Category: PPE

A fit test is a test protocol conducted to verify that a respirator is both comfortable and correctly fits the user. Fit testing uses a test agent, either qualitatively detected by the wearer’s sense of taste, smell or involuntary cough (irritant smoke) or quantitatively measured by an instrument, to verify the respirator’s fit. See questions related to qualitative and quantitative fit testing for more specific information.

Fit testing necessary:

Fit testing each model of respirator the employee is to use in workplace tasks before their use is important to assure the expected level of protection is provided by minimizing the total amount of contaminant leakage into the face piece. The benefits of this testing include better protection for the employee and verification that the employee is wearing a correctly-fitting model and size of respirator. Higher than expected exposures to a contaminate may occur if users have poor face seals with the respirator, which can result in excessive leakage.

Different methods for respirator fit testing:

Fit test methods are classified as either qualitative or quantitative, and there are multiple protocols of each classification that are OSHA-accepted, ANSI-accepted, or NIOSH-recommended. A qualitative fit test is a pass/fail test to assess the adequacy of respirator fit that relies on the individual’s sensory detection of a test agent. A quantitative fit test numerically measures the effectiveness of the respirator to seal with the wearer’s face, without relying on the wearer’s voluntary or involuntary response to a test agent.

Qualitative fit testing (QLFT):

1. The protocols are initiated by first determining the wearer’s ability to detect the test agent (e.g. saccharin, isoamyl acetate, BitrexTM) at a sensitivity level that corresponds to less than an acceptable fit before put on (donning) the tight-fitting face piece respirator. The wearer enters an exposure chamber, has a test enclosure placed on his/her head, or is positioned somewhere in an open test area and the test agent is generated around him/her. The wearer signals when the test agent is sensed. The fit test operator proceeds with the fit test only if the demonstrated sensitization level is low enough to assure the test agent will be sensed at all levels representing a failure to achieve an acceptable fit. [Note: Isoamyl acetate, being an organic vapor, can not be used as a test agent for particulate respirators.]
2. Next, the wearer follows the manufacturer’s instructions to put on what initially seems to be the best fitting respirator provided by the employer.
3. The wearer then completes a user seal check to confirm that the respirator is properly seated on the face
4. The wearer then enters an exposure chamber, has a test enclosure placed on his/her head, or is positioned somewhere in an open test area. The test agent is generated at the designated test level around the subject.
5. The fit test operator observes the worker during exposure while directing him/her through a series of exercises. The fit test operator notes involuntary coughing (irritant smoke) during the test or asks the wearer at the end of the test if he or she smelled or tasted anything at any time during the test. From the test subject’s response and the fit test operator’s observations, the fit test operator determines a pass/fail judgment by which the respirator make, model and size may be assigned to the wearer.

How is qualitative fit testing performed?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has included the acceptance of respirator fit test protocols in it’s regulations at 29 CFR 1910.134. The OSHA-accepted fit test protocols can be found at 29 CFR 1910.134 appendix A. The American National Standards Institute’s ANSI Z88.10, Respirator Fit Testing Methods provides the step-by-step explanations for conducting the ANSI-accepted fit tests. While the OSHA regulations and ANSI Z88.10 provide the procedures that must be used to conduct each of the accepted protocols, a general description of how theprotocols are conducted is provided below for the convenience of the reader.

Quantitative fit testing performed:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)has included the acceptance ofrespirator fit test protocols in it’s regulations at 29 CFR 1910.134. The OSHA-accepted fit test protocols can be found at 29 CFR 1910.134 appendix A. The American National Standards Institute’s ANSI Z88.10, Respirator Fit Testing Methods provides the step-by-step explanations for conducting the ANSI -accepted fit tests. There are several methods with significantly different protocols for conducting Quantitative fit testing (QNFT). While the OSHA regulations and ANSI Z88.10 provide the procedures that must be used to conduct each of the accepted protocols, a general description of the most common methods used in the protocols are provided below for the convenience of the reader.

In order to do these measurements, a small sampling tube is positioned to sample the air within the facepiece of the respirator and attached to a fit testing instrument able to calculate the percentage of particles leaking into the facepiece.

1. First, the wearer dons one of the respirator models/sizes provided by the employer that is expected to provide a good fit , in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
2. The wearer completes a user seal check to confirm that the respirator is properly seated on his/her face
3. A fit testing adaptor is affixed to the respirator and the respirator is attached to a fit testing instrument through a small sampling tube positioned within the facepiece
4. The fit test operator then instructs the wearer to go through a series of prescribed exercises while the attached fit testing instrument measures the ratio of particles both inside and outside of the respirator. From this data, a fit factor for the tested wearer is calculated which will determine whether or not the model, brand, and size of the respirator is suitable (passable) to be used regularly by that wearer.

