Respiratory Protection Program - Procedures

 Scope and application. In the control of those occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors, the primary objective shall be to prevent atmospheric contamination. This shall be accomplished as far as feasible by accepted engineering control measures (for example, enclosure or confinement of the operation, general and local ventilation, and substitution of less toxic materials). When effective engineering controls are not feasible, or while they are being instituted, appropriate respirators shall be used.

I. Selection of Respirators

A. Departments shall provide respirators at no cost to employees^* .

B. Unless an exception is granted by the Director, Department of Environmental Health & Safety, all respirators shall be obtained through or with the approval of the Department of Environmental Health & Safety.

C. Where elastomeric facepiece respirators are to be used, a selection of respirators from an assortment of at least three sizes for each type of facepiece and from at least two different manufacturers shall be provided.

D. In addition, the Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall evaluate the following information for each work situation:

1. The nature of the hazard;

2. The physical and chemical properties of the air contaminant;

3. Warning properties of the hazardous chemical;

4. The adverse health effects of the respiratory hazard;

5. The relevant hazardous exposure level;

6. The results of workplace sampling of airborne concentrations of contaminants;

7. The nature of the work operation or process;

8. The period of time respiratory protection will be worn by employees during the work shift;

9. The work activities of the employees and the potential stress of these work conditions on employees wearing the respirators;

10. Fit test results; and,

11. The physical characteristics, functional capabilities, and limitations of the various types of respirators.

E. Appropriate respirators shall be selected from among those approved and certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Mine
Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) under the provisions of 30 CFR Part 11 when they exist.

F. The types of respirators available for selection shall be in accordance with Table I and Table II. The tables specify an "Assigned Protection Factor" (APF) for each type of respirator. This figure multiplied by the hazardous exposure level for the chemical will yield the maximum use concentration (MUC) for the equipment, i.e. the maximum concentration for which that type of equipment can be used. The MUC cannot exceed the use limitations specified on the NIOSH/MSHA approval label for the cartridge, canister or filter.

G. Air-purifying respirators shall not be used for a hazardous chemical with poor or inadequate warning properties unless either:

1. their use is permitted under the provisions of a substance specific OSHA standard, or

2. the odor or irritation threshold is not in excess of three times the hazardous exposure level; there is no associated ceiling limit; and available information indicates that an undetected exposure between one and three times the hazardous exposure level would not cause serious or irreversible health effects.

H. In addition, in order to use an air-purifying respirator for hazardous chemicals with poor or inadequate warning properties, at least one of the following must be met:

1. the respirator has an end of service life indicator approved by NIOSH\MSHA for use with the specific chemical, or

2. a change schedule has been implemented to assure that air-purifying cartridges, canisters and/or filters are replaced before 80% of their useful service life has expired, based upon documented service life data, airborne concentration of the chemical, and duration of exposure.

I. Either an air-purifying respirator or atmosphere supplying respirator may be used where an atmosphere:

1. has a measured oxygen content of 19.5% by volume or greater at altitudes of 4000 feet or below or

2. has a measured oxygen content of 20.95% by volume or greater at altitudes greater than 4000 feet but less than 14,000.

J. Where an oxygen deficient atmosphere or an oxygen deficient IDLH atmosphere exists, appropriate respirators shall be selected as follows:

1. An atmosphere-supplying respirator shall be used for oxygen deficient atmospheres with a measured oxygen content level above that level defined as oxygen deficient IDLH but which is:

a. less than 19.5% by volume at altitudes of 4000 feet or below; or

b. less than 20.95% by volume at altitudes greater than 4000 feet but less than 14,000 feet.

2. For oxygen deficient IDLH atmospheres with a measured oxygen content below 14% by volume at sea level, or below the oxygen levels specified in
Table III at altitudes up to 10,000 feet, or below, 20.95% at altitudes from 10,000 feet up to 14,000 feet, or in atmospheres where the concentration of the hazardous chemical is unknown or in other IDLH atmospheres, either a full facepiece pressure demand SCBA or a combination full facepiece pressure demand supplied air respirator with auxiliary self-contained air supply shall be used.

II. Medical Evaluations

A. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall obtain from a licensed physician a written opinion which states whether the employee has any medical condition which would place the employees’ health at increased risk of material impairment from respirator use and any limitations upon the use of respirators for each employee required to wear a respirator:

1. routinely more than 2 hours during any work day or more than 5 hours during any work week, or

2. who is referred for medical evaluation by the Director, Department of Environmental Health & Safety.

In requesting the written medical opinion, the Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall provide the licensed physician with information concerning:

1. The type of respiratory protection to be used.

2. Description of the work effort required;

3. Duration and frequency of usage;

4. The type of work performed, including any special responsibilities that affect the safety of others such as fire fighting or rescue work;

5. Any special environmental conditions (such as heat or confined space entry); and,

6. Additional requirements for protective clothing and equipment.

B. In the case of new employees, the Department of Environmental Health & Safety may accept an already existing medical examination or written opinion from a physician stating whether the employee has any detected medical condition which would place the employee’ health at increased risk of material impairment from respirator use and any recommended limitations upon the use of respirators provided it was conducted within a year of the date of employment.

C. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall have the employee’ medical status reviewed by, or under the supervision of, a licensed physician annually and at any time the employee reports to the Department of Environmental Health & Safety unusual difficulty breathing while being fitted for or while using a respirator. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall have the responsible licensed physician provide a written opinion resulting from the review as required under II (A).

III. Fit Testing Procedures

A. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall ensure that the respirator selected fits the employee well enough to provide the protection required in the work area in which it will be worn.

B. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall ensure that an employee is fitted prior to initial use of the respirator and annually thereafter.

C. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall fit test employees required to wear tight fitting air-purifying respirators and tight fitting atmosphere-supplying respirators. The fit test shall be administered using an OSHA approved procedure.

D. The employee shall be refitted when visual observations are noted regarding an employee’ condition which could affect respirator fit. Conditions to look for include facial scarring, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight.

E. The employee, once successfully fitted, shall be given the opportunity to wear the respirator for a period of two weeks. If the respirator becomes increasingly uncomfortable at any time, the employee shall be given the opportunity to select a different respirator facepiece and be retested.

IV Use of Respirators

A. Procedures for the use of respirators in atmospheres where oxygen deficiency or the concentrations of a hazardous chemical are unknown and/or potentially immediately dangerous to the life or health (IDLH) of the employees are:

1. The employees shall wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or combination full facepiece pressure demand supplied air respirator with auxiliary self-contained air supply.

2. When an employee(s) wears a respirator in IDLH, unknown or potentially IDLH atmospheres where the employee(s) could be overcome if the respiratory protection fails, the supervising department shall ensure that at least one additional person located outside the IDLH atmosphere is in communication with the employee(s) in the IDLH atmosphere, and able to provide effective emergency assistance; and,

3. Where employees enter IDLH atmospheres, the supervising department shall ensure that they are equipped with retrieval equipment for lifting or removing them from the hazardous area, or shall ensure that equivalent provisions for rescue have been made.

4. The emergency assistance personnel present shall be equipped with a positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.

B. The supervising departments shall not permit negative pressure, pressure demand or positive pressure respirators which depend for effective performance on a tight facepiece-to-face seal to be worn by employees with conditions that prevent such fits. Examples of these conditions include facial hair that interferes with the facepiece seal, absence of normally worn dentures, facial scars, temple pieces of glasses or headgear that projects under the facepiece seal.

C. If an employee must wear corrective glasses or goggles, the supervising department shall ensure that they are worn in such a manner that they do not interfere with the seal of the facepiece to the face of the wearer.

D. The supervising department shall permit employees to leave the respirator use area to wash their faces and respirator facepieces as necessary to prevent skin irritation associated with respirator use.

E. The supervising department shall permit employees to leave the respirator use area to change the filter elements or replace air-purifying respirators whenever they detect the warning properties of the contaminant.

F. The supervising department shall permit employees to leave the respirator use area to change the filter elements of air-purifying respirators whenever they detect a change in breathing resistance or chemical vapor breakthrough.

G. The supervising department shall ensure that respirators are immediately repaired, or discarded and replaced when they are no longer in proper original working condition.

H. The supervising department shall ensure that disposable respirators which cannot be cleaned and sanitized are discarded at the end of the task or the work shift, whichever comes first. A disposable respirator which can be cleaned and sanitized shall be disposed of after its useful service life has been reached.

I. The supervising department shall ensure that employees upon donning the respirator perform a facepiece seal test prior to entering the work area for all respirators on which such a test is possible to be performed. The recommended procedures in the fit testing procedures section, or the respirator manufacturer’s recommended procedures shall be used.

J. The supervising department shall ensure that each self-contained breathing apparatus used in IDLH atmospheres, or for emergency entry or firefighting, is certified for a minimum service life of thirty minutes. This requirement does not apply to combination supplied air respirators with auxiliary air supply or to emergency escape SCBAs.

V. Maintenance and Care of Respirators

A. Cleaning and Disinfecting

1. The supervising department shall ensure that respirators are cleaned and disinfected as follows: (The supervising department may use cleaning procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer or cleaning procedures such as those recommended in the Appendix.)

a. Routinely used respirators issued for the exclusive use of an employee shall be cleaned and disinfected after each day’s use;

b. Routinely used respirators issued to more than one employee shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use; and,

c. Respirators maintained for emergency use shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

B. Storage

1. The supervising department shall store respirators as follows:

a. All respirators shall be stored in a manner that protects them from damage, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, or damaging chemicals;

b. Emergency respirators shall be kept accessible to the work area. In locations where weathering, contamination or deterioration of the respirator could occur, respirators shall be stored in compartments built to protect them. Such compartments shall be clearly marked as containing emergency respirators and shall be used in accordance with any applicable manufacturer instructions;

c. Non-emergency respirators shall be stored in plastic bags or otherwise protected from contamination or damage; and,

d. Respirators shall be packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece or exhalation valve.

