This program and the accompanying procedures are intended for the respiratory protection of employees that could be exposed to atmospheres contaminated with concentrations of harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, vapors, etc. as well as oxygen deficient atmospheres.
It is the policy of City of Hillsboro to provide breathing atmospheres at the work place with sufficient oxygen (19.5% or more, but less than 23.5%) and free from harmful contaminants. When such contaminants are present and employees may be exposed or when the oxygen level is deficient, City of Hillsboro will provide appropriate respiratory equipment to protect the health and welfare of these employees. Employees will be trained in proper selection, use, fit testing and maintenance of the respiratory equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and in the recognition and evaluation of harmful atmospheres. Employees will not be allowed to work in areas where the exposure exceeds ten (10) times the permissible exposure limit (PEL, TWA, etc.), if ventilation (which will be used in all cases where an exposure exists) or other action will not reduce the exposure to at least this level, no employee will be allowed in the area with or without a respirator.
This program shall apply to all employees. It is the responsibility of all supervisory personnel to enforce this program and of each employee to adhere to these requirements.
Respirators shall be selected on the basis of the hazard to which the employee will be exposed and must be NIOSH certified for that hazard. This determination will be based on the requirements stated in the chemical’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and upon any exposures exceeding the allowable exposure limits (PEL’s, TWA’s, STEL’s and CEILINGS) or oxygen deficiency and in accordance with the respirator manufacturer’s specifications.
Instructions shall be made on the nature of the hazards involved, necessary precautions to take, and the use and limitations of protective and emergency equipment.
The following shall be completed before the selection of the respirator:
A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for each job classification to determine the exposures to the employee during routine work and during emergency work, including a determination of the atmospheric hazards to which the employee will be exposed.
Determination of the amount of oxygen present.
Determination of other protective equipment (PPE assessment) that will be necessary.
Determination of what rescue gear and equipment will be necessary.
Corporate Safety
Manager, Coordinator, or Specialist:
Is the designated Respiratory Protection Program Administrator.
Completes the Respiratory Job Hazard Analysis (IBA) for each job classification.
Reviews all of the program facets annually for deficiencies.
Supervises the entire program.
Helps determine the worksite exposures.
Provides technical assistance in determining the need for respirators, the selection of the appropriate types of respirators and fit testing.
Employees:
Understand and comply with the program and follow the directives of the Supervisor.
Maintain their assigned respirator in good condition.
Report, immediately, any malfunction of their assigned respirator.
Properly inspect, clean, sanitize and store their assigned respirator.
These general procedures shall apply to all employees that are assigned a respirator.
General requirements:
The respirator need only be worn when engineering controls fail or are inadequate to prevent harmful exposures. Some of these controls include fume exhaust hoods and smoke or dust ejector fans. Also, any other mechanical means that remove harmful contaminates or would provide enough oxygen to prevent an oxygen deficient atmosphere. The atmosphere must be tested prior to working in it by detector tubes or detection instruments to determine if there is an exposure and monitored continuously to be sure an exposure does not occur.
Respirators shall be worn only by those individuals that have been medically evaluated by a licensed physician and determined to be physically able to work in such equipment.
Respirators shall be worn only by individuals who have been instructed, fit tested and trained in the proper selection and use of respirators.
Individuals shall be satisfactorily fit tested (prior to initial use and annually thereafter) for the type of respirator that they are assigned. If it is determined that they shall be assigned a respirator of each of the different types, then they shall be fit tested in each type. These types being: dust and vapor particulate respirators, air purifying respirators (APRs, including HEPA [high efficiency particulate arresting] filters) and air supplied respirators (both hood type and self contained breathing apparatus, SCBA).
Individuals assigned a respirator shall be clean shaven in the seal regions of the respirator. This is so that the hair does not interfere with the proper seal of the respirator or the respirator exhaust valve.
No individual with facial hair in the seal regions shall be fit tested.
Glasses with ear pieces cannot be worn under the respirator as the ear piece (temple) will interfere with the respirator seal. Special attachments for prescription lens can be obtained for those employees that need to wear glasses in full face respirators.
