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Respiratory Protection Plan
Office of Safety and Environmental Programs
School of Marine Science
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
College of William & Mary
April 1991
May 1996 (1st revision)
January 1997 (reviewed)
June 1998 (rewritten)
September 1998 (revised for Web Page)
April 2007 (revised)
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose
B. Scope
C. Responsibility and Authority
1. Dean and Director
2. Associate Director for Safety and Environmental
Programs (Safety Officer)
3. Supervisory Personnel
4. Each Individual
II.
RESPIRATOR PROGRAM
A. General
B. Procedures for
Selecting Respirators for Use in the Workplace
1. Air-Purifying Respirators
2. Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators
C. Medical Surveillance
D. Fit Test Procedures
E. Procedures for the Proper Use of
Respirators in Routine and Reasonably Foreseeable Emergency Situations
F. Maintenance and Care of Respirators
H. Training and Information
G. Procedures to Ensure
Adequate Air Quality, Quantity, and Flow of Breathing Air for
Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators
I. Program Evaluation
J. Record Keeping
Appendix A: Medical Evaluation
Questionnaire
Appendix B: User Fit Check Procedures
Appendix C: Respirator Cleaning
Procedures
Appendix D to §
1910.134 (Non-Mandatory) Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not
Required
RESPIRATORY
PROTECTION PLAN
A. Purpose
The Federal Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for respiratory protection
are presented in 29 CFR 1910.134 and have been adopted by the
In early 1988 the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department
of Labor issued a revised version of 29 CFR 1910.134 with an effective date of
April 8, 1998 and a later compliance date. This Respiratory Protection Plan has
been rewritten to reflect the new standard.
The National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guide to respiratory protection,
publication No.87-116, as revised or updated, shall be used as an adjunct
reference for the implementation of this program. All respirators used by
VIMS/SMS personnel and visitors must meet criteria of NIOSH
All VIMS/SMS personnel are
expected to be aware of this program. All VIMS/SMS personnel who perform or who
may be called upon to perform any work or research activity which will expose
them to airborne hazardous or toxic material, or significant amounts of dusts
or mists, shall be thoroughly familiar with the contents of this plan. Persons
accepted as official members of the VIMS/SMS Dive Team shall comply with the
provisions of the VIMS/SMS Diving Safety Manual regarding the use of SCUBA
respirators.
Copies of the Respiratory
Protection Plan are available for review in the following locations:
- Office of Safety and Environmental Programs, Clayton
Annex, on the VIMS World Wide Web homepage (http://www.vims.edu) click on
Administration, then on Safety and Environmental Programs, then on the
Respiratory Protection Plan.
This plan covers all faculty, staff, students, contractors, and visitors who may become directly or indirectly involved in any activity within the limits of the VIMS/SMS geographical areas of responsibility or in any activity undertaken as an employee or agent of VIMS/SMS which may require the use of a respirator. This plan is a supplement to the Occupational Safety and Health Plan, and augments the portions of the VIMS/SMS Emergency Response Plan, Fire Prevention Plan, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Hazard Communication Standard Program Plan, Diving Safety Manual, and Radiation Safety Plan dealing with the need for respiratory protection.
The OSHA requirements as
outlined in 29 CFR 1910.134(c) for an acceptable respiratory protection program
include:
(i)
Procedures for selecting respirators for use in the workplace;
(ii) Medical evaluations of employees required to use respirators;
(iii) Fit testing procedures for tight-fitting respirators;
(iv) Procedures for proper use of respirators in routine and reasonably
foreseeable emergency situations;
(v) Procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing, inspecting,
repairing, discarding, and otherwise maintaining respirators;
(vi) Procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of breathing
air for atmosphere-supplying respirators;
(vii) Training of employees in the respiratory hazards to which they are
potentially exposed during routine and emergency situations;
(viii) Training of employees in the proper use of respirators, including
putting on and removing them, any limitations on their use, and their
maintenance; and
(ix) Procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the program and
the
(x)designation of a program administrator who is qualified by training or
experience that is commensurate with the complexity of the program to oversee
and administer the respiratory protection program and conduct the required
evaluations of program effectiveness.
C. Responsibility and Authority
1. Dean and Director
The Dean and Director is responsible for the safety
and health of all personnel assigned to VIMS/SMS.