C. Inspection

1. The supervising department shall ensure that respirators are inspected as follows:

a. All respirators used in non-emergency circumstances shall be inspected before each use and during cleaning after each use;

b. All respirators maintained for emergency situations shall be inspected at least monthly, and checked for proper function before and after each use. Emergency escape respirators shall be inspected before being carried into the workplace; and,

c. Self-contained breathing apparatus shall be inspected monthly. Air and oxygen cylinders shall be maintained in a fully charged state and recharged when the pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure level. The supervising department shall determine that the regulator and warning devices function properly.

2. The supervising department shall ensure that the respirator inspections include the following:

a. A check of respirator function, tightness of connections and the condition of the facepiece, headstraps, valves, connecting tube, and cartridges, canisters or filters; and

b. A check of rubber or elastomer parts for pliability and signs of deterioration.

3. The supervising department shall inspect respirators maintained for emergency use and shall certify the date the inspection was performed, the name (or signature) of the person that made the inspection, and a serial number or other means of identifying the inspected respirator. This certification may be in the form of a tag or label attached to the storage compartment for the respirator, or kept with the respirator, and shall be maintained until replaced by the certification of the next inspection.

D. Repairs

1. The supervising department shall ensure that respirators which fail to pass inspection are removed from service and repaired in accordance with the following:

a. Repairs to respirators are to be made only by persons appropriately trained to perform such repairs, using parts designed for the respirator;

b. Manufacturer’s recommendations concerning the type and extent of repairs that can be performed shall be followed; and,

c. Reducing or admission valves or regulators shall be returned to the manufacturer or given to an appropriately trained technician for adjustment or repair.

VI. Supplied Air Quality and Use

A. The supervising department shall ensure that compressed air, compressed oxygen, liquid air, and liquid oxygen used for respiration is of high purity, and in accordance with the following specifications:

1. Compressed and liquid oxygen shall meet the requirements of the United States Pharmacopoeia for medical or breathing oxygen; and compressed breathing air shall at least meet the requirements of the specification for Grade D breathing air as described in Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specification G-7 1-1073 (oxygen content (v/v) of 19.5-23.5% (atmospheric air); hydrocarbon (condensed) of 5 milligrams per cubic meter of air or less; carbon monoxide of 20 ppm or less, and carbon dioxide of 1,000 ppm or less).

2. Compressed oxygen shall not be used in atmosphere-supplying respirators or in open circuit self-contained breathing apparatus that have previously used compressed air; and,

3. Oxygen shall not be used with supplied air respirators.

4. Breathing air to respirators shall be provided from cylinders or air compressors:

a. Cylinders shall be tested and maintained as prescribed in the Shipping Container Specification Regulations of the Department of Transportation (49 CFR Part 178);

b. The compressor for supplying breathing air shall be equipped with the necessary safety and standby devices;

c. Compressors shall be constructed and situated so as to avoid entry of contaminated air into the air-supply system and shall be equipped with suitable in-line air-purifying sorbent bed and a filter to further assure breathing air quality, and to minimize moisture content so that the dew point at line pressure is 10^o C below the ambient temperature;

d. A receiver of sufficient capacity to enable the respirator wearer to escape from a contaminated atmosphere in the event of compressor failure, and alarms to indicate compressor failure and overheating, shall be installed in the compressor system;

e. If an oil-lubricated compressor is used, it shall be equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm;

f. The moisture content in compressed air cylinders shall not exceed 27 milliliters per cubic meter (20 milligrams per cubic meter).

5. The supervising department shall ensure that breathing air couplings are incompatible with outlets for non-respirable plant air or other gas systems to prevent inadvertent servicing of air line respirator with non-respirable gases or oxygen.

6. The supervising department shall use breathing gas containers marked in accordance with the American National Standard Method of Marking Portable Compressed Gas Containers to Identify the Material Contained, Z48.1-1954 (R 1971); Federal Specification BB-A-1034a, June 21, 1986, Air, Compressed for Breathing Purposes; or Interim Federal Specification GG-13-00675b, September 23, 1986, Breathing Apparatus, Self-Contained.

VII. Identification

A. Identification of filters, cartridges, and canisters

1. All filters, cartridges and canisters used in the workplace shall be properly labeled and color coded with the NIOSH/MSHA approval label as required by 30 CFR Part 11 before they are placed in service.

2. The supervising department shall ensure that the existing NIOSH/MSHA approval label on a filter, cartridge, or canister is not removed, obscured or defaced while they are in service in the workplace.

VIII. Training

A. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall provide a training program for employees required by the employer to wear respirators which includes the following:

1. Nature, extent, and effects of respiratory hazards to which the employee may be exposed;

2. Explanation of the operation, limitations, and capabilities of the selected respirator(s);

3. Instruction in procedures for inspection, donning and removal, checking the fit and seals, and in the wearing of the respirator, including sufficient practice to enable the employee to become thoroughly familiar and confident with the use of the respirator;

4. Explanation of the procedures for maintenance and storage of the respirator;

5. Instruction on how to deal with emergency situations involving the use of respirators or with respirator malfunctions; and,

6. The contents of the OSHA Standard (29 CFR 1910.134), and of the written respiratory protection program, its location and availability.

