Summary of Respiratory Protection Program Requirements
The Cornell University Respiratory Protection Program, through the requirements described in this manual, establishes a program for the use of respirators. The criteria is designed for those University personnel who, during their normal duties, are or could be exposed to hazardous substances or atmospheres that may affect their well being or their health, or that may otherwise be detrimental to their safety. The program includes:
- Efforts to prevent atmospheric contamination. This shall be accomplished as far as feasible by accepted engineering control measures. However, when not feasible or while such measures are being instituted or evaluated, the program provides appropriate respiratory protection to personnel who might be exposed to unhealthy or unusual conditions.
- Provisions for the proper selection and fitting of respiratory protection equipment and for the training of University personnel in the proper use of such equipment.
- Establishment of requirements and controls for those employees who must use respirators and for their supervisors.
- Provisions for proper respiratory protection equipment for emergency use when loss of life is at stake.
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
Respiratory Protection Program
- 1.10 General
- 1.20 Respiratory Protection Program Execution
- 1.21 Who Must Wear Respiratory Protection Equipment
- 1.22 How to Obtain Respiratory Protection Equipment
- 1.23 How to Obtain Replacement Respirators and Cartridges
Responsibilities
- 1.31 Department Chairperson or Director
- 1.32 Principal Investigator or Supervisor
- 1.33 Employee
- 1.34 Department of Environmental Health & Safety
Authorization for Use
- 2.10 Authorization for Use of Respiratory Protection Equipment
- 2.11 Evaluation of Required Respiratory Protection Equipment
- 2.12 Instruction, Selection, Fitting, Training, and Maintenance
- 2.13 Procurement of Respirators
- 2.14 Education and Training
- 2.15 Medical Evaluation Questionnaire and Medical Surveillance
Requirements for Fitting and Testing
- 3.10 Procedures for Fitting and Testing Respirators
- 3.11 Qualitative Fit Test
- 3.12 Quantitative Fit Test
- 3.13 Calculation of Protection Factors
- 3.14 Restrictions
- 3.15 Annual Quantitative Fit Testing Requirement
- 3.18 Records
Operating Procedures for Respiratory Protection Equipment
- 4.10 Dust Masks
- 4.11 Air-Purifying Half-Mask Respirators
- 4.12 Full Face-Mask Respirators
- 4.13 Powered Air Purifying Respirators
- 4.14 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
- 4.15 Specialized Respiratory Protection Equipment
Emergency Use of Respirator
- 5.10 Emergency Situations
- 5.11 Acceptable Type of Equipment During Emergencies
Maintenance and Care of Respirators
- 6.10 Program Maintenance and Care
- 6.11 Primary Responsibility
- 6.12 EH&S Responsibilities
- 6.13 Employee (User) Responsibility
DEFINITIONS
Aerosol - A system consisting of particles, solid , or liquid, suspended in air.
Approved - Tested and listed as satisfactory jointly by the Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH).
Canister (Air-Purifying) - A container filled with sorbents and catalysts that
remove gases and vapors from air drawn through the unit. The canister may also contain an
aerosol (particulate) filter to remove solid and liquid particles.
Cartridge - A small container filled with air-purifying media.
Confined Space - An enclosure such as a storage tank, process vessel, boiler, silo,
tank car, pipeline, tube, duct, sewer, underground utility vault, tunnel, or pit that has
limited means of egress and poor natural ventilation and that may contain hazardous
contaminants or be oxygen deficient.
Contaminant - A harmful irritating, or nuisance material that is foreign to the
normal atmosphere.
Economic Poison - Substances and mixtures of substances intended for defoliating
plants, regulating plant growth or for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any
and all plant pests.
Exhalation Valve - A device that allows exhaled air to leave a respiratory device
and prevents outside air from entering through the valve.
Face piece - That portion of a respirator that covers the wearer's nose, mouth and
eyes in a full face piece. It is designed to make a gas-tight fit with the face and
includes the headbands, exhalation valve(s), and connections for an air purifying device.
