Lecture 25 Respiratory Protection Flashcards
(23 cards)
According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, when should respirators be used?
When administrative or engineering controls are not sufficient to maintain compliance with exposure limits.
What are the main elements of a respiratory protection program?
Selection, medical evaluation, fit testing, use, maintenance and care, breathing air quality, training, and program evaluation.
What is an air-purifying respirator (APR)?
A respirator that uses filters, cartridges, or canisters to remove contaminants from the ambient air.
What is a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)?
An APR that uses a blower to pull air through filters and deliver it to the user.
What is an atmosphere-supplying respirator?
A respirator that supplies clean air from an independent source, such as SARs or SCBAs.
What’s the difference between a SAR and SCBA?
SAR stands for Supplied-Air Respirator, and SCBA stands for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.
SAR does not carry the air supply; SCBA carries its own air.
What is a filtering facepiece?
A negative-pressure respirator made of a filter medium forming the facepiece (e.g., N95).
What are the two types of fit testing?
Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) and Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT).
What is the difference between a Qualitative Fit Test (QLFT) and a Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT)?
QLFT is a pass/fail test based on the user’s sensory response (taste, smell, irritation) to test agents and is suitable only for respirators with APF ≤ 10. (lower-protection)
QNFT is a numerical test using instruments to measure leakage into the respirator and can be used for any tight-fitting respirator, including those with APF > 10. (higher protection)
When must fit testing be repeated?
At least annually, or whenever there are changes in the employee’s facial condition, respirator model, or fit.
Name two fit testing agents used in QLFT.
Saccharin, Bitrex (also: isoamyl acetate, irritant smoke)
What is a user seal check?
A quick test performed by the wearer to ensure the mask is properly sealed each time it is worn.
What is the Assigned Protection Factor (APF)?
The expected level of protection provided by a properly functioning and worn respirator.
How is Maximum Use Concentration (MUC) calculated?
MUC = APF × OSHA Exposure Limit
What is the APF for a half-mask air-purifying respirator?
10
What is an IDLH atmosphere?
An atmosphere that poses an immediate threat to life or health or impairs escape.
What do N, R, and P indicate in filter labels like N95?
N: Not oil-resistant; R: Resistant to oil (<8 hours); P: Oil-proof (>8 hours)
What level of efficiency does a HEPA filter provide?
99.97% for particles 0.3 microns in size
What is an ESLI?
End-of-Service-Life Indicator: alerts the user when the filter or sorbent is nearing saturation.
What must occur before a worker is fit tested or uses a respirator?
A medical evaluation must be completed using OSHA’s questionnaire or equivalent.
What must be retained according to OSHA’s recordkeeping rules?
Medical evaluations, fit test records, and written respiratory protection program.
What workplace behaviors are prohibited when using a respirator?
Smoking, drinking, eating, chewing tobacco, and applying cosmetics.
When can employees not wear tight-fitting respirators?
When facial hair or other conditions interfere with the facepiece seal.
