6.01 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

This program implements the Respiratory Protection Program for employees of the University of New Mexico in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29CFR 1910.134. The program ensures those personnel required to wear respiratory protection are medically cleared, trained and fit tested with the proper respirators.

A. SCOPE

Employees required to wear a respirator at the University of New Mexico shall do so only after medical authorization, documented training and documented fit testing. This program applies to all University employees requiring respiratory protection devices in working environments where permissible exposure limits of respiratory hazards are exceeded. Substitution of hazardous materials should be considered to eliminate the need for respiratory protection . If substitution is not possible, adequate engineering controls to eliminate the exposure to the hazard should be considered. Respiratory protection should be the last choice in protecting our employees if the hazard cannot be eliminated through substitution or engineering controls. Voluntary usage of respirators is permitted in those situations where the permissible exposure limits for the hazard are not exceeded and it has been determined that respirator usage will not in itself create a hazard. Under these circumstances, employees may wear respiratory protection once they have been medically cleared and provided with a copy of Appendix D, CFR1910.134 “Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard”.

B. DEFINITIONS

Cartridge/Canister – A container with a filter, sorbent, or catalyst, or combination of these items, which remove specific contaminants from the air passed through the cartridge or canister.

Dust - Material created when solid material breaks down or is crushed to produce fine air-borne particles.

Employee - Any person who receives compensation from the University for his/her work.

Facepiece – The portion of the respirator that covers the face.

Filter - A porous material through which air-borne contaminants are passed and removed by the material

Fit-Testing - A qualitative or quantitative test to determine the fit of a respirator on an employee’s face.

Full-Face Respirator - A full-face respirator that covers the entire face and includes eye protection as an integral part of the respirator.

Fumes - Created when metals are vaporized under high heat (i.e. welding or soldering). As the vapor cools, itcondenses into extremely small particles which are respirable .

Gases - Substances that are similar to air in their ability to diffuse or spread freely through the atmosphere, and whose boiling points are less than room temperature.

Half-Face Respirator - A negative pressure, air purifying respirator that forms a seal with the area surrounding the nose and mouth.

Medical Clearance - Approval by a Professional, Licensed Health Care Provider (PLHCP) to wear a respirator after review of the completed medical questionnaire and/or a physical examination.

PAPR - A Powered Air Purifying Respirator which is battery-operated and draws particulate-contaminated air through a filter, delivers clean filtered air to the facepiece or hood at a required minimum flow to maintain them under positive pressure.

PEL - The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) as determined by OSHA.

Particulate Filtering Facepiece (Dust Mask or N-95) - A NIOSH-approved negative pressure respirator with a filter as an integral part of the facepiece or with the entire facepiece composed of the filtering medium. Designated N, R, or P-95,99, or 100 by NIOSH..

Protection Factor – Factor assigned by OSHA or NIOSH that expresses maximum concentration of a contaminant for which the specific respirator cartridge is recommended.

Respirator - A device which seals to the face and is designed to protect the respiratory tract by filtering out or removing air-borne contaminants.

SCBA - Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. Includes air tank and half face or full face respirator.

TLV – Threshold Limit Value for air contaminants as recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).

Training - Scheduled training session by a qualified trainer.

Vapors - The gaseous state of substances that are liquid or solid at room temperature.

C. REFERENCES

OSHA Standard 29CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection.

OSHA Standard 29CFR 1926.103 Respiratory Protection.

NIOSH 42CRF Part 84.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z88.2-1980, Practice for Respiratory Protection.

Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specification for Air, G-7.1 – 1989.

D. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs (SHEA) personnel will:

a. Evaluate the work area(s) to determine the necessary respiratory protection. As appropriate, make chemical substitutions and/or engineering control recommendations to minimize chemical exposure.

b. Train users initially and annually in the use and maintenance of required respiratory protection equipment.

c. "Fit test" individuals initially and annually with the required respirator and/or as physical changes occur to individuals.

d. Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

e. In conjunction with EOHS, maintain a database documenting program participants, medical authorizations, training and fit testing dates, respirators the individual is permitted or required to wear, and trainer’s name.