Respirator
selection:
The respirator will be selected to protect against the possible harmful exposure that is determined to be in the workplace and according to the requirements of the chemical MSDS. They shall be NIOSH certified for the specific hazard or hazards with the appropriate N (not oil resistant), R (oil resistant) or P (oil proof) rating per 42 CFR 84.
The possible harmful exposure that calls for a respirator may be any of these hazards: l. Oxygen deficiency, 2. Particulate contaminants, 3. Gaseous contaminants, and 4. Atmospheres that are Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH).
The level of contaminant concentration or oxygen deficiency shall be monitored to obtain data for the proper selection of respirators.
Respirators are categorized by their type and the agent or means that they use to remove harmful contaminates.
Air purifying respirators (APRs, N, R or P rated) can be:
Particulate removing filter respirators that remove dusts and other particulates.
Chemical cartridge type that remove chemicals, organic or inorganic vapors or mists. The type of cartridge used must be determined to protect against the known hazard. The cartridge will be identified and marked for chemicals from which the employee can be protected.
All of the APRs will have definite time use (end of service life indicators, ESLI) restrictions, as specified by the manufacturer (may only be written or a color change in the respirator, etc.). No APR respirator without an ESLI specified by the manufacturer will be purchased or used.
Supplied air respirators:
Respirators that are supplied with breathing air from a regulated air bottle system, a breathing air compressor or have their own self contained bottle (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus).
IDLH atmospheres (which are not to be entered) not only require respiratory protection but additional procedures that are aligned with those procedures used in confined space entry. These procedures would include:
Standby personnel,
Communications between standby personnel and workers,
Rescue procedures,
Rescue retrieval equipment, and
Rescue personnel with air supplied respiratory protection.
Respirator training:
Effective training shall be provided to the employee prior to using a respirator. This training shall be documented, understandable, and recur annually. The training will include:
Why the respirator is necessary,
Their limitations, and capabilities,
How improper fit, usage, or maintenance compromises protection,
How to inspect, use, put on and remove, and check the seals of the respirator,
Procedures for cleaning, sanitizing, and storage using the manufacturer’s specifications,
How to recognize signs and symptoms of problems of wearing a respirator, and
City policy and procedures.
Retraining shall be provided annually, when changes in the workplace require different respirators, or inadequacies appear in the employee’s knowledge or use of the respirator indicating employee skills or understanding has not been retained.
Respirator
maintenance and care
Cleaning and disinfecting- The employee shall receive a respirator that is clean, sanitary, and in good working order. The respirator shall be maintained in the following manner:
Each employee that is issued their own respirator shall clean and disinfect the respirator as often as necessary (usually before and after use) to maintain it clean.
Respirators worn by more than one employee, shall be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use by the employee using it.
All other respirators shall be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use by the employee using it.
Storage:
All respirators shall be stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, damaging chemicals and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (copy stored with respirator).
They shall be packed to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve.
Respirators shall be kept accessible to the work area where harmful exposures may occur.
Storage containers shall be clearly marked that it is a respirator and if they are emergency escape-only equipment, container shall be so marked.
Respirator
inspection and repairs
All respirators shall be inspected routinely before each use and during cleaning.
Emergency escape-only respirators shall be inspected monthly in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations (copy stored with respirator).
The inspection routine shall include the following:
Respirator function,
Tightness of connections,
The respirator seal surface,
The condition of the facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, cartridges, canisters, and filters, and
Elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration.
Repairs shall be made if the respirator fails an inspection or whenever damage is noticeable.
Repairs shall be made only by appropriate persons trained and qualified to perform repairs.
Breathing air
quality and use
Breathing air shall at least meet the ANSI (G-7.1-1989) requirements for Grade “D” breathing air. It shall have at least 19.5% and not over 23.5% oxygen, not over 5 milligrams per cubic meter of oil, not over 10 parts per million carbon monoxide, not over 1,000 parts per million carbon dioxide, and no noticeable odor.
The supplier of breathing air cylinders will provide a certificate of analysis indicating that they contain Grade “D” breathing air or better. The certificate will be kept on file, readily accessible.
