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Respiratory
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Table of Contents

Statement of UM Policy
Respirator Use Requirements
Selection of Respirators
Voluntary Use of Respirators and Disposable Dust Masks
Training
Fit-Testing
Cleaning, Storage, Inspection  and Maintenance
Cartridge Change-Out Schedules
Supplied Air Respirator Requirements
Evaluation of Program Effectiveness
Workplace Audits

Site Specific Respirator Information Appendix I
   Personnel
   Tasks Requiring Use of Respirators
   Respirator Cartridge Change-Out Schedule
   Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance Procedures
   SCBA Inspection

Additional Documents Appendix II
   Exposure Monitoring Reports
   Manufacturers' Literature
   Breathing Air Test Data
   Emergency Respirator Inspection Logs

Voluntary Use of Respirator Fact Sheet Appendix III

Policy Statement

I. Purpose.

The University of Maryland (UM) is dedicated to providing safe and healthful facilities for all employees and students, and complying with federal and State occupational health and safety standards. Administrators, faculty, staff and students share the responsibility to ensure protection against inhalation hazards through the correct use of respiratory protective devices. This policy is designed to identify and designate responsibilities for implementation of the UM Respiratory Protection Program.

II. Policy.

The University of Maryland shall establish procedures for the selection, use and care of respiratory protective devices. Respirators shall only be used to protect employees from inhalation hazards in the following circumstances: (1) when other options for hazard control (i.e., use of engineering controls or substitution of less toxic materials) are infeasible, (2) while engineering controls are being installed or repaired, or (3) during emergencies. When respirators are to be used, all requirements contained within the UM Respiratory Protection Program shall be followed.

The UM Respiratory Protection Program shall be reviewed and evaluated for its effectiveness at least annually and updated as necessary to incorporate new or modified regulations and guidelines which affect proper use of respiratory protective devices. For purposes of compliance with regulations, this policy and the UM Respiratory Protection Program, a respirator shall be defined as any device worn to: (1) reduce or eliminate inhalation exposure to any hazardous biological, chemical or particulate material or (2) supply breathing air to the wearer. This includes respirators used to protect employees in an emergency.

III. Responsibilities.

1. Department of Environmental Safety (DES) shall:
   1. Assign the Industrial Hygiene Manager as the Respiratory Protection Program Administrator to direct the UM Respiratory Protection Program;
   2. Develop the UM Respiratory Protection Program with annual review and revisions as necessary;
   3. Distribute the Program to each affected worksite;
   4. Conduct analyses of respiratory hazards in the workplace;
   5. Provide guidance and training to the campus community regarding the need, selection, use, limitations, maintenance and storage of respirator equipment;
   6. Provide a fit-testing program for respirator users;
   7. Maintain training, fit-testing and exposure monitoring records;
   8. Assist with developing and implementing controls to reduce or eliminate the need for respiratory protection; and
   9. Act as an information resource for problems and questions related to respiratory protection.

2. The Occupational Health Unit of the University Health Center (UHC) shall:
   1. Provide or direct all required or recommended medical examinations appropriate for evaluation of respirator users;
   2. Maintain medical records relating to consultations, examinations and medical surveillance as required by law;
   3. Provide certification that persons required to wear respirators are physically able to do so without adverse medical consequences; and
   4. Periodically review the overall effectiveness of the UM Respiratory Protection Program pertaining to provision of medical services related to the proper use of respirators.

3. Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute (MFRI) shall:
   1. Provide guidance and training to users of self-contained breathing apparatus.