Filter - A fibrous medium used in respirators to remove solid or liquid particles
from the airstream entering the respiratory enclosure.
High-Efficiency Particulate Aerosol (HEPA) Filter - A filter designed to remove
99.97% of specific type particle material from air.
IDLH Atmosphere - An atmosphere immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). An
IDLH atmosphere poses an immediate hazard to life, such as being oxygen deficient
(containing less than 19.5% oxygen), or produces an irreversible debilitating effect on
health.
Inhalation Valve - A device that allows respirable air to enter the face piece and
prevents exhaled air from leaving the face piece through the intake opening.
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) - A Federal agency that tests,
approves, and certifies respiratory protection equipment.
Particulate Matter - A suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in air, such as
dust, fog, fume, mist, smoke, or sprays. Particulate matter suspended in air is commonly
known as an aerosol.
Pesticide - For the purpose of this manual, the terms pesticide and pesticide
chemical are synonymous with economic poison, as defined under the United States
Department of Agriculture's Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
Pneumoconiosis - Producing Dust - Dust that, when inhaled, deposited, and retained
in the lungs, may produce signs, symptoms, and findings of pulmonary disease.
Protection Factor (PF) - The overall protection afford by a certain type of
respirator as defined by the ratio of the concentration of contaminant outside a face mask
or hood to that inside the equipment under conditions of use. For example, if a half-mask
respirator has a protection factor of 10, it may be used for protection in atmospheres
with a contaminant concentration up to 10 times the permissible exposure limit.
Qualitative Fit Test - A test procedure to determine the effectiveness of the seal
between the face mask and the wearer's face, usually performed during the fitting process.
Quantitative Fit Test - The measurement of the effectiveness of a respirator seal
in the ambient atmosphere. This test, using a PORTACOUNT or similar measuring device, is
performed by dividing the measured concentration of the dust particles in the ambient
atmosphere by the measured concentration of the particles inside the respirator face
piece.
Resistance - Opposition of the flow of air, as through a canister, cartridge, or
particulate filter.
Respirator - A device designed to protect the wearer from inhalation of harmful
atmospheres.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) - For the purpose of this manual, a unit
designed to provide to the wearer a respirable atmosphere independent of the ambient air.
A supply of approved compressed air contained in a gas cylinder is carried by the wearer.
SCBA units are generally restricted to types equipped with pressure-demand regulators that
maintain positive pressure in a full face mask.
Supplied-Air Respirator - For the purpose of this manual, a hose-mask respirator
equipped with a face piece, breathing tube, safety harness and safety line. The respirable
air is supplied through an air hose connected to a compressed-air cylinder or air
compressor.
Test Subject - A person wearing a respirator for quantitative fit testing.
Threshold Limit Value (TLV) - A list published yearly by the American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists as a guide for exposure concentrations that a healthy
individual normally can tolerate for 8 hours a day, five days a week, without harmful
effects. Airborne particulate concentrations are generally listed as milligrams per cubic
meter of air (mg/m3), and gaseous concentrations are listed as parts per million (ppm) by
volume.
Vapor - The gaseous state of a substance that is solid or liquid at ordinary
temperature and pressure.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM
1.10 General
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) develops, implements and manages safety and
health programs for Cornell University faculty, staff and students. The control of safety
and health hazards at the University is primarily through the implementation of
engineering, work practice and administrative controls. Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) is used to supplement these controls or whenever the controls are not feasible or
are in the process of being implemented. PPE is also recommended whenever exposures to
chemical, physical or biological agents can be prevented or reduced by its use.
This respiratory protection program is established to coordinate the
use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment when such equipment is used to
reduce employee exposure to potentially hazardous agents or work environments. An
effective comprehensive respiratory protection program is essential to assure that
personnel using such equipment are adequately protected. All employee activities involving
the use of respiratory protection equipment, as defined in this written program, shall be
conducted in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's)
standard for respiratory protection 29 CFR 1910.134.