Difference between a qualitative and quantitative fit test:

Qualitative fit testing (QLFT) relies on the respirator wearer’s senses to determine if there is a gap in the seal of the respirator to the wearer’s face.

The test agents used in the OSHA-accepted and ANSI-accepted qualitative fit testing protocols are:

• Saccharin – a sweet tasting solid aerosol;

• Isoamyl acetate – a liquid that produces a sweet smelling vapor similar to bananas;

• BitrexTM – a bitter tasting solid aerosol; and

• Irritant smoke – a solid aerosol made of stannic oxychloride that produces hydrochloric acid when it comes in contact with water vapor. Exposure to the hydrochloric acid produces an involuntary cough reflex.[Note: NIOSH does not endorse or recommend the use of the irritant smoke fit test. NIOSH, in its formal comments to OSHA on the proposed revision of 29 CFR 1910, 1915, and 1926, strongly recommended against the use of this fit test method because of the health risk associated with exposure to the irritant smoke. That recommendation was primarily based on studies conducted as part of a NIOSH HHE (HETA 93-040-2315) and described in Appendix A of the NIOSH comments to OSHA dated May 15, 1995 (docket H-049).]

The test protocols include testing at a sensitivity level that demonstrates the user will be able to appropriately sense the presence of the test agent within the respirator by taste, smell or the urge to cough.

Quantitative fit testing (QNFT) uses fit testing instrument(s) to provide quantitative, or numerical measurements of the amount of face seal leakage present when a given respirator is donned by a particular user.

Respirator fit tests required:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (29 CFR 1910.134) requires a respirator fit test to confirm the fit of any respirator that forms a tight seal on the wear’s face before it is to be used in the workplace. That same OSHA respirator standard also prohibits tight fitting respirators to be worn by workers who have facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face of the wearer.

How often must fit testing be done?

Because each brand, model, and size of particulate facepiece respirators will fit slightly differently, a user should engage in a fit test every time a new model, manufacture type/brand, or size is worn. Also, if weight fluctuates or facial/dental alterations occur, a fit test should be done again to ensure the respirator remains effective. Otherwise, fit testing should be completed at least annually to ensure continued adequate fit.

Once I am fit tested can I use any brand / make / model respirator as long as it is the same size?

No. A fit test only qualifies the user to put on (don) the specific brand/make/model of respirator with which an acceptable fit testing result was achieved. Users should only wear the specific brand, model, and size respirators that he or she wore during successful fit tests. [Note: respirator sizing is variable and not standardized across models or brands. For example a medium in one model may not offer the same fit as a different manufacturer’s medium model.]

Respirator user seal check:

It is a procedure conducted by the respirator wearer to determine if the respirator is properly seated to the face. The user seal check can be either a positive pressure or negative pressure check, which are generally performed as follows: The positive pressure user seal check is where the person wearing the respirator exhales gently while blocking the path for exhaled breath to exit the facepiece. A successful check is when the facepiece is slightly pressurized before increased pressure causes outward leakage. The negative pressure user seal check is where the person wearing the respirator inhales sharply while blocking the paths for inhaled breath to enter the facepiece. A successful check is when the facepiece collapses slightly under the negative pressure that is created with this procedure. A user seal check is sometimes referred to as a fit check. A user seal check should be completed each time the respirator is put on (donned). It is only applicable when a respirator has already been successfully fit tested on the individual.

When should a user seal check be done?

Once a fit test has been done to determine the best model and size of respirator for a particular user, a user seal check should be done by the user every time the respirator is to be worn to ensure an adequate seal is achieved.

User seal check on a particulate respirator:

A user seal check may be accomplished by using the procedures recommended by the manufacturer of the respirator. This information can be found on the box or individual respirator packaging. There are positive and negative pressure seal checks and not every respirator can be checked using both. You should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for conducting user seal checks on any specific respirator .

The following positive and negative user seal check procedures for filtering facepiece respirators are provided as examples of how to perform these procedures.

Positive pressure check –Once the particulate respirator is properly put on (donned), your hands over the facepiece, covering as much surface area as possible. Exhale gently into the facepiece. The face fit is considered satisfactory if a slight positive pressure is being built up inside the facepiece without any evidence of outward leakage of air at the seal. Examples of such evidence would be the feeling of air trickling onto the your face along the seal of the facepiece, fogging of your glasses, or a lack of pressure being built up inside the facepiece.

If the particulate respirator has an exhalation valve, then performing a positive pressure check may be impossible. If so, then do a negative pressure check.

Negative pressure check – Negative pressure seal checks are conducted on particulate respirators that have exhalation valves. To conduct a negative pressure user seal check, cover the filter surface with your hands as much as possible and then inhale. The facepiece should collapse on your face and you should not feel air passing between your face and the facepiece.

Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) require fit testing

The answer to this question depends on the type of facepiece that the respirator has. Any facepieces that form a tight seal to the wearer’s face, e.g. half-masks and full facepieces must be fit tested regardless of the mode of operation. The PAPR fit test is conducted with the blower turned off.