4. Supervisors, Laboratory Managers or Directors shall:
   1. Identify respiratory hazards in the workplace to DES for analysis;
   2. Consult toxicology information and material safety data (e.g., Material Safety Data Sheets, Standard Operating Procedures) to identify hazards to workers under their control that require respiratory protection;
   3. Identify employees who may require respiratory protection equipment;
   4. Schedule initial medical examinations, follow-up medical examinations, fit-testing and training for employees required to wear respirators;
   5. Provide site-specific information in the UM Respiratory Protection Program detailing personnel, hazards and procedures;
   6. Ensure respiratory protection equipment is properly used, cleaned, stored and maintained;
   7. Maintain an inventory of spare parts, filters and new respirators as necessary to insure employee access to properly-functioning equipment;
   8. Ensure that defective respiratory protective equipment is removed from service immediately and not used until approved repairs are effected;
   9. Conduct annual worksite audits of respiratory protection activities under their control;
   10. Allow employees to leave the respirator use area as necessary to prevent eye or skin irritation associated with respirator use;
   11. Ensure appropriately trained and equipped employees remain in communication with respirator users inside an atmosphere considered to be Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH);
   12. Maintain records of respirator equipment inspections, exposure hazard evaluations, training and fit-testing at the unit level;
   13. Notify the Respiratory Protection Program Administrator of any problems with respirator use, or any changes in work processes that would impact airborne contaminant levels; and
   14. Notify the UHC of any change in an employee's medical condition, work environment or workload that might impact the safe use of respiratory protective equipment.

5. Respirator Wearers shall:
   1. Comply with all required components of the UM Respiratory Protection Program (medical surveillance, training and fit-testing) Before using any respirator;
   2. Use respiratory protection equipment as instructed and in accordance with all provisions of the UM Respiratory Protection Program
   3. Properly store, clean, inspect and maintain all assigned respirator equipment;
   4. Report any respirator deficiencies or malfunctions to the supervisor;
   5. Use the correct type of respiratory protection for the hazard(s) involved;
   6. Inform supervisors of new situations that may require a change in the use of respiratory protection equipment, or if contaminant levels are suspected to increase;
   7. Inform supervisors of any change in medical condition that might affect the safe use of respiratory protective equipment; and
   8. Immediately follow emergency procedures and leave the respirator use area if a respirator fails to provide proper protection.

IV. Information

Assistance will be provided by DES to any Department requesting guidance, exposure monitoring, fit-testing or training to satisfy implementation of this policy. Additional information may be obtained from the DES Web Page at: http://www.des.umd.edu.

Respirator Use Requirements

Documentation of Respirator Needs

The supervisor is required to identify the respiratory hazard(s) in the workplace and have these hazards evaluated to determine appropriate respiratory protective equipment. The Department of Environmental Safety - Industrial Hygiene Unit (DES - IHU) is responsible for evaluating respiratory hazards and recommending appropriate levels of respiratory protection.

In emergency situations such as:

1. Access to areas where the uncontrolled release of a hazardous airborne substance is suspected,
2. Rescue or access in confined spaces where oxygen or contaminant levels are unknown, or
3. Hazardous material releases causing injuries or illnesses,

The supervisor must initiate the Respirator User Hazard Assessment Form for each employee required to utilize respiratory protection. This form shall be forwarded to DES - IHU for documentation of hazard evaluations and determination of appropriate level(s) of respiratory protective equipment. DES - IHU will then forward the completed form to the University Health Center - Occupational Health Unit (UHC-OHU) to determine appropriate levels of medical surveillance for the identified tasks. Copies of the completed form will also be provided to the Supervisor and employee.

Medical Evaluation

Medical screening shall be conducted as follows:

1. All employees participating in the Respiratory Protection Medical Surveillance Program must have a current and accurate Respirator User Hazard Assessment Form on file with the UHC-OHU. Employees will be asked to verify the information contained in this form at each examination. After the initial Respirator User Hazard Assessment Form has been completed by the supervisor and DES-IHU, the supervisor shall contact UHC-OHU to schedule an appointment for the employee. Supervisors are responsible for assuring attendance. Fees for missed appointments may be assessed against affected departments.
2. If any of the inhalation hazard or work condition information contained in the form changes, the supervisor shall submit a Respirator User Hazard Assessment Form Update to DES-IHU for review, action and transmittal to UHC-OHU. If substantial changes occur that may require additional medical evaluation, the supervisor will be contacted by UHC-OHU to schedule the affected employee(s) for additional evaluation.
3. When an employee's medical certification is due for renewal, and inhalation hazards or work conditions have not changed, the supervisor shall check the appropriate block in the Respirator User Hazard Assessment Form Update and forward it directly to the UHC-OHU at least 30 days prior to the expiration date. The supervisor is responsible for scheduling examinations for re-evaluation.
4. The medical evaluation will be conducted using the questionnaire in Appendix C of the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard. The PLHCP will provide a copy of this questionnaire to all employees requiring medical evaluations.
5. The PLHCP will assist employees who are unable to read the questionnaire.
6. Medical evaluation parameters are determined by the PLHCP. Initial evaluations shall as a minimum include pulmonary function tests (FVC and FEV1) and completion of a medical history questionnaire. Subsequent medical evaluations and follow-up testing is determined by the PLHCP, the Respiratory Protection Standard or other substance-specific regulations detailing frequency of medical evaluations.
7. All employees will be granted the opportunity to speak with a physician about their medical evaluation, if they so request.
8. Employees, their supervisors and Environmental Safety will be provided a written pass/fail certification from the UHC-OHU stating parameters under which the individual is medically able to wear a respirator. Respirator approval certifications from the UHC-OHU will indicate an expiration date for the medical clearance.
9. After an employee has received clearance and begun to wear his or her respirator, additional medical evaluations will be required under the following circumstances:
   1. Employee reports signs and/or symptoms related to their ability to use a respirator, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains or wheezing. The employee or supervisor should contact the UHC-OHU immediately if this occurs,
   2. The PLHCP determines the employee needs to be reevaluated. The supervisor will be contacted by the UHC-OHU to arrange scheduling,
   3. Information from this program, including observations made during fit-testing and program evaluation, indicates a need for reevaluation. The supervisor will be contacted by the UHC-OHU if this occurs, or
   4. A change occurs in workplace conditions that may result in an increased physiological burden on the employee. The supervisor is responsible for notification as described in item #2, above.
10. The UHC-OHU shall assure confidentiality of all examinations and questionnaires and shall maintain records of all medical testing, medical history questionnaires and certifications of respirator use eligibility.
11. If any employee is required for medical reasons to wear a positive pressure air-purifying respirator they will be provided with such a device by the supervisor or removed from the UM Respiratory Protection Program.

Training

Specialized training will be required for personnel assigned to use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) systems.

Supervisors shall maintain records of training. Supervisors are responsible for insuring employees are currently trained and shall insure that respirators are not issued to nor used by any employee who has not received training within the previous 12 months.

Fit-Testing

Prior to being issued a re-useable, tight-fitting respirator, the employee must successfully pass a fit-test for that specific brand, model and size of respirator. Fit-testing is conducted by DES-IHU.

An employee cannot be fit-tested nor wear a face-sealing respirator if there is any facial hair present between the skin and face mask sealing surface. More than slight beard stubble at the sealing surface is considered excessive facial hair. Any other condition that interferes with the sealing surface of the facepiece or interferes with the valve function shall be identified during fit-testing and corrected.

Any employee who experiences difficulty breathing or exhibits severe psychological reaction during any phase of fit-testing shall be referred to the UHC-OHU to re-evaluate whether the employee is capable of wearing a respirator.

Fit-testing shall be repeated at least annually or more frequently if any change occurs which may alter respirator fit. Such changes may include:

1. Weight change of 20 pounds or more,
2. Significant facial scarring in areas of the face seal,
3. Significant dental changes (e.g., multiple extractions or new dentures),
4. Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery in the head/face, or
5. Any condition suspected to affect the face-respirator seal.

