The maximum concentration of air contaminant must not exceed 10 times the "time weighted average" (TWA) of the "Permitted Exposure Limit" (PEL) or 1000 ppm, whichever is LOWER . Ensure that you have the correct type of canister. There are seventeen different types of canisters for various types of commonly encountered air contaminants along with numerous others for special situations. Ensure that this type of respirator is suitable for use with the anticipated contaminant. There are many contaminants that a half mask or full facepiece respirator will not provide protection against. These include H 2 S, Methanol, Sandblasting, Toluene, Mixed Xylene. The above is not a complete list. Always check the manufacturer's list of prohibited use contaminants. Every respirator user shall receive fitting and use instructions. Respirators shall not be worn when conditions prevent a good face seal. This includes beards and sideburns.
Respirators must be inspected and cleaned at least weekly. Disinfectant wipes are the most common cleaning agent although warm water and a mild detergent is also acceptable. Care must be taken to ensure that the canisters themselves are not affected by the cleaning agent. Cartridges have a LIMITED WORKING LIFE and must be replaced when any odor, taste or irritation is noted; or, if breathing becomes difficult. If the contaminants nasal detection range is greater than the "Permitted Exposure Level" (PEL) such as with acrylonitrile, then cartridges must be replaced at least every 24 hours. This also applies if you are uncertain about the warning properties of the contaminant. A rise in canister temperature indicates that gas or vapor is being removed from inhaled air. An uncomfortably high temperature indicates a high concentration of vapor or gas and requires an immediate return to fresh air. Whenever a canister is put into service, the date must be written in the space provided on the indicator band. With the exception of cleaning, these requirements are applicable to both disposable and non-disposable respirators.
Medical surveillance of respirator wearers must be established. The wearer must be physically capable of wearing a respirator. This typically includes a fit test every year and a pulmonary function test every three years. 1.3.1.2 Full Face-Piece Respirators The full-face piece respirator is designed to make a gas tight fit over the eyes, nose, mouth and under the chin. The advantage of full-face piece respirators over the half mask respirator is that they can be used on certain materials whose vapors are corrosive in nature, such as caustic soda, phenol and sulfuric acid. Additionally, they can provide protection against higher concentrations of contaminant than a half mask respirator can. However, they have all the basic limitations of half mask respirators. This segment is to be read in conjunction with the previous segment on half mask respirators. All the limitations applicable to half mask respirators also apply to full face-piece respirators; however, the air contaminant concentration limit must not exceed 50 times the "time weighted average" (TWA) of the "permitted exposure limit" (PEL) or 1000 ppm, whichever is LOWER.
14
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software