Respirator Fit Testing and Training

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Respirator Fit Testing and Training
Rowan University
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Definitions

• High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
• Immediately dangerous to life of health (IDLH)
• Negative pressure respirator
• Oxygen deficient atmosphere

• Positive pressure respirator
• Powered air-purifying respirator
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
• Supplied-air respirator (SAR)

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General Information

• Why respirator is necessary
• How improper fit, use, or maintenance can effect
  the purpose of the respirator

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Lung Defense Mechanisms

• Filtration
• Muco-Ciliary Escalator
• White Blood Cell Activity-Macrophages
• Smoking and its Effects

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Types of Respirators

• Supplied Air Respirators
• Airlines
• Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

• Air Purifying Respirators
• Half Face
• Full Face
• PAPRs

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Filtering Media

• Mechanical Filters

• Chemical Filters

• N, R, P
• 95, 99, 100

• Absorption
• Adsorption

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Limitations and Capabilities

• Oxygen level in atmosphere must be between 19.5
  and 21
• Will only work with corresponding filters or
  cartridges

• Can protect you from hazardous levels of
  materials
• If worn properly and in the right atmosphere,
  respirators can save your life

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Inspection, Donning, Doffing, Use, and Checking
Seals

• Always inspect respirator before donning
• Check integrity of seals and cartridges before
  putting on respirator

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Maintenance and Storage

• Cleaning and Disinfecting
• Storage
• Inspection

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Fit Testing vs. Fit Checks

• Fit Tests

• Fit Checks

• Fit Testing
• Qualitative
• Irritant Smoke
• Banana Oil
• Sacharin
• Bitrex
• Quantitative
• How Much

• Positive fit check
• Negative fit check

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Medical Signs and Symptoms

• The following are signs or symptoms that may
  prevent the use of a respirator
• Seizures
• Claustrophobia
• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Pneumonia

• Collapsed Lung
• Lung Cancer
• Broken Ribs
• Chest Injuries/Surgeries
• Any other lung problems
• Heart or Circulation problems
• Anxiety

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Fit Testing Frequency

• You Must Be Fit Tested Annually
• You Must Also Be Tested If
• You Need To Change The Make or Model of The
  Respirator
• You Gain or Lose More Than 10 of Your Body
  Weight
• You Grow or Alter Any Facial Hair
• You Have Any Physical Changes To Your
  Face/Dentures

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Any Questions?