safe use
requirementsfor these materials.
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
“CBRN” & Toxic Industrial Chemicals
Examples of chemicals at UNC Ammonium Nitrate
Fertilizer Propane
Tanks, forklifts Acetylene
Welding Bromine
Water treatment Chlorine
Pools
Review of Chemical Inhalation Hazards-
“CBRN” & Toxic Industrial ChemicalsToxic Industrial Chemicals
For more information regarding specific typesof TICs, the Center for Disease Control andPrevention Website is an excellent resource.The following link takes you directly to theirChemical Emergencies Section where you canobtain more information regarding TICs:
http://emergency.cdc.gov/chemical/
Review of Biological Agents
Review of Biological Agents
What are Biological Agents? Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi,and biological toxins. Examples of Biological agents that could be used for terrorism:
-Anthrax,-Botulism toxin, -Smallpox, -Plague, -Staphylococcal bacteria, etc.
Some agents are contagious, some are not. They require timeafter inhaled/ingested to multiply enough to overcome thebody’s defenses. Routes of exposure: inhalation, dermal route,orally, percutaneously (injected through skin).
Review of Biological Agents
Bioterrorism: the intentional use of microorganisms, or toxins, derived form living organisms, to produce death or disease in humans, animals, or plants.
Bioterrorism- Did you know that the first bioterrorism
incident against a U.S. community occurred in 1984? Oregon’s local heath authoritites closed down restraunts with salad bars after nearly 400 people became infected with Salmonella Typhimurium. A total of 751 people were victims of a bizarre scheme to hold down voter turnout. A religious cult called the Rajneeshees grew their own bacteria and intentionally contaminated salad bars.
Anthrax- In October 2001, the testing Lab at For Detrick Maryland, found that anthrax spores sent to Senator Tom Daschle were extremely potent. It took months to clear all traces of the weapons –grade anthrax from the Hart Senate Office Building.
2 postal workers in a mail facility that handled the anthrax-tainted letters also died.
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
There are two primary types of respirators. They are called air-
purifying and atmosphere supplying.
1) Air-Purifying Respirator (APR): Both Negative & Positive Pressure Types. Removes contaminants by mechanical removal of particulates using filters and chemical cartridges used for the removal of gasses & vapors by adsorption (surface binding). They can’t be worn in oxygen-deficient or IDLH atmospheres. The air concentration must be within the maximum use concentration of the respirator.
2) Atmosphere Supplying: Provides fresh breathing air (“Grade D” quality) from an external source. Examples of types of supplied air are Airline respirators, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and Escape only respirators.
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
What type of Respirator does Public Safety use?
Air-Purifying Respirator: A respirator with an air-purifying filter,
cartridge, or canister that removes specific air contaminants (such as
gas, vapor, particulate, or combinations) by passing ambient air
through the air-purifying element.
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
A Filtering Facepiece Respirator is a particulate respirator with the entire facepiece composed of the filtering medium. It is
protectiveagainst aerosols of very small size which could enter your
respiratorysystem (less than one micrometer size) such as particles, dusts,generated from dusty operations and infectious diseases. The 3M 9211 N95 respirator issued to public safety is also
protective againstbiological & infectious agent aerosols and viruses such as
influenza viruses andcould be used for inhalation protection in the event of an
Influenza pandemicoutbreak..
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
MSA Phalanx Gas Mask:
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
MSA Phalanx Respirator/Gas Mask: The MSA Phalanx
respirator/gas mask that has been issued to you when used with
canister P/N 817589 is also effective against the following
chemical warfare agents: Nerve GA, GB (Sarin), GD, VX, Blister:
mustard and lewisite and ALL Biological Warfare agents.
It is also effective against OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) Riot Control
Agent and HCN (Hydrogen Cyanide), but is not approved nor
has it been tested by the National Institute of Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
MSA Phalanx Respirator/Gas Mask Manufacture Information:
(Please click on link below to pull up Phalanx Gas Mask Specifications)
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
MSA Phalanx Respirator/Gas Mask: The respirator canister (cartridge)
is composed of a combination particulate filter (P100 filter) and treated
activated carbon bed. In combination, this cartridge is protective against
aerosols, gasses, and vapors. The issued gas mask is equipped with a
combination filter/and chemical cartridge. The P100 filter has greater filtering
efficiency (99.97%) against aerosols of 0.3 um median diameter size). It has a
higher filter efficiency than the 3M 9211 N95 filtering facepiece.
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
Gas Mask Chemical Cartridge/Canister: It is important to implement a
chemical cartridge change out schedule. For Public Safety the change schedule is
to dispose the cartridge and obtain a new one after each response action.
The change schedule will ensure that canisters or cartridges arechanged before their end of service life.