Supervisors shall maintain records of current fit-tests to assure testing currency and procurement of appropriate respiratory protection equipment. Supervisors are responsible for insuring employees have been fit-tested within the past 12 months, and shall insure that respirators are not issued to nor used by any employee who has not met this requirement.

Selection of Respirators

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) establishes protection factors for different levels of respiratory protection. The protection factor indicates the maximum inhalation hazard's concentration for which the respirator is certified when properly used. For example:

• If a worker is exposed to benzene at a concentration of 10 parts per million (ppm) averaged over the 8-hour work day, and the maximum acceptable exposure limit is 0.5 ppm, a respirator with a protection factor of at least 20 (10ppm/0.5 ppm) would be necessary to satisfy requirements. An air-purifying half-mask respirator (protection factor = 10) would not be adequate.

• If a worker has an 8-hour lead dust exposure of 0.20 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³), and the maximum acceptable exposure limit is 0.05 mg/m³, a respirator with a protection factor of at least 4 (0.20 mg/0.05 mg) would be necessary to satisfy requirements. An air-purifying half-mask respirator (protection factor = 10) would be acceptable.

The following table indicates the various types of respirators available, and the maximum NIOSH protection factor assigned to each:

UM will follow the NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection for selection of respirator equipment. Additional information concerning types and descriptions of these respirators (including their limitations) is available from DES.

All respirators used by UM personnel shall be approved by NIOSH for the inhalation hazard presented to the employee. Selection of respiratory protection equipment shall be based upon:

1. The nature of the respiratory hazard,
2. The extent or concentration of the hazard,
3. Work requirements and conditions,
4. Characteristics and limitations of available respirators, and
5. Minimal equipment requirements established by regulation or policy.

Air-purifying respirators shall not be used if:

1. Atmospheres are oxygen-deficient (i.e., < 19.5% oxygen),
2. Contaminant concentrations are considered "Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health" (IDLH),
3. Contaminant concentrations are unknown, or
4. For emergencies where the concentration and/or type of contaminant is unknown.

Selection criteria will be documented with the Respirator User Hazard Assessment Form. It is often necessary to perform exposure monitoring to evaluate the need for and type of respiratory protection appropriate for the task(s). The Department of Environmental Safety - Industrial Hygiene Unit (DES - IHU) is responsible for final determination of employees' respiratory protection needs. The UHC-OHU will not provide a respiratory protection medical certification for any employee unless a Respirator User Hazard Assessment Form has been submitted by the supervisor, reviewed by DES - IHU, and filed in the employee's medical records.

Supervisors are required to have respirator selection criteria reassessed whenever circumstances change that may compel use of different levels of respiratory protection (e.g., introduction of new inhalation hazards, work practice modifications resulting in increased chemical exposures, etc.), or if the work environment places increased physical demands upon the employee. Documentation of these changes will be made by the supervisor on the Respirator User Hazard Assessment Update Form.

The following factors shall be taken into account by DES-IHU when selecting the proper respirator:

1. Characteristics of the Hazardous Operation or Process,
2. Nature of contaminant,
3. Concentration of contaminant,
4. Respirator Enclosure Design,
5. Location of Hazardous Area,
6. Physical Conditions in Work Environment,
7. Vision, and
8. Communications.

Voluntary Use of Respirators and
Disposable Dust Masks

Filtering facepiece respirators (e.g., disposable dust masks) are often used to provide relief from nuisance levels of dusts and mists. They cannot be used for protection against fumes, vapors, gases, asbestos, sandblasting or paint sprays. If employees elect to voluntarily use disposable respirators, and if there are no identified inhalation hazards, disposable masks may be provided without medical certification or fit-testing. Employees using these disposable masks must be provided the information contained in Appendix III. Supervisors and employees issuing disposable masks are responsible for providing a copy of this appendix to affected employees. Supervisors are encouraged to document provision of this fact sheet.