B. Training activities shall be documented.

C. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall provide the training prior to requiring the employee to wear a respirator in the workplace, and annually thereafter.

IX. Respiratory Protection Program Evaluation

A. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall review the respiratory protection program at least annually, and shall conduct frequent random inspections of the workplace to ensure that the provisions of the program are being properly implemented for all affected employees. The review of the program shall include an assessment of each element of the Respiratory Protection Program (RPP).

B. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall periodically consult employees wearing respirators to assess wearer acceptance and attempt to correct any problems that are revealed during this assessment. Factors to be included in the assessment are whether the respirators being used are:

1. Preventing the occurrence of illness;

2. Properly fitted;

3. Properly selected for the hazards encountered;

4. Being worn when necessary; and

5. Being maintained properly.

X. Recordkeeping and Access to Records

A. Medical evaluation

1. The University shall establish and maintain an accurate record for each employee subject to medical evaluation required by the RPP, in accordance with 29 CFR 910.20, Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records.

a. This record shall include:

(1). The name, social security number and description of the duties of the employee;

(2). The University’s copy of the physician’s written opinion on the initial, periodic and special examinations, including results of medical examination and all tests, opinions and recommendations;

(3). A copy of the information provided to the physician as required by RPP.

b. The University shall maintain this record in accordance with 29 CFR 910.20.

B. Transfer of records

The University shall comply with the requirements involving transfer of records set forth in 29 CFR 1910.20. If the University ceases to do business and there is no successor employer to receive and retain the records for the prescribed period, the University shall notify the Director of the Regional OSHA office at least 90 days prior to disposal, and transmit them to the Director of the Regional OSHA office within that period.

Appendix I

 MEDICAL EVALUATION PROCEDURES

 This appendix contains recommended elements that should be taken into account during the performance of the required medical evaluation for respirator use. These elements should be evaluated in taking the medical history and performing the medical examination. However, the specific nature of the medical evaluation and the extent of testing performed is left for the responsible physician to determine. This recommended list of elements to be covered is not meant to limit the physician to the testing procedures recommended, since the examining physician is free to perform additional tests if necessary to determine an individual’s ability to wear a respirator.

A. The medical history should include:

1. Previously diagnosed diseases, particularly stressing known cardiovascular or respiratory diseases;

2. Problems associated with breathing during normal work activities;

3. Past problems with respirator use;

4. Past and current usage of medication;

5. Any known physical conditions which may interfere with respirator use;

6. Previous occupations; and,

7. Use of medications whose side effects might impact upon cardiopulmonary fitness.

B. The medical examination should assess:

1. Hearing ability (should be sufficient to assure communication and response to instructions and alarm systems);

2. Pulmonary function testing including spirometry for FEV₁ and FVC^* (presence and degree of restrictive or obstructive disease or perfusion disorders);

3. Cardiovascular system (evidence of symptomatic coronary artery disease, significant arrhythmias; occurrence of frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVC’s) with elevated pulse rates or uncontrolled hypertension symptoms);

4. Endocrine system (conditions which may result in sudden loss of consciousness or response capability);

5. Neurological system (inability to perform coordinated movements and conditions effecting response and consciousness);

6. Psychological condition (claustrophobia; severe anxiety)

7. Miscellaneous conditions specific to the work situation (skin conditions where occlusive materials may result in symptoms or aggravation of a pre-existing dermatitis); and,

8. Exercise stress (for those employees who use a self-contained breathing apparatus or rebreather type respirator under strenuous work conditions or in emergencies, particularly in fire and rescue operations).

 * In interpreting spirometry, if the FVC is less than 80 percent of the FEV1 is less than 70 percent, restriction from respirator use should be considered.

 Appendix II

FIT TEST PROTOCOLS

1. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall include the following provisions in the fit test procedures. These procedures apply to both Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) and Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT):

1. The test subject shall be allowed to pick the most comfortable respirator from a selection including respirators of various sizes from different manufacturers.

2. Prior to the selection process, the test subject shall be shown how to put on a respirator, how it should be positioned on the face, how to set strap tension and how to determine a comfortable fit. A mirror shall be available to assist the subject in evaluating the fit and positioning the respirator. This instruction may not constitute the subject’s formal training on respirator use, as it is only a review.

3. The test subject shall be informed that he/she is being asked to select the respirator which provides the most comfortable fit. Each respirator represents a different size and shape, and if fitted and used properly, will provide adequate protection.

4. The test subject shall be instructed to hold each facepiece up to the face and eliminate those which obviously do not give a comfortable fit.

5. The more comfortable facepieces are noted; the most comfortable mask is donned and worn at least five minutes to assess comfort. Assistance in assessing comfort can be given by discussing the points in item 6 below. If the test subject is not familiar with using a particular respirator, the test subject shall be directed to don the mask several times and to adjust the straps each time to become adept at setting proper tension on the straps.

