respirator safety this training covers respirator inspection user fit checks respirator cleaning...

Respirator SafetyRespirator SafetyThis Training Covers

Respirator InspectionUser Fit ChecksRespirator CleaningRespirator Storage

Respirator InspectionRespirator InspectionBefore each use:

Make sure you have the right respirator for the job

Inspect it for wear and damage.

Inspection PointsInspection PointsCheck for worn or

frayed Straps & Hoses. Look for wear or damage on the seal of the facepiece.

Also CheckAlso Check

Be sure all the screws are tight.

Check rubber and plastic parts for flexibility.

And Check…And Check… Valves should be clean and seated perfectly.

Check for cracks or deformities in the face shield.

Check condition of filters, cartridges or canisters.

Damage to speaking diaphragm, if there is one.

Correct Filters & CanistersCorrect Filters & CanistersEnsure you have the correct Filters & Ensure you have the correct Filters &

Cartridges for the jobCartridges for the job

NOTE: Color codes on cartridges & filters are only a guide. Read the label to be sure you have the right kind. If a combination of elements is required check to ensure you have the right combination on each side of the respirator.

Full Face RespiratorsFull Face RespiratorsCheck the face

shield for clear view

No cracks, gaps or distortions.

Air Supplied RespiratorsAir Supplied RespiratorsCheck

– air supply pressure– low pressure alarms– regulator by-pass– hoses for damage or

wear– hose connections

Respirator Fit CheckRespirator Fit Check Conduct prior to each use.

For a respirator to work properly it must seal tightly to the face.

Before entering an area or conducting work that requires a respirator, conduct a fit check to ensure it will keep out the air contaminants.

Positive Pressure CheckPositive Pressure Check Close off the exhalation valve and exhale gently

into the facepiece.

The face fit is considered satisfactory if a slight positive pressure can be built up inside the facepiece without any evidence of outward leakage of air at the seal.

For most respirators, this method of leak testing requires the wearer to first remove the exhalation valve cover before closing off the exhalation valve, and then carefully replacing it after the test.

Negative Pressure CheckNegative Pressure CheckClose off the inlet opening of the

canister or cartridge(s) by covering it with the palm of the hand(s) or by replacing the filter seal(s).

Inhale gently so that the facepiece collapses slightly, and hold your breath for ten seconds.

Safety Note: Safety Note: The design of some cartridges may require the

test be performed by covering the inlet opening of the cartridge with a thin latex or nitrile glove to effectively seal the inlet.

If the facepiece remains in its slightly collapsed condition, and no inward leakage of air is detected, the tightness of the respirator is considered satisfactory.

Manufacturer's ProceduresManufacturer's ProceduresThe respirator manufacturer's

recommended procedures for performing a user seal check may be used instead of the positive and/or negative pressure check procedures, provided that they are equally effective in detecting seal leakage compared to the positive pressure and negative pressure checks previously described.

Respirator CleaningRespirator CleaningRemove and clean filters, cartridges, valve

assemblies and any other detachable parts.

As you clean and dry each part of the respirator, inspect carefully to be sure it is in good condition.

Basic ProcedureBasic Procedure Make sure flexible parts

are still flexible, and check the stretch of elastic bands.

Generally, a mild

detergent and a soft brush are used for cleaning.

Rinse the respirator…Rinse the respirator… Thoroughly in clean, warm water. Rinsing

is extremely important because a residue of the cleaning agent can damage the respirator and irritate skin.

Be sure all parts are thoroughly dry before putting the respirator back together again. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to absorb most of the water and a fan to speed up the drying process.

Disassemble RespiratorDisassemble Respirator Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters.

Disassemble facepieces by removing speaking diaphragms, demand or pressure-demand valve assemblies, hoses, or any components recommended by the manufacturer.

Discard or repair/replace any defective parts.

Wash All PartsWash All PartsWash components in warm

(43°C/110°F maximum) water with a mild detergent or with a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.

A soft bristle (not wire) brush may be used to facilitate the removal of dirt.

Rinse All Parts After WashingRinse All Parts After WashingRinse components thoroughly in clean,

warm (43°C/110°F maximum), preferably running, water.

Drain the parts to remove excess water.

Disinfect All PartsDisinfect All PartsWhen the cleaner used does not contain a

disinfecting agent, respirator components should be immersed for two minutes in Hypochlorite solution (50 ppm of chlorine) made by adding approximately one milliliter of laundry bleach to one liter of water at 43°C/110°F

Or Use…Or Use…Liquid solution of iodine (50 ppm iodine)

made by adding approximately 0.8 milliliters of tincture of iodine (6-8 grams ammonium and/or potassium iodine/100 cc of 45% alcohol) to one liter of water at 43°C/110°F

Also acceptable are…Also acceptable are…Other commercially available

cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality when used as directed, if their use is recommended or approved by the respirator manufacturer.

Rinse All Parts After DisinfectingRinse All Parts After Disinfecting

Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43°C/110°F maximum), preferably running, water.

Drain the partsDrain the partsThe importance of thorough

rinsing cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or disinfectants that dry on facepieces may result in dermatitis.

Disinfectant Note…Disinfectant Note…In addition, some disinfectants

may cause deterioration of rubber or corrosion of metal parts if not completely removed.

Reassemble & Test After DryingReassemble & Test After Drying

Reassemble facepiece, replacing filters, cartridges, and canisters where necessary.

Test the respirator to ensure that all components work properly.

Respirator StorageRespirator StorageWhen storing a respirator, even

overnight.

Flex the rubber parts to make sure they are not twisted or bent.

Seal the respirator in a plastic bag.

More about storage…More about storage…Store your respirator where it

will be protected.

Protect the respirator from dust, sunlight, extreme heat and cold, moisture, damaging chemicals and physical damage.

YOUR respiratorYOUR respirator

The respirator you use is designed to protect your health and life… but only if you use, clean and store it properly