1 / 47

Respirator Program

Respirator Program. Training Outline. Terms and Regulation requirements What is a Respirator Program? Breathing hazards Types of respirators Fitting & checking respirators Inspection & care of respirators Medical limitations of using respirators. Why Respirators.

neviah
Download Presentation

Respirator Program

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. Respirator Program

  2. Training Outline • Terms and Regulation requirements • What is a Respirator Program? • Breathing hazards • Types of respirators • Fitting & checking respirators • Inspection & care of respirators • Medical limitations of using respirators

  3. Why Respirators Workers Must be Protected Who: • Are exposed to air contaminants (unknown or in excess of WCB OHS Reg.) • May be exposed to IDLH atmosphere • May be exposed to O2 deficient atmosphere • At risk of accidental exposure

  4. Terms Used • Airline respirator • Air purifying respirator • ALARA substance • Canister or cartridge • Escape respirator • Fit check • Fit test

  5. Terms Used - cont’d. • HEPA filter • IDLH • MSDS Sheet • Oxygen deficiency • Qualitative fit test • Quantitative fit test • SCBA

  6. The Respirator Program • Survey the workplace conditions • Steps to reduce exposure • Formally assess remaining hazards • Select and provide respirators • Provide fitting, tests, training

  7. Hazards & Risk Assessment • Determine the nature of contaminant • Determine exposure probability • Determine permissible exposure limit

  8. Respirator Selection • Is approved for contaminant • Can be used within concentrations expected • Will be adequate for time req’d. • Is the best choice for the workplace(heat, humidity, visibility, work mobility) • Ensure adequate visibility

  9. The Breathing Hazards • Particle hazards (dusts, fibres, mists, fumes) • Gaseous hazards (gases and vapours) • Oxygen deficiency • Combination hazards

  10. Particle Hazards • Formed by breakdown of solids • Sanding • Milling • Cutting • Crushing • Grinding • Drilling • Irritate the airways, can cause disease • Asbestos – asbestosis • Silica dust - silicosis

  11. Mists • Very small liquid drops • Spraying • Shaking • Mixing • Stirring • Can irritate or damage exposed areas (skin, eyes, lungs, airways) • Can damage internal organs

  12. Fumes • Tiny solid particles (“boil off”) • Welding • Smelting • Soldering • Brazing • Exposure can range from irritation to serious lung & nerve damage

  13. Gaseous Hazards • Gases • Carbon Monoxide • Chlorine • Vapours of liquids – mix with air • Solvents • Gasoline • Acetone • Can enter blood – damage nerves and internal organs

  14. Oxygen Deficiency • Air is normally 21% O2 • 19.5 % O2 is required • Deficiency can develop in tanks, sewers, pipelines. • Oxygen depleted due to reaction (rot, rust, burning) • Oxygen is replaced by other gases

  15. Respirator Limitations • The type and the uses of Respirators are limited STRICTLY to the selection and uses determined by the [[Corporation]] Respirator Program • Specific hazards MUST be addressed by using ONLY the appropriate respirator

  16. Types of Respirators Air Purifying • Single Use • Half-face or Full-face Powered (air supplied) • Supplied air • Self-contained (SCBA)

  17. Air Purifying Respirators • Single Use • Half-face and Full-face air-purifying respirators (non-powered)

  18. Single Use Masks • Most commonly used • Only used against lower levels of contaminants • Thin filter with 2 straps • Must be formed around nose • Eventually clogged by dusts, mists, fumes

  19. Disposable Don’ts • Stretch the respirator over the top of a hardhat • Fold respirators that are not designed to be folded • Cut off straps • Wear damaged or holed respirators

  20. Half/Full Face Respirators • Close-seal silicone or rubber facepiece • One or more canister/cartridges • One-way valves • Half mask – covers nose, mouth and chin • Full mask – entire face covered

  21. Half/Full Face Respirators - cont’d. • Half masks can be disposable or with maintenance/replacement parts • Full face masks are used where eye irritants may be present

  22. Filter Efficiency • Particulate filters screen particles only • Chemical cartridge efficiency deteriorates: • Smell or taste contaminates • Lungs or throat feel irritated • “End of Service” indicator