6. Assessment of comfort shall include reviewing the following points with the test subject and allowing the test subject adequate time to determine the comfort of the respirator:

a. position of the mask on the nose;

b. room for eye protection;

c. room to talk;

d. position of mask on face and cheeks.

7. The following criteria shall be used to help determine the adequacy of the respirator fit:

a. chin properly placed;

b. adequate strap tension, not overly tightened;

c. fit across nose bridge;

d. respirator of proper size to span distance from nose to chin;

e. tendency of respirator to slip;

f. self-observation in mirror to evaluate fit and respirator position.

8. The test subject shall conduct the negative and positive pressure fit checks as described in ANSI Z88.2-1980 or as follows:

a. Facepiece Seal Tests

(1). Positive pressure test. 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.

(2). Negative pressure test. 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 seals(s), inhale gently so that the facepiece collapses slightly, and hold the breath for ten seconds. 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.

Before conducting the negative or positive pressure test, the subject shall be told to seat the mask on the face by moving the head from side-to-side and up and down slowly while taking in a few slow deep breaths. Another facepiece shall be selected and retested if the test subject fails the fit check tests.

9. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface, such as stubble beard growth, beard, or long sideburns which cross the respirator sealing surface. Any type of apparel which interferes with a satisfactory fit shall be altered or removed.

10. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a physician to determine whether the test subject can wear a respirator while performing her or his duties.

11. If at any time within the first two weeks of use the respirator becomes uncomfortable, the test subject shall be given the opportunity to select a different facepiece and to be retested.

12. The Department of Environmental Health & Safety shall maintain a record of the fit test administered to an employee. The record shall contain at least the following information:

a. name of employee and social security number;

b. type of respirator;

c. brand, size of respirator;

d. date of test;

e. results of the test.

The record shall be maintained until the next fit test is administered.

13. Exercise regimen. Prior to the commencement of the fit test, the test subject shall be given a description of the fit test and the test subject’s responsibilities during the test procedure. The description of the process shall include a description of the test exercises that the subject will be performing. The respirator to be tested shall be worn for at least 5 minutes before the start of the fit test.

14. Test Exercises. The test subject shall perform exercises, in the test environment, in the manner described below:

a. Normal breathing. In a normal standing position, without talking, the subject shall breathe normally.

b. Deep breathing. In a normal standing position, the subject shall breathe slowly and deeply, taking caution so as to not hyperventilate.

c. Turning head side to side. Standing in place, the subject shall slowly turn his/her head from side to side between the extreme positions on each side. The head shall be held at each extreme momentarily so the subject can inhale at each side.

d. Moving head up and down. Standing in place, the subject shall slowly move his/her head up and down. The subject shall be instructed to inhale in the up position (i.e, when looking toward the ceiling).

e. Talking. The subject shall talk out loud slowly and loud enough so as to be heard clearly by the test conductor. The subject can read from a prepared text, count backward from 100, or recite a memorized poem or song.

f. Grimace. The test subject shall grimace by smiling or frowning.

g. Bending over. The test subject shall bend at the waist as if he/she were to touch his/her toes. Jogging in place shall be substituted for this exercise in those test environments which prohibit bending at the waist.

Appendix III 

ISOAMYL ACETATE PROTOCOL - QUALITATIVE FIT TEST

 A. Odor threshold screening

The odor threshold screening test, performed without a respirator, is intended to determine if the individual tested can detect the odor of isoamyl acetate.

1. Three 1 liter glass jars with metal lids are required.

2. Odor free water (e.g. distilled or spring water) at approximately 25 degrees C shall be used for the solutions.

3. The isoamyl acetate (IAA) (also known as isopentyl acetate) stock solution is prepared by adding 1 cc of pure IAA to 800 cc of odor free water in a 1 liter jar and shaking for 30 seconds. A new solution shall be prepared at least weekly.

4. The screening test shall be conducted in a room separate from the room used for actual fit testing. The two rooms shall be well ventilated but shall not be connected to the same recirculating ventilation system.

5. The odor test solution is prepared in a second jar by placing 0.4 cc of the stock solution into 500 cc of odor free water using a clean dropper or pipette. The solution shall be shaken for 30 seconds and allowed to stand for two to three minutes so that the IAA concentration above the liquid may reach equilibrium. This solution shall be used for only one day.

6. A test blank shall be prepared in a third jar by adding 500 cc of odor free water.

7. The odor test and test blank jars shall be labeled 1 and 2 for jar identification. Labels shall be placed on the lids so they can be periodically peeled, dried off and switched to maintain the integrity of the test.

8. The following instruction shall be typed on a card and placed on the table in front of the two test jars (i.e., 1 and 2): "The purpose of this test is to determine if you can smell banana oil at a low concentration. The two bottles in front of you contain water. One of these bottles also contains a small amount of banana oil. Be sure the covers are on tight, then shake each bottle for two seconds. Unscrew the lid of each bottle, one at a time, and sniff at the mouth of the bottle. Indicate to the test conductor which bottle contains banana oil."