If the supervisor permits voluntary use of any other type of respiratory protective device, the following apply:

1. The supervisor must complete the written UM Respiratory Protection Program,
2. The employee must receive medical clearance to use the respirator,
3. The employee must receive training to understand that failure to properly clean, store and maintain the respirator may present a health hazard to the user. This training is required initially and may be satisfied by the supervisor providing the employee a copy of the Voluntary Use of Respirator Fact Sheet contained in this Program as Appendix III, and
4. Respirator fit-tests are not required.

If employees are required to wear any respirator, including filtering facepiece models, they must comply with all portions of the Respiratory Protection Program including medical evaluations and annual training. Workers required to wear disposable respirators as protection against bloodborne pathogens or etiologic agents (protection against inhalation or mucous membrane contact) must be medically certified and trained. Workers required to wear disposable respirators with listed protection factors (e.g., 95% efficiency masks) must also be fit-tested at least annually.

Training

Each respirator wearer shall be given initial training covering the following topics:

1. Contents of the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard,
2. Respiratory Hazards and Health Effects,
3. How Respirators Work,
4. Engineering Controls vs. Respirator Use,
5. Medical Evaluation,
6. Respirator Selection Rationale,
7. Proper Use and Limitations of Respirators,
8. Fit Testing,
9. Respirator Donning/Doffing,
10. Fit Checks, and
11. Maintenance, Cleaning and Storage.

Training for use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is provided by MFRI and coordinated through the Department of Environmental Safety - Industrial Hygiene Unit.

Retraining will be required before the annual refresher due date if:

1. There are changes in the work area that impact respirator use (rendering previous training obsolete),
2. The employee no longer has the skill and understanding to follow and use the respirator per previous training and terms of the UM Respiratory Protection Program, or
3. Any other situations arise that cause the supervisor or program administrator to recommend the employee be retrained.

Fit-testing

Qualitative Fit Tests:
The worker is exposed to an atmosphere containing an irritating aerosol and then asked to perform several exercises to challenge the respirator fit. The wearer reports any noticeable irritation caused by mask leaks.

Quantitative Fit Test:
A particle counting instrument is used to accurately measure respirator fit by comparing the dust concentration in the surrounding air with the dust concentration inside the respirator. The ratio of these concentrations is called the fit factor. A modified filter cartridge (or a modified respirator facepiece) equipped with a sampling port is used to collect air from inside the respirator. With the sampler attached, the wearer is asked to perform several exercises to challenge the respirator fit. During these movements, any leakage is measured by the particle counting device. The fit test data is stored by a computer and a final fit test report is generated. For half-face or filtering facepiece respirators, an acceptable fit test is a measured fit factor of at least 100. Full-face respirators must demonstrate an acceptable fit factor of at least 500.

Supervisors are responsible for insuring employees are fit-tested at least once per year. If any conditions or circumstances are observed by the supervisor that are suspected to impact the fit of an employee's respirator, the supervisor shall insure respirators are not worn unless fit testing is repeated.

Copies of fit-test reports will be forwarded to supervisors. Supervisors are to ensure that employees are provided the specific brand, model and size of respirator indicated in the fit-test report. Respirators shall not be used unless successful fit-testing has been demonstrated.

Respirator Cleaning, Storage, Inspection
and Maintenance

Cleaning and Disinfecting:

Shared respirators or emergency use respirators must be cleaned and disinfected after each use. The person(s) responsible for cleaning and disinfecting of shared or emergency use respirators must be identified in Appendix I.

Manufacturer recommendations should be followed when cleaning respirators.

Storage:

When not in use, the respirator and cartridges should be kept in a sealed container and stored in a clean, dry, moderate temperature and non-contaminated environment. It is especially important to keep gas and vapor cartridges in a sealed container so they do not passively adsorb gases and vapors from the storage area and thereby reduce the filter service life. Particulate filters should also be protected from dusts and dirt. Emergency use respirators should be stored in a sturdy compartment that is quickly accessible in the work area and clearly marked. The supervisor must specify appropriate storage procedures in Appendix I of this program.

