Respirators facepiece

Protection Factor (PF) The ratio of contaminant concentration outside of the respirator facepiece to that inside. It is taken as an indication of fit. PF values are established by manufacturers for specific types of respirators and are indicators only. Actual protection will depend on how a specific respirator fits a specific individual. Refer also to Fit Factor. 

Loose-fitting respirators are much more expensive than face-sealing respirators. In some sitnations, however, they are the only safe option. For example, you might have to use one if you have facial hair that prevents an adequate seal with the respirator facepiece. 

The employer shall ensure that an employee using a tight-fitting face-piece respirator is fit tested prior to initial use of the respirator, whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model or make) is used, and at least annually thereafter. 

If afterpassing a QLFT orQNFT,theemployeesubsequently notifies the employer, program administrator, supervisor, or PLHCP that the fit of the respiratoris unacceptable, the employee shall be given a reasonable opportunity to select a different respirator facepiece and to be... 

An atmosphere-supplying respirator that provides a continnons flow of breathable air to the respirator facepiece. 

To wash your face and respirator facepieces as necessary to prevent eye or skin irritation ... 

Evans, R. 2000a, p. 82 also TNA,WO195/14846, Porton Note No. 119, History of the Service Volunteer Observer Scheme at Porton Down , November 1959. WL, PP/CLE/A.II, Lovatt Evans papers, Dermatitis Due to Respirator Facepiece see also Davidson Pratt to Lovatt Evans, 25 November 1943. 

Your employer must ensure that your respirator face-piece fits properly. Proper fit of a respirator facepiece is critical to your protection from airborne lead. Obtaining a proper fit on each employee may require your employer to make available several different types of respirator masks. To ensure that your respirator fits properly and that facepiece leakage is minimized, your employer must give you either a qualitative or quantitative fit test as specified in Appendix A of the respiratory protection standard located at 29 CFR 1910.134. 

Cartridge-type and SCBA respirator facepieces are washed in a detergent solution, rinsed in clean potable water, and allowed to dry in a clean area. A clean brush is used to scrub the respirator to remove adhering dirt. 

Ensure that the respirator facepiece is the correct size for your face perform a self fit-test. 

Protective clothing and equipment can create their own hazards. Protective gloves can become caught between rotating parts, or a respirator facepiece can hinder the wearer s vision. The use of such protective equipment requires alertness and continued attentiveness. 

Respirators must be stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals. They must also be packed or stored to prevent deformation of the facepiece and exhalation valve. A good method is to piace them in individuai storage bins. Keep in mind that respirator facepieces wiii become distorted and the straps will lose their elasticity if hung on a peg for a long time. 

Whenever a different respirator facepiece (size, style, model, or make) is used ... 

When the employee, subsequently after passing a QLFT or QNFT, notifies the company, Program Administrator, supervisor, or PLHCP that the fit of the respirator is unacceptable. That employee will be retested with a different respirator facepiece. 

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