TITLE:

ES&H Manual

 

DOCUMENT ID:

6630 Appendix T2

Respirator Use and Approval Requirements

 

 

1.0             Purpose

 

Respirators are required at Jefferson Lab when material substitution or engineering controls are not adequate to mitigate air contaminants to an acceptable level. This appendix provides the process step used to determine if a respirator is required; if required, how to determine the appropriate type; and how to obtain medical monitoring, training, and a fit test. Anyone may, at any time, request to use a respirator on a voluntary basis; however, they must complete the process steps listed as if it were required, prior to use. 

 

2.0             Scope

 

This appendix applies to all respirators used at Jefferson Lab including those used during an emergency. The process steps for this procedure are performed in coordination with ES&H Manual Chapter 6630 Respiratory Protection Program.

 

3.0             Responsibilities

NOTE:           Management authority may be delegated to a task qualified Jefferson Lab employee at the discretion of the responsible manager.

 

3.1              Anyone at Jefferson Lab

·         Determine if a respirator is required. Request an equipment/area hazard evaluation from Industrial Hygiene if you have concerns regarding air quality.

·         Utilize alternate materials and engineering controls as recommended/required to avoid respirator use.

·         Perform process steps as outlined to obtain a respirator.

·         Obtain Occupational Medicine approval, as required.

 

3.2              Industrial Hygiene

·         Perform an air quality evaluation when requested or identified.

·         Determine the appropriate respirator required. 

·         Provide fit-test and train individuals on its use.

 

4.0             Process Steps

 

4.1              Determine if Respirator is Required

 

Step 1:            Material Substitution

·         Evaluate the Task Hazard Analysis and related work control documents to determine if a less hazardous material can be used.

 

IF

THEN

An adequate substitution can be found.

Substitute the material and continue work.

An adequate substitution cannot be found.

Continue to Step 2.

 

Step 2:            Engineering Controls

·         Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). If the information is unclear or if you have concerns, request an air monitoring evaluation for the hazard. 

 

IF

THEN

Engineering control(s) is recommended/required.

Ensure system(s) is in good repair and working adequately then continue work.

Engineering control(s) is not recommended or is unavailable.

Determine what is recommended; contact Industrial Hygiene for further assistance if necessary.

 

Examples of Engineering Controls:

·        Exhaust Fans

·        Glove Boxes

·        Chemical Hoods

·        HEPA Vacuums

·        Mist Collectors

·        Portable Welding Exhaust Hoods/Smoke Eaters

 

4.2              Determine Respirator Type

If a respirator is required, affected individual’s supervisor performs the following process steps:

 

Step 1:          Complete the first section of the Respirator Use/Medical Approval Form.

Step 2:            Attach the SDS for all hazardous materials of concern.

 

Step 3:            Submit documentation to Industrial Hygiene.

 

Industrial Hygiene then performs the following process steps:

 

Step 4:            Enter toxicology data for the material of concern if a previous IH assessment has not been completed.

 

Step 5:            Perform a walk-through of the “Location” where work is to be performed.

 

Step 6:            Determine the Class of respirator needed.

 

OR

 

Alternate Step 4: Determine engineering controls to be installed. Refer to ES&H Manual Chapter 3110 Facility Design and Modification Review.

 

4.3              Medical Monitoring

Affected individual performs the following process steps to obtain Occupational Medical approval[1]. 

 

Step 1:            Present to Occupational Medicine for an appropriate medical examination for the respirator class required. Refer to ES&H Manual Chapter 6800 Occupational Medicine. 

 

IF

THEN

Medically approved

Continue to Step 2

Medically dis-approved.

Occupational Medicine will inform the individual and supervisor of the determination.

 

Step 2:            Inform Industrial Hygiene of the results of the medical examination and schedule a fit-test for an appropriate respirator.

 

4.4              Fit Test

Industrial Hygiene provides the following:

·         Training on appropriate Respirator (see box below for requirements).

·         Fit-test to ensure proper fit.

·         Respirator parts such as cartridges, hoses, facepiece, etc.

 

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Requirements (SCBA) training (SAF109): Training Course: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Requirements Booklet (Jefferson Lab Document), followed by written test.

 

Air Purifying Respirators (SAF200): Training Course: A Breath of Fresh Air, Coastal Cat. No. RESO6H booklet, followed by a written test.

 

Escape Pack Training (SAF210): Training Course: Classroom training, followed by written test. Yearly refresher course available online.

 

5.0             Voluntary Respirator Use

 

Jefferson Lab allows employees to wear respirators on a voluntary basis for nuisance dust when not required based on IH assessment. Anyone requesting the use of a respirator on a voluntary basis must complete the process steps listed above as if it were required, up to and including supervisor and medical approval. Employees must read and understand OSHA 29CFR 1910.134 Appendix D (Mandatory) Information for Employees Using Respirators When not Required Under Standard prior to use.

 

6.0             Revision Summary

 

Revision 1.2 – 02/21/20 – Periodic Review; minor updates to Section 4.2, 4.4, and 5.0 per CATS#STR-2019-10-06-01

Periodic Review – 06/08/18 – No changes per TPOC

Periodic Review – 06/08/17 – No changes per TPOC

Periodic Review – 04/11/16 – No changes per TPOC

Revision 1.1 – 04/08/15 – Periodic Review; minor edits with no substantive changes

Revision 1.0 – 08/11/11 – Updated to reflect current laboratory operations

 

 

 

ISSUING AUTHORITY

TECHNICAL POINT-OF-CONTACT

APPROVAL DATE

REVIEW DATE

(Annual Review Required)

REV.

 

 

ES&H Division

Jennifer Williams

02/21/20

02/21/21

1.2

 

This document is controlled as an on line file.  It may be printed but the print copy is not a controlled document.  It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the document is the same revision as the current on line file.  This copy was printed on 2/21/2020.



[1] Medical monitoring may not be required for voluntary use of a respirator dust mask. Contact Industrial Hygiene for further information and clarification of requirements.