Environment, Health and Safety Manual - Chapter 05.18: Occupational Safety Policies - Respiratory Protection Program

Title

Environment, Health and Safety Manual – Chapter 05.18: Occupational Safety Policies – Respiratory Protection Program

Introduction

The purpose of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) Respiratory Protection Program is to protect the health of employees in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134. Respirators shall be used to protect against harmful dusts, fibers, fumes, mists, gasses, smokes, sprays, bio-aerosols, and vapors.

When possible, occupational exposures caused by breathing contaminated air must be controlled through the use of feasible engineering controls such as the use of general and local ventilation systems, confinement of the operation, or substitution of less toxic materials. When effective engineering controls and other types of workplace controls (administrative, product substitution, etc.) are not feasible, or while they are being instituted, appropriate respirators shall be provided and used. The use of respirators is the last line of defense to protect employees from inhalation hazards.

This program will be updated as necessary to reflect changes in workplace conditions that affect respirator use.

Responsibilities

Department of Environment, Health and Safety

The Department of Environment, Health and Safety is responsible for administering and overseeing the respiratory protection program and for conducting evaluations of program effectiveness.

Supervisors

Supervisors are to develop and implement written site-specific procedures outlining the nature of the work, the hazard to which employees are exposed, and safety procedures to be followed. The specific duties requiring the use of respirators are to be described along with identifying the type of respirators to be worn (see below Worksite-Specific Procedures).

The supervisor must ensure that worksite specific safety procedures (Job Safety Analysis) are developed and communicated to employees.

The supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the employees receive respirator training, fit-testing, and medical evaluations prior to issuing respirators for use.

Supervisors are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of all provisions of this program.

Employees

Employees who are identified as needing respiratory protection are required to comply with Departmental and Work Unit specific policies on respirator use.

Employees (males) are also responsible for ensuring that they are clean shaven prior to annual fit-testing and anytime they must use and don a respirator. This will reduce the potential for leakage of the respirator as a result of an ineffective face to respirator seal.

Employees that use respirators are also responsible for reporting any problems associated with respiratory protective equipment to their supervisors and notifying the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic of any changes in medical condition or work practice that could impact their medical clearance for respirator use.

Worksite-Specific Procedures

Each department, shop, or work unit requiring the use of respirators is to have work-site specific procedures described in their plan outlining the nature of the work, the hazard to which employees are exposed, and safety procedures to be followed.

The best way to create worksite-specific procedures is by developing a “Job Safety Analysis (JSA)”. It describes a task in a step-by-step fashion, identifies associated hazards, and outlines proper controls that minimize the risk of injury or illness to the individual performing that task. Procedures for respirator use, care, cleaning, chemical cartridge change out schedules, maintenance, and inspection are to be included in the JSA. Employees must be trained on the JSA and the Work Unit’s Hazards Management Plan. Employees must be cleared for respirator use prior to working in an area or assigned to a task that requires respiratory protection. Planning assistance is available from the Department of Environment, Health and Safety, Workplace Safety section at 919-962-5507.

Selection of Respirators

Respirators will be selected by the applicable work unit with the assistance from the EHS Department on the basis of many factors including the nature of the hazard, the concentration of the contaminant to which an employee is exposed, extent of the hazard, regulatory requirements, work requirements and conditions, and the characteristics and limitations of available respirators. Below are specific requirements/procedures for the selection of respirators:

Respirators are to be selected based on the respiratory hazard(s) to which the worker is exposed along with workplace and user factors that affect respirator performance and reliability.
Each supervisor is to evaluate the respiratory hazards in the workplace, identify relevant workplace and user factors, and base respirator selection on these factors. This written assessment is to be included in the work unit’s Hazard Management Plan, on the Respirator User Questionnaire form. The EHS Department can help supervisors evaluate potential air contaminants and inhalation hazards and help complete the respirator user questionnaire of the HMP. Once submitted, EHS will determine if exposure monitoring for the applicable air contaminant(s) or other type of exposure assessment (e.g. modeling, etc.) has been conducted. If our records indicate that exposure monitoring has not been conducted, EHS will coordinate the scheduling of the evaluation and exposure monitoring of air contaminant(s). The evaluation of respiratory hazards is to include a reasonable estimate of employee exposures to respiratory hazard(s) and an identification of the contaminant’s chemical state and physical form. If the hazard cannot be identified or the employee’s exposure reasonably estimated, the atmosphere is considered to be IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health). If an unsafe exposure situation exists, the feasibility of engineering or administrative controls will be considered. If these preferred methods of controlling exposures are not feasible, appropriate respirators shall be provided and used.
Respirators can be obtained through the UNC Storeroom. All respirators stocked at the Storeroom are NIOSH-certified and are to be used in compliance with the conditions of certification. Half face air purifying respirators and disposable filtering facepiece air purifying respirators are available for purchase at the University Old General Storeroom. The University Old General Storeroom contact number is 919-962-6767.
Tight-fitting air purifying respirators shall not be worn when conditions prevent a good face seal. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, growth of a beard, sideburns, any piece of clothing that projects under the facepiece (such as bandannas or ball-caps), or temple pieces on glasses. When employees are required to use tight-fitting air purifying respirators and have facial hair that interferes with seal of the respirator, such as a beard or goatee, the employee shall use a Powered Air Purifying Respirator equipped with a loose-fitting hood. This is the only acceptable respirator to be used under these circumstances.

Respirators for Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) Atmospheres

All oxygen-deficient atmospheres, less than 19.5% oxygen, are considered IDLH. The following respirators are to be used in IDLH atmospheres:

A Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) used in the pressure-demand mode, certified by NIOSH for a minimum service life of thirty minutes
A combination full facepiece pressure demand supplied-air respirator (SAR) with auxiliary self-contained air supply

Respirators provided only for escape from IDLH atmospheres are to be NIOSH-certified for escape from the atmosphere in which they will be used. All employees who will be required to use an SCBA must be trained, tested, and certified prior to use.

UNC-CH employees, except for fire fighters and emergency responders to an unknown concentration of chemical contaminants, are not expected to work in IDLH Atmospheres.

Respirators used for protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis are specifically addressed in the UNC Tuberculosis Control Plan.

Medical Evaluations

Using a respirator may place a physiological burden on employees, which varies with the type of respirator worn, the job and workplace conditions in which the respirator is used, and the medical status of the employee. Each employee assigned a respirator in carrying out his/her job responsibilities is to receive a medical evaluation to determine his/her ability to use a respirator, before being fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace.

Medical Evaluation Procedures

Employees are to complete the medical questionnaire (Appendix A) at the time of their medical examination at the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic (UEOHC) located at 145 North Medical Drive. The medical staff will perform a medical evaluation of the ability of the employee to wear a respirator, conduct fit-testing, and determine the need for additional medical evaluations or restrictions on the use of respiratory protection devices. The medical questionnaire and examinations are administered confidentially during the employee’s normal working hours or at a time and place convenient to the employee. Employees are encouraged to discuss the questionnaire and examination results with a member of the UEOHC medical staff.

The following information must be provided to the UEOHC before a recommendation is made concerning an employee’s ability to use a respirator:

The type and weight of the respirator to be used by the employee;
The duration and frequency of respirator use (including use for rescue and escape);
The expected physical work effort;
Additional protective clothing and equipment to be worn; and
Temperature and humidity extremes that may be encountered.

Medical Determination

The University Employee Occupational Health Clinic (UEOHC) is to provide the employee and the employee’s supervisor with a written recommendation regarding the employee’s ability to use a respirator. The recommendation is to include the following information:

Any limitations on respirator use related to the medical condition of the employee, or relating to the workplace conditions in which the respirator will be used, including whether or not the employee is medically able to use the respirator
The need, if any, for follow-up medical evaluations
A statement that the UEOHC has provided the employee with a copy of the written recommendation

Additional medical evaluations are provided if:

An employee reports medical signs or symptoms that are related to the ability to use a respirator
The UEOHC, supervisor, or the Department of Environment, Health and Safety determines that an employee needs to be reevaluated
Information from the respiratory protection program, including observations made during fit testing and program evaluation, indicates a need for employee reevaluation
A change occurs in workplace conditions (e.g., physical work effort, protective clothing, temperature, etc.) that may result in a substantial increase in the physiological burden placed on an employee

Fit Testing Procedures

Employees that are required to use a negative or positive pressure tight-fitting facepiece respirators are to receive a quantitative fit test with the respirator that they will be using to ensure an effective mask-to-face seal. Employees are to be fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, or whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter. Employees must be trained with the respirator they will be using prior to the fit-test. The employee must properly don his/her respirator before the fit-test without assistance in order to achieve an effective mask-to-face seal and to pass the fit-test with an acceptable fit-factor.

