2. Overview
This presentation will cover:
• Applicable Regulations
• Respiratory Hazards.
• Types of Respirators available.
• Seal Check.
• Respiratory Fit Testing.
• Inspection and Cleaning
• Storage
4. Respiratory Hazards
Dust
• formed whenever solid material is
broken down into tiny particles
• common during operations like grinding,
milling, crushing, drilling, sanding, and
blasting.
5. Respiratory Hazards
Smoke and Fumes
• produced when solids
are heated during
operations such as
welding, smelting, and
burning.
• Fumes may be
impossible to see or
smell.
6. Respiratory Hazards
Mists
• occur when small liquid
droplets are sprayed or
mixed (for example,
during paint spraying or
metal cleaning
operations).
• Hazardous mists may be
formed when liquids are
evaporated or distilled,
and when chemical
reactions occur.
7. Respiratory Hazards
Gases and Vapors
• molecules suspended in
the air
• Some processes that use
high temperatures (like
welding) can involve
reactions that change
harmless elements into
toxic gases. For example,
nitrogen and oxygen may
become toxic nitrogen
oxides.
8. Respiratory Hazards
Oxygen Deficiency
• Occurs when the
percentage of oxygen by
volume is less than 19.5
percent.
• This can happen when
oxygen is depleted by a
chemical reaction, when
oxygen is intentionally
replaced by another gas,
or when oxygen is
displaced by a heavier
gas or vapor.
9. Respirators
A. A respirator is a
protective facepiece,
hood or helmet that is
designed to protect
the wearer against a
variety of harmful
airborne agents
Q. What is a respirator?
10. Respirators
A. Respirators are used
to protect employees
from breathing
contaminated and/or
oxygen-deficient air
when effective
engineering controls
are not feasible, or
while they are being
instituted.
Q. When is the use of respirators required?
11. Respirators
A. No, respirators shall
be selected on the
basis of hazards to
which the worker is
exposed.
Q. Can any respirator be used?
12. Types of Respirators
Air Purifying Respirators
• Air Purifying Disposable Particulate
Masks
• Air Purifying Half Mask Respirators
• Air Purifying Full Face Mask
Respirators
13. Types of Respirators
Supplied Air Respirators
• Airline Respirators
• Emergency Escape Breathing
Apparatus
• Self-Contained Breathing
Apparatus (SCBA).
14. Seal Check
Positive Pressure
1. Place the palm of your
hand over the
exhalation valve cover
and exhale gently. If
the facepiece bulges
slightly and no air
leaks are detected
between your face and
the facepiece, a
proper fit has been
obtained.
15. Seal Check
Positive Pressure
2. If face seal air leakage is detected,
reposition respirator on your face
and/or readjust tension of the elastic
straps to eliminate leakage.
3. Repeat above steps until a tight face
seal is obtained.
If you cannot achieve a proper fit, DO NOT
enter the contaminated area.
16. Seal Check
Negative Pressure
1. Place palms of hands to cover
face of the cartridge to restrict
airflow.
2. Inhale gently and hold breath for
5 seconds. If you feel the
respirator collapse slightly and
pull closer to your face with no
leaks between the face and the
respirator, a proper fit has been
obtained.
17. Seal Check
Negative Pressure
3. If face seal air leakage is detected,
reposition respirator on face and/or
readjust tension of straps to eliminate
air leakage. Repeat above steps until a
tight face seal is obtained.
If you cannot achieve a proper fit, DO NOT
enter the contaminated area.
18. Respiratory Fit Testing
Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT)
• Tell us whether the respirator fits or
not
Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)
• Tell us not only if the respirator fits,
but will also how well it fits
• Expressed as Numerical fit factor
19. Inspection of Respirators
The respirator should be inspected
and cleaned before and after each
use to ensure that it is in good
operating condition.
1. Check the respirator for cracks,
tears, and dirt. Be certain the
respirator, especially face seal
area, is not distorted.
2. Examine inhalation and exhalation
valves for signs of distortion,
cracking or tearing. Ensure the
valves are seated flatly on the
holder.
20. Inspection and Cleaning
3. Make sure that head straps are
intact and have good elasticity.
4. Examine all plastic parts for signs
of cracking or fatiguing. Make sure
filter gaskets are properly seated
and in good condition.
5. Remove exhalation valve cover
and examine exhalation valve and
valve seat for signs of dirt,
distortion, cracking or tearing.
Replace exhalation valve cover.
21. Storage
• Always store the respirator where it
can be protected from dust,
sunlight, heat, cold, moisture, and
chemicals.