Loose fitting respirators, such as PAPRs, in which the hood or helmet are designed to form only a partial seal with the wearer’s face or hoods which seal loosely around the wearer’s neck or shoulders, do not require fit testing.

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Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)

Tight-Fitting PAPR:

Equipment is battery operated, consists of a half or full face piece, breathing tube, battery-operated blower, and particulate filters (HEPA only). A PAPR uses a blower to pass contaminated air through a HEPA filter, which removes the contaminant and supplies purified air to a face piece. A PAPR is not a true positive-pressure device because it can be over-breathed when inhaling.

Advantages:

1. The respirator is more protective than a half-mask respirator.

2. The respirator is usually more comfortable because air is forced into the mask by the blower, producing a cooling effect.

3. The respirator is durable.

4. Breathing resistance is lower.

Disadvantages:

1. The respirator cannot be used where a clean or sterile field is required because it has an exhalation valve and in some cases air can exit around the face seal.

2. Batteries must be recharged and maintained to assure proper flow rates into the mask.

3. The respirator must be inspected, cleaned, and repaired.

4. Communication may be a problem.

5. A PAPR may be bulky and noisy.

Loose Fitting PAPR:

This respirator consists of a hood or helmet, breathing tube, battery-operated blower, and HEPA filters.

Advantages:

1. More protective than a half-mask respirator.

2. The respirator is more comfortable because it is loose-fitting.

3. Provides a cooling effect in the hood or helmet.

4. The respirator is durable.

5. Breathing resistance is lower.

6. Vision may be better.

7. Can be worn with facial hair as long as facial hair does not interfere with valve or function of the respirator.

Disadvantages:

1. The equipment cannot be used where a sterile field must be maintained because air exits around the hood or helmet.

2. Batteries must be charged and maintained.

3. The respirator must be inspected, cleaned, and repaired.4. Communication may be difficult.5. A PAPR may be bulky and noisy.

Positive-Pressure Supplied-Air Respirators:

Fixed Air Supply:

Supplied-air respirators use compressed air from a stationary source delivered through a hose under pressure to a half-mask or a full face piece. A face shield may also be used in conjunction with a half-mask airline respirator for protection against body fluids.

Advantages:

1. The respirator is much more protective because it provides positive pressure in the face piece and almost all leakage is outward. A positive-pressure supplied-air respirator should be used when disposable respirators, replaceable respirators, or PAPRs do not provide adequate protection.

2. Breathing resistance is minimal.

3. The respirator is relatively comfortable to wear.

Disadvantages:

1. The airline hose restricts the user’s mobility.

2. This respirator exhausts air contaminated by the user and should not be worn during clean or sterile procedures.

3. The respirator must be inspected, cleaned, and repaired.

4. Communication may be difficult.

5. Requires installation and maintenance of a regulated compressed air supply for Grade D breathing air.

6. Maintenance requires highly skilled, technically trained personnel.

7. Length of hose and connection point must be adequate to prevent exposure to airborne contaminates when removing the respirator.

Respiratory Protection Program Evaluation:

Evaluations of the workplace are necessary to ensure that the written respiratory protection program is being properly implemented, this includes consulting with employees to ensure that they are using the respirators properly. Evaluations should be conducted to ensure that the provisions of the current written program are being effectively implemented and that it continues to be effective Program evaluation includes discussions with employees required to use respirators to assess the employees’ views on program effectiveness and to identify any problems. Factors to be assessed include, but are not limited to: Respirator fit (including the ability to use the respirator without interfering with effective workplace performance); Appropriate respirator selection for the hazards to which the employee is exposed; Proper respirator use under the workplace conditions the employee encounters; and Proper respirator maintenance.

Selection of Respirators:

The Company has evaluated the respiratory hazard(s) in each workplace, identified relevant workplace and user factors and Assigned Protection Factors and has based respirator selection on these factors. Also included are estimates of employee exposures to respiratory hazard(s) and an identification of the contaminant’s chemical state and physical form. This selection has included appropriate protective respirators for use in IDLH atmospheres, and has limited the selection and use of air-purifying respirators. All selected respirators are NIOSH-certified .

Filter Classifications:

These classifications are marked on the filter or filter package

N-Series: Not Oil Resistant

• Approved for non-oil particulate contaminants.

• Examples: dust, fumes, mists not containing oil

R-Series: Oil Resistant.

• Approved for all particulate contaminants, including those containing oil

• Examples: dusts, mists, fumes

• Time restriction of 8 hours when oils are present

P-Series: Oil Proof

• Approved for all particulate contaminants including those containing oil

• Examples: dust, fumes, mists

• See Manufacturer’s time use restrictions on packaging

Respirators for Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health(IDLH) atmospheres:

• The following respirators will be used in IDLH atmospheres:

• A full face piece pressure demand SCBA certified by NIOSH for a minimum service life of thirty minutes, or

• A combination full face piece pressure demand supplied-air respirator (SAR) with auxiliary self-contained air supply.