2. Associate Director for Safety and
Environmental Programs (Safety Officer)
The Associate Director for Safety and Environmental Programs (Safety Officer)
is directly responsible to the Dean and Director for the VIMS/SMS Respiratory
Protection Program and has full authority to make necessary decisions to ensure
the success of this program. This authority includes approving equipment
purchases necessary to implement and operate the program. The Safety Officer
will develop and maintain written detailed instructions covering each of the
required elements of this plan, and is the sole person authorized to amend this
plan. The Dean and Director has expressly authorized
the Safety Officer to halt any operation or activity within the VIMS/SMS
geographical areas of responsibility where there is danger of serious personal
injury or illness. This authority includes activities with respiratory hazards.
The Safety Officer and staff of the Office of Safety and Environmental Programs
will provide technical assistance as required and requested to assist
individual department and work centers in determining the need for respirators,
selection of approved/certified respirators, and scheduling of training and
qualitative fit testing.
At the time of writing of
this Respiratory Protection Program, the Director for Safety and Environmental
Programs is specifically named as the Program Administrator as required
under 29CFR1910.134(c)(3).
3. Supervisory Personnel
Supervisory personnel are responsible for ensuring that respirators are
available as needed, that personnel assigned to or visiting their areas of
responsibility wear respirators as required, for scheduling the inspection of
respirators on a regular basis, and for providing the Office of Safety and
Environmental Programs with a list of personnel who require initial,
semi-annual, and annual training or fitting. Additionally, Supervisory
Personnel are responsible for assuring that employees who desire to use
respirators for their individual comfort or convenience at times when and in
places where respirators are not required contact the Program Administrator and
comply with Appendix D to 29 CFR 1910.134, (Non-Mandatory) Information for
Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard,
4. Each Individual
Each individual is responsible for using the respirator
provided to her or him in accordance with instructions and training, for
cleaning, disinfecting, inspecting, and storing his or her respirator, and for
reporting any respirator malfunction to her or his supervisor. Each individual
choosing to use a respirator for personal comfort or convenience at times when
and in places where respirators are not required must so inform her or his
immediate supervisor and must contact the Program Administrator and comply with
Appendix D to 29 CFR 1910.134, (Non-Mandatory) Information for Employees Using
Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard.
The purpose of the
Respiratory Protection Program is to ensure that viable procedures are
established and maintained in accordance with the OSHA requirements mandated in
29 CFR 1910.134 in order to protect the health of all VIMS/SMS personnel and
visitors (as required). The responsibilities for the management of this program
are as outlined in paragraph I.C. and subsequent taskings
as specified throughout this plan.
Whenever possible,
administrative and engineering controls that do away with need to use
respirators should be developed and implemented.
B. Procedures for Selecting
Respirators for Use in the Workplace.
Choosing the correct equipment involves several steps:
- Identifying the hazard and its extent,
- Choosing equipment that is certified/approved for the
function, and
- assuring that the device
is performing the function it is intended to perform.
In identifying the hazard
it is necessary to assess the work environment by determining the nature and
extent of the hazard, work rate, area to be covered, existing space and
ventilation, mobility, work requirements and conditions, as well as the
limitations and characteristics of the available respirators are selection
factors. If a specific standard exists for the hazard (e.g. lead,
asbestos), the guidelines or requirements in the standard must be followed.
Also the chemical and physical properties of a harmful, irritating, or nuisance
airborne material as well as the published Threshold Limit Values (TLV),
Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL), or any other available exposure limits or
estimates of toxicity for the materials and the amount of oxygen present must
be considered.
Although there are many
kinds of respirators used for protection, there are two basic types -
air-purifying and atmosphere-supplying respirators.
1. Air-Purifying Respirators use
filters or absorbents to remove limited concentrations of contaminants from the
breathing air. They range from simple disposable masks to half- and full-face
respirators to sophisticated positive-pressure, blower-operated units. Air
purifying respirators may not be used in an oxygen deficient atmosphere or
under immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) conditions. OSHA defines
an IDLH atmosphere as any atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life,
would cause irreversible adverse health effects, or would impair an
individual's ability to escape from a dangerous atmosphere.
2. Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators are
designed to provide breathing air from a clean source outside of the
contaminated work area. They include supplied air respirators (SAR) and self
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
The time needed to perform
a given task usually determines the length of time for which respiratory
protection is needed, including the time necessary to enter and leave a
contaminated area. An SCBA or chemical cartridge respirator provides
respiratory protection for relatively short periods, whereas an airline
respirator provides protection for as long as the face piece is supplied with
an adequate quantity of respirable air. For
protracted periods of use, positive pressure supplied air respirators offer the
advantage of longer use in highly contaminated areas and minimize the need for
concerned regarding sensory warning properties of the airborne toxic materials.
Positive pressure supplied air respirators also cause less discomfort than
air-purifying respirators because the wearer need not overcome filter
resistance in order to inhale.
