Auburn University

Respiratory Protection Program

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

I. INTRODUCTION

         

A.   OBJECTIVE

B.   SCOPE

C.   DEFINITIONS

 

11. RESPONSIBILITY

 

A.   PRESIDENT

B.   DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON OR UNIT DIRECTOR

C.   PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR OR SUPERVISOR

D.   EMPLOYEE/PERSON

E.   RISK MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT

F.    AUTHORIZATION OF THE USE OF RESPIRATORY  

     DEVICES

 

III. MEDICAL EVALUATION AND SURVEILLANCE

 

A.     OCCUPATIONAL MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS

B.     MEDICAL CLEARANCE

 

IV.            EDUCATION AND TRAINING

 

V.               REQUIREMENTS FOR FITTING AND TESTING

 

A.     USE LIMITATIONS

B.     QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE FIT TESTING

 

VI.            RECORDKEEPING

 

 

VII.         STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR TYPES OF RESPIRATORS APPROVED FOR USE AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY

 

A.     DUST MASK RESPIRATOR

B.     AIR PURIFYING HALF-MASK RESPIRATOR

C.    FULL-MASK RESPIRATOR

D.    POWERED AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATOR (PAPR)

E.     SELF –CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA)

F.     SPECIALIZED RESPIRATORY PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

 

VIII.      EMERGENCY USE OF RESPIRATORS

 

A.     EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

B.     ACCEPTABLE TYPE OF EQUIPMENT DURING EMERGENCIES

 

IX.            VOLUNTARY USE OF RESPIRATORS

 

X.  MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF RESPIRATORS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

 

 

I.                   INTRODUCTION

 

A.     OBJECTIVE

 

This Respiratory Protection Program has been established to maintain, insofar is reasonably within the control of Auburn University, an environment that will not adversely affect the health, safety, and well being of employees, students and visitors.

 

Because of the potential hazards involved from exposure to hazardous substances and atmospheres, the Risk Management and Safety Department will provide guidance on the selection, use, care, and maintenance of respiratory protective equipments, and develop safe procedures for their use. 

 

All activities involving the use of reparatory protective equipment at Auburn University shall be conducted in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134, Occupational Safety and Health Respiratory Protection standard, as published in the Federal Register on January 8, 1998 and the provision of this program/policy.

 

B.     SCOPE

 

Personnel and students who engage in activities that cannot be feasibly or adequately controlled by either engineering methods (i.e. ventilation control, vacuums, etc.)   Or the substitution of safer material is required to wear respirators if the exposures exceed the guidelines for the contaminant at outlined in -----------ACGLIH or NIOSH -------.

 

 

Respiratory protective equipment may be required for work in confined spaces or for short-term projects where engineering controls are not practical.  Respiratory equipment that is required by Auburn University is supplied at no expense to the employee or student.

 

Auburn University supplies (at no cost) respiratory equipment for employees that voluntarily wear respirators.

 

All employees who voluntarily use respirators are given a copy of the 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix D regarding voluntary use of respirators when the use of such respirators are not required under this policy or the 29CFR 1910.134 standard.

 

This policy/procedure applied to (but is not limited to):

 

Any individuals whose work requires the use of respiratory protection.

 

C.  DEFINITIONS

 

 

II.                 RESPONSIBILITY

 

A.     President

 

B.     Department Chairperson or Unit Director

 

The department chairperson/unit director is responsible for:

 

·        Assuring the health and safety of employees, students and visitors in the Auburn University facilities under his/her control.

·        Being kept informed of all areas under his/her jurisdiction where potentially hazardous exposures exist and initiating protection programs that adhere to the respiratory protection requirements of this program.

·        Assuring that applicable respiratory protection program requirements for principal investigators, supervisors, division heads, and University personnel under their supervision are adhered to.