9. The mixtures used in the IAA odor detection test shall be prepared in an area separate from where the test is performed, in order to prevent olfactory fatigue in the subject.

10. If the test subject is unable to correctly identify the jar containing the odor test solution, the IAA qualitative fit test shall not be performed.

11. If the test subject correctly identifies the jar containing the odor test solution, the test subject may proceed to respirator selection and fit testing.

B. Isoamyl acetate fit test

1. The fit test chamber shall be similar to a clear 55-gallon drum liner suspended inverted over a 2-foot diameter frame so that the top of the chamber is about 6 inches above the test subject’s head. The inside top center of the chamber shall have a small hook attached.

2. Each respirator used for the fitting and fit testing shall be equipped with organic vapor cartridges or offer protection against organic vapors. The cartridges or masks shall be changed at least weekly.

3. After selecting, donning, and properly adjusting a respirator, the test subject shall wear it to the fit testing room. This room shall be separate from the room used for odor threshold screening and respirator selection, and shall be well ventilated, as by an exhaust fan or lab hood, to prevent general room contamination.

4. A copy of the test exercises and any prepared text from which the subject is to read shall be taped to the inside of the test chamber.

5. Upon entering the test chamber, the test subject shall be given a 6-inch by 5-inch piece of paper towel, or other porous, absorbent, single-ply material, folded in half and wetted with 0.75 cc of pure IAA. The test subject shall hang the wet towel on the hook at the top of the chamber.

6. Allow two minutes for the IAA test concentration to stabilize before starting the fit test exercises. This would be an appropriate time to talk with the test subject; to explain the fit test, the importance of his/her cooperation, and the purpose for the head exercises; or to demonstrate some of the exercises.

7. If at any time during the test, the subject detects the banana like odor of IAA, the test has failed. The subject shall quickly exit from the test chamber and leave the test area to avoid olfactory fatigue.

8. If the test has failed, the subject shall return to the selection room and remove the respirator, repeat the odor sensitivity test, select and put on another respirator, return to the test chamber and again begin the procedure described in (1) through (7) above. The process continues until a respirator that fits well has been found. Should the odor sensitivity test be failed, the subject shall wait about 5 minutes before retesting. Odor sensitivity will usually have returned by this time.

9. When a respirator is found that passes the test, its efficiency shall be demonstrated for the subject by having the subject break the face seal and take a breath before exiting the chamber.

10. When the test subject leaves the chamber, the subject shall remove the saturated towel and return it to the person conducting the test. To keep the test area from becoming contaminated, the used towels shall be kept in a self sealing bag so there is no significant IAA concentration build-up in the test chamber during subsequent tests.

Appendix IV

SACCHARIN SOLUTION AEROSOL PROTOCOL - QUALITATIVE FIT TEST

The saccharin solution aerosol protocol is the only currently available validated test protocol for use with particulate disposable dust respirators not equipped with high-efficiency filters. The entire screening and testing procedure shall be explained to the test subject prior to the conduct of the screening test.

A. Taste threshold screening.

The saccharin taste threshold screening, performed without wearing a respirator, is intended to determine whether the individual being tested can detect the taste of saccharin.

1. During threshold screening as well as during fit testing, subjects shall wear an enclosure about the head and shoulders that is approximately 12 inches in diameter by 14 inches tall with at least the front portion clear and that allows free movements of the head when a respirator is worn. An enclosure substantially similar to the 3M hood assembly, parts # FT 14 and # FT 15 combined, is adequate.

2. The test enclosure shall have a ¾-inch hole in front of the test subject’s nose and mouth area to accommodate the nebulizer nozzle.

3. The test subject shall don the test enclosure. Throughout the threshold screening test, the test subject shall breath through his/her wide open mouth with tongue extended.

4. Using a DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer the test conductor shall spray the threshold check solution into the enclosure. This nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the fit test solution nebulizer.

5. The threshold check solution consists of 0.83 grams of sodium saccharin USP in 1 cc of warm water. It can be prepared by putting 1 cc of the fit test solution (see (b) (5) below) in 100 cc of distilled water.

6. To produce the aerosol, the nebulizer bulb is firmly squeezed so that it collapses completely, then released and allowed to fully expand.

7. Ten squeezes are repeated rapidly and then the test subject is asked whether the saccharin can be tasted.

8. If the first response is negative, ten more squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test subject is again asked whether the saccharin is tasted.

9. If the second response is negative, ten more squeezes are repeated rapidly and the test subject is again asked whether the saccharin is tasted.

10. The test conductor will take note of the number of squeezes required to solicit a taste response.

11. If the saccharin is not tasted after 30 squeezes (step 10), the test subject may not perform the saccharin fit test.

12. If a taste response is elicited, the test subject shall be asked to take note of the taste for reference in the fit test.

13. Correct use of the nebulizer means that approximately 1 cc of liquid is used at a time in the nebulizer body.

14. The nebulizer shall be thoroughly rinsed in water, shaken dry, and refilled at least each morning and afternoon or at least every four hours.

