***This could be you . . .***

*A worker wore a respirator while painting after his beard had grown
out. He was exposed to paint vapors that leaked in between the
respirator and his whiskers.*

# 1. Applicability of this chapter

You are required to follow this chapter if you wear a respirator or if
you are assigned duties as a Respirator Program Administrator. Paragraph
13 contains the responsibilities of a Respiratory Program Administrator
and the Occupational Health Branch.

# 2. What this chapter covers

This chapter covers the minimum requirements for using a respirator.
This chapter does not meet OSHA requirements for a written Respiratory
Protection Program (RPP) plan. You'll find information on the
requirements for an RPP and a written RPP plan in paragraph 12. You'll
also find information on respirators designated for emergency use in
paragraph 10.

# 3. How to know if you need to use a respirator

Respirator use shall follow these requirements:

a.  You shall use a respirator if:

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1.  Your specific job description, work document, or JHA says you need
    to.

2.  The occupational health hazard assessment says you need to.

3.  Your supervisor or respirator program administrator says you need
    to.

4.  Applicable regulations or standards require respirator use for the
    type of work that is being done.

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b.  If you need to wear a respirator, your employer shall have a written
    respiratory protection program that meets the requirements of 29 CFR
    1910.134, "Respiratory Protection." (See paragraph 12 below.)

c.  Whenever possible, control air contaminants with engineering
    controls such as enclosure, ventilation, wet methods, or
    substitution of less hazardous materials. If you can't control the
    contaminants or while an engineering fix is being put in place, you
    shall use an appropriate respirator to protect yourself. If you
    suspect that there are airborne contaminates in your work area, have
    your work area evaluated.

# 4. Precautions to observe when using a respirator

If you use a respirator, you shall observe these precautions:

a.  Use an NIOSH-approved respirator for each task. Don't use a
    respirator in an unknown environment or in one for which the
    respirator isn't assigned.

b.  Don't wear anything that interferes with the face-to-respirator
    seal. Never wear beards and long sideburns. You may wear corrective
    lenses if they don't interfere with the seal, or get spectacle kits
    for full-face respirators.

c.  Use only the respirator assigned to you. Make sure your respirator
    is identified as yours in such a manner that it does not interfere
    with the respirator's function.

d.  Make sure your work procedure includes a respirator positive and
    negative pressure check before beginning work. Do positive and
    negative pressure checks just before you enter an area where
    respirators are required.

e.  Make sure you have a current medical exam and are qualified to wear
    a respirator. See Chapter 3.6, "Occupational Healthcare Program," of
    this handbook for more requirements on medical exams.

f.  Make sure you have been properly fit-tested for the type of
    respirator you will use.

g.  Make sure you receive annual respirator fit-testing and -training.

h.  Make sure you are using the correct make, model, and size of
    respirator.

# 5. Choosing a respirator to use

Your respirator program administrator, with the help of an industrial
hygienist, shall select the right respirator to use in each situation
after a hazard assessment is completed. The selection is based on
requirements in OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.134, "Respiratory Protection,"
NIOSH 42 CFR 84, and 30 CFR 11. Look in your work procedures to find out
what type respirator to use. Remember:

a.  Never use air-purifying respirators:

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1.  In oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

2.  For hazardous chemicals with inadequate warning properties, unless
    approved in writing by the Occupational Health Branch.

3.  In immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmospheres.

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b.  Use only full-facepiece respirators in hazardous areas that irritate
    your eyes.

c.  You may voluntarily use an NIOSH-approved disposable dust or mist
    respirator only for nuisance dusts in concentrations below OSHA or
    the ACGIH exposure limits. You shall follow all aspects of your
    organization's respiratory protection program if you use them. Your
    employer is required to provide you of 29 CFR 1910.134, Appendix D,
    "Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under
    the Standard."

d.  Make sure you are using the appropriate canisters or cartridges for
    your work environment. Also make sure that there is an established
    changeout schedule for the canisters or cartridges.

# 6. Fit testing

You shall have a fit test to use a respirator that meets the following
requirements:

a.  Performed by Occupational Health Department or by contractors. A
    qualified fit test operator will choose the right-size respirator
    for you.

b.  OSHA protocols.

c.  Is done yearly.