 

C.     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 Risk Management and Safety, those employees who may need respiratory protection equipment and scheduling them for medical evaluation/clearance, fit testing, and training in the proper use/maintenance of the equipment

·        Requesting assistance from Risk Management and Safety in evaluating new operations that may present health and safety hazards.

·        Coordinating with Risk Management and Safety in obtaining approval from the contracted Occupational Health Physician before assigning known or suspected medically restricted employees to jobs requiring the use of respirators.

·        Keeping the department chairperson/unit head informed of any actions proposed or taken regarding the Respiratory Protection Program.

 

D.     Employee/Person

 

Any Auburn University employee or person, who is required under the Respiratory Protection Program to wear respiratory equipment, or who participates in the Respiratory Program, is responsible for:

 

·        Utilizing the issued respiratory protection equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines and training provided.  This includes maintaining the respiratory in a clean condition and ready for use at all times.

·        Completing the Medical Clearance Questionnaire accurately and completely.

·        Restricting the use of an assigned respirator to his/her exclusive use.

·        Informing his/her supervisor of any personal health problems that could be aggravated by the use of respiratory equipment after the receipt of medical clearance from the contracted Occupational Health Physician.

·        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 their supervisor.

·        Using only those brands and types of respiratory protection equipment for which they have been trained and fitted.

·         For maintaining the respirator   in clean and proper condition and reporting difficulty breathing when cartridge changes does not alleviate problem rests with the designated user of the respirator

 

E.     Risk Management and Safety Department

 

The Occupational Safety and Health Officer (Program Coordinator) shall be responsible for:

 

·        Providing assistance in reviewing purchases of respiratory protective equipment when requested.

·        Providing initial instruction and training on the selection and limitation of respirators and hazards of contact lenses.

·        Providing the contracted Occupational Health Physician with the appropriate Medical Clearance questionnaire and the types of respirators to be worn by the individual being evaluated to ensure proper fit testing is conducted by the Occupational Health Physician’s competent personnel.

·        Notifying the employee’s department of any required referrals for medical evaluation

·        Conducting inspections, upon request, for respiratory equipment usage, maintenance, and storage.

·        Ensuring that records are properly stored and secured to include medical, training, and fit testing.

·        Acting on a consulting basis to the university for respiratory protection matters.

 

F.      AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES

 

ONLY THOSE PERSONS AS DESIGNATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY WHO;

 

·        ARE ENGAGED IN WORK REQUIRING THE USE OF RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT

·        HAVE THE NECESSARY MEDICAL APPROVAL

·        HAVE BEEN PROPERLY TRAINED

·        HAVE BEEN PROPERLY FITTED

 

                   SHALL USE RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT.

 

III.              MEDICAL EVALUATION AND MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE

 

Each employee/person whose duties require the use of respiratory protection will be required to complete and submit a Medical Evaluation Questionnaire to the licensed contracted medical professional (Hughston Clinic) before being fitted for a respirator under the direct supervision of a physician.  Those who are medically denied to wear a respirator cannot participate in this program (requiring respiratory protection or on a voluntary use basis as described under XI).

 

 

IV.             EDUCATION AND TRAINING

 

Training and education of employees in the use of respirators shall include a complete description of equipment used including its purpose, function and limitations.  Training shall also include the care; inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and proper storage of the respirator and instruction in the correct method of donning/doffing and the negative/positive pressure user seal check procedure.

 

The Department of Risk Management and Safety shall provide instruction on:

 

·        Identification and evaluation of hazards

·        Selection and limitation of respirators

·        Hazards of wearing contact lenses.

 

Training shall be provided before the employee/person uses respiratory protective equipment and annually thereafter.

 

V.               REQUIREMENTS FOR FITTING AND TESTING

 

This section contains operating instructions and limitations for each type of respiratory equipment that may be routinely used at Auburn University.  All University personnel required to utilize respiratory protection equipment must be qualitatively and/or quantitatively fit tested prior to use of the equipment. The Hughston Clinic under the supervision of a licensed physician conducts the fit testing.