Some type of service life
warning indicator is available for all SCBA and some chemical cartridge
respirators. The warnings usually are an audible alarm based on remaining
pressure for SCBA and a color-change indicator for cartridges. The user must
understand the operation and limitations of each type of warning device and of
each type of respirator. Air-purifying respirators present minimal interference
with the wearer's movement while SCBA present size and weight (35 lbs)
penalties.
Three types of respirators
generally are available at VIMS for general and type specific uses. The Office
of Safety and Environmental Programs must be contacted concerning the selection
or use of any type of respirator.
- Negative Pressure Respirators - The air pressure inside
the respiratory inlet covering is negative with respect to ambient air
during inhalation. Negative Pressure Regulators are the standard
half-masks found in most labs and the dust filter masks used by buildings
& grounds personnel while cutting grass etc.
- Positive Pressure Respirators - The air pressure inside
the respiratory inlet covering normally is positive with respect to
ambient air pressure. These are the SCBA utilized by the Office of Safety
and Environmental Programs for emergency response operations involving
unknown or suspected IDLH hazards or confined space entry/rescue.
- Powered Air Purifying Respirators - A blower is used to
force the ambient atmosphere through high efficiency particulate air
(HEPA) purifying elements to the inlet covering. This unit is used for
asbestos inspection/removal operations.
The decision to use
negative pressure, positive pressure, or powered air purifying respirators will
be based on whether or not the work involved will be considered IDLH, has
specific respirators designated, or is of a routine nature with published TLV's, PEL's, etc. which can be
used to determine the appropriate protection factor (PF).
The VIMS/SMS policy is that
NO laboratory, research, maintenance procedure, or work of any sort that
requires any type of respirator above the level of a negative pressure full
face piece air purifying type will be performed without approval of the Dean
and Director and the Associate Director for Safety and Environmental Programs.
Requests to exceed this respirator level will be in writing and must provide
specific details covering all aspects of the task including the type of
chemicals, toxins, etc. which will be involved. Emergency response operations
under the direction of the Office of Safety and Environmental Programs are
exempt from need for approval from the Dean and Director but must be performed
with the highest consideration for the safety of the persons involved.
The Office of Safety and
Environmental Programs will provide assistance in determining the correct type
respirator for routine use. This assistance will include working with the
appropriate staff members to evaluate the respiratory hazards in the particular
workplace with regard to selecting the general type of respirator required to
assure worker safety under the OSHA standard.
All emergency situations
will be handled as IDLH unless the exact type and, if possible, concentration
of the substance is known. Any IDLH entry requires one standby person in a safe
area with SCBA for each person working in the entry or clean-up phases of the
emergency operation.
Each individual who thinks
he or she might need to use a respirator must consult with the Office of Safety
and Environmental programs. a staff member of that
office will review the job requirements, conduct a respiratory hazard
assessment, and recommend the appropriate type of respirator for the situation.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(b)(10) states that no one should be assigned a task requiring use of a respirator unless that person is found physically able to do the work while wearing the respirator. In addition, some regulatory standards for specific substances and occupations may also contain requirements for medical examinations. Both types of standards declare that a physician should determine what health and physical conditions are pertinent and that respirator wearers' medical status should be reviewed periodically. Ideally pre-placement medical examinations should identify those persons who are physically or psychologically unfit to wear respirators. As another part of the examination, medical tests pertinent to the respiratory hazards which may be encountered should be made to obtain baseline data against which to assess physiological changes in respirator wearers. In addition, the previous medical and employment histories of the individual should be considered.
It is the policy of
VIMS/SMS that a physician determine if a person should
or should not wear a respirator.
All VIMS/SMS personnel who
may be required to wear respirators in the course of their work or research
responsibilities will be provided medical examinations in accordance with 29
CFR 1910.134. The medical examinations will be provided free of charge to the
individual and will be scheduled during the course of the work day. Records
associated with these examinations are maintained in the Office of Safety and
Environmental Programs and are available upon request by the individual
concerned. These records are accorded the highest degree of confidentiality.
Appendix A to this plan is the
Mandatory Medical Evaluation Questionnaire presented in 29 CFR 1910.134
Appendix C. This questionnaire will be given to each person being evaluated for
respirator use and forwarded to the physician. In some cases, after reviewing
the questionnaire, the physician might not require a face-to-face meeting or
examination, but that decision rests with the physician. If an employee desires
to discuss any aspect of the medical evaluation process with the physician, the
employee will be allowed to do so during normal working hours as a normal
course of employment. The physician performing the medical evaluation also will
be provided with a general description of the activities that require a
respirator that the employee is likely to perform.