  23. Filter Don’ts • Don’t use in O2 deficiency • Don’t use against very toxic gas/vapour (IDLH atmospheres) • Don’t use against concentrations above manufacturer’s limits • Don’t use against chemicals with poor warning properties

  24. Filter Maintenance • Store in sealed plastic bags • Replace filters regularly • Date filters as they are installed • Match proper filter with the contaminant

  25. Atmosphere Supplying Respirators • Supplied-air (airline) respirators • Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

  26. Supplied Air Types • Hood or Helmet Airline Supplied • No face seal • No resistance to breathing • Full Face Airline Supplied • Face seal • Positive pressure minimizes leak

  27. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) • Full-face respirator with backpack air cylinder • Fully mobile • Up to 60 minutes of air

  28. Emergency Respirators Escape Respirators • Used for emergency escape only • Must be carried or within immediate reach • Available as air purifying or air supply • “Bite-block” air supply are common in pulp mills • SCBA type with air bottle with half or full mask or hood

  29. Self-fit Checks& Fit Testing

  30. Negative Pressure Check • Don & properly fit the respirator • Gently cover the inlet • Breathe in to create a vacuum • Hold for 10 seconds • The facepiece should collapse slightly and STAY collapsed

  31. Positive Pressure Check • Don & properly fit the respirator • Gently cover the exhaust valve and breathe OUT slightly to bulge the facepiece • The facepiece should bulge and stay out for 10 seconds

  32. Cold Fit • Very low temperatures can stiffen mask material (lose sealing properties) • Allow time for material to flex • Allow the respirator to warm-up

  33. Fit Testing • Done by a qualified person • Results are documented • Qualitative fit test • Is a compound detected? • Quantitative fit test • Concentration inside/outside is compared

  34. Why Fit is Important • All contaminants MUST be excluded • Effective SEAL is essential • Facial hair must be clean shaven at the seal (including stubble) • Eyeglass frames must not pass through sealing surface (use corrective respirator lenses)

  35. Inspecting, Cleaning & Storing Respirators

  36. Respirator Inspection • Inspect prior to each use • Bend and flex the respirator • Look for distortion • Check the yoke for cracks • Check the canister threads • Check for missing gaskets • Check the inhalation valves

  37. Respirator Inspection - cont’d. • Examine exhalation valve and seats for damage and debris • Check straps, harness, buckles • Check strap elasticity • Ensure cartridge is not expired • Examine canister for damage • Check the hose • Correct any defects that are noted

  38. Cleaning • Clean after each use, for a new user, or as required by the manufacturer • Remove: filters, cartridges and gaskets, head straps, demand and pressure valves, speaking diaphragms/equipment and any components recommended by manufacturer

  39. Cleaning - cont’d. • Discard any defective parts • Wash respirator components in warm water using mild detergent • NEVER use solvents • A brush may be used • Thoroughly rinse in warm, running water • Disinfect

  40. Cleaning - cont’d. • Rinse again to remove disinfectant and detergent • Drain all water and air dry (wiping with clean lint-free cloth is OK) • Reassemble away from the cleaning area

  41. Respirator Storage • Store in a safe place (cabinet, locker) in its own storage container • Do not store with tools • Position so facepiece, hoses and straps are not stretched • Store in a plastic bag • Seal HEPA filters with tape prior to removing • Avoid heat or direct sunlight

  42. Medical Limitations

  43. Medical Factors • Drug use, including alcohol • History of breathing problems • Breathing difficulty when exerting • High blood pressure or heart disease • Claustrophobia • Use of medication with heart/lung side effects or lowered mental alertness

  44. Medical Factors - cont’d. • Diabetes • Epilepsy • Some vision or skin problems • Impaired or non-existent sense of smell • Physical factors limiting donning or adjustment of respirator

  45. Consult OH Physician A physician knowledgeable in occupational health will be consulted

  46. Summary • The Respirator Program • Terms used • Breathing hazards • Selection, use, inspection, care and storage of respirators • Fit testing and cleaning procedures • Medical factors

  47. Questions?

More Related