Respirator Fit Testing and Training

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Respirator Fit Testing and Training
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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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General Information

• Filter differences
• Organic Chemical Filters
• Dust Filters
• Dust Masks
• USE THE RIGHT FILTER!

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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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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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Scenarios

• A worker is exposed to 50 parts per million (ppm)
  of Benzene. Benzene has a Permissible Exposure
  Level (PEL) of 10 ppm. The worker wants to use a
  half-mask, air-purifying organic vapor cartridge
  respirator.

• 10 (Protection factor for half-mask respirator)
• X 10 (PEL of 10 parts per million for Benzene)
• 100 (Max. permissible safe concentration for
  this situation)

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Scenarios

• A worker will be exposed to 600 micrograms per
  cubic meter of lead during a paint removal
  operation. Lead dust has a PEL of 50 micro grams
  per cubic meter.
• The worker wants to use a disposable,
  air-purifying, high efficiency particulate air
  (HEPA) respirator.

• 5 (Protection factor for a disposable mask)
• X 50 (PEL of 50 micrograms/cubic meter for lead)
• 250 (Max. permissible safe concentration for
  this situation)

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Any Questions?