 

A.     The following use limitations apply to all respiratory      

      protective devices used at Auburn University.

 

·        Facial hair that interferes with face to mask fit is not permitted.

·        Successful completion of training and the Medical clearance Questionnaire.

·        Obtain written medical clearance from the designated physician.

·        If an employee exhibits/experiences difficulty in breathing (that is unrelated to respirator functions), during testing or use, he/she shall be referred to a designated physician to determine fitness to use such equipment while performing assigned duties.

 

B.     Qualitative and Quantitative Fit Requirements

 

·        To be performed prior to initial use of respirator and annually thereafter.

·        Immediately performed it the user has:

 

1.     Significant weight change of 20 pounds or more.

2.     Significant facial scarring in the area of the face piece seal

3.     Significant dental changes, i.e. multiple extractions without prosthesis, or dentures.

4.     Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery.

5.     Any other condition that may interfere with face piece sealing.

 

VI.   RECORDKEEPING

 

A record shall be made of each test and filed in the outside contractor’s location (Hughston Clinic). After fitting has been completed each employee will be issued a “Respirator Certification”  (Appendix…) indicating:

 

·        Brand and type of respirator(s) to be used by employee.

·        Date tested. (Note: this certification must be updated per the requirements under Section V of this program).

 

Individual training records required under this program will be kept in the employee’s personnel file.

 

 

 

 

 

 

VII.  STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR TYPES OF RESPIRATORS IN USE AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY

 

 

A.DUST MASK RESPIRATOR

 

6.     Availability and types for use.  Dust mask respirators of various kinds, including disposable types, may be used for protection against low concentrations of certain dusts, (silica, wood dust, etc.)  They must have MSHA/NIOSH or NIOSH approval.

7.     Limitations.  Dust Mask respirators provide no protection against gasses, vapors, or some contaminants, they supply no oxygen so they cannot be used for asbestos work.

8.     Procedure.  When a dusk mask respirator is required for a job situation, the user should:

 

a.      Put on the mask and adjust it for proper fit.  Some masks have adjustable face sealing areas.

b.     Discard a disposable dust mask respirator after use.

 

B.AIR PURIFYING HALF-MASK RESPIRATORS

 

Availability and types for use.  Half-mask respirators are the mostly used types of respirators.  Several brands are available at Auburn University to ensure a satisfactory fit.  Different cartridges are supplied for each respirator that purifies the air the user breathes.

Limitations- this respirator does not supply air and therefore it cannot be used in an oxygen-deficient atmospheres or IDLH atmospheres.  It cannot be used against natural gas or vapors with pure olfactory warning properties.  The wearer shall leave an area immediately if the smell of gas or vapor is detected inside the mask or when 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 sessions.

·        Hold the mask so the narrow nose-cup points upward.

·        Grasp both lower mask straps and hook them behind neck and place the top cradle straps on the top and behind head.

·        Adjust the straps so the fit is snug but comfortable

·        Check for leaks by performing a negative/positive fit check.

 

C.     FULL FACE-MASK RESPIRATORS

 

Availability and types for Use- Full face respirators provide more protection because their shape allows a better mask-to-face seal.  They also protect the user from irritation chemicals or particulate atmospheres.  They come equipped with selective types of air-purifying canister/cartridges, dependent on the protection required.   Additionally, full face-masks are available with air-supplied systems such as air lines or SCBA units.

 

.Limitations- Full-face mask have the same limitations that half-mask respirators.  Additionally, standard eyeglass frames interfere with the mask-to-face seal.  therefore it is necessary for prescription eyeglass wearers obtain eyewear designed to fit into a mask.  Limitations for full-face masks with air-supplied systems are covered under         on SCBA.

 

Procedure- to put on a full face-mask:

 

·        Loosen all straps, pull harness over head, place chin in 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 fit by closing off the air hose or canister opening and performing a negative fit check.