When respiratory protection is to be used it is
critical that: (1) the correct type of equipment is chosen; (2) it is clean and in good
working order; (3) a good fit is obtained; and (4) the user is adequately trained in the
use, care and limitations of the protective device. This written program establishes the
procedures and requirements necessary to meet established standards and federal
regulations for use of respiratory protection equipment and to provide the necessary
health and safety protection to those falling within the jurisdiction of the program.
Requirements outlined in this manual are mandatory in nature where the word
"SHALL" is used and are advisory in nature where the word "SHOULD" is
used.
SUMMARY OF PROGRAM EXECUTION
1.20 Respiratory Protection Program Execution
The Respiratory Protection Program is administered by the Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). EH&S provides a centralized facility for purchasing, maintaining, fitting, and evaluating all on-site respiratory protection equipment and for training Cornell University personnel in its use.
1.21 Who Must Wear Respiratory Protection Equipment
Respiratory protection devices shall be used:
 | For activities that cannot be safely controlled by engineering methods, such as for pesticide applications required by the EPA Worker Protection Standard or hazardous exposures to carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic or other highly toxic materials. |
| When the working atmosphere is or may be oxygen deficient. If so, air supplied respirators shall be used. |
| When working in confined spaces where toxic atmospheres are present. |
| When airborne radioactive or toxic materials could exceed recommended exposure limits. |
| For emergency use when loss of life or serious property loss or damage may be involved. |
| For designated employees at the Gannett Health Center for protection against potential exposure to tuberculosis. |
1.22 How to Obtain Respiratory Protection Equipment
Each employee whose duties require the use of a respirator (as jointly determined by EH&S, the employee and the employee's supervisor), must fill out the Respiratory Protection User Request Form (Appendix C, Section A) with his/her supervisor's signature. This form must be submitted to EH&S before appropriate action can be taken. Refer to Respiratory Protection Certification Protocol (Appendix B) for complete instructions. After satisfying necessary requirements, the employee will be issued a new or cleaned and reconditioned respirator; the costs will be charged to the employee's administrative unit.
1.23 How to Obtain Replacement Respirators and Cartridges
Only employees who are in the Respiratory Protection Program may purchase respiratory protection equipment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1.30 Department Chairperson or Director
The department chairperson or unit director is responsible for:
| Assuring the health and safety of employees, students and visitors in the Cornell University facilities under his/her control. |
| Being kept informed of all areas under his or her jurisdiction where potentially hazardous exposures exist and initiating protection programs that adhere to the respiratory protection requirements of this manual. |
| Assuring that applicable respiratory protection program requirements for principal investigators, supervisors, or division heads, and University personnel under their supervision are adhered to. |
1.31 Principal Investigator or Supervisor
Each person in charge of a research project, maintenance, service or renovation, or other activity where respiratory protection equipment may be or is required is responsible for:
| Identifying, with the assistance of personnel from EH&S, those employees who may need respiratory protection equipment and scheduling them for fitting and training in the proper use and maintenance of the equipment. |
| Requesting assistance from EH&S in evaluating new operations that may present health and safety hazards. |
| Coordinating with EH&S in obtaining approval from the Occupational Health Physician before assigning known or suspected medically restricted employees to jobs requiring the use of respirators. |
| Enforcing the use of respiratory protection equipment and other requirements when applicable. |
| Keeping the department chairperson or director informed of any actions proposed or taken regarding the Respiratory Protection Program. |
1.32 Employee
Any Cornell University employee or person, who is required under the Respiratory Protection Program to wear respiratory equipment, or who participates in the Respiratory Protection Program, is responsible for:
| Utilizing the issued respiratory protection equipment in accordance with instruction and training provided by EH&S personnel. This includes maintaining the respirator in a clean condition and ready to use at all times. |
| Restricting the use of an assigned respirator to his or her's exclusive use. |
| Informing his/her supervisor of any personal health problems that could be aggravated by the use of respiratory equipment. |
| Guarding against damage and ensuring respirators are not disassembled, modified, or otherwise altered in any way other than by the changing of respirator cartridges/filters. |
| Reporting any observed or suspected malfunctioning respirator to EH&S personnel. |
| Using only those brands and types of respiratory protection equipment for which they have been trained and fitted. |
1.33 Department of Environmental Health & Safety
EH&S is responsible for performing the following functions: a) Reviewing and approving all purchases of respiratory protection equipment. b) Providing instruction on the need for respiratory protection, criteria for selecting respirators, and respirator fitting, use, and maintenance.