2. Employee Occupational Health Services (EOHS) will:

a. Medically evaluate all personnel, identified by SHEA, as requiring respirator use on their jobs, prior to any training or fit testing.

b. Medically evaluate all personnel who will voluntarily use respirators, and provide these persons with a copy of Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.134.

c. Inform SHEA and supervisors when employees are unable to wear a respirator, or if limitations on respirator use are determined by the PLHCP.

3. Supervisors will:

a. Ensure that their personnel, in areas identified with potential respiratory hazards, comply with this written program.

b. Ensure that all potential users (voluntary and required use) have current medical clearance from Employee Occupational Health Services.

d. Ensure that persons required to use respirators are trained annually by SHEA. Supervisors will be notified by SHEA when their employees are due for training.

e. Ensure that users are provided with and authorized to wear the proper respirators for each specific application.

e. Ensure that proper care and maintenance of respirators are performed.

f. Notify SHEA of newly-assigned personnel who may be required to wear a respirator and ensure training and fitting of newly-assigned personnel by SHEA.

g. Notify SHEA of any problems arising or mishaps occurring while respirators are in use.

h. Consult SHEA prior to any respirator purchases, including needed parts or arrangement for necessary repairs.

i. Complete a supervisor training class or self-study module.

4. Respirator users will:

a. Consult SHEA when selecting a respirator for a particular required use and utilize only the respirators they have been fit tested and trained to use by SHEA.

b. Learn and know the purpose and limitations of the respirator(s) required for their jobs.

c. Prior to each donning, check the respirator for wear, cracks, holes, leaks or any other defects which could adversely affect its effectiveness. In the event defects are noted, the user will bring them to the attention of their supervisor.

d. Before each use of a respirator, conduct a positive and negative fit test. If the respirator does not pass these tests, the user will bring this information to the attention of their supervisor.

e. Clean and disinfect the respirator after each use and at least monthly.

f. Store the respirator(s) in an approved manner (i.e. plastic, sealing bag) and as indicated in this policy.

g. Individuals with facial hair which may interfere with the face-to-facepiece seal are prohibited by OSHA regulations from wearing all respirators except for loose-fitting, hood type PAPRs.

E. MEDICAL EVALUATIONS

1. All employees required to wear a must be medically evaluated by EOHS prior to training, fit-testing and use of the respirator. Employees using respirators on a voluntary basis must be medically evaluated by EOHS prior to being provided a respiratory by their supervisor. Employees will fill out a medical questionnaire and, if necessary, complete additional screening at the discretion of the PLHCP. A written medical determination of the employee’s ability to wear a respirator will be provided to the employee’s supervisor. This evaluation will be provided to UNM employees free of charge.

2. Frequency

a. Additional medical evaluations will be performed if an employee reports medical signs or symptoms that are related to their ability to use a respirator.

b. Observations made during fit testing or periodic program evaluation indicates that an employee needs to be re-evaluated.

c. A change occurs in the workplace conditions that may result in a significant increase in physiological burden on the employee.

d. When the EOHS provider, supervisor or program administrator informs the employer that an employee should be reevaluated.

e. All employees who may use a respirator in Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) scenarios must be medically certified on an annual basis.

F. RESPIRATOR SELECTION

1. Respirators will be selected based on the respiratory hazards to which employees are exposed. With the assistance of SHEA, supervisors will identify the potential respiratory hazards in their work area. SHEA will evaluate the respiratory hazards in the workplace and determine which respirator and cartridges are appropriate. This evaluation will include workplace conditions, chemicals used and a reasonable estimate of the concentrations of the chemicals. Air monitoring for the contaminant will be conducted as deemed necessary by SHEA.

2. All respirators, including disposable particulate respirators (N,R, or P-95, 99, or 100 filtering facepieces), used at the University of New Mexico must be NIOSH approved. Prohibited are masks such as the 3M 8500 Comfort Masks, or any other unapproved nuisance dust mask offered for sale by any other manufacturer.