New medical evaluations
will be required of all respirator users
a: At intervals not to exceed four years.
b: Whenever an employee reports medical signs or symptoms that are
related to the ability to use a respirator,
c: Whenever the physician, program administrator, or immediate
supervisor informs the employee that a reevaluation is necessary,
d: Whenever information from the respiratory protection program
indicates a need for reevaluation, and
e: Whenever a change occurs in workplace conditions that many result in
a substantial increase in the physiological burden placed on the employee.
This program anticipates that the vast majority of fit tests required will be Qualitative Fit Tests. The individual qualitative fit tests will be administered by a member of the Office of Safety and Environmental Programs who has received training in qualitative fit testing or by other individuals specifically approved by the Program Administrator. Fit tests will follow the protocols set forth in 29 CFR 1910.134(f).
Should Quantitative Fit
Tests be necessary, the Program Administrator will assist in locating and
contracting with an appropriate facility.
Fit tests will be repeated
annually for all persons with a continuing need to use a respirator.
All persons should remember
that it is not the employee who passes or fails a fit test, it is the
respirator. Employees should be cognizant that "fudging" to pass the
fit test puts the employee at risk as a respirator that does not fit properly
will not afford the respirator's user the maximum level of protection.
E. Procedures for the Proper
Use of Respirators in Routine and Reasonably Foreseeable Emergency Situations
Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces may not be used by employees who have facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interferes with the function of any component of the respirator or who have any condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal or valve function of the respirator.
If an employee wears
corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective equipment, that
equipment must be worn so that it does not interfere with the seal of the facepiece to the face of the user. In the case of employees
who need to wear corrective lenses and a fullface
respirator, the appropriate corrective lense kit will
be provided along with the respirator.
Every user of a
tight-fitting respirator is required to perform a user seal check (or fit
check) each time the respirator is put on. The user seal check will follow the
procedures in Appendix B-1 on 29CFR1910.134 which is reproduced in Appendix B.
The Program Administrator
will work to assure that persons knowledgeable of respirator use and the
requirements thereof observe employees from time to time as they use respirators
so as to enable an ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of respirator use.
Should problems be noted, they will be brought promptly to the attention of the
Program Administrator who will consult with the employee, the employee's
supervisor, and others as necessary to develop procedures to correct the
problems and to improve the effectiveness of the respirator.
Employees using respirators
will leave the respirator use area
- whenever they need to wash their faces and the
respirator facepieces in order to prevent eye or
skin irritation associated with respirator use
- if they detect vapor or gas breakthrough in the
respirator, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the facepiece
- to replace respirator
filter or similar elements.
If the employee detects
vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the facepiece, the respirator must be replaced or repaired
before the employee is allowed to return to the respirator use area.
As stated above, work in
IDLH atmospheres is not anticipated as a regular occurrence at VIMS/SMS. In the
event that work is necessary in an IDLH atmosphere the following procedures
will be followed.
- The senior member of the Office of Safety and
Environmental Programs will appoint or serve as the "Scene Safety
Officer" for the project who will remain on site in the immediate
proximity of the IDLH area during work within the IDLH area.
- There will be a comparably and fully equipped
worker ready immediately outside the IDLH area for each worker in the IDLH
area ("one in one out"). The "outside" member of the
pair will be trained and equipped to provide effective rescue of the
"inside" member of the pair.
- Positive visual, voice, including radio or
telephone, or signal line communication will be maintained between the
persons inside the IDLH area and their opposite members outside the IDLH
area.
- The outside member of the pair may not enter the
IDLH area until the Scene Safety Officer has been informed. At theat time, the Scene Safety Officer will provide further
assistance as appropriate to the situation.
- All work inside an IDLH atmosphere will utilize
positive pressure SCBA or a positive pressure, supplied-air system with an
auxiliary ("escape") SCBA.
F. Maintenance and Care of
Respirators
Respirators will be cleaned, inspected, and maintained in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134 (h). Although it is the responsibility of the individual respirator user to clean, inspect, and maintain his or her respirator, the employee's immediate supervisor will develop a plan to assure that the appropriate tasks are performed as required.
Appendix C of this document
contains the cleaning procedures specified in Appendix B-2 of 29 CFR 1910.134.
G. Procedures to Ensure
Adequate Air Quality, Quantity, and Flow of Breathing Air for
Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators
VIMS/SMS will make every reasonable effort to assure that compressed breathing air meets or exceeds the standards set in 29CFR1910.134 (j). The normal refill station for compressed breathing air cylinders (SCBA) will be the VIMS Dive Locker which maintains a diving air recharge system that meets standards for Compressed Gas Association "Grade E" breathing air.
The compressed air
cylinders will be tested and maintained in accordance with the specifications
of 29CFR1910.134(j).
