Respirator Safety

This Training Covers Respirator Inspection User Fit Checks Respirator Cleaning Respirator Storage

Respirator Inspection

Before each use: Make sure you have the right respirator for the job
Inspect it for wear and damage.

Inspection Points

Check for worn or frayed Straps & Hoses. Look for wear or damage on the seal of the facepiece.

Also Check
Be

sure all the screws are tight.

rubber and plastic parts for flexibility.

Check

And Check

Valves should be clean and seated perfectly. Check for cracks or deformities in the face shield.
Check condition of filters, cartridges or canisters. Damage to speaking diaphragm, if there is one.

Correct Filters & Canisters

Ensure you have the correct Filters & Cartridges for the job
NOTE: Color codes on cartridges & filters are only a guide. Read the label to be sure you have the right kind. If a combination of elements is required check to ensure you have the right combination on each side of the respirator.

Full Face Respirators

Check the face shield for clear view

No cracks, gaps or distortions.

Air Supplied Respirators

Check
air supply pressure low pressure alarms

regulator by-pass
hoses for damage or

wear hose connections

Respirator Fit Check

Conduct prior to each use.

For a respirator to work properly it must seal tightly to the face. Before entering an area or conducting work that requires a respirator, conduct a fit check to ensure it will keep out the air contaminants.

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 it with the palm of the hand(s) or by replacing the filter seal(s).
Inhale gently so that the facepiece collapses slightly, and hold your breath for ten seconds.

Safety Note:

The design of some cartridges may require the test be performed by covering the inlet opening of the cartridge with a thin latex or nitrile glove to effectively seal the inlet.
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 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 they are equally effective in detecting seal leakage compared to the positive pressure and negative pressure checks previously described.

Respirator Cleaning

Remove and clean filters, cartridges, valve assemblies and any other detachable parts.
As you clean and dry each part of the respirator, inspect carefully to be sure it is in good condition.

Basic Procedure

Make sure flexible parts are still flexible, and check the stretch of elastic bands.
Generally, a mild detergent and a soft brush are used for cleaning.

Rinse the respirator

Thoroughly in clean, warm water. Rinsing is extremely important because a residue of the cleaning agent can damage the respirator and irritate skin. Be sure all parts are thoroughly dry before putting the respirator back together again. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to absorb most of the water and a fan to speed up the drying process.

Disassemble Respirator

Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters.

Disassemble facepieces by removing speaking diaphragms, demand or pressure-demand valve assemblies, hoses, or any components recommended by the manufacturer. Discard or repair/replace any defective parts.

Wash All Parts

Wash components in warm (43C/110F maximum) water with a mild detergent or with a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.
A soft bristle (not wire) brush may be used to facilitate the removal of dirt.

Rinse All Parts After Washing

Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43C/110F maximum), preferably running, water.
Drain the parts to remove excess water.

Disinfect All Parts

When the cleaner used does not contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components should be immersed for two minutes in Hypochlorite solution (50 ppm of chlorine) made by adding approximately one milliliter of laundry bleach to one liter of water at 43C/110F

Or Use

Liquid solution of iodine (50 ppm iodine) made by adding approximately 0.8 milliliters of tincture of iodine (6-8 grams ammonium and/or potassium iodine/100 cc of 45% alcohol) to one liter of water at 43C/110F

Also acceptable are

Other commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality when used as directed, if their use is recommended or approved by the respirator manufacturer.

Rinse All Parts After Disinfecting

Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43C/110F maximum), preferably running, water.

Drain the parts

The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or disinfectants that dry on facepieces may result in dermatitis.

Disinfectant Note

In addition, some disinfectants may cause deterioration of rubber or corrosion of metal parts if not completely removed.

Reassemble & Test After Drying

Reassemble facepiece, replacing filters, cartridges, and canisters where necessary.

Test the respirator to ensure that all components work properly.

Respirator Storage

When storing a respirator, even overnight.

Flex the rubber parts to make sure they are not twisted or bent. Seal the respirator in a plastic bag.

More about storage

Store your respirator where it will be protected. Protect the respirator from dust, sunlight, extreme heat and cold, moisture, damaging chemicals and physical damage.

YOUR respirator

The respirator you use is designed to protect your health and life but only if you use, clean and store it properly