| Issuing the approved respiratory protection equipment, maintaining facilities for the reconditioning and maintenance of equipment, and providing the following additional services: |
| Conducting initial, annual, and other required fit tests for employees who utilize respiratory protection equipment. |
| Coordinating with University Health services a medical surveillance program for respiratory protection. |
| Acting on a consulting basis for respiratory protection. |
AUTHORIZATION FOR USE
2.10 Authorization for Use of Respiratory Protection Equipment
Only those persons who have been designated by the supervisor, principal investigator or EH&S as being required to utilize respiratory protection equipment and who have been properly fitted and trained in its use shall utilize such equipment.
2.11 Evaluation of Required Respiratory Protection Equipment
EH&S shall evaluate and approve the purchase of all respiratory protection equipment before it is used. This selection is, of course, subject to change as new and improved equipment appears on the market.
2.12 Instruction, Selection, Fitting, Training, and Maintenance
EH&S shall provide instruction on the need for respiratory protection, shall develop criteria for the selection and fitting of respirators, and shall provide training in the proper use and maintenance of respirators.
2.13 Procurement of Respirators
Half-mask respirators are available to the employee through EH&S by departmental request. EH&S will stock several NIOSH/MSHA approved brands of respirators that provide needed protection. Each respirator shall be equipped with a filter and/or cartridges for the specific hazard to be protected against. Emergency needs shall be processed through EH&S. Full face-mask respiratory protection equipment shall be purchased through EH&S. This procedure gives added assurance that tasks involving the use of this type of respiratory protection are properly evaluated. Some special applications not mentioned above are listed below:
- Full-face respirators, fitted with corrective lens.
- Air-supplied sandblast hoods.
- Air-supplied plastic hoods.
- Powered air-purifying respirators.
The selection of proper respiratory equipment by EH&S personnel follows the "Respiratory Equipment Selection Guide" (Appendix A) and American National Standard Institute-Practices for Respiratory Protection (ANSI Z88.2) 1989.
2.14 Education and Training
Education and training of employees in the use of respirators shall include a complete description of equipment issued, and the care, maintenance, purpose, and function of all parts thereof. Each employee will be instructed in proper wearing of the respirator approved for his or her use. Training will also include discussion of pertinent federal regulations, safety and health standards and campus policies. The length of these instruction sessions will vary with the type of equipment being described. More time is needed to train personnel who may use equipment in hazardous atmospheres than would be necessary for nuisance dusts, which would not present a hazard to health or life.
2.15 Medical Evaluation Questionnaire and Medical Surveillance
Each employee whose duties require the use of a respirator will be required to complete and submit a Medical Evaluation Questionnaire form to University Health Services before being fitted with a respirator. The Medical Evaluation Questionnaire was developed by the Department of University Health Services under the direct supervision of a physician. Those who are medically denied to wear a respirator cannot participate in this program. Additional referrals and medical surveillance may be required following evaluation of the Medical Evaluation Questionnaire form.
REQUIREMENTS FOR FITTING AND TESTING
3.10 Qualitative and Quantitative Fit Testing Requirements
All campus personnel required to utilize respiratory protection equipment must be qualitatively and/or quantitatively fit tested prior to use of the equipment. The fitting of respirators will be facilitated by having multiple sizes and a variety of interchangeable cartridges. After the selection of the proper respirator has been made the user shall wear the proposed respirator for five minutes prior to the initiation of a qualitative or quantitative fit test.