• Respirators provided only for escape from IDLH atmospheres shall be NIOSH-certified for escape from the atmosphere in which they will be used.

Identification of Filters & Cartridges:

All filters and cartridges shall be labeled and color coded with the NIOSH approval label and that the label is not removed and remains legible. A change out schedule for filters and canisters has been developed to ensure these elements of the respirators remain effective.

Respirator Filter & Canister Replacement

An important part of the Respiratory Protection Program includes identifying the useful life of canisters and filters used on air-purifying respirators. Each filter and canister shall be equipped with an end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) certified by NIOSH for the contaminant; orIf there is no ESLI appropriate for conditions a change schedule for canisters and cartridges that is based on objective information or data that will ensure that canisters and cartridges are changed before the end of their service life.

Filter & Cartridge Change Schedule

Stock of spare filers and cartridges shall be maintained to allow immediate change when required or desired by the employee

Types of Fit Tests

The fit test shall be administered using an OSHA-accepted QLFT or QNFT protocol. The OSHA-accepted QLFT and QNFT protocols and procedures are contained in Appendix A of OSHA Standard 1910.134.

• QLFT may only be used to fit test negative pressure air-purifying respirators that must achieve a fit factor of 100 or less.

• If the fit factor, as determined through an OSHA-accepted QNFT protocol, is equal to or greater than 100 for tight-fitting half face pieces, or equal to or greater than 500 for tight-fitting full face pieces, the QNFT has been passed with that respirator.

• Fit testing of tight-fitting atmosphere-supplying respirators and tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators shall be accomplished by performing quantitative or qualitative fit testing in the negative pressure mode, regardless of the mode of operation (negative or positive pressure) that is used for respiratory protection.

• Qualitative fit testing of these respirators shall be accomplished by temporarily converting the respirator user’s actual face piece into a negative pressure respirator with appropriate filters, or by using an identical negative pressure air-purifying respirator face piece with the same sealing surfaces as a surrogate for the atmosphere-supplying or powered air-purifying respirator face piece.

• Quantitative fit testing of these respirators shall be accomplished by modifying the face piece to allow sampling inside the face piece in the breathing zone of the user, midway between the nose and mouth. This requirement shall be accomplished by installing a permanent sampling probe onto a surrogate face piece, or by using a sampling adapter designed to temporarily provide a means of sampling air from inside the face piece.

• Any modifications to the respirator face piece for fit testing shall be completely removed, and the face piece restored to NIOSH approved configuration, before that face piece can be used in the workplace. Fit test records shall be retained for respirator users until the next fit test is administered. Written materials required to be retained shall be made available upon request to affected employees.

Respirator Cleaning Guide

1. Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters. Disassemble face pieces by removing speaking diaphragms, demand and pressure demand valve assemblies, hoses, or any components recommended by the manufacturer. Discard or repair any defective parts.  

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

3. Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43 deg. C [110 deg. F] maximum), preferably running water. Drain.

4. When the cleaner used does not contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components should be immersed for two minutes in one of the following:

• Hypochlorite solution (50 ppm of chlorine) made by adding approximately one milliliter of laundry bleach to one liter of water at 43 deg. C (110 deg. F); or,

• Aqueous solution of iodine (50 ppm iodine) made by adding approximately 0.8 milliliters of tincture of iodine (68 grams ammonium and/or potassium iodide/100 cc of 45% alcohol) to one liter of water at 43 deg. C (110 deg. F); or,

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

5. Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43 deg. C [110 deg. F] maximum), preferably running water. Drain. The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or disinfectants that dry on face pieces may result in dermatitis. In addition, some disinfectants may cause deterioration of rubber or corrosion of metal parts if not completely removed.

6. Components should be hand dried with a clean lint free cloth or air dried.

7. Reassemble face piece, replacing filters, cartridges, and canisters where necessary.

8. Test the respirator to ensure that all components work properly.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION SIGNAGE’S

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Hearing Protection Fact Sheet:

Hearing loss from exposure to high noise levels is generally permanent. When employees are subjected to sound exceeding those listed in the table below feasible administrative or engineering controls must be used to reduce exposure. If these controls fail to reduce sound levels to acceptable levels, personal hearing protective equipment must be provided to reduce sound levels within the levels of the table.

Permissible Noise Exposure

Noises are considered continuous if the interval between occurrences of the maximum noise level is 1 second or less. Noises not meeting this definition are considered impact or impulse noises. Exposure to impact or impulse noises (loud momentary explosions of sound) must not exceed 140 dB. Examples of impact or impulse noises may include the noise from a powder-actuated nail gun, the noise from a punch press, or the noise from drop hammers.

