SOP 2.5: Respirator Program
Contents
1.Introduction...... 1
2.Regulatory and contractual requirements...... 1
3.Medical evaluation...... 1
4.Respirator use...... 2
5.Training...... 4
6.Keep Records...... 4
Attachments
A. Voluntary use of filtering facepiece respirators...... 6
B. Respirator selection and use...... 6
C. User seal check procedure………………...... 7
D. Respiratory fit test record...... 8
E. Respirator questionnaire for employers……………………...... 10
1.Introduction
This HHW Program shall coordinate the use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment. Where feasible, exposure to air contaminants shall be eliminated or reduced using engineering and/or administrative controls. In situations where this is not feasible, respiratory protection shall be provided. If staff uses respiratory protection, the Program shall implement all Sections of this SOP and specific sections of this SOP apply to situations where voluntary use of respirators is permitted. This respiratory protection program is work-site-specific and updated as necessary to reflect any changes in workplace conditions that affect respirator use.
2.Regulatory and contractual requirements
Respirator program requirements are established in the HHW program and state agency contract (Exhibit A, parts A and B) and OSHA respirator standard 29 CFR 1910.134, 1910.134 (c)(1), 1910.134 (k)(6), 1910.134 Appendix D and 1910.1020. To view AQ Monitoring for HHW Facilities, see
3.Medical evaluation
3.1Staff required to wear any type of respirator, or voluntarily uses a half-mask respirator, shall participate in a medical evaluation program. Staff shall fill out a medical questionnaire specific to respirator use. See Attachment E of this SOP. The completed questionnaire shall be evaluated by a Physician or other Licensed Health Care Professional (PLHCP). This evaluation shall be made prior to fit testing and respirator use. See SOP 2.13 Medical Monitoring Program.
3. 2The employer shall pay for the medical evaluation.
3. 3Information that shall be provided to the PLHCP includes:
- Type of respirator(s) to be used
- Task that shall be performed
- Length of wear
- Air contaminant(s) involved
3.4The PLHCP’s approval shall be a written certification containing the following information:
- Type of respirator approved for use by the individual
- Restrictions regarding the Staff’s use of the specified respirator
- Recommendations for additional medical surveillance, including frequency
- Pulmonary function test Pass/fail
- The written certification shall not disclose any confidential medical information
4.Respirator use
4.1Program administration. The Program Manager is the designated Respirator Program Administrator and shall be responsible for implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of the Respirator Program for this HHW Facility. List the name of this person on the Respirator Selection and Use Form, as shown in Attachment B of this SOP.
4.2Air monitoring. Air monitoring shall be coordinated by the state to determine respiratory protection recommendations. These results are summarized in the Minnesota HHW Air Monitoring Report, see Section 2 of this SOP.
4.3Voluntary use of respirators
4.3.1Staff shall be properly trained if the only respirator being used is a filtering facepiece (e.g., dust mask, dust mask with nuisance odor protection, dusk mask that has two attachment straps vs one), see Attachment A of this SOP. There are no other requirements if respirator use is not mandatory.
4.3.2If half-mask or powered-air purifying respirators are available for voluntary use, this Program shall have and implement all sections of the respirator program in this SOP. OSHA exempts fit testing from voluntary respirator users, but it may be required from the state and/or this program. See Attachment A of this SOP. This Program shall permit the voluntary use of respirators when:
1.respirator use is not required
2.there is no overexposure to airborne contaminants
3.the only respirator being used is a filtering facepiece
4.3.3Staff voluntarily using respirators are not required to annually fit test, but shall be provided with a copy of Attachment A of this SOP and be familiar with this SOP.
4.4Respirator selection, use and maintenance
4.4.1The Respirator Program Administrator is responsible for selecting the appropriate respirator. Selection shall be based on the hazard and the results of air monitoring. See Attachment B of this SOP.
4.4.2All respirators shall be National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certified.
4.4.3When respirator use is mandatory, each Facility shall complete the form in Attachment B of this SOP. The list shall include tasks requiring the use of respirators, the type of respirator, and the schedule for changing chemical cartridges.