All employees who are
required to use respirators will receive training that includes
(1) Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or
maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator;
(2) What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are;
(3) How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations,
including situations in which the respirator malfunctions;
(4) How to inspect, put on, remove, use, and check the seals of the
respirator;
(5) What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the
respirator;
(6) How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or
prevent the effective use of respirators; and
(7) The general requirements of this section.
Training is required before
initial use of respirators and annually thereafter as long as the employee
needs to use a respirator. Additionally, retraining will occur when the
following situations occur:
(1) Changes in the workplace or the type of respirator render previous training
obsolete;
(2) Inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of the respirator
indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or
skill; or
(3) Any other situation arises in which retraining appears necessary to
ensure safe respirator use.
In the case of employees
who ask to use respirators for reasons of personal comfort (e.g. Trades
Utility Workers seeking to use paper dust masks when raking leaves or working
in other dusty environments), the basic advisory information on respirators, as
presented in Appendix D
of this section, shall be provided by the employer in any written or oral
format, to employees
The Program Administrator and staff members of the Office of Safety and Environmental programs shall occasionally conduct evaluations of work practices in areas where respirators are required or used in order to ensure that this Respirator Protection Program is properly implemented and effective. These evaluations will include consultation with respirator users to determine their views on the effectiveness of the program and to identify any problems. Factors to be assessed will include
- Respirator fit
- Impact of respirator use on workplace performance
- Appropriate respirator selection
- Proper use of respirators
- Proper maintenance and cleaning of respirators.
General record keeping requirements are listed in 29CFR1910.334(m). Records will be kept in accordance with these regulations in the Office of Safety and Environmental Programs. Medical evaluations will be considered confidential materials.
Appendix A: Medical
Evaluation Questionnaire
Appendix C to § 1910.134: OSHA Respirator Medical
Evaluation Questionnaire (Mandatory)
To the employer: Answers to questions in Section 1, and to question 9 in Section 2 of Part A, do not require a medical examination.
To the employee: Can you read (circle one): yes / no
Your employer must allow
you to answer this questionnaire during normal working hours, or at a time and
place that is convenient to you. To maintain your confidentiality, your
employer or supervisor must not look at or review your answers, and your
employer must tell you how to deliver or send this questionnaire to the health
care professional who will review it.
Part A. Section 1.( Mandatory) The following
information must be provided by every employee who has been selected to use any
type of respirator (please print).
1. Today's date:________________________
2. Your name:
_______________________________________________
3. Your age (to nearest
year):_______
4. Sex (circle one):
Male/Female
5. Your height: ____ft.
____ in.
6. Your weight: ______ lbs.
7. Your job title:
__________________________________________
8. A phone number where you
can be reached by the health care professional who reviews this questionnaire
(include the Area Code): ________________________________________________
9. The best time to phone
you at this number: _______________
10. Has your employer told
you how to contact the health care professional who will review this
questionnaire (circle one): yes / no
11. Check the type of
respirator you will use (you can check more than one category):
a. ___ N, R, or P disposable respirator (filter-mask, non-cartridge type only).
b. ___ Other type (for example, half- or full-facepiece type, powered-air purifying, supplied-air, self-
contained breathing apparatus).
12. Have you worn a
respirator (circle one): yes / no
If ''yes,'' what type(s):
__________________________________________________________________
Part
A. Section 2.
(Mandatory) Questions 1 through 9 below must be answered by every employee who
has been selected to use any type of respirator (please circle ''yes'' or
''no'').
1. Do you currently smoke
tobacco, or have you smoked tobacco in the last month: yes / no
2. Have you ever had any of
the following conditions?
a. Seizures (fits): yes / no
b. Diabetes (sugar disease): yes / no
c. Allergic reactions that interfere with your breathing: yes / no
d. Claustrophobia (fear of closed-in places): yes / no
e. Trouble smelling odors: yes / no
3. Have you ever had any of
the following pulmonary or lung problems?
a. Asbestosis: yes / no
b. Asthma: yes / no
c. Chronic bronchitis: yes / no
d. Emphysema: yes / no
e. Pneumonia: yes / no
f. Tuberculosis: yes / no
g. Silicosis: yes / no
h. Pneumothorax (collapsed lung): yes / no
I. Lung cancer: yes / no
j. Broken ribs: yes / no
k. Any chest injuries or surgeries: yes / no
l. Any other lung problem that you've been told about: yes / no
4. Do you currently have
any of the following symptoms of pulmonary or lung illness?