Noise Hazards:

It’s not just hearing loss. Studies have shown that where consistent exposure to 95 decibels occurs, there exists a serious threat to the cardiovascular system, more specifically an elevation in systolic blood pressure (hypertension), digestive, respiratory, allergenic and musculus-skeletal disorders, as well as disorientation and reduction of eye focus, potentially leading to the increase of accidents and injuries. The negative effects associated with long term hearing loss include decreased ability or inability to communicate, irritability, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and frustration with personal/familial relationships.

Action Level:

Employers must administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 decibels. Additionally, as part of the programs, employers must establish and maintain an audio metric testing program by making audio metric testing available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels

Personal Protective Equipment

Single-use earplugs. Made of waxed cotton, foam, or fiberglass wool, these ear plugs are self-forming and, when properly inserted, work as well as most molded earplugs.

Preformed or molded earplugs. These plugs must be individually fitted by a professional. Non disposable plugs should be cleaned after each use.

Band Type Hearing Protectors come on a flexible plastic band that is worn under the chin while the protectors are in the ears. The band can be left resting around the neck while the protectors are not in use. They are designed for convenience in work areas with varying noise levels.

Ear Canal Caps seal the opening to the ear without entering the ear canal. Similar to band-type hearing protectors, they usually come on a band that can be placed around the neck when the caps are not in use for convenience in work areas with varying noise levels.

Earmuffs. Earmuffs require a perfect seal around the ear. Glasses, long sideburns, long hair, and facial movements such as chewing may reduce the protective value of earmuffs. Some special earmuffs are designed for use with eyeglasses or beards.

Active Noise Canceling Headsets use an electronic system to cancel unwanted background noise while at the same time enhancing the quality of audio delivered through the headset. They are used primarily for in-flight noise reduction.

Communication Head Sets block unwanted noise while at the same time allowing the wearer to communicate clearly with co-workers. Special microphones suppress environmental noise to aid in two-way communications.

Work Area Safety Check:

• Insulate noisy equipment.

• Post high noise area signs.

• Limit pass through traffic in high noise areas.

• Conduct noise surveys when new equipment is added.

• Keep extra hearing protectors available in the workplace.

Pre-Use Safety Check:

• Ensure hearing protection is clean• Check Muff Sealing surfaces for cracks or tears

Operation Safety:

• Use hearing protection in areas greater than 85 decibels.

• Use hearing protection when using power saws, impact tools, etc.

• Replace worn or broken hearing protectors immediately.

• Ensure visitors are provided hearing protection.

• Use hearing protection off the job when shooting, using power tools, etc.

Engineering Controls:

• Insulate or isolate noisy machines or operations.

• Proper maintenance & adjustment of equipment.

• Selection of effective hearing protectors

Administrative Controls:

• worker training.

• restricted access to high noise areas.

• rotate workers into & out of high noise areas.

• relocate workers with hearing loss.

• annual screening & evaluation of employees.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss:

• Ringing in ears.

• Difficulty hearing normal conversations.

• Noises are “fuzzy” or muffled.

Instruments are used for measuring noise:

The most common instruments used for measuring noise are the sound level meter (SLM), the integrating sound level meter (ISLM), and the noise dosimeter. It is important that you understand the calibration, operation and reading the instrument you use. The user’s manual provided by the instrument manufacturer provides most of this information. Table 1 provides some instrument selection guidelines.

Sound level meter (SLM):

The SLM consists of a microphone, electronic circuits and a readout display. The microphone detects the small air pressure variations associated with sound and changes them into electrical signals. These signals are then processed by the electronic circuitry of the instrument. The readout displays the sound level in decibels. The SLM takes the sound pressure level at one instant in a particular location.

To take measurements, the SLM is held at arm’s length at the ear height for those exposed to the noise. With most SLMs it does not matter exactly how the microphone is pointed at the noise source. The instrument’s instruction manual explains how to hold the microphone. The SLM must be calibrated before and after each use. The manual also gives the calibration procedure.

With most SLMs, the readings can be taken on either SLOW or FAST response. The response rate is the time period over which the instrument averages the sound level before displaying it on the readout. Workplace noise level measurements should be taken on SLOW response.

A Type 2 SLM is sufficiently accurate for industrial field evaluations. The more accurate and much more expensive Type 1 SLMs are primarily used in engineering, laboratory and research work. Any SLM that is less accurate than a Type 2 should not be used for workplace noise measurement.

An A-weighting filter is generally built into all SLMs and can be switched ON or OFF. Some Type 2 SLMs provide measurements only in dB(A), meaning that the A-weighting filter is ON permanently (see the OSH Answers on Noise – Basic Information for more about A-weighted decibels dB(A)).

A standard SLM takes only instantaneous noise measurements. This is sufficient in workplaces with continuous noise levels. But in workplaces with impulse, intermittent or variable noise levels, the SLM makes it difficult to determine a person’s average exposure to noise over a work shift. One solution in such workplaces is a noise dosimeter.