This will help prevent “break-through” of the chemical cartridge and will prevent the wearer from being exposed to air contaminants as aresult of overuse of a saturated chemical cartridge. When using a respirator for protection for gasses and vapors, if you detect achemical taste, smell, or irritation, you should exit to a clean area and replace the cartridges and inspect the respirator immediately.
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
Atmosphere-Supplying Respirator is a respirator that supplies the user with
breathing air from a source independent of the ambient atmosphere. Types
include supplied-air respirators (SARs) and self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) units.
The types of respirators used by Public Safety are not air-supplying!! They are
air purifying respirators.
Types of Respiratory Protective Equipment
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is an atmosphere supplying
respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to be carried by the
user. This type of respirator is considered to provide the highest level of
respiratory protection. Pressure-demand types of SCBAs are used for fire
fighting, rescue, emergency response, and other situations.
This respirator is acceptable for oxygen-deficient conditions, and against a wide
variety of contaminants, and for entry into IDLH atmospheres.
Disadvantage is that the work time is limited to amount of air in the external tank
and the extra weight of the tank.
Respirator Use Procedures
Respirator Use Procedures
Respirator Instructions for Use and Care: At this time, ensure thatyou read and understand the MSA Phalanx Alpha respirator/ gasmask manufacture instruction manual. Review and understand
thecontent which includes:1) Instructions for Use and Care 2) Preparations for Use3) Test for Tightness4) Replacing the Canister5) Using the Inlet Port Plug6) Maintenance7) Cleaning & Disinfecting8) Storage9) Other Gas Mask Uses The following slides will review important content from the Gas
Mask Instruction Manual.
Respirator Use Procedures
Preparations for Use: There are five inspection points, that must be checked
before donning the respirator. Under no circumstances should a respirator
that fails inspection be used. The respirator must be repaired or replaced.
1. Head harness: Check to see that the head harness straps still have their
elasticity. Inspect for cracks or tears and make sure all buckles are in place
and working properly.
2. Facepiece: Check facepiece for dirt, debris, cracks, tears or holes.Inspect the shape of the facepiece for possible distortion that may
occur from improper storage and make sure the rubber is flexible, not stiff.
Respirator Use Procedures
Preparations for Use (Cont’d):
3. Inhalation and exhalation valves: Check for cracks, tears,distortion, dirt or build-up of material between valve and thevalve seat.
4. Facepiece inlet port: Check to make sure the inlet port threads are free of damage such as crossed threads and thatthe canister sealing surface of the facepiece is clean and freeof dirt or other foreign matter. Make sure the inlet portplugs are in place on the side of the facepiece opposite thecanister.
Respirator Use Procedures
* Note the face piece inlet port on the Left is securely in place;
* Note that on the right side of the illustration the chemical cartridge is securely
fastened and not cross-threaded!!
Respirator Use Procedures
Preparations for Use (Cont’d):
5. Canister: Make sure the canister is clean. Never try to
clean canister by washing it or using compressed air.
Inspect the canister for dents, scratches or other damage.
Assemble Gas Mask as Follows: Place canister onto inlet
port carefully. Hand tighten by turning clockwise to ensure
a good seal against the gasket or facepiece.
Respirator Use Procedures
Donning the Mask:
1. Extend all headband straps.
2. Put your chin in first
3. Grasp the two side straps in each hand, and pull the harness back over your head.
4. To tighten straps, pull straight back, not out.
5. Adjust straps as necessary to position face piece.
Respirator Use Procedures
Respirator Tightness Test:
The facepiece must be subjected to the following tightness test before each
use. Close off the inlet opening of the canister by covering with the palm
of the hand inhale gently so that the facepiece collapses slightly, and hold the breath
for ten seconds. If the face piece remains in its slightly collapsed condition and no
Inward leakage of air is detected, the tightness of the respirator is considered
satisfactory.
The Face piece must pass the tightness test before the user
should attempt to enter any toxic atmosphere. The mask will
not furnish protection unless all inhaled air is drawn through
the canister.
Safety Issues/Problems with Use of Respirators
Safety Issues/Problems with Use of Respirators
The use of Personal Protective Equipment (including a respirator) can
itself create significant worker hazards such as:
-Heat stress, - Physical and psychological stress, - Impaired vision, impaired mobility, and impaired
communication.
In general, greater levels of PPE can cause the associated risk to
increase. The next couple of slides addresses specific problems with
the use of a respirator.
Safety Issues/Problems with Use of Respirators
Impaired Vision: Peripheral vision is impaired when using most types
of full face respirators. Dependent on the type of respirator, you can
only see a limited field of view. In addition, certain weather conditions
such as high humidity and cold weather can fog the interior lens of the
respirator which can further impair vision.