# 7. Precautions to take when using a supplied-air respirator

In addition to the general precautions listed in paragraph 4, you shall
follow these requirements if you use a supplied-air respirator:

a.  All systems providing breathing air for respirators shall be
    approved by the Occupational Health Branch.

b.  Make sure the breathing air that you use meets the requirements for
    Grade D breathing air as described in the Compressed Gas Association
    (CGA) Commodity Specification G-7.1 and meet Chapter 6.13, "Safety
    and Health Requirements for Ground‑Based Breathing Gases and
    Breathing Gas Systems," of this handbook.

c.  Don't use compressed oxygen in supplied-air respirators or in open
    circuit SCBA that have previously used compressed air. Never use
    oxygen with air line respirators.

d.  Don't use instrument or utility air supplied by the Central Heating
    and Cooling Plant for breathing air unless it has been treated,
    tested, and provided with OSHA-required alarms. Any use of this air
    requires approval from the Occupational Health Branch.

e.  Design air line couplings for use only with breathing air sources.
    Make sure it is physically impossible to mate air-line couplings
    with outlets for other non-breathing-air gas systems. Do not use a
    hose longer than 300 feet. Provide at least 4 cubic feet per minute
    (CFM) to tight-fitting respirators and 6 CFM for loose-fitting
    hoods. Make sure the hose will not be in chemicals or crimped by
    heavy objects such as vehicles or cause a tripping or other safety
    hazard.

f.  Follow these requirements for compressors:

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1.  Make sure that the compressors are located and installed to keep
    contaminated air from entering the system.

2.  Use suitable in-line air-purifying absorbent beds and filters to
    further ensure breathing air quality.

3.  Make sure that the system has a reserve of sufficient capacity to
    enable you to escape from a contaminated atmosphere if a compressor
    fails or overheats.

4.  If you are using an oil-lubricated compressor, make sure that it has
    a high-temperature or carbon monoxide alarm, or both. If it only has
    a high-temperature alarm, test the air from the compressor for
    carbon monoxide under 29 CFR 1910.134 and the CGA guidelines.

5.  Use manufacturer-recommended lubricants only.

6.  Make sure that the dew point of the air is 10 degrees below ambient
    temperature to prevent freezing of your regulator.

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g.  Follow these requirements if you use a supplied-air respirator in an
    IDLH environment:

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1.  Use a buddy system when respirators are worn under IDLH conditions.

2.  Locate the standby person in a safe area and properly equip him or
    her with a positive-pressure SCBA to help you in case of emergency.
    You may also make sure he or she is in direct contact with emergency
    response personnel who can help in an emergency.

3.  Maintain communication between you and the standby person at all
    times.

4.  For confined spaces, have retrieval equipment so that you can be
    removed from the area if an emergency occurs. See Chapter 6.10,
    "Entering Confined Spaces," of this handbook for more information.

# 8. Maintaining respirators

When you wear a respirator, you shall maintain it in the following
manner:

a.  Clean and disinfect your respirator after each use or at the end of
    the day if you will reuse it. Clean and disinfect it after each use
    if someone else will use it.

b.  Store your respirator so that it is protected from damage, dust,
    sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging
    chemicals. The best way to store it is to place it in a plastic bag
    or other container, then store it on a shelf or in a box to protect
    the face piece from scratches. Also:

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1.  Never store a respirator in a toolbox; it can become contaminated,
    distorted, or damaged.

2.  Always store a respirator with the face seal pointing up. Otherwise
    the respirator will become distorted and won't provide an adequate
    seal.

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c.  Don't use one manufacturer's respirator parts in another
    manufacturer's respirator. Especially don't switch cartridges.

d.  Inspect your respirator during cleaning and before each use. Make
    sure that it works properly, fits snugly, the connections are tight,
    and no part is broken or deteriorated. Remove respirators that don't
    pass inspection from service and either replace them or have a
    competent person repair them.

# 9. Training to use a respirator

Your training shall include:

a.  The following initial training:

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1.  General respiratory hazards to which you may be exposed.

2.  Engineering or other controls being used and the need for
    respirators to provide protection.

3.  The operation, limitations, and capabilities of your respirator.

4.  How to inspect, don, and remove your respirator.

5.  How to check the fit and seals when wearing your respirator.

6.  How to use your respirator so you become thoroughly confident in and
    familiar with it.

7.  How to maintain and store your respirator.

8.  How to identify respirator malfunctions.

9.  How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit your use
    of a respirator.

10. What to do if your respirator malfunctions.

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b.  The following from your respirator program administrator:

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1.  Specific respiratory hazards to which you may be exposed.

2.  The content and location of your written respiratory protection
    program.

3.  Written records on all employees who use a respirator, for the
    duration of their employment. These records include names, training
    dates, and subject areas covered.

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c.  Yearly in-respirator selection, use, and maintenance if you
    supervise a person who uses a respirator.

# 10. Special precautions to take with respirators designated for use in emergencies

If SCBA is maintained for entering contaminated areas in emergency
situations, you shall:

a.  Have all IDLH respirator usage approved by the Occupational Health
    Branch.

b.  Inspect it monthly as well as before and after each use.

c.  Keep records of monthly inspection dates and findings in a visible
    location near the SCBA.

d.  Have the SCBA tanks tested and filled by authorized agents only, and
    have them inspected by an authorized repair agent yearly.

e.  Maintain pressure-testing requirements for bottle certification.

f.  Use only full face-piece pressure-demand supplied air respirators
    (SARs) with an auxiliary self-contained air supply or SCBA in an
    unknown or oxygen-deficient atmosphere or an atmosphere that is
    IDLH.

g.  Make sure that each SCBA, which is used in IDLH atmospheres or for
    emergency entry or fire fighting, is certified for a minimum service
    life of 30 minutes.

h.  If you use SARs and SCBAs, make sure that you have been trained in
    their use and limitations.

i.  Follow the requirements in subparagraph 7.f of this chapter.

j.  If you have respirators for escape from IDLH atmospheres, such as
    Emergency Life Support Apparatus, you shall receive annual training.