4.4.4Staff shall conduct respirator seal checks prior to fit testing and use. See Attachment C of this SOP.
4.4.5Staff shall use respirators only in adequately ventilated areas where air contains enough oxygen to sustain life.
4.5Respirator fit testing
4.5.1A fit test shall be used to determine the ability of the wearer to obtain a satisfactory seal with the respirator.
4.5.2Staff shall pass a fit test prior to using a respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece.
4.5.3Prior to fit testing, staff shall have a written certification from a PLHCP of ability to wear a respirator. See Section 3 of this SOP.
4.5.4Respirator fit tests shall be conducted following the procedures in the OSHA respirator standard. Staff shall document testing results on the Respirator Fit Test Record Form; see Attachment D of this SOP.
4.5.5Fit testing shall not be performed on staff with facial hair that passes between the respirator seal and face, or interferes with valve function.
4.5.6Corrective glasses shall be worn in a manner that will not interfere with the seal of the facepiece to the face. The use of eye contacts is permissible unless the Program has a rule to the contrary. See SOP 2.4 Personal Protective Equipment.
4.6Respirator cleaning, inspection, and storage
4.6.1Cleaning. Staff shall clean respirators (except filtering facepieces) immediately following each use. The respirator shall be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s directions and respirator wipes are available for daily use. Respirators not assigned to an individual shall also be disinfected after each use. Cleaning shall be documented and records maintained.
4.6.2Inspection. Respirators shall be inspected prior to each use, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Staff shall report respirator defects to the respirator program administrator and obtain replacement parts or a new respirator. The use of defective respirators is not permitted. Inspections shall be documented and records maintained.
4.6.3Storage. Clean respirators and cartridges shall be stored in a clean, dry container and in a manner to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve. Protect from heat, direct sunlight, dust and damaging chemicals. To preserve the shelf life of cartridges, store in re-sealable zip lock plastic bags when not in use. If staff can taste or smell break though, immediately stop use as the cartridge may need replacement. Follow the manufacturer’s cartridge use life recommendations. Filtering facepiece respirators (dust masks) shall be discarded or stored in a clean plastic bag.
5.Training
5.1Each respirator user shall be trained on:
2.5 Respirator Program1
- need
- proper selection
- use
- limitations
- care
- user seal check
- fittest procedures
2.5 Respirator Program1
5. 2 Initial training and fit testing shall be conducted prior to use of respiratory protection.
5. 3 Refresher training shall be conducted on an annual basis, or more often if needed.
5. 4 Any staff using a filtering facepiece respirator on a voluntary basis shall be trained on the information contained in Attachment A of this SOP.
5. 5 Training shall be documented and records maintained; see Section 6 of this SOP.
6.Keep records
6.1The following records shall be maintained by the Respirator Program Administrator for the period of time specified:
1.Respiratory protection training records (minimum of 3 years).
2.Staff’s fit test records for current year (until next test is conducted).
3.Results of air monitoring conducted by the Facility or state (30 years).
6.2Completed questionnaires and results of medical examinations shall be maintained by the PLHCP. Complete Section 1 A and question 9 of Section 2 A found in Attachment E of this SOP. Give this document to the PLHCP.
6.3The PLHCP’s written certification regarding the Staff’s ability to wear a respirator shall be retained by the staff person designated to maintain confidential medical records (duration of employment plus 30 years).
6.4A copy of this SOP shall be made available to Staff upon request.
2.5 Respirator Program1
Attachment A
Voluntary Use of Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Information for Staff Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard (Mandatory) 29 CFR 1910.134, Appendix D
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 shall do the following:
- Read and heed all instructions provided by the manufacturer on use, maintenance, cleaning and care, and warnings regarding the respirators limitations.
- 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 shall appear on the respirator or respirator packaging. It shall tell you what the respirator is designed for and how much it shall protect you.
- Do not wear your respirator into atmospheres containing contaminants or oxygen levels for which your respirator is not designed to protect against. For example, a respirator designed to filter dust particles shall not protect you against gases, vapors, or very small solid particles of fumes or smoke.