3. A sufficient number of respirator models and sizes are available at SHEA to ensure that a respirator is acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user.

G. PROCEDURES FOR PROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS

1. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Supervisors, with the assistance of SHEA, will be required to develop area-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) that list what procedures require respiratory protection. These SOPs must also list the appropriate respirators and cartridges/filters for each procedure. Templates for these SOPs are available in Attachment A.

2. Fit-Checks

Employees will perform user fit-tests each time they put on their respirators:

a. Exhaust Valve Positive Pressure Test: Place palm over the exhalation valve in front of the mask and exhale gently to cause a slight positive pressure buildup inside of the facepiece. If leakage is detected, reposition the respirator on the face and/or adjust the tension of the headbands to eliminate leakage. Repeat test. If the facepiece bulges slightly and no air leakage is detected around the edges or around the nose, a positive fit has been achieved..

b. Negative Pressure Test: Place palms of hands over the cartidges and/or filters, inhale gently so that the facepiece remains in a slightly collapsed condition. If air leakage is detected, reposition the respirator on the face and/or adjust tension of the headbands to eliminate leakage. If the facepiece remains in a slightly collapsed condition and no inward leakage of air is detected, the fit is considered satisfactory.

3. Air-Purifying Respirator Limitations

Half-face, full-face and powered air-purifying (PAPR) respirators are air-purifying respirators. These respirators use a cartridge/filter to remove a specific contaminant from the air that the wearer is breathing. Air-purifying respirators only protect against the hazards that the cartridge/filter is designed to remove. The cartridges/filters have a limited life span and must be changed regularly, based on a designed changout schdule or if exposure symptoms are experienced. Air-purifying respirators must not be used in an oxygen deficient atmosphere.

a. Filtering facepiece respirators (N-95) are not to be used for paint spray, gases, vapors, asbestos, or sand-blasting, as these masks provide only limited protection from very small dust particles, gases, vapors, mists, and aerosols.

b. Tight fitting respirators (half or full face) cannot be used if the employee has a beard or facial hair that interferes with the face to respirator seal.

c. PAPR (powered-air purifying respirator). This type of respirator, with a loose-fitting hood attachment, can be used by employees that have beards or other facial hair. PAPRs with a tight-fitting facepiece will be fit tested in the negative pressure mode.

H. USE OF RESPIRATORS IN AN IDLH ATMOSPHERE OR EMERGENCY

1. IDLH Atmospheres

In atmospheres that are considered Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH), maximum respiratory protection must be worn by employees. The respirator must be a full-facepiece pressure-demand SCBA certified by NIOSH for a minimum service life of thirty minutes or a combination full facepiece pressure demand supplied-air respirator with auxiliary self-contained air supply. Respirators provided only for escape from IDLH atmospheres must be NIOSH certified for escape from the atmosphere in which they will be used.

IDLH atmospheres include:

· Atmospheres in which the contaminant concentration exceeds the IDLH concentration or is unknown but may be life threatening; and/or

· Oxygen-deficient atmospheres

If employees are required to enter an IDLH atmosphere, the buddy system must be followed. Entry will only occur with two persons entering the IDLH environment and with at least one person located outside of the IDLH atmosphere. Visual, voice or signal line communication must be maintained between the persons inside and the person outside. The employee located outside must be trained and equipped with the same level of respiratory protection to enable him/her to provide emergency rescue, if necessary.

2. Procedures To Ensure Adequate Air Quality, Quantity, And Flow Of Breathing Air

a. All compressed breathing air will meet the ANSI/CGA requirements for Grade D breathing air (G-7.1-1989).

b. Purchased cylinders used to supply breathing air must be tested and maintained as described in the Shipping Container Specification Regulations of the Department of Transportation (49 CFR part 173 and 178) and must not be more than 15 years old.

c. Breathing air couplings must be incompatible with outlets for nonrespirable worksite air or other gas systems.