    **11. For more information on respirators and their use**

You can find more information on respirators in these documents:

a.  29 CFR 1910.134, "Respiratory Protection," at
    <http://www.osha.gov/index.html>

b.  ANSI/AIHA Z88.6-2006, "Respiratory Protection‑Respirator
    Use‑Physical Qualifications for Personnel," 2006

c.  ANSI/AIHA Z88.7-2001, "Color Coding of Air Purifying Respirator
    Canisters, Cartridges, and Filters," 2001

d.  ANSI/AIHA Z88.10-2001, "Respirator Fit Test Methods," 2001

e.  *Department of Transportation Emergency Response Guidebook*, latest
    edition

f.  CGA-7.1, "Commodity Specification for Air," Compressed Gas
    Association

g.  Part 12 of this handbook, "Asbestos Control Requirements."

h.  NIOSH Respirator Selection Logic 2004, Publication DHHS (NIOSH) Pub.
    No. 2005--100

i.  NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection, DHHS (NIOSH)
    Publication No. 87--116; 1987

j.  NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No.
    2005-149, 2005

k.  NIOSH -- The National Personal Protective Equipment Laboratory at
    <http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/default.html>

l.  NIOSH Certified Equipment List at
    <http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/CEL/default.html>

m.  NIOSH Suggested Respirator Cleaning and Sanitation Procedures at
    <http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/respcln.html>

# 12. Requirements for an RPP and a written RPP plan

Each employer or contractor at JSC requiring employees to wear
respirators shall:

a.  Appoint a respirator program administrator:

    1.  The program administrator for JSC civil servants is a member of
        the JSC Occupational Health Branch.

    2.  JSC directorates may appoint their own program administrator if
        they choose not to follow the written program maintained by the
        Occupational Health Branch; or they may choose to be included in
        a contractor's program.

    3.  Each program administrator shall develop a written RPP plan
        meeting all requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134.

b.  Establish and implement a written RPP plan and have the plan
    reviewed and approved by the JSC Occupational Health Branch or the
    Manager, Occupational Health Department, x36726. The plan shall
    include:

    1.  Responsibilities of the program administrator, respirator user,
        and other people involved in the respirator program.

    2.  Identification of all covered workers if they are not actually
        "employees" of the employer implementing the plan; for example,
        subcontractors or JSC civil servants following a contractors
        plan.

    3.  Procedures for selecting respirators.

    4.  A list of the activities or hazards for which respirators will
        be worn and the type of respirator selected.

    5.  A changeout schedule for all air-purifying respirators used for
        protection against gases and vapors.

    6.  Voluntary respirator use.

    7.  Medical evaluations of employees wearing respirators.

    8.  Fit-testing procedures for tight-fitting respirators.

    9.  A list of who will provide medical evaluations and fit testing
        if not done by in-house staff.

    10. Procedures for proper use of respirators in routine and
        foreseeable emergencies.

    11. Procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing,
        inspecting, repairing, discarding, and otherwise maintaining
        respirators.

    12. Procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of
        breathing air for atmosphere-supplying respirators.

    13. Training employees on respiratory hazards to which they are
        potentially exposed.

    14. Training employees on the proper use of respirators and
        limitations on their use, on how to put on and remove
        respirators, on user seal checks, and on the care and
        maintenance of respirators.

    15. Procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of the respirator
        program.

# 13. Responsibilities for the respirator protection program

a.  As a ***respirator program administrator***, you are responsible
    for:

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1.  Arranging for hazard assessment of your work operations by the
    Occupational Health Department.

2.  Arranging for your employees to be fit-tested, trained, and
    medically examined through Occupational Health Department.

3.  Making sure that your employees correctly use and maintain their
    respirators.

4.  Providing respirators and training specific to your work area for
    your employees.

5.  Assessing your program's effectiveness yearly and documenting your
    assessment. The assessment shall include employee feedback.

6.  Maintaining a written RPP with work-site-specific procedures and
    information. (see paragraph 12 for the requirements of a written
    program). See the Occupational Health Department, (281) 483-6726,
    for assistance in preparing a written program.

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b.  The ***Occupational Health Branch*** is responsible for:

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1.  Providing hazard assessments and recommendations when requested by
    supervisors.

2.  Helping employees or supervisors write respirator procedures.

3.  Reviewing and monitor JSC's respiratory protection program.

4.  Providing appropriate surveillance of work area conditions and
    degree of employee exposure or stress.

5.  Providing fit testing, training, and consultation services for
    on-site respirator users as requested.