Program evaluation
Continual (and at least an in depth annual) evaluations of this respiratory program will be performed to ensure that the current program has been implemented and that the employees are using respirators appropriately selected for the hazards to which they may be exposed. Employees required to use respirators will be consulted in order to assess their views of the program’s effectiveness and identify problems. Some specific items to be assessed are: respirator fit, respirator selection in regard to employee hazard exposure, proper respirator use based on workplace conditions and proper respirator maintenance. Corrective action will be taken on any deficiency in the program. See Appendix F of this program.
Appendices
Appendix B - Respirator Training Program Form
Appendix D - Copy of Appendix D of OSHA 1910.134
Appendix F - Program Evaluation and Checklist
RESPIRATOR TRAINING PROGRAM
This is to certify that I have been:
1. Informed of the Respiratory Protection Program.
2. Informed of the responsibilities of personnel designated by this program.
3. Trained in the use of the specific respirator assigned to me.
4. Informed of air testing in my work area.
_________________________________ _________________________________
NAME (please print) DATE
_________________________________
SIGNATURE
_________________________________
EMPLOYEE #
1910.134 APP D – RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
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Standard Number: 1910.134 App D
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Standard Title: Respiratory Protection
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SubPart Number: I
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SubPart Title: Personal Protective Equipment
Produced by USDOL OSHA - Directorate of Safety Standards &
Directorate of Health Standards
Maintained by USDOL OSHA - OCIS
___________________________________________________________________________________
* Appendix D to Sec. 1910 .134 (Mandatory) Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard
* Respirators are an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly selected and worn. Respirator use is encouraged, even when exposures are below the exposure limit, to provide an additional level of comfort and protection for workers. However, if a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean, the respirator itself can become a hazard to the worker. Sometimes, workers may wear respirators to avoid exposures to hazards, even if the amount of hazardous substances does not exceed the limits set by OSHA standards. If your employer provides respirators for your voluntary use, or if you provide your own respirator, you need to take certain precautions to be sure that the respirator itself does not present a hazard.
* You should do the following:
*1. Read and heed all instructions provided by the manufacturer on use, maintenance, cleaning and care, and warnings regarding the respirators limitation.
*2. Choose respirators certified for use to protect against the containment of concern. NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, certifies respirators. A label or statement of certification should appear on the respirator or respirator packaging. It will tell you what the respirator is designed for and how much it will protect you.
*3. Do not wear your respirator into atmospheres containing contaminants of which your respirator is not designed to protect against. For example, a respirator designed to filter dust particles will not protect you against gases, vapors, or very small solid particles of fumes or smoke.
*4. Keep track of your respirator so that you do not mistakenly use someone else’s respirator.
*[63 FR 1152, Jan 8, 1998; 63 FR 20098, April 23, 1998]
PROGRAM EVALUATION
Program Evaluation
The entire respiratory protection program will be continually evaluated throughout the year with a documented, in-depth, evaluation conducted at least once a year. The continuing evaluations will be documented and filed and will document that the program is being properly implemented (with or without corrective action) and that employees are being consulted regarding proper respirator use. In addition, the continuing evaluations will document that workplace conditions and changes are properly reviewed and incorporated into the program, when necessary, to ensure that the program is effective and properly implemented. Employees using respirators will be regularly consulted to assess their opinion of the program’s effectiveness and identify problems (real and suspected). Any program deficiency (real or suspected) will be investigated and corrective action taken immediately, when necessary.
Annual In-Depth Evaluation
This evaluation (review) will be conducted by the Respiratory Protection Program Administrator and the Superintendent of the department being reviewed. The following checklist will be completed, signed, dated and filed. Needed corrective action will be documented (and documentation attached to checklist) and the program revised, as needed, with revision date noted on the program.