I. FIT-TESTING PROCEDURES FOR TIGHT FITTING RESPIRATORS

All personnel working in job classifications identified as requiring negative or positive-pressure respirators will be educated on the use of their respirators and will be qualitatively or quantitatively fit tested at least annually for the same make, model, style. size, and type of respirator they have been issued. Only those personnel who have been trained and fit-tested are authorized to use respirators. No employee will be fit tested or allowed to wear a respirator with a beard or facial hair that interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal or interfees with valve function. Additional fit testing is required if there are significant changes (i.e. facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight) in the employee’s physical condition that may affect the respirator fit.

The respective supervisors will be notified by memo when training and fit-testing is required for their employees. Training dates will be provided at that time. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that their employees are scheduled for a class.

Until SHEA has determined that the exposure is below the action level, particulate respirators must be fit-tested. All air-purifying and particulate respirators must be NIOSH certified.

See Attachment B for Fit-Testing Procedures.

Voluntary Use

Fit-testing is not required for particulate respirators (filtering facepieces) as set forth in 42 CFR 84 if the following conditions are met:

a. The exposure level has been evaluated by SHEA and it is determined that the level of exposure to the contaminant is below the PEL or TLV for the contaminant; and,

b. The use of the respirator does not itself pose a hazard.

J. PROCEDURES FOR MAINTAINING RESPIRATORS

1. Cleaning and Disinfecting

a. The maintenance and cleaning program must ensure the requirements provided in the manufacturer’s inspection procedures are adhered to as a minimum acceptable program.

b. The actual cleaning and maintenance of a collective/multiple use respirator may be performed by the individual using the respirator or the task may be assigned to the section responsible for the storage and issuing of collective use respirators. Respirators used by more than one employee will be cleaned and disinfected before being worn by a different individual.

c. Individually issued respirators shall be cleaned and disinfected by the assigned user as often as necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition.

d. Respirators maintained for emergency use shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

e. Respirators used in fit testing and training shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

f. Procedure for Cleaning:

· Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters. Disassemble facepiece by removing components such as valve covers and diaphrames, or other components as recommended by the manufacturer. Replace defective parts if necessary, or call SHEA for assistance with repair.

· Wash components in warm (110^o F maximum) water with a mild detergent or with a cleaner recommended by manufacturer. A soft bristle brush (not wire) may be used.

· Rinse all components thoroughly with clean, warm water. Drain.

· Air dry in a clean area. Excess water may be absorbed by a clean paper towel. Do not use hair dryers or compressed air to speed the drying process.

· If the cleaner doesn’t contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components should be immersed for two minutes in a fresh solution of one (1) part bleach in 1000 parts water.

· Rinse parts thoroughly in clean, warm water. Drain.

· Allow them to air dry or wipe dry with a paper towel or clean, lint-free cloth.

· Reassemble and place the facepiece in a “ziplock” type plastic bag for storage.

Respirators must be stored in a clean and sanitary condition. The respirator must be completely dry before storage.

· Never use alcohol to clean the respirator. Alcohol will dry the respirator surface and cause immediate deteriation.

2. Storing

a. Do not store respirators and parts near or in:

· Dusty areas. Dirty respirators can cause dermatitis. OSHA regulations require that respirators be stored in a clean and sanitary condition.

· Direct sunlight. Excessive heat will deform the respirator and prevent it from having a good face to mask seal.

· Temperature extremes. Excessive heat will deform the respirator and prevent it from having a good face to mask seal. Excessive cold can cause cracks in the facepiece causing leaks.

· High humidity areas. Extremely humid conditions will make it difficult to maintain a good mask to face seal.

· Toxic chemicals. Toxic chemicals can cause dermatitis or facial burns.

b. Store the respirator in such a manner as to prevent the facepiece from being deformed. Do not hang the respirator from the straps. Respirators should be stored face down to prevent bowing or deformation of the inhalation valves.

c. Store the filters, cartridges or canisters separately from the facepiece. The weight of these can deform the respirator over a period of time. These components should also be stored in a “ziplock” type plastic bag to prevent passive absorption.

