Frequently Asked Questions about Respirator Programs-Part Two

In an earlier article we asked "Do you have a respirator program at your facility?" Whether your program is in its infancy, or it is a seasoned program, questions most likely crop up. This article is the second set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - and most importantly the answers - that the Consulting Safety Officers of Safety Partners, Inc. come across while implementing respirator programs at client sites.

What are elastomeric respirators?

Elastomeric respirators are those that are reusable and where the facepiece can be cleaned, repaired and reused, but the filter cartridges are discarded and replaced when they become unsuitable for further use. These respirators come in half-mask (covering the mouth and nose) and full-mask (covering mouth, nose, and eyes) types. These respirators can be used with a variety of different cartridges to protect against different hazards. These respirators can also be used with canisters or cartridges that will filter out gases and vapors.

What types of administrative controls can be implemented to avoid the use of respirators?

Limiting exposure time, task rotation, rotation of personnel, and housekeeping enforcement are types of administrative controls that can be implemented to avoid the use of respirators. Please note that task rotation is permitted for less toxic substances, but is NOT permitted for carcinogens.

What should employers include in respirator protocols?

This is highly variable from program to program and from compound to compound. MSDSs should be included, as well as an indication of the air quality anticipated to be present in the environment during respirator use and how this is known, e.g. testing, educated guess, industry data, calculations. The type of cartridge must be specified before fit testing, as well as the general type of respirator (dust mask, half-face or full-face cartridge respirator, PAPR, SCBA), but the particular make and model will need to await the results of the fit-testing. The manufacturer's recommendations should be followed for the cartridge change-out schedule

When selecting a respirator, what factors must be considered?

• The nature of the hazard
• The physical and chemical properties of the air contaminant
• The adverse health effects of the respiratory hazard
• The relevant hazardous exposure level (PEL, STEL, TLV)
• Results of workplace sampling of airborne concentration of contaminants (if applicable)
• The nature of the work or process
• How long the respirator will be worn
• The potential stress of the work activities, taking into account the ambient temperature, relative humidity, and the personal protective equipment which must be worn
• The warning properties of the hazardous substance
• The physical characteristics, functional capabilities, and limitations of the various types of respirators

For assistance with these and other FAQs contact Safety Partners, Inc. or visit the OSHA website (www.osha.gov).

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Safety Partners efficiently and cost-effectively implements hands-on environmental, health, and safety (EHS) programs at emerging life sciences companies. Safety Partners tailors its programs to each client's unique science, processes, procedures, and facilities, while reducing program implementation burdens. Its expertise is unmatched, clocking over 85,000 hours at over 120 New England life sciences firms.