·        A positive fit check should also be performed.

 

D.     Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)

 

Availability and Types for Use- PAPR units are belt-mounted battery-powered blower respirators.  Contaminate 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 battery recharging.

 

Limitations- a PAPR with 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.  Batteries should be fully charged before using the blower.

 

 

 

 

 

 Procedure to use a PAPR

 

·        Check unit to ensure that the HEPA cartridge(s) are securely attached.

·        Mount the unit on your wait and adjust belt until comfortable.

·        Don the face mask, helmet or hood.

·        Turn blower on.  Air will flow into mask.

 

E.     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 IDLH, in confined spaces, and for emergencies where breathing hazards may exist.  Departments required to utilize SCBA’s must purchase their equipment as approved by the Department of Risk Management and Safety.  SCBA’s may be used in IDLH atmospheres only in conjunction with a positive-pressure full-face mask.  All employees 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 supply in less than 30 minutes.  When the unit’s alarm bell sounds, the wearer has about 5 minutes of remaining air and should leave the area immediately.  No one should be alone in hazardous atmospheres; a standby with SCBA and proper communication equipment should always be near by.  The positive-pressure full face mask used with the SCBA unit cannot be worn when facial hair extends under the face piece sealing are of the mask.

 

Procedure- Remove the unit from its case or cabinet and inspec        t to ensure that it is operating properly before donning it.  Follow instructions specified by the SBCA manufacturer for air cylinder operation.

 

·        Check cylinder gauge for a “full” indication

·        Check the connection between he 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, lenses.)

·        Put mask on and adjust, starting with bottom straps, then temple straps and finally top strap (pull top strap snug, not tight).

·        Place pal over end of hose and inhale slowly until mask is drawn toward face; hold breath for 10 seconds and check for leakage in the face- piece to face seal.

·        With pal still over end of hose, exhale, noting whether there is leakage around face piece. (This step will also clear the exhalation valve).

·        Connect breather 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.

 

Pressure-demand regulator- the pressure-demand regulator minimizes any chance of contaminants leaking into mask during inhalation, because the entire face mask is kept at positive pressure in relation to ambient atmosphere. A special full face-mask equipped with a positive-pressure exhalation valve is held closed by air pressure to prevent contaminants leaking into the face mask during inhalation.  Because proper performance of the pressure demand regulator is critical to the wearer’s protection, any problems with the regulator must be immediately reported to the wearer’s supervisor.

 

F.      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 time period.  It is more practical to use a air-line system than numerous cylinders of bottled breathing air due to the frequent change requirements. The Department of Risk Management and Safety shall be contacted for hazard evaluation and consultation of respiratory protection requirements.

 

VIII.  EMERGENCY USE OF RESPIRATORS

 

This procedure is limits the type of respirators to use during emergencies where breathing hazards may exist.

 

A.  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 response personnel need immediate entry in 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 escaping the scene of a fire/accident, or exposed to hazardous spills; an unforeseen chemical reaction may also result in an overexposure to hazardous substances.

 

B.  Acceptable Type of Equipment during Emergencies

 

Each respiratory protection device has a limited ability to protect health.  During emergency entry when there is neither time nor opportunity to evaluate the degree of exposure, only SCBA operating in the pressure-demand mode should be used.  SCBA approved for used in IDLH atmospheres.  After the type and degree of breathing hazards are evaluated, other respiratory equipment may be recommended.

 

IX.  VOLUNTARY USE OF RESPIRATORS

 

All employees who voluntarily use respirators are given the 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix D (provide link) regarding voluntary use when the use of such respirators are not required under the 29 CFR 1910.124 Standard or by this program.

 

X.  MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF RESPIRATORS

 

          A.  Maintenance shall include the following:

 

·        Inspection for defects (including a leak check)

·        Cleaning and disinfecting

·        Repair

·        Storage to protect against dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture or damaging chemicals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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