B. Saccharin solution aerosol fit test procedure

1. The test subject may not eat, drink (except plain water), or chew gum for 15 minutes before the test.

2. The fit test uses the same enclosure described in (a) above.

3. The test subject shall don the enclosure while wearing the respirator selected in section (a) above. The respirator shall be properly adjusted and equipped with a particulate filter(s).

4. A second DeVilbiss Model 40 Inhalation Medication Nebulizer is used to spray the fit test solution into the enclosure. This nebulizer shall be clearly marked to distinguish it from the screening test solution nebulizer.

5. The fit test solution is prepared by adding 83 grams of sodium saccharin to 100 cc of warm water.

6. As before, the test subject shall breathe through the wide open mouth with tongue extended.

7. The nebulizer is inserted into the hole in the front of the enclosure and the fit test solution is sprayed into the enclosure using the same number of squeezes required to elicit a taste response in the screening test.

8. After generating the aerosol the test subject shall be instructed to perform the exercises in Appendix II. A. 14.

9. Every 30 seconds the aerosol concentration shall be replenished using one half the number of squeezes as initially.

10. The test subject shall indicate to the test conductor if at any time during the fit test the taste of saccharin is detected.

11. If the taste of saccharin is detected, the fit is deemed unsatisfactory and a different respirator shall be fitted.

Appendix V

IRRITANT FUME PROTOCOL - QUALITATIVE FIT TEST

A. The respirator to be tested shall be equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

B. The test subject shall be allowed to smell a weak concentration of the irritant smoke before the respirator is donned to become familiar with its characteristic odor.

C. Break both ends of a ventilation smoke tube containing stannic oxychloride, such as the MSA part No. 5645, or equivalent. Attach one end of the smoke tube to a low flow air pump set to deliver 200 milliliters per minute.

D. Advise the test subject that the smoke can be irritating to the eyes and instruct the subject to keep his/her eyes closed while the test is performed.

E. The test conductor shall direct the stream of irritant smoke from the smoke tube towards the face seal area of the test subject. He/she shall begin at least 12 inches from the facepiece and gradually move to within one inch, moving around the whole perimeter of the mask. A fit test chamber similar to the one described in Appendix IV, A.1., should be utilized.

F. The exercises identified in section II. A.14 above shall be performed by the test subject while the respirator seal is being challenged by the smoke.

G. Each test subject passing the smoke test without evidence of a response shall be given a sensitivity check of the smoke from the same tube once the respirator ha been removed to determine whether he/she reacts to the smoke. Failure to evoke a response shall void the fit test.

H. The fit test shall be performed in a location with exhaust ventilation sufficient to prevent general contamination of the testing area by the test agent.

Appendix VI

RECOMMENDED 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 50^o C 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 (50^o C 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 50^o C; 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 50^o C; or,

3. Other commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality when used as directed, unless their use is recommended against by the respirator manufacturer.

E. Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (50^o C 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 (preferred).

G. Reassemble facepiece, replacing filters, cartridges, and canisters where necessary.

H. Test the respirator to ensure that all components work properly.

Appendix VII 

DEFINITIONS

"Adequate warning properties" means the detectable characteristics of a hazardous chemical including odor, taste, and/or irritation effects which are detectable and persistent at concentrations at or below the hazardous exposure level, and exposure at these low levels does not cause olfactory fatigue.

"Air-purifying respirators" means a respirator which is designed to remove air contaminants (i.e. dust, fumes, mists, gases, vapors, or aerosols) from the ambient air or air surrounding the respirator.

"Assigned protection factor" means the value OSHA regards as applicable for an achievable ratio of average ambient concentration of an air contaminant in a workplace to the average concentration of the contaminant measured inside the respirator facepiece for a specific class of respirator.

"Assistant Secretary" means the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Labor or assignee.

"Atmosphere-supplying respirator" means a respirator which supplies the wearer with air or oxygen from a source independent of the immediate ambient atmosphere. This includes supplied air respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units.

"Canister" or "cartridge" means the element of a gas and vapor or particulate air-purifying respirator which contains the sorbent, filter and/or catalyst which removes specific contaminants from air drawn through it.

"Closed circuit respirator" means a SCBA in which the air is rebreathed after exhaled carbon dioxide has been removed and the oxygen content restored by a compressed or liquid oxygen source or an oxygen generating solid.

"Demand" means a mode of operation for atmosphere-supplying respirators in which air flows into the respirator only when inhalation creates a lower pressure within the facepiece than the ambient atmospheric pressure.

"Disposable respirator" means a respiratory protective device which cannot be resupplied with an unused filter or cartridge and which is to be discarded in its entirety after its useful service life has been reached.

"Filter" means a media component used in respirators to remove solid and/or liquid particles from the inspired air.

"Fit factor" means an estimate of the ratio of the average concentration of a challenge agent in a test chamber to the average concentration inside the respirator as worn with a high efficiency filter.

"Hazardous chemical" means a substance which meets the definitions for "health hazard" under the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.200 (c)).