Inspection Procedures and Schedules:

Respirators stored for emergency or rescue use shall be inspected at least monthly and before and after each use. Monthly inspections must be documented and include the date of inspection, name or signature of inspector, inspection findings, required remedial action and a serial number identifying the respirator. SCBA cylinders for emergency use shall be maintained in a fully charged state and recharged when pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer's recommended pressure level, unless the SCBA is demonstrated as a training exercise. Inspections must include determinations that the regulator and warning devices function properly.

The supervisor must detail inspection responsibilities, criteria and documentation in Appendix I of this program. Manufacturers' recommendations shall be followed for equipment inspection, but should include at a minimum:

• Inspection Checklist For Filtering Facepiece Respirators:
  • Holes in filter
  • Elasticity of straps
  • Deterioration of straps and metal nose clip

• Inspection Checklist For Air-Purifying Respirators:
  • Facepiece:
    • Dirt
    • Cracks, tears, or holes
    • Distortion of facepiece
    • Cracked, scratched, or loose fitting lenses
  • Headstraps:
    • Breaks or tears
    • Loss of elasticity
    • Broken buckles or attachments
  • Inhalation and Exhalation Valves:
    • Dust particles, dirt, or detergent residue on valve and valve seat
    • Cracks, tears, or distortion in valve material
    • Missing or defective valve covers
  • Filter Elements:
    • Proper filter for the hazard
    • Approval designation
    • Missing or worn gaskets
    • Worn threads on filter and facepiece
    • Cracks or dents in filter housing
    • Deterioration of canister harness
    • Service life indicator, or end of service date
  • Breathing tube:
    • Cracks or holes
    • Missing or loose hose clamps
    • Broken or missing end connectors

• Inspection Checklist for Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators:
  • Facepiece:
    • Dirt
    • Cracks, tears, or holes
    • Distortion of facepiece
    • Cracked, scratched, or loose fitting lenses
  • Headstraps:
    • Breaks or tears
    • Loss of elasticity
    • Broken buckles or attachments
  • Hood, Helmet, Blouse, or Full Suit:
    • Rips or torn seams
    • Headgear suspension
    • Cracks or breaks in faceshield
    • Protective screens that are intact and fit correctly over faceshields, hoods, or blouses
  • Air Supply Systems:
    • Breathing air quality
    • Breaks or kinks in air supply hoses and fittings
    • Tightness of connections
    • Settings of regulators and valves
    • Adequate pressure and/or airflow
    • Correct operations of air-purifying elements and alarm for carbon monoxide or high temperatures

Maintenance of Respirators

Replacement Parts :

Consult the manufacturer or distributor for replacement parts and filters. The Department of Environmental Safety - Industrial Hygiene Unit has a list of replacement parts and filters for each approved respirator model.

Specific information regarding respirator maintenance (authorized maintenance, replacement part locations, etc). must be detailed by the supervisor in Appendix I.

Cylinders must be tested and maintained as prescribed in Department of Transportation regulations 49CFR173 and 49CFR178. These regulations detail requirements for scheduled hydrostatic testing, maintenance, etc. Supervisors with compressed air respirator equipment must be thoroughly familiar with the requirements pertaining to their equipment, and shall ensure appropriate maintenance and service.

Respirator Cartridge Change-Out Schedule

Determination of service life can be accomplished through one of several methods:

1. Experimental Tests:
   Utilizing knowledge of the inhalation hazards (material identification and exposure concentrations) and work conditions (breathing or airflow rate) presented to the employee, physically test the cartridge's ability to resist chemical penetration. The actual breakthrough time with a safety factor adjustment would be used to indicate the change-out schedule.

2. Manufacturer's Recommendation:
   Contact the respirator/cartridge manufacturer and provide details of the inhalation hazards (material identification and exposure concentrations) and work conditions (humidity and work rate). The manufacturer calculates or provides testing data indicating the expected breakthrough time. A safety factor adjustment would be made to this time to indicate the change-out schedule.