An additional fit test is conducted whenever the employee, supervisor, the Department of Environment, Health and Safety, or the UEOHC makes visual observations of changes in the employee’s physical condition that could affect respirator fit. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight. The employee may select a different respirator if he/she does not think the respirator fit is acceptable, even after passing the fit test. The employee will have to be re-fit tested if a different type, model, or manufacture of respirator is used.

Quantitative fit testing of these respirators is accomplished by modifying the facepiece to allow sampling inside the facepiece in the breathing zone of the user, midway between the nose and mouth. This requirement is accomplished by using a sampling adapter designed to temporarily provide a means of sampling air from inside the facepiece. Any modifications to the respirator facepiece for fit testing are to be completely removed, and the facepiece restored to NIOSH-approved configuration, before that facepiece is used in the workplace. Scheduling of respirator quantitative fit-testing is performed through the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic data coordinator. The UEOHC contact phone number is 966-9119.

Proper Use of Respirators

Facepiece Seal Protection

Respirators will be used in accordance with specific procedures described in the manual provided by the respirator manufacturer. Respirators with tight-fitting facepieces are to be worn in a manner that does not interfere with the facepiece seal. Employees with facial hair, or any other condition, that interferes with the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face, or with valve function, are not permitted to wear tight fitting facepieces. Corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective equipment is to be worn in a manner that does not interfere with the seal of the facepiece to the face of the user.

User Seal Check Procedures

For all tight-fitting respirators, employees are to perform a user seal check each time that the respirator is put on, before entering an area containing hazardous atmospheres, and periodically while wearing the respirator in the contaminated area. Both the positive and negative pressure checks listed below and/or the respirator manufacturer’s additional recommended user seal check method is to be used.

Positive Pressure Check

Close off the exhalation valve and exhale gently into the facepiece. The face fit is considered satisfactory if a slight positive pressure can be built up inside the facepiece without any evidence of outward leakage of air at the seal. For most respirators this method of leak testing requires the wearer to first remove the exhalation valve cover before closing off the exhalation valve and then carefully replacing it after the test.

Negative Pressure Check

Close off the inlet opening of the canister or cartridge(s) by covering with the palm of the hand(s) or by replacing the filter seal(s), inhale gently so that the facepiece collapses slightly, and hold the breath for ten seconds. Although the respirators currently used by the University can be checked using the palm method, the design of the inlet opening of some cartridges cannot be effectively covered with the palm of the hand. The test can be performed by covering the inlet opening of the cartridge with a thin latex or nitrile glove. If the facepiece remains in its slightly collapsed condition and no inward leakage of air is detected, the tightness of the respirator is considered satisfactory.

Manufacturer’s Recommended User Seal Check Procedures

The respirator manufacturer’s recommended procedures for performing a user seal check may be used instead of the positive and/or negative pressure check procedures provided that the employer demonstrates that the manufacturer’s procedures are equally effective.

Use of Powered-Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

The use of a powered-air purifying respirator uses a blower to force air through the air-purifying element. The advantage of using a PAPR is that it usually supplies air at a positive pressure, reducing inward leakage of contaminants when compared with non-powered air purifying respirators.

Employees must ensure that the motor blower of the PAPR is providing the required airflow prior to operation or anytime a decrease in airflow is experienced to verify that the PAPR is providing the required airflow. To be certified as a PAPR by NIOSH, the blower must provide at least 170 Liters/Minute (6 cubic feet per minute (cfm)) to a loose-fitting face piece, helmet, or hood or 115 Liters/Minute (4 cfm) to a tight-fitting facepiece. To check the airflow prior to operation, the respirator manufacturer provides a device for verifying that the airflow exceeds these levels. The device includes a flow meter that can be attached to the respirator. Employees must read and understand the manufacturer instructions prior to use of the PAPR. Maintenance and airflow indicator tests should be included in your standard operating procedure and/or Job Safety Analysis for the operation of the PAPR for use for protection against air contaminants.

