 |
|
|
|
COVER PAGE |
|
|
|
|
|
IBT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ISG |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ENGINEERING |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MATERIAL HANDLING |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FLUID POWER |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IBT MEDIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SAFETY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LEAN SIX SIGMA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ELECTRICAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IMT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LUBE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OSHA Regulations for Respiratory Protection
29 CFR 1910.134 - Respiratory Protection
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 provided.
Elements of a Respiratory Protection Program:
Procedures: Written operating procedures that include a discussion or explanation of all items.
Selection: Respirators shall be selected on the basis of hazards to which the worker is exposed and should consider nature of hazard, location of hazardous area, employee's health, work activity, respirator characteristics, capabilities, and limitations.
Training and Fitting: The user must be trained in the selection, use, and maintenance of their respirator(s). Before that can occur, the employee must undergo a medical evaluation to determine their ability to use a respirator. Once completed, fit testing may be performed. Fit testing must be performed on all tight fitting respirators.
A fit test is used to determine what brand, model, and size offer the best level of comfort with proper fit on a specific employee. Fit testing cannot be performed on individuals with facial hair or any condition that interferes with the face to face piece seal. Corrective lenses or other eye protection must also be worn in a manner that does not interfere with the face to face piece seal.
There are two types of fit tests:
Quantitative: Achieves an actual measurement value as it relates to fit factor. An instrument, the Portacount, is attached to the respirator being tested and records particulate matter inside the mask as compared to particulate matter in the ambient air. Much more accurate and reliable than qualitative fit testing.
Qualitative: Simply a test to determine a pass/fail fit factor.
Cleaning & Disinfecting: Respirators should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Storage: OSHA standards require respirators be stored in a convenient, clean, and sanitary location to ensure the respirator will function properly when used.
Inspection & Maintenance: Regular inspection & maintenance should occur and worn or broken parts replaced.
Inspection/Evaluation of Program: Regular inspection and evaluation of the program to ensure effectiveness is essential to the long term success of protection. Many factors affect the employee's acceptance of respirators including comfort, ability to breathe without objectionable effort, adequate visibility under all conditions, provisions for wearing prescription glasses if necessary, ability to communicate, ability to perform all tasks without undue interference, and confidence they are being adequately protected from harm.
Medical Examinations: Employees shall not be assigned to tasks requiring the use of respirators unless it been determined that he/she is physically fit to perform the work and use the equipment. A physician shall determine the health and physical conditions that are pertinent for an employee's ability to work while wearing a respirator. The user's medical status should also be reviewed periodically.
Approved Respirators: A respirator is approved as the whole unit with specific components. OSHA recognizes a respirator as approved if it has been jointly approved by NIOSH and MSHA.
Respirators are arranged into two operational modes:
Negative Pressure:Means a respirator in which the air pressure inside the face piece is negative during inhalation with respect to the ambient air pressure outside the respirator. Negative pressure respirators represent by far the most commonly used respirators.
Positive Pressure: Means a respirator in which the pressure inside the respiratory inlet covering exceeds the ambient air pressure outside the respirator.
Read more about available classes of respirators here.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
To learn more about IBT Safety, contact us today!
|
|
 |
|