3. Mathematical Model Table:
   Utilizing knowledge of the inhalation hazard (material identification and exposure concentrations) and work conditions (humidity and breathing rate), determine estimated breakthrough time, correct for humidity and apply a safety factor to indicate appropriate change-out schedule.

4. Mathematical Model Equation:
   A mathematical equation can determine breakthrough time if the following are known:
   • number of cartridges used in respirator
   • weight of sorbent in each cartridge
   • carbon micropore volume (cubic centimeters per gram)
   • density of packed bed (grams per cubic centimeter)
   • maximum temperature expected in workplace
   • maximum humidity expected in workplace
   • maximum concentration of contaminant (parts per million)
   • work rate or volumetric flow rate in liters per minute
   A safety factor adjustment would be made to this time to indicate the change-out schedule.

5. Experimental "Rule of Thumb":
   Experimental work can allow for a generalization or "rule of thumb" that broadly defines the service life of cartridges exposed to chemicals. One such Rule of Thumb for estimating organic vapor cartridge service life is found in chapter 36 of the AIHA publication "The Occupational Environment - Its Evaluation and Control."
   The rule says:
   • if the chemical's boiling point is > 70 °C and the exposure concentration is less than 200 ppm you can expect a service life of 8 hours at a normal work rate.
   • Service life is inversely proportional to work rate.
   • Reducing concentration by a factor of 10 will increase service life by a factor of 5.
   • Humidity above 85% will reduce service life by 50%
   The "Rule of Thumb" is not generally recognized as a commonly-accepted method to determine cartridge change-out schedules.

6. End-of-Service-Life-Indicator (ESLI):
   Some respirator systems are equipped with an ESLI. Cartridges must be changed immediately when indicated.

7. Breathing Resistance:
   Employees wearing air-purifying respirators for protection against particulates (e.g., asbestos, wood dust, lead) must change filters if any breathing difficulties (i.e., resistance) are experienced while wearing their masks. Employees wearing powered air-purifying respirators for protection against particulates must change filters when airflow rates drop below 4 cubic feet per minute (6 CFM for loose-fitting models).

Supplied Air Respirator Requirements

Air Quality

SCBA and other cylinder-supplied respirators:

Only Grade D breathing air shall be permitted for use in cylinders. The supervisor is required to document the acceptability of breathing air by obtaining a report of the air quality from the supplier and inserting it in Appendix II of this program. It is recommended that such documentation be obtained at least yearly from the supplier. If a new supplier is used, documentation must be obtained prior to use of the breathing air.
The supervisor is responsible for ensuring inspections are conducted and records are available for inspection. The supervisor shall include details of the inspection program (procedures, responsibilities, document locations) in Appendix I of this program.

Air compressors:

Air compressors used to supply breathing air to respirators must be specifically approved for such use. They must be constructed and used so that:

1. contaminated air is not allowed into the air-supply system,
2. moisture content is minimized so that the dew point at one atmosphere pressure is 10^oF below the ambient temperature,
3. suitable in-line air-purifying sorbent beds and filters are installed to ensure breathing air quality,
4. sorbent beds and filters are maintained and replaced per the manufacturer's instructions. A tag indicating the most recent change date and the supervisor's signature shall be maintained at the compressor,
5. carbon monoxide concentrations must not exceed 10 parts per million;
6. oil-lubricated compressors have a high-temperature alarm, and
7. breathing air couplings are incompatible with outlets for non-respirable gases in the workplace.

Breathing air with oxygen concentrations over 23.5% or liquid oxygen shall not be used without specific approval from the Respiratory Protection Program Administrator.

Evaluation of Respirator Program Effectiveness

The above information can serve as an indication of the degree of protection provided by respirators and the effectiveness of the respirator program. Action shall be taken to correct any deficiencies noted with the program. The findings of the respirator program evaluation will be reported to the Director of Environmental Safety, and the report shall list plans to correct faults in the program and target dates for the implementation of the plans.