- Keep track of individual respirators so someone else’s respirator is not mistakenly used.
Attachment B
Respirator selection and use
______is the Respirator Program Administrator.
(Name and title)
Tasks requiring the use of respirators & type of respirator (list):
______
______
______
______
______
______
______
Schedule for changing chemical cartridges and filters:
Examples: / Filters/prefilters: When breathing becomes difficult.Filtering Facepiece respirators: When breathing becomes difficult or facepiece becomes dirty.
Organic Vapor Cartridges: Weekly (every 30 hours of use) or when chemical odor can be detected.
______
______
______
______
Attachment C
User Seal Check Procedures
29 CFR 1910.134, Attachment B-1: 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 or negative pressure checks listed in this attachment, 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 nitrile 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.
[63 FR 1152, Jan 8, 1998]
Attachment D
Respirator Fit Test Record for: ______(name)
Respirator type:______
(manufacturer, model, size)
Date of fit test:__/___/____Fit test conducted by:______
Fit test method:______
Results of fit test: fits does not fit
Respirator type:______
(manufacturer, model, size)
Date of fit test:__/___/____Fit test conducted by:______
Fit test method:______
Results of fit test: fits does not fit
Respirator type:______
(manufacturer, model, size)
Date of fit test:__/___/____Fit test conducted by:______
Fit test method:______
Results of fit test: fits does not fit
Comments:______
Attachment E
Respirator Questionnaire for Employers
To the HHW Program employer: Answers to questions in Section 1, and to question 9 (Section 2 of Part A), do not require a medical examination.
To the staff wearing a respirator:
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?
- Seizures (fits): Yes/No
- Diabetes (sugar disease): Yes/No
- Allergic reactions that interfere with your breathing: Yes/No
- Claustrophobia (fear of closed-in places): Yes/No
- Trouble smelling odors: Yes/No
3. Have you ever had any of the following pulmonary or lung problems?
- Asbestosis: Yes/No
- Asthma: Yes/No
- Chronic bronchitis: Yes/No
- Emphysema: Yes/No
- Pneumonia: Yes/No
- Tuberculosis: Yes/No
- Silicosis: Yes/No
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung): Yes/No
- Lung cancer: Yes/No
- Broken ribs: Yes/No
- Any chest injuries or surgeries: Yes/No
- 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?
- Shortness of breath: Yes/No
- Shortness of breath when walking fast on level ground or walking up a slight hill or incline: Yes/No
- Shortness of breath when walking with other people at an ordinary pace on level ground: Yes/No
- Have to stop for breath when walking at your own pace on level ground: Yes/No
- Shortness of breath when washing or dressing yourself: Yes/No
- Shortness of breath that interferes with your job: Yes/No
- Coughing that produces phlegm (thick sputum): Yes/No
- Coughing that wakes you early in the morning: Yes/No
- Coughing that occurs mostly when you are lying down: Yes/No
- Coughing up blood in the last month: Yes/No
- Wheezing: Yes/No
- Wheezing that interferes with your job: Yes/No
- Chest pain when you breathe deeply: Yes/No
- 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?
- Heart attack: Yes/No
- Stroke: Yes/No
- Angina: Yes/No
- Heart failure: Yes/No
- Swelling in your legs or feet (not caused by walking): Yes/No
- Heart arrhythmia (heart beating irregularly): Yes/No
- High blood pressure: Yes/No
- 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?
- Frequent pain or tightness in your chest: Yes/No
- Pain or tightness in your chest during physical activity: Yes/No
- Pain or tightness in your chest that interferes with your job: Yes/No
- In the past two years, have you noticed your heart skipping or missing a beat: Yes/No
- Heartburn or indigestion that is not related to eating: Yes/ No
- 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?
- Breathing or lung problems: Yes/No
- Heart trouble: Yes/No
- Blood pressure: Yes/No
- 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:)
- Eye irritation: Yes/No
- Skin allergies or rashes: Yes/No
- Anxiety: Yes/No
- General weakness or fatigue: Yes/No
- 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