Escape-type respirators

All personnel entering areas where chlorine is stored or handled should carry or have immediately available an escape-type respirator. Respiratory equipment should be selected based on evaluation of hazards and degree of potential exposure. For example, when tank cars, ton containers or cylinders are connected to or disconnected from plant piping, small releases of chlorine can occur. The need for respiratory protection during such operations should be determined. 

All people on a chlorine plant are advised to carry escape-type respirators. The use of filter masks is prohibited where there is a risk of a high concentration of chlorine. Anyone who enters an area with high chlorine concentrations should be equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing suitable for dealing with liquid chlorine. Protective equipment, safety showers, eye-wash facilities, and emergency kits [24] must be quickly accessible. 

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION CONCENTRATION RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT < 5.2 (as mixture i.e., 3.7 mg/m3 DETA and 1.5 mg/m3 EGME)NIOSH approved full face piece respirators with an organic vapor canister will be on hand for escape. (M9, M17, M40 series gas masks are acceptable for this purpose. Other masks certified as equivalent maybe used.) NIOSH approved escape type SCBA can also be used >5.2 or concentration unknownNIOSH approved full face piece pressure demand SCBA. Or NIOSH approved full-face piece positive pressure, supplied-air respirators with auxiliary SCBA... 

Self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode or (2) Supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode and equipped with an auxiliary escape-type self-contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand mode. 

What type of inspection is required for emergency escape-only type respirators ... 

Emergency escape-only respirators must be inspected before being carried into the workplace for use. These types of respirators (e.g., mouthbit type respirators) are carried in by the individual worker into the workplace for personal use in an emergency, and must be inspected for proper condition prior to being carried into the workplace. 

Yes, if the mouthpiece respirator is properly selected for the potential hazard. It is important that escape-only respirators be NIOSH approved and appropriate for the potential airborne concentration and class of substances involved. However, a mouthpiece type respirator alone would not be appropriate for escape from a chlorine spill because irritation to the eyes could impede the ability of the worker to escape. However, if chemical goggles are also provided, the use of a mouthbit respirator in conjunction with chemical goggles might be acceptable in cases where employees can make an immediate and unobstructed exit from an outdoor, relatively level area involved in an emergency. 

Escape (1) Self-contained breathing apparatus in demand or pressure-demand mode or (2) Full-face mask respirator with chin-style or front- or back-mounted type industrial size canister specifically approved for protection against formaldehyde. 

Type C Respirator An airline respirator, for entry into and escape from atmospheres not immediately dangerous to life or health, which consists of a source of respirable breathing air, a hose, a detachable coupling, a control valve, orifice, a demand valve or pressure demand valve, and arrangement for attaching the hose to the wearer and a facepiece, hood, or helmet. 

Basically, the mode of function of these types of respirators for escape does not differ from that of similar devices used in normal working conditions (see Section 6.S.4.2.3). The use times are in the range of 5-30 min, but devices wither longer times are also available. Figure 6.49 shows a respirator with chemically bound oxygen for escape before use (stiU unpacked) and in use. 

Since a power-assisted air-purifying (PAAP) respirator is a positive-pressure system, i.e., the air within the facepiece is atahigherpressure than the outside air, this type of unit intrinsically provides more protection than the ordinary half-face respirator. If provision is made for an escape mode of operation, i.e., the wearer can continue to breathe through the filters should the pump fail, and escape from the contaminated atmosphere. The ANSI Z88.2 standard (AmericanNational Standard Institute) would permit the use ofthis type ofrespiratorin an IDLH atmosphere. Some ofthe early models of this type of unit had some problems with the seals on the pumps, but these problems have been corrected and they represent a desirable alternative if the wearer is to remain in a contaminated atmosphere for extended periods. There have been a few problems with the pumps overheating while being used at elevated temperatures. 

Section (d)(2)(ii) deals with compressors used to supply breathing air through an air line. A breathing air-type compressor shall be used. Compressors shall be constructed and situated to avoid entry of contaminated air into the system, and suitable inline air-purifying sorbent beds and filters installed to further a.ssure breathing air quality. A receiver of sufficient capacity to enable the respirator wearer to escape from a contaminated atmosphere in the event of compressor failure, as well as alarms to indicate compressor failure and overheating. 

Type A — This is a hose mask respirator for entry into, and escape from, atmospheres not immediately dangerous to life or health. It consists of a motor-driven or hand-operated blower tliat pennits the free entrance of air when the blower is not operating a strong large-diameter hose liaviiig a low resistance to airflow a harness to which the hose and lifeline are attached and a tight-fitting facepiece. 

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