Integrating sound level meter (ISLM):

The integrating sound level meter (ISLM) is similar to the dosimeter. It determines equivalent sound levels over a measurement period. The major difference is that an ISLM does not provide personal exposures because it is hand-held like the SLM, and not worn.

The ISLM determines equivalent sound levels at a particular location. It yields a single reading of a given noise, even if the actual sound level of the noise changes continually. It uses a pre-programmed exchange rate, with a time constant that is equivalent to the SLOW setting on the SLM.

Noise affect performance:

Noise can interfere with verbal communications and can be distracting and annoying. Below are some examples of how these factors can affect work performance.

Speech intelligibility:

Speech intelligibility is the ability to understand spoken words. The presence of noise interferes with the understanding of what other people say. This includes face-to-face talks, telephone conversations, and speech over a public address system.

In order to be intelligible the sound level of speech must be greater than the background noise at the ear of the listener. People with otherwise unnoticeable hearing loss find it difficult to understand spoken words in noisy surroundings.

In noisy work situations, people are able to converse with difficulty at a distance of one meter for a short time in the presence of noise as high as 78 dB(A). For prolonged conversations, the background noise level must be lower than 78 dB(A).

In social situations people often talk at distances of 2 to 4 meters. In such cases noise level should not exceed 55 to 60 dB(A).

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Personal Protective Equipment:

 There are over 75 OSHA Standards that address the need and use for Personal Protective Equipment (PPS). While PPE use can prevent injuries and illnesses, engineering controls should be the primary methods used to eliminate or minimize hazard exposure in the workplace. When controls are not practical or applicable, personal protective equipment can  be used to reduce or eliminate personnel exposure to hazards.  Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be  provided, used, and maintained when it has been determined that its use is required and that such use will lessen the likelihood of occupational injuries and/or illnesses.

Hazards in the workplace are a fact of life. No matter what you do, there’s the need for personal protective equipment on many of the jobs you perform. Health hazards, eye hazards, noise and chemicals. whether or not you use personal protective equipment is really up to you. If you choose not to, your attitude may be the biggest hazard of all. Personal Protective equipment is one of the best ways to protect your own health and safety.

Ear plugs or ear muffs can go a long way to avoid hearing loss. Adjust your muffs so they’re comfortable and don’t squeeze your ears. Disposable ear plugs must be clean and fitted properly. Never insert dirty ear plugs or use dirty hands when putting the plugs in your ears.

Safety glasses provide eye protection from flying chips, debris and other eye hazards. Goggles protect your eyes from chemical splashes and face shields are a safeguard when worn over other protective eyewear, such as safety glasses.

Gloves protect your hands from chemicals, rough or sharp parts and a wide range of skin protection. Keep in mind that there are literally hundreds of different types of gloves, each designed for a specific purpose, so select the proper glove for the job.

Respirators protect you against a wide variety dusts, fumes, gases, vapors and many other health hazards. One of the most misused respirators in industry is the dust mask. It’s designed only for certain types of dust, but many people believe it’s good for any type of hazard. A dust mask cannot be used for spray painting or other types of vapors. Each specific hazard must have the proper respirator that provides protection for that hazard. Proper fitting of respiratory equipment and the wearing of equipment as it was intended is equally important.

Hard Hats protect your head from low hanging or falling objects. Wear hard hats as they were intended to be worn and never make modifications to your hat, such as drilling air holes in the sides. Each hat is engineered for impacts and if you modify the hat, you could damage the hat to such a degree where the hat will not afford the designed protection. Bump caps are made of lesser quality plastic and are not engineered for falling objects or impacts. Bump caps are used in areas where there are bump hazards and not falling objects. Many food processing facilities use bump caps solely for the purpose of containing hair and not for protection from impacts of falling objects.

Boots and safety shoes are good personal protective equipment. Even if your job doesn’t require steel toed safety shoes, leather topped shoes can provide a degree of protection from chemical splashes, petroleum products and small cuts, bruises and abrasions. Your shoes should be in good condition and the soles of the shoes should be slip resistant. Keep your footwear in good condition and always clean off your shoes before climbing ladders, or getting into vehicles. Grease or slippery shoes can create accidents.

Chemical clothing and encapsulating suits are used when there are vapor, gas and other airborne hazards. When you’re engaged in this type of work, more training is necessary, to make sure you understand what protection is offered and how to specifically use, handle and store the equipment. When we talk about personal protective equipment, the basic equipment just described comes to mind, but in a work environment, you must consider many other safety devices that could be lumped together with personal protective equipment.

PPE Selection:

Controlling hazards.:

PPE devices alone should not be relied on to provide protection against hazards, but should be used in conjunction with guards, engineering controls, and sound manufacturing practices.