3. Inspecting

a. All respirators must be inspected before and after each use and at least monthly.

b. Check all parts for wear and defects. Inspect the head band, mask, valves, connecting tube and cartridges for deterioration. Rubber parts should be checked for elasticity and cracks. Stretching and manipulating rubber parts when stored for several weeks will help prevent deterioration. The valves should be inspected for tears and any obstructions to proper sealing.

c. Check approval sticker (TC#) on filters, canisters or cartridges to verify that the right canister, filter or cartridge is being used for the hazard encountered.

d. Replace filters, canisters or cartridges when change-out schedule indicates or if physical symptoms are noticed.

e. When a mask is used only for emergencies, a record of monthly inspections with dates, findings and corrective actions shall be maintained by the owning department.

4. Repairing/Discarding

a. Only qualified personnel shall replace parts.

b. Only manufacturers parts designated for that use shall be used. Parts are not interchangeable between manufacturers. Mixing of different manufactuer’s parts voids the certification of the respirator and may adversely effect the function of the respirator.

c. Head straps must be replaced when damaged or when the elastic becomes defective. All other repairs must be made by SHEA or the manufacturer.

f. If the respirator is damaged beyond repair or if the facepiece becomes distorted, it must be discarded immediately.

g. Filtering facepieces should be discarded if they are damaged in any way, if they become excessively dirty or contaminated, or if they become difficult to breathe through.

5. Replacing Filters/Cartridges

A schedule will be developed for each area, with the assistance of SHEA, for replacing filters. The schedule will be based on the concentrations of air contaminants and the frequency of use.

6. Respirator Inspection, Cleaning and Maintenance

Supervisors should audit respirator usage periodically to insure that respirators are being maintained properly by those employees required to utilize respirators for protection.

K. TRAINING

Every University employee required to wear respiratory protection will receive Respirator Training PRIOR to respirator use. This training will be provided by SHEA. It will include the following:

· Requirements of the Respiratory Protection Standard;

· Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage or maintenance can compromise the protectiveness of the respirator;

· What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are;

· What to do if the respirator malfunctions or if the employee becomes ill while wearing it;

· How to inspect, put on, remove, use and check the seals of the respirator;

· How to maintain and store the respirator; and

· How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit the effective use of a respirator.

Employees will be required to demonstrate that they understand how to wear the respirator.

Employees choosing to voluntarily wear a respirator will be provided a copy of 29CFR 1910.134, Appendix D “Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under Standard” by their supervisor, or by EOHS following medical clearance. No other requirements specified in this program apply to voluntary use, except for sanitary storage of respirators.

In addition to the Respirator Training provided by SHEA, employees must be provided with area-specific training. This training is to be conducted by the supervisor and will inform the employees of the following:

· Procedures in their work area that require respiratory protection;

· Areas available for storage and cleaning of respirators;

· When cartridges/filters must be discarded; and

· Where employees can get new cartridges/filters.

Respirator Training will be conducted prior to the employee’s use of any respirator and annually thereafter. Retraining will also be conducted if there is any indication that the employee cannot demonstrate that he/she has the understanding or skill to use a respirator.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees that are required to wear respirators are trained annually.

All training is documented and maintained by SHEA.

L. PROCEDURES FOR REGULARLY EVALUATING THE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

The Respirator Site Evaluation Form, Attachment C, will be used to document evaluations of the effectiveness of the respiratory protection program. SHEA will observe employees using their respirators and will ask questions to ascertain their knowledge of respirator use..

This information will be evaluated and the program will be modified as necessary.

M. Safety Precautions

Before starting any hazardous operations, be sure to employ the following safety measures:

a. Be sure the respirator functions properly.

b. Do not perform any hazardous duties unless you are medically cleared, properly trained and fit-tested.

c. When the wearer detects a resistance in breathing, a taste, an odor, smells the chemicals being used or an extra effort is needed to inhale, they shall vacate the hazardous area immediately.

· DO NOT remove the respirator until out of the hazardous area because it still offers some protection.

· DO NOT reenter the hazardous area until the cause of the problem is identified and repaired.