ASHLAND UNIVERSITY

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

JANUARY, 2007

Introduction
Respirators are very important pieces of personal protective equipment. The only method in determining if a respirator is needed, as well as the type of respiratory protection, is to have a professional measure the air contaminants. The preferred course is to reduce or eliminate the level of contamination. If this is not possible or practical, specific respiratory protection will be provided for the safety and health of the worker.

Work Area Monitoring
An exposure assessment will be done to ensure proper respirator selection. Personal sampling equipment may be used in accordance with accepted industrial hygiene standards to sample each work area. Results of these samples will pinpoint areas where respiratory protection is required.

Required Medical Evaluation
Prior to wearing a respirator, employees must pass a respirator physical. The respiratory evaluation includes a general physical, respiratory volume assessment, and eye exam. Future evaluations are made when there is a change in workplace conditions or information indicating a need for re-evaluation. The purpose of the medical evaluation is to assure that the employee is physically and psychologically able to perform the assigned work while wearing respiratory protective equipment.

Respirator Selection
Respirator selection is based upon the physical and chemical properties of the air contaminants and the concentration level likely to be encountered by the employee. The Respiratory Protection Program Administrator will make a respirator available to each employee who is assigned to a job that requires respiratory protection. Replacement respirators/cartridges and filters will be made available as required. All respirators will be NIOSH approved.

Use of Respirators
All tight-fitting respirators must not be used with beards or other facial hair or any other condition that prevents direct contact between the face and the edge of the respirator or interferes with valve function.
Employees will be required to leave the contaminated area:

• Upon malfunction of the respirator.
• Upon detection of leakage of contaminant into the respirator.
• If increased breathing resistance of the respirator is noted.
• If severe discomfort in wearing the respirator is detected.
• Upon illness of the respirator wearer.
• To wash face to prevent skin irritation.
• To change filter/cartridge elements or replace respirators whenever they detect the warning properties of the contaminant or increased breathing resistance.
  
  

Respirator Training
Employees assigned to jobs requiring respirators will be instructed in the need, use, limitations, and care of their respirator. Retraining is given at least every 12 months after initial training.

Fit Testing
Employees will be properly fitted and tested for a face seal prior to use of the respirator in a contaminated area. Fit testing assures the respirator is sealing against the face. The respirator fit test consists of a positive pressure fit check; negative pressure fit test and threshold screening. The positive pressure test ensures air in not escaping around the face when the wearer breaths out. The negative pressure test checks for fit during inhaling. The final test is a taste test which tests the fit by using a non-toxic product within a testing hood.

Use of respirators in routine and emergency situations
All tight-fitting respirators shall not be used with beards or other facial hair or any other condition that prevents direct contact between the face and the edge of the respirator or interferes with valve functions.

Respirator Cleaning
Respirators not discarded after one shift use, except filtering face piece type, must be cleaned after each use.

Respirator Inspection
Respirators must be properly maintained to retain their original effectiveness. Respirators must be inspected for cleanliness, damage or distortion prior to each wearing. During cleaning and maintenance, respirators that do not pass inspection must be removed from service and repairs can only be done with parts designed for the respirator.

Respirator Storage
Respirators must be stored in a location where they are protected from sunlight, dust, heat, cold, moisture, and damaging chemicals. Respirators must be marked and stored to assure that they will be worn only by the assigned employee.