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Appendix D - Training Program

Respiratory Protection

Objectives/Samples of Behavior:

1. Explain the differences between air-purifying and atmosphere supplying respirators.

2. Explain procedures for using and maintaining air-purifying and atmosphere supplying respirators.

3. Describe limitations of respirator use.

4. Discuss quantitative and qualitative fit-testing.

5. Explain training requirements for respirator wearers.

A.  Applicable Standards

1. AFOSH Standard 48-1

2. 29 CFR 1910.134

3. 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z OSHA Substance Specific Standards

B.  OSHA Minimally Acceptable Program 29 CFR 1910.134(b)

1. Written standard operating procedures

2. Selection based on hazards

3. Training

4. Cleaning and disinfection

5. Storage

6. Inspection

7. Monitoring

8. Program evaluation

9. Approved respirators

10. Physically fit

C.  Physiological and Psychological Limitations for Respirator Wearers

1. Respiratory impairment

2. Cardiovascular impairment

3. Epilepsy

4. Anemia

5. Diabetes

6. Punctured eardrum

7. Claustrophobia

D.  Air Force Program

1. Much more detailed than OSHA-required program

2. Described in AFOSH Standard 48-1

E.  Types of Facepieces

1. Tight-fitting

   a.  Half-mask

   b.  Full-facepieces

2. Loose-fitting

1. Hood

2. Helmet

F.  Modes of Operation

1. Positive pressure - pressure in mask always greater than atmosphere outside

1. Continuous flow

2. Pressure demand (respirator with regulator)

2. Negative pressure - pressure in mask less than the atmosphere outside during inhalation

1. No air supply

2. Demand (respirator with regulator)

G.  Categories of Respirators

1. Air purifying respirators (APRs)

1. Remove contaminant

2. Usually operated in negative pressure mode (except powered air purifying respirators)

3. Not all contaminants can be removed

4. Airborne contaminants

Gas

Vapor

Aerosol:

Dust

Mist

Fume

Fiber

Smoke

5. NIOSH-approved particulate filters

Dust

Mist

Fume

HEPA - for aerosols with an OEL less than 0.05 mg/m3 and asbestos

Radon daughters

6. Particulate filters

Dust and mist - 80-90% efficiency at 0.6 micrometers

Fume - 90-99% efficiency at 0.6 micrometers

HEPA - 99.97% efficiency at 0.3 micrometers

7. Gas and vapor removing respirators (cartridge or canister)

Organic vapors

Acid gases

Ammonia

Combinations (gases, vapors, & particulates)

Specific approvals:

Carbon monoxide

Hydrogen sulfide

Hydrogen cyanide

Vinyl chloride

Formaldehyde

Replacement of cartridge or canister:

When worker detects contaminant

End-of-service life indicator triggered

After established replacement time

8. Warning properties

Gases and vapors usually require adequate warning properties if an APR is used.

Adequate when a substance's odor, taste, or irritation effects are detectable and persistent at concentrations at or below the OEL.

9. Breakthrough time

Based on 1000 ppm - time to reach 1% (10 ppm)

10. Protection factors

APF - assigned protection factor

MUC - maximum use concentration

OEL - occupational exposure limit

MUC = APF x OEL

Assigned protection factors from AFOSH Standard 48-1

11. Advantages of APRs

Increased mobility

Light-weight

Less expensive for short-term jobs

12. Limitations of APRs

NOT for oxygen deficient atmospheres

AF definition:  Less than 19.5% oxygen

NOT for IDLH atmospheres

NOT for unknown concentrations

ONLY for contaminants specified on approval label

NOT for use in situations where concentration is greater than the MUC

Contaminant must have adequate warning properties

Correct filter must be chosen

Increased breathing resistance

Tight seal must be maintained

Leaks limit effectiveness

Facial hair cannot be present

2. Atmosphere-supplying respirator

1. Respirators which provide the wearer with a separate breathing air source independent of the atmosphere

2. Advantages

Provide a clean source of breathing air

No sorbent or filter limitations

In general, have higher APFs than APRs

3. Types

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Supplied-air (air-line) respirator

Hose masks (NOT used in Air FOrce)

4. Modes of operation

Positive pressure

Continuous flow

Pressure demand

Negative pressure

Demand (rarely used)

5. SCBAs - closed circuit (not used in AF)

Advantages

Longer duration

Light weight

Some are positive pressure

Disadvantages

Heat builds up

Liquid oxygen

Use near fire or heat sources discouraged by NIOSH

6. SCBAs - open circuit - approved

Advantages

Free, independent movement

Can be used in all atmospheres

Can be used in emergency operations and unknown atmospheres

None of the disadvantages of closed circuit SCBAs

Disadvantages

Limited air supply

Need refill capability

Heavy

Must be inspected before and after use

High pressure units need special compressors

7. Supplied air (airline) respirators - approved

Breathing air source

Air compressor

Cascade

Mobile systems

Advantages

Longer work time

Positive pressure

Heating or cooling of air

Disadvantages

Must have clean air supply

Limited distance (<300 feet)

Air supply could be interrupted or line cut

Cannot be used in IDLH or oxygen deficient atmospheres (unless used with escape SCBA)

8. Escape SCBA

Used for escape from IDLH only

Average duration 5 to 10 minutes

EPA recommends hooded type

Hooded type have positive pressure (continuous flow)

Required by HAZWOPER if positive pressure SCBA not used for initial entry

H.  Limitations of Respirators

1. Facial hair

2. Hot environments

3. Cold environments

4. Communications

I.  Respirator Selection

1. Nature of hazard

2. Characteristics of operations and worker activity

3. Location of hazardous area

4. Duration of respirator use

5. Respirator capabilities and limitations

6. Primary considerations for APRs:

1. O₂ concentration

2. Chemical concentration

3. Contaminant type - capor, dust, corrosive, what specific chemical, etc.

J.  Training Requirements

1. Supervisor

2. Issuer

3. Wearer

1. Nature of hazard

2. Explanation of why other controls are not used

3. Explanation of respirator selection

4. Respirator operations, capabilities, and limitations

5. How to recognize and cope with emergencies

6. Maintenance, inspection, cleaning, and storage - individual use respirators

7. Special-use respirators

8. Need to inform supervisor of problems

9. Opportunity to wear respirator

10. Applicable regulations

K.  Fit Testing

1. Qualitative

1. Banana oil or irritant smoke

2. Pass/Fail test

2. Quantitative

1. Portacount most common

2. Fit factor obtained

1. Pressure checks

   1. Every time respirator is donned to ensure proper seal (face to facepiece)

   2. Negative check:  close off air inlets, inhale & hold, remains collapsed = no leaks

   3. Positive check:  close off exhalation outlet, exhale gently, slight positive pressure without leaks = satisfactory

L.  Maintenance, Inspection, Cleaning, and Storage

1. Each person issued a respirator is responsible for its care

2. Maintenance/repairs - only by trained personnel - never repair beyond manufacturers instructions

3. Inspection - emergency use:  at least monthly - others: prior to use & after cleaning - keep records

4. Clean & sanitize - disinfect with household bleach solution - community use: before worn by another - emergency use: after used

5. Storage - protect against chemical/physical agents - emergency use:  accessible, clearly marked