a. Shortness of breath: yes / no
b. Shortness of breath when walking fast on level ground or walking up a slight
hill or incline: yes / no
c. Shortness of breath when walking with other people at an ordinary pace on
level ground: yes / no
d. Have to stop for breath when walking at your own pace on level ground: yes /
no
e. Shortness of breath when washing or dressing yourself: yes / no
f. Shortness of breath that interferes with your job: yes / no
g. Coughing that produces phlegm (thick sputum): yes / no
h. Coughing that wakes you early in the morning: yes / no
I. Coughing that occurs mostly when you are lying down: yes / no
j. Coughing up blood in the last month: yes / no
k. Wheezing: yes / no
l. Wheezing that interferes with your job: yes / no
m. Chest pain when you breathe deeply: yes / no
n. Any other symptoms that you think may be related to lung problems: yes / no
5. Have you ever had any of
the following cardiovascular or heart problems?
a. Heart attack: yes / no
b. Stroke: yes / no
c. Angina: yes / no
d. Heart failure: yes / no
e. Swelling in your legs or feet (not caused by walking): yes / no
f. Heart arrhythmia (heart beating irregularly): yes / no
g. High blood pressure: yes / no
h. Any other heart problem that you've been told about: yes / no
6. Have you ever had any of the following cardiovascular or heart symptoms?
a. Frequent pain or tightness in your chest: yes / no
b. Pain or tightness in your chest during physical activity: yes / no
c. Pain or tightness in your chest that interferes with your job: yes / no
d. In the past two years, have you noticed your heart skipping or missing a
beat: yes / no
e. Heartburn or indigestion that is not related to eating: yes / no
f. Any other symptoms that you think may be related to heart or circulation
problems: yes / no
7. Do you currently take
medication for any of the following problems?
a. Breathing or lung problems: yes / no
b. Heart trouble: yes / no
c. Blood pressure: yes / no
d. Seizures (fits): yes / no
8. If you've used a
respirator, have you ever had any of the following problems? (If you've never
used a respirator, check the following space and go to question 9:)
a. Eye irritation: yes / no
b. Skin allergies or rashes: yes / no
c. Anxiety: yes / no
d. General weakness or fatigue: yes / no
e. Any other problem that interferes with your use of a respirator: yes / no
9. Would you like to talk
to the health care professional who will review this questionnaire about your
answers to this questionnaire: yes / no
Questions 10 to 15 below
must be answered by every employee who has been selected to use either a full-facepiece respirator or a self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA). For employees who have been selected to use other types of
respirators, answering these questions is voluntary.
10. Have you ever lost
vision in either eye (temporarily or permanently): yes / no
11. Do you currently have
any of the following vision problems?
a. Wear contact lenses: yes / no
b. Wear glasses: yes / no
c. Color blind: yes / no
e. Any other eye or vision problem: yes / no
12. Have you ever had an
injury to your ears, including a broken ear drum: yes / no
13. Do you currently have
any of the following hearing problems?
a. Difficulty hearing: yes / no
b. Wear a hearing aid: yes / no
c. Any other hearing or ear problem: yes / no
14. Have you ever had a
back injury: yes / no
15. Do you currently have
any of the following musculoskeletal problems?
a. Weakness in any of your arms, hands, legs, or feet: yes / no
b. Back pain: yes / no
c. Difficulty fully moving your arms and legs: yes / no
d. Pain or stiffness when you lean forward or backward at the waist: yes / no
e. Difficulty fully moving your head up or down: yes / no
f. Difficulty fully moving your head side to side: yes / no
g. Difficulty bending at your knees: yes / no
h. Difficulty squatting to the ground: yes / no
I. Climbing a flight of stairs or a ladder carrying more than 25 lbs: yes / no
j. Any other muscle or skeletal problem that interferes with using a respirator:
yes / no
Part B: Any of the following questions, and
other questions not listed, may be added to the questionnaire at the discretion
of the health care professional who will review the questionnaire.