Selection guidelines.:

The general procedure for selection of protective equipment is to:a) become familiar with the potential hazards and the type of protective equipment that is available, and what it can do; i.e., splash protection, impact protection, etc.;b) compare the hazards associated with the environment; i.e., impact velocities, masses, projectile shape, radiation intensities, with the capabilities of the available protective equipment;c) select the protective equipment which ensures a level of protection greater than the minimum required to protect employees from the hazardsd) fit the user with the protective device and give instructions on care and use of the PPE. It is very important that end users be made aware of all warning labels for and limitations of their PPE.

Fitting the Device:

Careful consideration must be given to comfort and fit. PPE that fits poorly will not afford the necessary protection. Continued wearing of the device is more likely if it fits the wearer comfortably. Protective devices are generally available in a variety of sizes. Care should be taken to ensure that the right size is selected.

Devices with adjustable features:

Adjustments should be made on an individual basis for a comfortable fit that will maintain the protective device in the proper position. Particular care should be taken in fitting devices for eye protection against dust and chemical splash to ensure that the devices are sealed to the face. In addition, proper fitting of helmets is important to ensure that it will not fall off during work operations. In some cases a chin strap may be necessary to keep the helmet on an employee’s head. (Chin straps should break at a reasonably low force, however, so as to prevent a strangulation hazard). Where manufacturer’s instructions are available, they should be followed carefully.

Eye and Face Protection:

The majority of occupational eye injuries can be prevented by the use of suitable/approved safety spectacles, goggles, or shields. Approved eye and face protection shall be worn when there is a reasonable possibility of personal injury.

• Each employee shall use appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.

• Each employee shall use eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors are acceptable.

• Each employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards shall wear eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design, or shall wear eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses.

• Eye and face PPE shall be distinctly marked to facilitate identification of the manufacturer.• Each employee shall use equipment with filter lenses that have a shade number appropriate for the work being performed for protection from injurious light radiation.

Typical hazards that can cause eye and face injury are:

• Splashes of toxic or corrosive chemicals, hot liquids, and molten metals;

• Flying objects, such as chips of wood, metal, and stone dust;

• Fumes, gases, and mists of toxic or corrosive chemicals; and

• Aerosols of biological substances.Prevention of eye accidents requires that all persons who may be in eye hazard areas wear protective eyewear.

This includes employees, visitors, contractors, or others passing through an identified eye hazardous area. To provide protection for these personnel, activities shall procure a sufficient quantity of heavy duty goggles and/or plastic eye protectors which afford the maximum amount of protection possible. If these personnel wear personal glasses, they shall be provided with a suitable eye protector to wear over them.

Eye / Face Protection Specifications:

Eye and face protectors procured, issued to, and used by employees, contractors and visitors must conform to the following design and performance standards:

a) Provide adequate protection against the particular hazards for which they are designed

b) Fit properly and offer the least possible resistance to movement and cause minimal discomfort while in use.

c) Be durable.

d) Be easily cleaned or disinfected for or by the wearer.

e) Be clearly marked to identify the manufacturer.

f) Persons who require corrective lenses for normal vision, and who are required to wear eye protection, must wear goggles or spectacles of one of the following types:

1) Spectacles with protective lenses which provide optical correction.

2) Goggles that can be worn over spectacles without disturbing the adjustment of the spectacles.

3) Goggles that incorporate corrective lenses mounted behind the protective lenses.

Eye & Face Protector Use:

Safety Spectacles. Protective eye glasses are made with safety frames, tempered glass or plastic lenses, temples and side shields which provide eye protection from moderate impact and particles encountered in job tasks such as carpentry, woodworking, grinding, scaling, etc.

Single Lens Goggles. Vinyl framed goggles of soft pliable body design provide adequate eye protection from many hazards. These goggles are available with clear or tinted lenses, perforated, port vented, or non-vented frames. Single lens goggles provide similar protection to spectacles and may be worn in combination with spectacles or corrective lenses to insure protection along with proper vision.

Face Shields. These normally consist of an adjustable headgear and face shield of tinted/transparent acetate or polycarbonate materials, or wire screen. Face shields are available in various sizes, tensile strength, impact/heat resistance and light ray filtering capacity. Face shields will be used in operations when the entire face needs protection and should be worn to protect eyes and face against flying particles, metal sparks, and chemical/ biological splash.

Welding Shields. These shield assemblies consist of vulcanized fiber or glass fiber body, a ratchet/button type adjustable headgear or cap attachment and a filter and cover plate holder. These shields will be provided to protect workers’ eyes and face from infrared or radiant light burns, flying sparks, metal spatter and slag chips encountered during welding, brazing, soldering, resistance welding, bare or shielded electric arc welding and oxyacetylene welding and cutting operations.