Continuing Respirator Effectiveness

Supervisors are to maintain surveillance of the work area conditions and the degree of employee exposure or stress. When there is a change in work area conditions or degree of employee exposure or stress that may affect respirator effectiveness, the supervisor is to reevaluate the continued effectiveness of the respirator. The supervisor is to ensure that employees leave the respirator use area:

To wash their faces and respirator facepieces as necessary to prevent eye or skin irritation associated with respirator use
If they detect vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the facepiece
To replace the respirator or the filter, cartridge, or canister elements. If the employee detects vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the facepiece, the respirator is to be replaced or repaired before the employee is allowed to return to the work area

Maintenance and Care of Respirators

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Employees are to be provided with respirators that are clean, sanitary, and in good working order. Respirators are to be cleaned and disinfected using the following procedures, or equivalent procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer.

Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters. Disassemble facepieces by removing speaking diaphragms, demand and pressure-demand valve assemblies, hoses, or any components recommended by the manufacturer. Discard or repair any defective parts.
Wash components in warm (43°C [110°F] maximum) water with a mild detergent or with a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. A stiff bristle (not wire) brush may be used to facilitate the removal of dirt. Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43°C [110°F] maximum) running water. Drain.
When the cleaner used does not contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components should be immersed for two minutes in one of the following:
1. Hypochlorite solution (50 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine) made by adding approximately one milliliter of laundry bleach to one liter of water at 43°C (110°F)
2. Aqueous solution of iodine (50 ppm iodine) made by adding approximately 0.8 milliliters of tincture of iodine (6-8 grams ammonium and/or potassium iodide/100 cc of 45% alcohol) to one liter of water at 43°C (110°F)
3. Other commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality when used as directed, if their use is recommended or approved by the respirator manufacturer
Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43°C [110°F] maximum) running water. Drain. The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or disinfectants that dry on facepieces may result in dermatitis. In addition, some disinfectants may cause deterioration of rubber or corrosion of metal parts if not completely removed.
Components should be hand-dried with a clean lint-free cloth or air-dried.
Reassemble facepiece, replacing filters, cartridges, and canisters where necessary.
Test the respirator to ensure that all components work properly.

The respirators are to be cleaned and disinfected at the following intervals:

Respirators issued for the exclusive use of an employee are to be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary to be maintained in a sanitary condition
Respirators issued to more than one employee are to be cleaned and disinfected before and after being worn by different individuals
Respirators maintained for emergency use are to be cleaned and disinfected after each use

Storage

All respirators are to be stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals. They are to be packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve. Emergency respirators are to be: Kept accessible to the work area; stored in compartments or in covers that are clearly marked as containing emergency respirators; and stored in accordance with any applicable manufacturer instructions.

Inspection

All respirators used in routine situations are to be inspected before each use and during cleaning. Respirator inspections are to include the following:

A check of respirator function, tightness of connections, and the condition of the various parts including, but not limited to; the facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tube, and cartridges, canisters or filters;
A check of elastomeric parts for pliability and signs of deterioration.

Employees that use Powered Air Purifying Respirators must verify that the respirator and components (e.g. blower motor, attachment hoses, hood or helmet) are inspected prior to use.

All respirators maintained for use in emergency situations are to be inspected at least monthly in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, and are to be checked for proper function before and after each use. Emergency escape-only respirators are to be inspected before being carried into the workplace for use. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are to be inspected monthly. Air and oxygen cylinders are to be maintained in a fully charged state and are to be recharged when the pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure level. The inspection is to include a determination that the regulator and warning devices function properly. Documentation of inspections for respirators maintained for emergency use is to be provided on a tag or label that is attached to the storage compartment for the respirator, is kept with the respirator, or is included in inspection reports stored as paper or electronic files. This information is to be maintained until replaced following a subsequent certification. The documentation is to include:

The date the inspection was performed
The name (or signature) of the person who made the inspection
The findings
Required remedial action
A serial number or other means of identifying the inspected respirator

Repairs

Respirators that fail an inspection or are otherwise found to be defective are to be removed from service, and either be discarded, repaired, or adjusted. Repairs or adjustments to respirators are to be made only by persons appropriately trained and use only the manufacturer’s NIOSH-approved parts designed for that particular respirator. Repairs are to be made according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications for the type and extent of repairs to be performed. Reducing and admission valves, regulators, and alarms are to be adjusted or repaired only by the manufacturer or a technician trained by the manufacturer.