1. In your present job, are
you working at high altitudes (over 5,000 feet) or in a place that has lower
than normal amounts of oxygen: yes / no
If ''yes,'' do you have
feelings of dizziness, shortness of breath, pounding in your chest,
or other symptoms when you're working under these conditions: yes / no
2. At work or at home, have
you ever been exposed to hazardous solvents, hazardous airborne chemicals
(e.g., gases, fumes, or dust), or have you come into skin contact with
hazardous chemicals: yes / no
If ''yes,'' name the
chemicals if you know them: ______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Have you ever worked
with any of the materials, or under any of the conditions, listed below:
a. Asbestos: yes / no
b. Silica (e.g., in sandblasting): yes / no
c. Tungsten/cobalt (e.g., grinding or welding this material): yes / no
d. Beryllium: yes / no
e. Aluminum: yes / no
f. Coal (for example, mining): yes / no
g. Iron: yes / no
h. Tin: yes / no
i. Dusty environments: yes / no
j. Any other hazardous exposures: yes / no
If ''yes,'' describe these
exposures: ______________________________________________________
4. List any second jobs or
side businesses you have: _________________________________________
5. List your previous
occupations: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
6. List your current and
previous hobbies: __________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Have you been in the
military services? yes / no
If ''yes,'' were you
exposed to biological or chemical agents (either in training or combat): yes / no
8. Have you ever worked on
a HAZMAT team? yes / no
9. Other than medications
for breathing and lung problems, heart trouble, blood pressure, and seizures
mentioned earlier in this questionnaire, are you taking any other medications for
any reason (including over-the-counter medications): yes / no
If ''yes,'' name the
medications if you know them: _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
10. Will you be using any
of the following items with your respirator(s)?
a. HEPA Filters: yes / no
b. Canisters (for example, gas masks): yes / no
c. Cartridges: yes / no
11. How often are you
expected to use the respirator(s) (circle ''yes'' or ''no'' for all answers
that apply to you)?:
a. Escape only (no rescue): yes / no
b. Emergency rescue only: yes / no
c. Less than 5 hours per week: yes / no
d. Less than 2 hours per day: yes / no
e. 2 to 4 hours per day: yes / no
f. Over 4 hours per day: yes / no
12. During the period you
are using the respirator(s), is your work effort:
a. Light (less than 200 kcal per hour): Yes/ No
If ''yes,'' how long does this period last during the average shift:_____ hrs. _____ mins.
Examples of a light work effort are sitting while writing, typing, drafting, or
performing light assembly work; or standing while operating a drill press (1-3
lbs.) or controlling machines.
b. Moderate (200 to 350 kcal per
hour): yes / no
If ''yes,'' how long does this period last during the average shift: _____ hrs.
_____ mins.
Examples of moderate work effort are sitting while nailing or filing; driving a
truck or bus in urban traffic; standing while drilling, nailing, performing
assembly work, or transferring a moderate load (about 35 lbs.) at trunk level;
walking on a level surface about 2 mph or down a 5-degree grade about 3 mph; or
pushing a wheelbarrow with a heavy load (about 100 lbs.) on a level surface.
c. Heavy (above 350 kcal
per hour): yes / no
If ''yes,'' how long does this period last during the average shift:_____ hrs. _____ mins.
Examples of heavy work are lifting a heavy load (about 50 lbs.) from the floor
to your waist or shoulder; working on a loading dock; shoveling; standing while
bricklaying or chipping castings; walking up an 8- degree grade about 2 mph;
climbing stairs with a heavy load (about 50 lbs.).
13. Will you be wearing
protective clothing and/or equipment (other than the respirator) when you're
using your respirator: yes / no
If ''yes,'' describe this
protective clothing and/or equipment: _____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
14. Will you be working
under hot conditions (temperature exceeding 77° F): yes / no
15. Will you be working
under humid conditions: yes / no
16. Describe the work
you'll be doing while you're using your respirator(s): ________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
17. Describe any special or
hazardous conditions you might encounter when you're using your respirator(s)
(for example, confined spaces, life-threatening gases):
______________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
18. Provide the following
information, if you know it, for each toxic substance that you'll be exposed to
when you're using your respirator(s):
Name of the first toxic
substance:______________________________________________________
Estimated maximum exposure level per shift: _______________________________
Duration of exposure per shift ___________________________________________
Name of the second toxic
substance: ___________________________________________________
Estimated maximum exposure level per shift: _______________________________
Duration of exposure per shift ___________________________________________
Name of the third toxic
substance: ______________________________________________________
Estimated maximum exposure level per shift: _______________________________
Duration of exposure per shift ___________________________________________
The name of any other toxic
substances that you'll be exposed to while using your respirator:
__________________________________________________________________________________
19. Describe any special
responsibilities you'll have while using your respirator(s) that may affect the
safety and well- being of others (for example, rescue, security):
________________________________
Appendix B: User Fit Check
Procedures
Appendix B-1 to § 1910.134: User Seal Check Procedures (Mandatory)
The individual who uses a
tight-fitting respirator is to perform a user seal check to ensure that an
adequate seal is achieved each time the respirator is put on. Either the positive
and negative pressure checks listed in this appendix, or the respirator manufacturer's recommended user seal check method shall be
used. User seal checks are not substitutes for qualitative or quantitative fit
tests.
I. Facepiece
Positive and/or Negative Pressure Checks
A. Positive pressure check. Close off
the exhalation valve and exhale gently into the facepiece.
