FOR SUPPLIED AIR RESPIRATORS Assurance that oxygen is not used for compressed air supply Compressed breathing air meets Grade D breathing air quality, or better, including O2 19.5 – 23.5%, condensed hydrocarbons 5mg/M3, CO<10 ppm, CO2<1000 ppm, and lack of odor Cylinders meet DOT requirements (49 CFR 173 and 178), and are hydrostatically tested Compressors must be located so that the intake system does not develop a contamination problem and provides an unhealthy air supply. They must also have suitable in-line filters to remove contaminants with the filters and sorbents tagged, dated, and signed by the person that person that performed the activity Oil-lubricated compressors must have a high temperature alarm, CO alarm (calibrated periodically) or both. The alarm system, set to alarm at 10ppm, must be located so the respirator user is made immediately aware of the problem and leaves the area requiring respirators RECORDS In addition to the above, the evaluation will also include assessment of the written records, including the workplace evaluation (such as Industrial Hygiene surveys), medical records, fit testing records, and a copy of the current written program. will be regular inspections using outside consultants that employ Certified Industrial Hygienists, such as AESI, and/or trained supervisors will make regular inspections of all areas where respirators are used to ensure compliance with the respiratory protection programs on a monthly basis. The inspection will consist of visual, written documentation, and hands-on certification of proper use, including storage.
seal, readjust head harness straps and repeat test until there is no leakage. If other facial seal leakage is detected, the condition must be investigated and corrected before another test is made. NEGATIVE PRESSURE FIT OR SEAL CHECK: Lightly place palms over cartridges of filter holders. Gently inhale and facepiece should collapse against the face. The respirator must pass the tightness tests before the respirator is used. REPLACING THE CARTRIDGES AND FILTERS The following conditions are indications that the cartridges or filters have served their useful life and should be replaced. CARTRIDGES: Odor or taste of gases or vapors, eye, nose, or throat irritation, or at a frequency indicated by the ESLI or by scientific data. FILTERS: Excessive breathing resistance or odors (where present) upon inhalation. To replace cartridges proceed as follows: Remove the expended cartridge an discard Remove the replacement cartridges from storage bags and insert into the threaded receptacles making sure gaskets are in in cartridge holders. Carefully hand tighten the cartridges to prevent damage to threads and to insure a good seal against the gaskets. CLEANING AND SANITIZING The face piece (with the cartridges removed) should be cleaned and sanitized after, every use with a suitable cleaner/sanitizer, such as MSA Cleaner-Sanitizer, Part No. 34337 or other, such as 50 ppm chlorine or iodine. Make a solution with the contents of one package added to water, following the instructions on the cleaner-sanitizer carton. Immerse soiled equipment in the solution and scrub gently with soft brush until clean. Take care to clean the exhalation valve in the face piece and other parts that exhaled air contact. in plain warm water (about 110°F) and then air dry. CAUTION: Cleaning and sanitizing at the recommended 110°F, temperature will avoid possible overheating and distortion of parts of the respirator assembly, which would necessitate replacement. Additional information can be found in Appendix 3, Pages 19 & 20. MAINTENANCE