Head Protection:

Hats and caps have been designed and manufactured to provide workers protection from impact, heat, electrical and fire hazards. These protectors consist of the shell and the suspension combined as a protective system. Safety hats and caps will be of nonconductive, fire and water resistantmaterials. Bump caps or skull guards are constructed of lightweight materials and are designed to provide minimal protection against hazards when working in congested areas.   Head protection will be furnished to, and used by, all employees and contractors engaged in construction and other miscellaneous work in head-hazard areas. Head protection will also be required to be worn by engineers, inspectors, and visitors at construction sites. Bump caps/skull guards will be issued to and worn for protection against scalp lacerations from contact with sharp objects. They will not be worn as substitutes for safety caps/hats because they do not afford protection from high impact forces or penetration by falling objects.

Selection guidelines for head protection:

All head protection is designed to provide protection from impact and penetration hazards caused by falling objects. Head protection is also available which provides protection from electric shock and burn. When selecting head protection, knowledge of potential electrical hazards is important. Class A helmets, in addition to impact and penetration resistance, provide electrical protection from low-voltage conductors (they are proof tested to 2,200 volts). Class B helmets, in addition to impact and penetration resistance, provide electrical protection from high-voltage conductors (they are proof tested to 20,000 volts). Class C helmets provide impact and penetration resistance (they are usually made of aluminum which conducts electricity), and should not be used around electrical hazards.   Where falling object hazards are present, helmets must be worn. Some examples include: working below other workers who are using tools and materials which could fall; working around or under conveyor belts which are carrying parts or materials; working below machinery or processes which might cause material or objects to fall; and working on exposed energized conductors.

Foot Protection:

General requirements:

Each affected employee shall wear protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where employee’s feet are exposed to electrical hazards.

Selection guidelines for foot protection:

Safety shoes and boots provide both impact and compression protection. Where necessary, safety shoes can be obtained which provide puncture protection. In some work situations, metatarsal protection should be provided, and in other special situations electrical conductive or insulating safety shoes would be appropriate. Safety shoes or boots with impact protection would be required for carrying or handling materials such as packages, objects, parts or heavy tools, which could be dropped; and, for other activities where objects might fall onto the feet. Safety shoes or boots with compression protection would be required for work activities involving skid trucks (manual material handling carts) around bulk rolls (such as paper rolls) and around heavy pipes, all of which could potentially roll over an employee’s feet. Safety shoes or boots with puncture protection would be required where sharp objects such as nails, wire, tacks, screws, large staples, scrap metal etc., could be stepped on by employees causing a foot injury.

Hand Protection:

General Requirements:

Hand protection is required when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasions; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.   Skin contact is a potential source of exposure to toxic materials; it is important that the proper steps be taken to prevent such contact. Gloves should be selected on the basis of the material being handled, the particular hazard involved, and their suitability for the operation being conducted. One type of glove will not work in all situations.

Most accidents involving hands and arms can be classified under four main hazard categories: chemicals, abrasions, cutting, and heat. There are gloves available that can protect workers from any of these individual hazards or combination of hazards.   Gloves should be replaced periodically, depending on frequency of use and permeability to the substance(s) handled. Gloves overtly contaminated should be rinsed and then carefully removed after use.   Gloves should also be worn whenever it is necessary to handle rough or sharp-edged objects, and very hot or very cold materials. The type of glove materials to be used in these situations include leather, welder’s gloves, aluminum-backed gloves, and other types of insulated glove materials.   Careful attention must be given to protecting your hands when working with tools and machinery. Power tools and machinery must have guards installed or incorporated into their design that prevent the hands from contacting the point of operation, power train, or other moving parts. To protect the hands from injury due to contact with moving parts, it is important to:

• Ensure that guards are always in place and used.

• Always lock out machines or tools and disconnect the power before making repairs.

• Treat a machine without a guard as inoperative; and

• Do not wear gloves around moving machinery, such as drill presses, mills, lathes, and grinders.

Selection guidelines for hand protection:

Selection of hand PPE shall be based on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the hand protection relative to the task(s) to be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and potential hazards identified. Gloves are often relied upon to prevent cuts, abrasions, burns, and skin contact with chemicals that are capable of causing local or systemic effects following dermal exposure. There is no glove that provides protection against all potential hand hazards, and commonly available glove materials provide only limited protection against many chemicals. Therefore, it is important to select the most appropriate glove for a particular application and to determine how long it can be worn, and whether it can be reused. It is also important to know the performance characteristics of gloves relative to the specific hazard anticipated; e.g., chemical hazards, cut hazards, flame hazards, etc. Before purchasing gloves, request documentation from the manufacturer that the gloves meet the appropriate test standard(s) for the hazard(s) anticipated. Other factors to be considered for glove selection in general include:

(A) As long as the performance characteristics are acceptable, in certain circumstances, it may be more cost effective to regularly change cheaper gloves than to reuse more expensive types.

(B) The work activities of the employee should be studied to determine the degree of dexterity required, 

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Personal Protective Equipment

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