Worksite Audits

1. Are new materials being used that require hazard assessment?
2. Are all workers using respirators currently trained, fit-tested and medically monitored?
3. Are respirators being properly used, stored, maintained and cleaned?
4. Is the written UM Respiratory Protection Program current and complete?
5. Have all workers who are voluntarily using respirators (including disposable models) received a copy of the Voluntary Use of Respirator Fact Sheet?
6. Are cartridges/filters changed according to the change-out schedule contained in the UM Respiratory Protection Program?
7. Are workers routinely inspecting respirators?
8. Are inspections conducted and documented for emergency use respirators?

Appendix I

Site-Specific Respiratory Protection Information

• Workers using respiratory protection,
• Tasks requiring use of respirators and hazard evaluation data,
• Respirator cartridge change-out schedules, and
• Cleaning, storage and maintenance of respirators

The supervisor is responsible for insuring that the information required in Appendix I is completed and maintained. Modification of these sections may be required when any of the following situations occur:

• Addition or removal of workers assigned tasks involving use of respirators,
• Equipment additions/modifications,
• Work practice alterations,
• Introduction of new inhalation hazards, or
• Any condition that may affect the proper use of respirator equipment

Personnel Using Respirators

Personnel Using Respirators

The supervisor is responsible for maintaining information for each employee using respiratory protection. This information must be current and accurate. Additional pages may be used if necessary. Outdated pages may be removed.

Personnel Using Respirators

Personnel Using Respirators

Personnel Using Respirators

Appendix I

Tasks Requiring Use of Respiratory Protection

Appendix I

Tasks Requiring Use of Respiratory Protection

Task (indicate process and inhalation hazard)	Authorized Respirator (include type of filter/pre-filter if so configured)

Appendix I

Cartridge Change-Out Schedule

The supervisor of each worksite where air-purifying respirators are used shall provide information below indicating cartridge change-out schedules. These schedules must be specific to contaminant, respirator, task and estimated worst-case environmental conditions.

Task/Respirator Equipment	Cartridge Change Schedule	Method of Determination

Appendix I

Cartridge Change-Out Schedule

Task/Respirator Equipment	Cartridge Change Schedule	Method of Determination

Appendix I

Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance Procedures

This worksite-specific Respiratory Protection Program must be customized to indicate specific procedures utilized to clean, store and maintain respirators. Guidance regarding this information is contained elsewhere in this program. The worksite supervisor is responsible for inserting specific procedures in the appropriate sections below:

Cleaning Procedures

Specific information regarding respirator cleaning schedules, procedures, materials and locations must be detailed below. Use additional pages as necessary.

Appendix I

Storage Procedures

Respirators must be stored in a clean, dry area, and according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Specific information regarding acceptable practices for storage of respiratory protective equipment, approved respirator storage locations, and storage locations of spare parts must be detailed below. Use additional pages as necessary.

Appendix I

Maintenance Procedures

Respirators are to be properly maintained at all times to ensure that they function properly and adequately protect the employee. Maintenance involves a thorough visual inspection for cleanliness and defects. Worn or deteriorated parts will be replaced prior to use. No components are to be replaced or repairs made beyond those recommended by the manufacturer. All repairs to regulators or alarms of atmosphere-supplying respirators will be conducted by the manufacturer or by employees trained by the manufacturer to perform these repairs.

Specific information regarding respirator maintenance (authorized maintenance, replacement part locations, etc. must be detailed below. Inspection procedures for emergency use respirators must also be specified. Use additional pages as necessary.

Appendix II

results of air monitoring

breathing air quality test data

respirator manufacturer's literature

guidance document

emergency respirator inspection log

fit-test certifications

Appendix III

Voluntary Use of Respirator
Fact Sheet

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 limitations.

2. Choose respirators certified for use to protect against the contaminant 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 for 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.

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