The face fit is considered satisfactory if a slight positive pressure can be
built up inside the facepiece without any evidence of
outward leakage of air at the seal. For most respirators this method of leak
testing requires the wearer to first remove the exhalation valve cover before
closing off the exhalation valve and then carefully replacing it after the
test.
B. Negative pressure check. Close off
the inlet opening of the canister or cartridge(s) by covering with the palm of
the hand(s) or by replacing the filter seal(s), inhale gently so that the facepiece collapses slightly, and hold the breath for ten
seconds. The design of the inlet opening of some cartridges cannot be
effectively covered with the palm of the hand. The test can be performed by
covering the inlet opening of the cartridge with a thin latex or nitride glove.
If the facepiece remains in its slightly collapsed
condition and no inward leakage of air is detected, the tightness of the
respirator is considered satisfactory.
II. Manufacturer's
Recommended User Seal Check Procedures
The respirator manufacturer's recommended procedures for performing a user seal
check may be used instead of the positive and/or negative pressure check
procedures provided that the employer demonstrates that the manufacturer's
procedures are equally effective.
Appendix C: Respirator Cleaning
Procedures
Appendix B-2 to § 1910.134: Respirator Cleaning
Procedures (Mandatory)
These procedures are provided for employer use when cleaning respirators. They are general in nature, and the employer as an alternative may use the cleaning recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the respirators used by their employees, provided such procedures are as effective as those listed here in Appendix B- 2. Equivalent effectiveness simply means that the procedures used must accomplish the objectives set forth in Appendix B-2, i.e., must ensure that the respirator is properly cleaned and disinfected in a manner that prevents damage to the respirator and does not cause harm to the user.
I. Procedures for
Cleaning Respirators
A. Remove filters, cartridges, or
canisters. Disassemble facepieces by removing
speaking diaphragms, demand and pressure-demand valve assemblies, hoses, or any
components recommended by the manufacturer. Discard or repair any defective
parts.
B. Wash components in warm (43° C
[110° F] maximum) water with a mild detergent or with a cleaner recommended
by the manufacturer. A stiff bristle (not wire) brush may be used to facilitate
the removal of dirt.
C. Rinse components thoroughly in
clean, warm (43° C [110° F] maximum), preferably running water. Drain.
D. When the cleaner used does not
contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components should be immersed for two
minutes in one of the following:
1. Hypochlorite solution (50 ppm of chlorine)
made by adding approximately one milliliter of laundry bleach to one liter of
water at 43° C (110° F); or,
2. Aqueous solution of iodine (50 ppm iodine)
made by adding approximately 0.8 milliliters of tincture of iodine (6-8 grams
ammonium and/or potassium iodide/100 cc of 45% alcohol) to one liter of water
at 43° C (110° F); or,
3. Other commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant
quality when used as directed, if their use is recommended or approved by the
respirator manufacturer.
E. Rinse components thoroughly in
clean, warm (43° C [110° F] maximum), preferably running water. Drain.
The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or
disinfectants that dry on facepieces may result in
dermatitis. In addition, some disinfectants may cause deterioration of rubber
or corrosion of metal parts if not completely removed.
F. Components should be hand-dried with
a clean lint-free cloth or air-dried.
G. Reassemble facepiece,
replacing filters, cartridges, and canisters where necessary.
H. Test the respirator to ensure that
all components work properly.
Appendix D to § 1910.134
(Non-Mandatory) Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required
Under the Standard
Respirators are an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly selected and worn. Respirator use is encouraged, even when exposures are below the exposure limit, to provide an additional level of comfort and protection for workers. However, if a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean, the respirator itself can become a hazard to the worker. Sometimes, workers may wear respirators to avoid exposures to hazards, even if the amount of hazardous substance does not exceed the limits set by OSHA standards. If your employer provides respirators for your voluntary use, of if you provide your own respirator, you need to take certain precautions to be sure that the respirator itself does not present a hazard. You should do the following:
1. Read and heed all instructions
provided by the manufacturer on use, maintenance, cleaning and care, and
warnings regarding the respirators limitations.
2. Choose respirators certified for use to protect against the
contaminant of concern. NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, certifies
respirators. A label or statement of certification should appear on the
respirator or respirator packaging. It will tell you what the respirator is
designed for and how much it will protect you.
3. Do not wear your respirator into atmospheres containing contaminants
for which your respirator is not designed to protect against. For example, a
respirator designed to filter dust particles will not protect you against gases,
vapors, or very small solid particles of fumes or smoke.
4. Keep track of your respirator so that you do not mistakenly use
someone else's respirator.