3.11 Qualitative Fit Test
A qualitative fit test will be performed in the following manner:
| Positive-pressure check: With the exhaust port(s) blocked, the positive pressure of slight exhalation should remain constant for several seconds. |
| Negative-pressure check: With the intake port(s) blocked, the negative pressure of slight inhalation should remain constant for several seconds. |
| Stannous Chloride Irritant Smoke Test: Once a satisfactory fit is obtained on the negative or positive pressure checks, the quality of the facial seal is verified by the use of stannous chloride irritant smoke. The high efficiency particulate filter cartridges are attached to the respirator for this test. The employee will be instructed to close his/her eyes and to breathe normally during the test. The irritant smoke is puffed around the entire face seal and cartridge seal, slowly at first and with increasing smoke density if the wearer experiences no irritation. |
3.12 Quantitative Fit Test
A quantitative fit test instrument, PORTACOUNT PLUS, a continuous-flow condensation nucleus counter, is used in determining the particle concentration outside the mask and inside the mask. This ratio is known as the fit factor. A fit factor of 100 is considered passing the test for a half-mask. The test subject shall perform the following exercises for each independent test:
| Normal Breathing (NB) In the normal standing position, without talking, the subject shall breathe normally for at least one minute. |
| Deep Breathing (DB) In the normal standing position the subject performs deep breathing for at least one minute, pausing so as not to hyperventilate. |
| Turning Head Side To Side (SS) Standing up, the subject shall slowly turn his/her head from side to side between the extreme positions to each side. The head shall be held at each extreme position for at least 5 seconds. |
| Moving Head Up and Down (UD) Standing up, the subject shall slowly move his/her head up and down between the extreme position straight up and the extreme position straight down. The head shall be held at each extreme position for at least 5 seconds. |
| Jaw Movements (JM) The subject will be asked to perform some jaw movements during this test. |
Additional exercises will be required for employees to be tested with SCBA. Respirator restraining straps may not be over-tightened for testing. The straps shall be adjusted by the wearer to give a reasonably comfortable fit typical of normal use. Employees who wear eyeglasses shall be tested while wearing them.
3.13 Restrictions
The employee shall not be permitted to wear a half-mask or full face-mask if the minimum protection factor of 1000 or 3000 respectively cannot be obtained. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin and the face-mask sealing surface. If an employee exhibits difficulty in breathing during the test, he or she shall be referred to the University Health Services to determine whether the employee can wear a respirator while performing his or her duties.
3.14 Annual Quantitative Fit Testing Requirement
Quantitative fit testing will be repeated at least annually. In addition, because the seal of the respirator may be affected, the quantitative fit testing shall be repeated immediately if the test subject has:
| A weight change of 20 pounds or more. |
| Significant facial scarring in the area of the face piece seal |
| Significant dental changes, i.e., multiple extraction without prosthesis, or dentures. |
| Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. |
| Any other condition that may interfere with face piece sealing. |
3.15 Records
A record shall be made of each test and will be filed in EH&S. After fitting has been completed, each employee shall be issued a "Respirator Certification" (Appendix E) indicating:
| Brand and type of respirator to be used by the employee. |
| Date tested. (Note: This certification must be updated annually). |
OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT
This section contains operating instructions for each of the respiratory protection systems routinely used at Cornell University and instruction on their limitations for use.