Note: The checklist may also be used during continuing evaluations.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Program Evaluation
Date of Evaluation _____________
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1910.134 – Respiratory
Protection |
YES |
NO |
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1. |
In order to determine if a respiratory exposure exists, have all MSDS’ s been reviewed to determine where possible exposures could exist and have all areas been checked (using a 4-gas meter, detector tubes, etc.) for possible Oxygen deficiency or other chemicals? |
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2. |
Is air sampling (monitoring) conducted, based on continuing MSDS review (initial and as new ones are received), to determine employee exposure, if any, and are employees informed of the results? |
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3. |
Are engineering controls (ventilation and exhaust, etc.) being used when feasible to control atmospheric contamination and eliminate or reduce employee exposure? |
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4. |
Is proper respiratory equipment provided based on a reasonable estimate of employee exposures to respiratory hazards? |
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5. |
Is respiratory equipment selected for the specific hazard in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and NIOSH approved for that hazard? |
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6. |
Are there written operating procedures governing the selection and use of the respiratory equipment? |
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7. |
Before employees are assigned a task that requires them to wear respiratory equipment, do they privately complete the medical evaluation form, seal it in an envelope and mail it, is the physician’s or health care professional’s (PLHCP) approval (including limitations, denials, etc.) received and filed, and a documented, qualitative fit test performed? |
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8. |
Has the supplemental information (type and weight of respirator, duration and frequency of use, expected physical work effort, additional PPE to be worn and temperature and humidity extremes) been forwarded to the PLHCP? |
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9. |
Is it documented that the employee is informed of the PLHCP’s approval, limitations, denial, etc. and the PLHCP’s medical determination filed with the other medical records required by OSHA 1910.1020. |
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10. |
Does the employee use the respiratory equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and training received? |
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11. |
Does the employee receive training in the use of the respiratory equipment and its limitations in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions? |
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12. |
Is respiratory equipment assigned on an individual basis, when practical? |
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13. |
When respiratory equipment is individually assigned, is it durably marked (in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions) to identify the user? |
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14. |
Is respiratory equipment cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis (before and after each use) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions? |
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15. |
Are respirators stored in a convenient, clean and sanitary location, in a manner that will protect them from damage and deformation of the face piece and exhalation valve? |
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16. |
Are respirators inspected before each use, during cleaning and at least monthly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and are deteriorated parts properly replaced only by qualified employees? |
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17. |
Is exposure to employees properly monitored? |
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18. |
Is there continual (and at least an in-depth annual) evaluation of the effectiveness of the respiratory program? |
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1910.134 – Respiratory Protection |
YES |
NO |
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19. |
Is appropriate surveillance of the work area maintained so that changing conditions, employee exposure or employee stress are recognized prior to the respiratory equipment user exceeding the manufacturer’s warnings, limitations or instructions? |
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20. |
Are there frequent random inspections to assure that the respiratory equipment is properly selected, used, cleaned, stored and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions? |
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21. |
Is the medical status of an employee assigned respiratory equipment periodically checked (in accordance with the PLHCP’s recommendations, changing job conditions, changes in employee’s physical condition, etc.)? |
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22. |
Is a record maintained showing the date respiratory equipment was assigned (was the assignment form completed and filed)? |
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23. |
Does the training of employees who use respiratory equipment include: proper fitting, testing face piece seal, wearing in normal air for a familiarity period, wearing in a test atmosphere and understanding the manufacturer’s instructions, warnings, etc.? |
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24. |
Are employees instructed not to wear beards, sideburns, skull caps, or temple pieces on glasses that would prevent getting a good seal or interfere with valve function? |
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25. |
Does the employee check the respiratory equipment after putting it on for proper fit and seal? |
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26. |
Are proper provisions made for people who wear corrective eyewear and also must use respiratory equipment? |
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27. |
Are employees who wear corrective eyewear instructed to notify management, if their respiratory equipment interferes with, makes uncomfortable, forces removal of or causes vision impairment of the eyewear, so that proper equipment can be provided? |
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28. |
Is qualitative fit testing properly conducted, prior to initial use and at least annually thereafter, and is the fit testing properly documented using the form, Appendix C, which has been properly completed and filed with the other medical records? |
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29. |
Have additional, documented, qualitative fit tests been conducted whenever an employee reports or others observe changes in the employee’s physical condition (facial scars, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, change in weight, etc.) that could affect the fit? |
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30. |
Is repair or adjustment of respiratory equipment done only by appropriately trained personnel using only the manufacturer’s NIOSH approved parts for the equipment? |
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31. |
Are employees instructed in the correct way to store respiratory equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions? |
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32. |
Are checks made to see that employees are not storing respiratory equipment in tool boxes or lockers without being in proper containers? |
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