Impaired Situational Awareness: With the respirator donned, you
must be cognizant of the surrounding work environment such as
distance away from hazardous equipment, moving objects, potential slip,
trips, and fall hazards, moving vehicles, etc.
Impaired Communication: Is much more difficult. Especially if
using radios or talking to a buddy in PPE with background noise.
Safety Issues/Problems with Use of Respirators
Facial Hair- facial hair that lies along the sealing area of the
respirator such as beards, sideburns, or even a few days of
growth of stubble, shall not be permitted because it will
prevent a good seal and may cause leakage of the respirator,
which could cause contaminants to enter your breathing zone.
Safety Issues/Problems with Use of Respirators
Heat Stress: In the summer months, this is a majorconcern. Ensure everyone is aware of the signs andsymptoms of heat related injuries (e.g. heat rash, heatexhaustion, & heat stroke).
In addition, a person working in high temperatures is underincreased levels of stress. Wearing a respirator causesadditional stress. Cooling packs are recommended to helpcool responders. They come in different styles by safetymanufacturers.
Safety Issues/Problems with Use of Respirators
Fatigue: has both a physical and psychological effect. During
major response events, 1st Responders and support staff could be
faced with a work schedule where routine meals or breaks are
suddenly interrupted. Work conditions suddenly change from an
office or training environment to real conditions.
Recommendations consist of adequate work/rest cycles; Use of the buddy system to identify signs of fatigue; and enforcement of operational periods and fatiguerecommendations in the field.
Medical Evaluation Requirements
Medical Evaluation Requirements
Using a respirator may place a physiological burden, which varieswith type of respirator worn, the job and workplace conditions inwhich the respirator is used, and the medical status of theemployee. Potential negative physical demands of wearing arespirator include:
Extra strain on the heart Increased body temperature Heat Stress Dehydration Other ill health effects
Each employee assigned to wear a respirator in carrying out his/herjob responsibilities is to receive a medical evaluation to determinehis/her ability to wear a respirator. The medical evaluation mustbe performed to determine the employee’s ability to use a
respirator,before fit testing and use.
Medical Evaluation Requirements
OSHA requires employees to complete a medical questionnaire. At UNC-
CH this is done at the University Employee Occupational Health
Clinic (UEOHC), 145 N. Medical Drive. The medical staff willreview the medical evaluation and determine the ability of
the employeeto wear a respirator.
The UEOHC will provide the employee and their supervisor a written
recommendation if any limitations are needed.
Employees are encouraged to discuss the questionnaire and examination
results with a member of the UEOHC medical staff.
Respirator Fit-Testing Procedures
Respirator Fit-Testing Procedures
Why? Performed to make sure the respirator properly fits
your facial structure and to ensure that you know how to properly don the respirator without assistance.
OSHA requires prior to initial use, whenever a different respirator (size, style, model or make) is used and at least annually thereafter
Your fit is affected by changes in facial structure due to weight loss, scarring, surgery, facial hair, etc.
Respirator Maintenance & Storage Requirements
Respirator Maintenance & Storage Requirements
Inspection N95 should be inspected prior to use for rips tears or
holes in the respirator Gas Mask should be inspected prior to each use and
at least monthly thereafter.
Check for proper function before and after each use (i.e. tightness of connections, and the condition varies part including facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, and cartridges, canisters or filters, elastic parts for pliability and signs of deterioration)
Respirator Maintenance & Storage Requirements
Storage Respirators must be protected from damage,
contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals
Place your respirator in a clean individual bag Store masks with the face piece, exhalation valve,
and breathing tubes in a natural, undistorted position Face pieces and other parts can be permanently
deformed if they are smashed out of shape during storage. After it’s deformed, your respirator won’t fit you anymore.
Respirator Maintenance & Storage Requirements
Repair Any defective respirator shall be removed from
service, and shall be adjusted, repaired or discarded and replaced as appropriate.
Respirator Maintenance & Storage Requirements
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Follow Manufacturer instructions!!! Clean in warm soapy water with disinfectant after
each use; Take care to clean the exhalation valve in the
facepiece and all other parts that exhaled air contacts.
References
1) Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Emergency Preparedness and Response Website; http://emergency.cdc.gov/
2) History Link, The free encyclopedia of Washington State; www.historylink.org
3) United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense-Field Management of Chemical and Biological Casualty Course-Workbook.
4) Mine Safety Appliances (MSA) Company Phalanx Riot Control Gas Mask Instruction Manual
Questions?
Any questions regarding UNC-CH Respiratory Protection Program, please call:
Phone: 919.962.5507
Web: www.ehs.unc.edu