Pressure demand respirator – a positive pressure atmosphere-supplying respirator that admits breathing air to the facepiece when the positive pressure is reduced inside the facepiece by inhalation. Qualitative fit test (QLFT) – a pass/fail fit test to assess the adequacy of respirator fit that relies on the individual's response to the test agent. Quantitative fit test (QNFT) – an assessment of the adequacy of respirator fit by numerically measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator. Respiratory inlet covering – that portion of a respirator that forms the protective barrier between the user's respiratory tract and an air-purifying device or breathing air source, or both. It may be a facepiece, helmet, hood, suit, or a mouthpiece respirator with nose clamp. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) – an atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the breathing air source is designed to be carried by the user. Service life – the period of time that a respirator, filter or sorbent, or other respiratory equipment provides adequate protection to the wearer. Supplied-air respirator (SAR) or airline respirator – an atmosphere-supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the user. Tight-fitting facepiece – a respiratory inlet covering that forms a complete seal with the face. User seal check – an action conducted by the respirator user to determine if the respirator is properly seated to the face. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Budget Executives and Administrators Primarily responsible for budgeting and overall program support. 5.1.1 Ensure that responsibilities assigned within this program are carried out within administrative work unit. 5.1.2 Designate individuals responsible for the implementation of this program within their work unit. 5.1.3 Actively support this program as part of the work unit’s overall safety effort. 5.1.4 Ensure adequate funding is available to support this program.
6.8.3 Respirator Inspection & Maintenance Respirators are to be visually inspected for worn or deteriorated parts, routinely cleaned, and properly maintained to ensure effective protection at all times. Worn or defective parts must be replaced prior to use. Replacement parts must be approved by the respirator manufacturer, to comply with the NIOSH approval number for the respirator. 6.8.3.1 Inspection Procedures Respirators are to be inspected before and after each use. The following checklist will be used when inspecting respirators: Facepiece: check for cracks, tears, holes, facemask distortion, cracked or loose lenses/faceshield, etc. Headstraps: breaks, tears or bent or broken buckles. Valves: residue or dirt, cracks or tears, valves stuck or folded open. Filters/Cartridges: NIOSH approval designation/label clearly visible, gaskets, cracks or dents in housing, proper cartridge for hazard. PAPRs: hose condition, gaskets, motor function, battery charge and condition. Air Supply Systems: breathing air quality/grade, condition of supply hoses, hose connections, settings on regulators and valves. Respirator users are permitted to leave their work area to perform limited maintenance on their respirator. This should be in a designated area or an area that is free of respiratory hazards. Situations may include: Wash their face and/or face piece to prevent eye or skin irritation, To replace the filter cartridge or canister if vapor odors or chemical breakthrough or leakage is detected, or If any other damage to the respirator or its components is detected. 6.8.4 Filter Cartridge Change Schedules 6.8.4.1 Particulate Filter Cartridges: Respirator users wearing respirators with particulate filter cartridges (N-, R-95, 99, 100) shall change the cartridges when they first begin to experience increased breathing resistance while wearing their masks, if interior cartridge is damaged or wetted, or at least monthly. 6.8.4.2 Organic Vapor/Chemical Cartridges: Respirator wearing respirators with organic vapor cartridges shall change the cartridges as soon as chemical odors can be detected while wearing the respirator, in accordance with manufacturer requirements, if cartridge is wetted or damaged, or according to a specific change schedule. Cartridges shall be properly stored.