Breathing Air Quality and Use for Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators

Compressed air, compressed oxygen, liquid air, and liquid oxygen used for respiration are to meet the United States Pharmacopoeia requirements for medical or breathing oxygen. Compressed breathing air is to meet at least the requirements for Type 1-Grade D breathing air described in ANSI/Compressed Gas Association Commodity Specification for Air, G-7.1-1989, to include:

Oxygen content (v/v) of 19.5-23.5%
hydrocarbon (condensed) content of 5 milligrams per cubic meter of air or less
Carbon monoxide (CO) content of 10 ppm or less
Carbon dioxide content of 1,000 ppm or less
Lack of noticeable odor

Compressed oxygen is not to be used in atmosphere-supplying respirators that have previously used compressed air. Oxygen concentrations greater than 23.5% are to be used only in equipment designed for oxygen service or distribution. Cylinders used to supply breathing air to respirators are to meet the following requirements:

Cylinders are tested and maintained as prescribed in the Shipping Container Specification Regulations of the Department of Transportation (49 CFR part 173 and part 178)
Cylinders of purchased breathing air have a certificate of analysis from the supplier that the breathing air meets the requirements for Type 1–Grade D breathing air
The moisture content in the cylinder does not exceed a dew point of -50°F (-45.6°C) at 1 atmosphere pressure

Compressors used to supply breathing air to respirators are constructed and situated so as to:

Prevent entry of contaminated air into the air-supply system
Minimize moisture content so that the dew point at 1 atmosphere pressure is 10 degrees F (5.56°C) below the ambient temperature
Have suitable in-line air-purifying sorbent beds and filters to further ensure breathing air quality. Sorbent beds and filters are to be maintained and replaced or refurbished periodically following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Have a tag containing the most recent change date and the signature of the person authorized by the employer to perform the change. The tag is to be maintained at the compressor.

For compressors that are not oil-lubricated, carbon monoxide levels in the breathing air are not to exceed 10 ppm. For oil-lubricated compressors, a high-temperature or carbon monoxide alarm, or both, to monitor carbon monoxide levels are to be used. If only high-temperature alarms are used, the air supply is to be monitored at intervals sufficient to prevent carbon monoxide in the breathing air from exceeding 10 ppm. Breathing air couplings are to be incompatible with outlets for non-respirable worksite air or other gas systems. No asphyxiating substances are to be introduced into breathing air lines. Only breathing gas containers marked in accordance with the NIOSH respirator certification standard, 42 CFR part 84 are to be used.

Respirator Training

Employees are to be trained in the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed during routine and emergency situations, and in the proper use of respirators, including putting on and removing them, any limitations on their use, and their maintenance. The training must be comprehensive, understandable, and be prior to requiring the employee to use a respirator in the workplace. Retraining is to be administered annually, and when the following situations occur:

Changes in the workplace or the type of respirator render previous training obsolete
Inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of the respirator indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill
Any other situation arises in which retraining appears necessary to ensure safe respirator use. Each employee is to demonstrate knowledge of at least the following:
- Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator
- What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are
- How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions
- How to inspect, put on and remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator
- What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator
- How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators
- The general requirements of the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard

EHS has developed website-based online respiratory protection training modules for employees to use as a training resource. Additional computer based training modules are planned to be developed by EHS for specific work units in the future. Training assistance can also be provided by contacting EHS at 919-962-5507.

Employees can log on to the UNC Environment, Health, and Safety Department website to access online respiratory protection training programs. Once logged on to our site, go to the training section, and then select the section called ‘self-study units’.

The training module, Respiratory Protection for Tuberculosis, was created for employees that work in the clinical environment (i.e. Physicians in Healthcare areas, and all other designated medical personnel). This module covers all required training requirements for healthcare and other employees that are enrolled in the Respiratory Protection Program for the protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The training module, Respiratory Protection, was created to be a comprehensive review of the UNC-CH Respiratory Protection Program and is required for Industrial/Maintenance & Construction and Support Service work unit employees that are issued tight-fitting/elastomeric, air purifying respirators or powered-air purifying respirators.