4.10 Dust Masks
Availability and Types of Use - Dust masks of various kinds, including disposable types, are approved against low concentrations of certain dusts (nuisance dusts, pollen, animal dust, etc.). Anyone using this type of respirator must receive respiratory protection training. Single strap disposable dust masks may not be used at Cornell. Limitations - Dust masks provide no protection against gases and vapors and, as they supply no oxygen, they cannot be used in oxygen deficient areas. Neither can they be worn for protection when facial hair extends under the face piece sealing area. The disposable dust masks offer very little protection due to poor sealing characteristics. Procedure - When a dust mask is required for a job situation, the user should: ? Put on the mask and adjust it for proper fit. Some masks have adjustable nose-bridge face-sealing areas. ? Discard the disposable dust mask after use.
4.11 Air-Purifying Half-Mask Respirators
Availability and Types for Use - Half-mask respirators are the most widely used types
of respirators. Several brands of this type are provided by EH&S to assure employees
satisfactory fit. Each half-mask face piece is equipped with cartridges which purify the
air as the wearer breathes. Different types of cartridges are available for filtering
various air contaminants. For example, HEPA cartridges protect against low concentrations
of radioactive and toxic particulate.
Limitations - Since this type of respirator does not supply air, it cannot be used in
oxygen-deficient atmospheres or IDLH atmospheres. It can only be used for protection
against the contaminants listed on the cartridge. It cannot be used against natural gas or
vapors with poor olfactory warning properties. The wearer should leave an area immediately
if the smell of gas or vapor is detected inside the mask or if the breathing resistance
increases. The half-mask respirator shall not be worn when facial hair extends under the
face-mask sealing area.
Procedure - To put on and adjust a half-mask:
| Use the mask approved for use, as specified during the fitting session. |
| Hold the mask so the narrow nose-cup points upward. |
| Grasp both lower mask straps and hook them behind the neck and place the top cradle straps on the top and behind the head. |
| Adjust the straps so the fit is snug but comfortable. |
| Check for leaks when possible by covering the filter inlet opening with the palms of the hands and inhaling gently. If the mask pulls in toward the face, the fit is good. This is known as a negative pressure fit check. |
| Check for leaks when possible by covering the exhalation valve and blowing out gently. The mask should hold a slight positive pressure. This is known as a positive pressure fit check. |
4.12 Full Face-Mask Respirators
Availability and Types for Use - Full face-mask respirators provide more protection
than half-masks because their shape allows a better mask-to-face seal. They also protect
the eyes from irritating chemicals or particulate atmospheres. Full face-masks come
equipped with selective types of air-purifying canisters/cartridges, dependent upon the
protection required. Additionally, full face-masks are available with air-supplied systems
such as air lines or SCBA units. Special arrangements must be coordinated with outside
vendors or contractors if this type of protection is required.
Limitations- Air-purifying full face-masks have the same limitations for use as
half-mask respirators. Additionally, standard eyeglasses interfere with the mask-to-face
seal; therefore, respirator wearers should obtain an additional pair of glasses through
their department for installation into a mask. Limitations for use of full face mask with
air-supplied systems is covered under subsection 4.15 on SCBA.
Procedure - To put on a full face-mask:
| Loosen all straps, pull the harness over the head, and place the chin in the chin cup. |
| Pull the head harness well down on the back of the head. |
| Tighten the harness gently, starting with the bottom straps and then the middle and top straps. |
| Check the fit by closing off the air hose or canister opening with the palm of the hand and inhaling gently. The user should then hold his/her breath for a few seconds. A good fit is indicated if the mask remains collapsed toward the face during this time. |
| A positive fit check should also be conducted. |
4.13 Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)
Availability and Types For Use - PAPR units are belt-mounted battery-powered blower
respirators. Contaminated air, containing moderate concentrations of toxic particulates
are passed through the HEPA cartridge(s) and a constant supply of purified air is supplied
to a face piece, helmet, or hood. Since the blower has rechargeable batteries, it can be
reused with the addition of a freshly charged battery or after the batteries have been
recharged. A PAPR unit with a helmet or a hood can be worn by an employee with a beard
since this unit does not require a good seal between the face and the respirator.
Limitations - A PAPR with a belt-mounted blower and HEPA cartridges
cannot be used in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere or in IDLH atmospheres or for protection
against gases or vapors. The batteries should be fully charged before using the blower.