"Hazardous exposure level" means:

1. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for the hazardous chemical in 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Z, of the General Industry Standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); or,

2. If there is no PEL for the hazardous chemical, the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) in the latest edition of Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents in the Work Environment: or,

3. If there is no PEL or TLV for the hazardous chemical, an exposure level based on available scientific information including material safety data sheets.

"Immediately dangerous to life or health" or "IDLH" means an atmosphere where the concentration of oxygen or hazardous chemical(s) would cause a person without respiratory protection to be fatally injured or would cause irreversible or incapacitating effects on that person’s health. In establishing the IDLH concentration, the following shall be considered:

1. The maximum concentration of the hazardous chemical at which one could escape within thirty minutes without any escape-impairing or immediate or delayed irreversible health effects;

2. The minimum concentration of the hazardous chemical at which severe eye or respiratory irritation or other reactions would inhibit escape without injury; and,

3. The presence of an oxygen deficient IDLH atmosphere.

"Maximum use concentration" (MUC) means the maximum concentration of an air contaminant in which a particular respirator can be used, based on the respirator’s assigned protection factor. The MUC cannot exceed the use limitations specified on the NIOSH/MSHA approval label for the cartridge, canister, or filter. The MUC can be determined by multiplying the assigned protection factor for the respirator by the permissible exposure limit for the air contaminant for which the respirator will be used.

"Negative pressure respirator" means a respirator in which the air pressure inside the facepiece is positive during exhalation in relation to the outside air pressure and negative during inhalation in relation to the outside air pressure.

"Oxygen deficient atmosphere" means an atmosphere with an oxygen content of less than 19.5% by volume at altitudes of 4000 feet or below, or less than 20.95% by volume at altitudes above 4000 feet up to 14,000 feet.

"Oxygen deficient IDLH atmosphere" means an atmosphere with an oxygen content below 14% by volume at sea level, or below the oxygen levels specified in Table III for altitudes up to 10,000 feet, or below 20.95% for altitudes from 10,000 up to 14,000 feet.

"Positive pressure respirator" means an atmosphere-supplying respirator in which the air pressure inside the facepiece is positive in relation to the outside air pressure during inhalation and exhalation.

"Powered air-purifying respirator" means an air-purifying respirator which uses a blower to deliver air through the air-purifying element to the wearer’s breathing zone.

"Pressure demand" means a mode of operation for atmosphere-supplying respirators in which the air pressure inside the respirator is substantially maintained at a specific positive pressure differential with respect to the ambient air pressure. To maintain this pressure differential additional air is admitted on demand to the facepiece when the wearer inhales.

"Qualitative fit test" (QLFT) means an assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit by determining whether or not an individual wearing the respirator can detect the odor, taste, or irritation of a contaminant introduced into the vicinity of the wearer’s head.

"Quantitative fit test" (QNFT) means an assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit by numerically measuring concentrations of a challenge agent inside and outside the facepiece. The ratio of the two measurements is an index of leakage of the seal between the respirator facepiece and the wearer’s face.

"Rebreather respirator". See closed circuit respirator.

"Respirator" means any device worn by an individual and intended to provide the wearer with respiratory protection against inhalation of airborne contaminants or oxygen deficient air.

"Self-contained breathing apparatus" (SCBA) means an atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the source of air or oxygen is contained within the respirator independent of any other source.

"Service life" of a chemical or organic vapor cartridge or canister means the period of time it takes for a specific concentration of a specific substance to break through the cartridge or canister. This concentration is determined by the manufacturer for each type of cartridge or canister for particular substances.

"Supplied air respirator" means a respirator which receives breathing air through an air line or hose from a portable or stationary source of compressed air.

 

Respirator Selection

 Table I: Air-Purifying Respirators¹.

Factor	Assigned Protection
Half Mask or Quarter Facepiece2	10
Full Facepiece	503
Disposable, Dust/Mist	5
Powered Air-Purifying
Tight fitting full facepiece	250
Tight fitting2 half mask	50
Loose fitting hood or helmet	25

Notes:

1. Air-purifying respirators may not be used in oxygen deficient or IDLH atmospheres.

2. Only full facepiece respirators are to used in contaminant concentrations which produce eye irritation.

3. An APF of 50 is permitted only when QNFT is performed; when QLFT is performed an APF of 10 is permitted.

Notes:

1. Any atmosphere supplying respirator may be used in an oxygen deficient atmosphere where the oxygen content is above the oxygen deficient IDLH limits.

2. Only a full facepiece pressure demand SCBA or combination full facepiece pressure demand SAR with auxiliary self-contained air supply may be used in unknown IDLH or oxygen deficient IDLH atmospheres.

*Where a worksite below 10,000 feet is between two altitude levels listed in column 1 of this Table, the employer shall use the percent oxygen limits in Column 3 and 4 for the higher altitude.

Questions regarding the Respiratory Protection Program Procedures should be forwarded to Joseph Miller at JAMiller@udel.edu or call 831-6566.