The training module, Using N95 for Respiratory Protection, covers all required training requirements for the use of filtering facepiece N95 respirators.

The training module, Respiratory Protection for Energy Services Mechanical Maintenance, was designed for Energy Services Cogeneration Facility Mechanical Maintenance employees who use full face, half face, and filtering face piece respirators for respiratory protection.

The training module, UNC Emergency Responder Respirator Training, was designed for EHS Department employees who use full face respirators and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses for respiratory protection during emergency response actions such as when responding to a chemical spill or release on campus.

Evaluation of Respiratory Protection Program

The Department of Environment, Health and Safety, Workplace Safety Section conducts evaluations of the workplace in conjunction with the applicable Work Units annual Safety Inspection and as necessary to ensure that the provisions of this written program are being effectively implemented.

This evaluation will include consultations with supervisors and employees required to use respirators to assess compliance with UNC-CH Respiratory Protection Program requirements, to access the employees’ views on program effectiveness and to identify any problems or issues that may need to be further addressed. Factors to be assessed include:

Respirator fit (including the ability to use the respirator without interfering with effective workplace performance)
Appropriate respirator selection for the hazards to which the employee is exposed
Proper respirator use under the workplace conditions the employee encounters
Proper respirator maintenance
Compliance with UNC-CH Respiratory Protection Program requirements

Where Respirator Use is Not Required (Voluntary Use of Respirators)

OSHA requires that the voluntary use of respirators (i.e., when respirators are not required by the company), be controlled as strictly as if their use were required. Respirators may be provided at the request of employees, or employees may use their own respirators, if such respirator use will not in itself create a hazard. The following requirements are made for the voluntary use of respirators:

Medical determination that the employee is able to use the respirator
The respirator is to be cleaned, stored, and maintained so that its use does not present a health hazard to the user
Employees are provided a copy of Appendix D of OSHA 1910.134, “Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard”

Exception: These requirements do not apply to the voluntary use of filtering facepieces (dust masks).

Record Keeping

The Department of Environment, Health and Safety will maintain a written copy of the respirator program in the Environment, Health and Safety Manual and on the Department of Environment, Health and Safety’s website. The medical evaluations and fit-testing results will be maintained in the UEOHC medical records in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020. This information will be made available upon request to regulatory agency inspectors or affected employees.

Forms

OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (see attached file)
Medical Evaluation for Respirator Use (see attached file)
Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under the Standard

Air Purifying Respirator Chemical Cartridge Change Out Schedule

Each UNC Work Unit that uses half face or full face air purifying respirators equipped with chemical cartridges for protection against airborne hazards such as gasses and vapors (e.g. solvent vapors) must implement a chemical cartridge change out schedule prior to the use of the respirator. EHS Department will assist in performing this task during scheduled workplace evaluations and inspections. EHS Staff will help implement a change schedule for Work Units that use chemical cartridges that is based on objective information or data that will ensure that canisters and cartridges are changed before the end of their service life.

The service life of a cartridge depends upon many factors, including environmental conditions such as humidity, breathing rate of the respirator user, cartridge filtering capacity, and the amount of contaminants in the air.

Detection of chemicals by taste, smell, or irritation is not acceptable indicators to replace respirator chemical cartridges. An established change out schedule will help prevent “break-through” of the chemical cartridge and will prevent detection of chemicals by taste, smell, or irritation as a result of the overuse of a saturated cartridge.

EHS Department Staff will assist you develop chemical cartridge change out schedules upon request and during scheduled workplace evaluations. We have tools and technical expertise to help you. Many of the Respirator Manufactures that we use at UNC such as North, 3M, and MSA, have cartridge service life estimator computer tools on their company websites to help determine acceptable change out schedules. In addition, on the Workplace Safety Section web page under the Respiratory Protection Program Section, we have a link to the OSHA Respiratory Protection e-tool/Respirator Change Schedule that can be used to help establish acceptable chemical cartridge change schedules.

Contact Information

Policy Contact

Environment, Health and Safety
1120 Estes Drive
Campus Box #1650
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1650
Phone: 919-962-5507

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