Procedure - To use a powered air purifier:
| Check the unit to ensure that the HEPA cartridge(s) are securely attached. |
| Mount the unit on your waist and adjust the belt until it is comfortable. |
| Don the face mask, helmet or hood. |
| Turn the blower on. Air will flow into the mask. |
4.14 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Availability and Types For Use - SCBA units provide the user with a pure supply of
breathing air regardless of ambient air contamination. They may be used in atmospheres
unsuitable for air-purifying respirators. This includes use in IDLH atmospheres, in
confined spaces, and for emergencies where breathing hazards may exist. Departments
required to utilize SCBA units must purchase their own equipment as approved by EH&S.
However, the use of such equipment by University personnel comes under the control of the
EH&S Respiratory Protection Program. SCBA units may be used in IDLH atmospheres only
in conjunction with a positive-pressure full face-mask. All employees using SCBA must
receive specialized training.
Limitations - The air supply in a standard SCBA cylinder is normally rated for a
30-minute duration; however, heavy exertion and stress will increase breathing rates and
deplete the air in less than 30 minutes. When the alarm bell on the unit sounds, the
wearer has about 5 minutes of air remaining and should leave the area immediately. No one
should work alone in hazardous atmospheres; a standby with SCBA and proper communications
equipment should always be nearby. The positive-pressure full face mask used with the SCBA
unit cannot be worn when facial air extends under the face piece sealing area of the mask.
Procedure ? Remove the unit from its case or cabinet and inspect it to ensure that it
is operating properly before donning it. Follow the instructions specified by the SCBA
manufacturer for air cylinder operation.
| Check cylinder gauge for a "full" indication. |
| Check the connection between the cylinder and high pressure hose to assure that it is snug. |
| Don the SCBA unit and adjust harness. |
| Stretch hose, and check overall condition of mask (straps, lens, etc.). |
| Put mask on and adjust, starting with bottom straps, then temple straps, and finally top strap (pull top strap snug, not tight). |
| Place palm over end of hose and inhale slowly until mask is drawn toward face; hold breath for 10 seconds to see whether there is any leakage in the face piece-to-face seal. |
| With palm still over the end of the hose, exhale, noting whether there is any leakage around the face piece. (This step also clears the exhalation valve). |
| Connect breathing hose to regulator. |
| Always switch regulator to positive-pressure mode (up) before entry into hostile atmosphere. |
| ? A monthly inspection of the SCBA unit is recommended to ensure proper operation for emergency use (Appendix F)". |
Pressure-Demand Regulator - the pressure-demand regulator minimizes any chance of contaminants leaking into the mask during inhalation, because the entire face mask is kept at positive pressure in relation to the ambient atmosphere. A special full face-mask equipped with a positive-pressure exhalation valve is held closed by air pressure to prevent contaminants from leaking into the face piece during inhalation. Because proper performance of the pressure demand regulator is essential to the wearer's protection, any problems with the regulator must be immediately reported to EH&S personnel.
4.15 Specialized Respiratory Protection Equipment
Use of a pressure-demand, air-line system may be permitted in an IDLH atmosphere under certain conditions. For example, if protection is required over an extended period of time, it would be impractical to use SCBA because of frequent bottle-changing requirements. Should the above type protective equipment or other specialized equipment be required, contact EH&S personnel for consultation and evaluation of the needs.
EMERGENCY USE OF RESPIRATORS
This procedure limits the type of respirators to use during emergencies where breathing hazards may exist.
5.10 Emergency Situations
An emergency can be defined as "an unforeseen combination of circumstances that calls for immediate action." Respiratory hazards often occur during emergencies when fire fighters or other emergency service personnel need immediate entry into a fire, hazardous materials emergency or accident scene. Other types of breathing hazards may occur when personnel are exposed to hazardous substances while trapped by an accident or e