Respiratory-Protection Controls

The first two control levels minimize the number of areas in which exposure to M. tuberculosis might occur and, therefore, minimize the number of persons exposed. These control levels also reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk for exposure in the limited areas in which exposure can still occur. Because persons entering these areas might be exposed to M. tuberculosis, the third level of the hierarchy is the use of respiratory protective equipment in situations that pose a high risk for exposure. Use of respiratory protection can further reduce the risk for exposure from droplet nuclei expelled into the air from a patient with infectious TB disease. Take the following measures to reduce the risk of exposure (1) implement a respiratory protection plan, (2) train employees on respiratory protection, and (3) educate patients about respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette procedures. 

The first two control levels minimize the number of areas in which exposure to M. tuberculosis might occur and, therefore, minimize the number of persons exposed. These control levels also reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk for exposure in the limited areas in which exposure can still occur. 

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Limitation of the use of respiratory protection to those situations where control of exposure by inhalation cannot be controlled by other means. 

Requirements for the control of asbestos exposures at work. Exposure is to be prevented or, if this is not reasonably practicable, reduced to the lowest level reasonably practicable by measures other than the use of respiratory protective equipment. 

LVHV nozzles can create problems that may be sufficiently severe as to prevent their use, usually in the form of ergonomic encumbrances and excessive noise. These problems can be dealt with, to limited extents, and LVHV applications can be effective. It must also be understood that dust control by 1..VHV systems is ultimately limited. No ventilation control measure can ensure sufficient worker protection down to extraordinatily low acceptable dust levels. Worker protection must always be confirmed by industrial hygiene monitoring and evaluation, and administrative control measures such as respiratory protection may be necessary. 

Because personal protection is limited to the user and the equipment must be worn for the duration of the exposure to the hazard, it should generally be considered as a last line of defence. Respiratory protection in particular should be restricted to hazardous situations of short duration (e.g. emergencies, maintenance, or temporary arrangements while engineering control measures are being introduced). Occasionally, personal protection may be the only practicable measure and indeed even a legal requirement. If it is to be effective, its selection, correct use and condition are of paramount importance. 

Again when the measures in Table 5.22 do not prevent, or provide adequate control of exposure there is a requirement to provide suitable personal protective equipment to accomplish it. This includes respiratory protection, protective clothing generally, footwear and eye protection which, in the UK, complies with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992. All routes of exposure, e.g. inhalation, ingestion, absorption through the skin or contact with the skin, must be considered. 

Adsorption is of great technological importance. Thus, some adsorbents are used on a large scale as desiccants, catalysts or catalyst supports others are used for the separation of gases, the purification of liquids, pollution control or for respiratory protection. In addition, adsorption phenomena play a vital role in many solid state reactions and biological mechanisms. 

Potential exposme can be reduced through the use of protective clothing and gloves, respiratory protection and engineering controls. As Tier 1 exposure values... 

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