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MassArtMassArtEnvironmental Environmental Health & SafetyHealth & Safety

Respiratory hazards found at MassArt Respirator and cartridge Protection Factors Fit Testing Donning and Doffing (on and off) Maintenance and Repair Questions

Toxic Chemical acute or chronic exposure could result in poisoning, organ dysfunction, and ultimately death

Corrosives (acid or base ), which can cause temporary or permanent tissue damage in the respiratory system

Carcinogens & Particulates, which can lead to cancer or other respiratory illnesses respectively (most common for artists)

Allergens that promote illness, allergic reaction, reduced productivity, & sensitization

Your lungs must be healthy in order to wear a respirator safely

At your request, a physician can perform a pulmonary exam to confirm that you are physically fit to wear a respirator

Using a respirator adds stress to the cardiovascular and respiratory system

This added stress could complicate or add to some existing health conditions

Typically when using a respirator, other PPE is also used, creating additional stress on the body.

Important things to remember!

EH&S will assist in selection

If you are a new user or you already use a respirator and are having problems with it, contact your studio manager or health and safety officer for assistance.

Air-Purifying (APR) Dust Mask (N95) Half Face Full Face Powered Air-

Purifying Respirators (PAPR)

Supplied Air (SAR) Air-line▪ Hood style▪ Facepiece style▪ Half Face▪ Full Face

▪ Escape provisions Self Contained

Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Air-Purifying (APR) Lower protection

factor Oxygen level

(19.5%-23.5%) Cartridge useful life Warning properties

(some substances can’t be detected or are too toxic)

Supplied Air (SAR) Higher protection

factor Must provide “Grade

D” air source More cumbersome /

unwieldy Mobility (air line

style) Length of work time

(SCBA style)

Air-Purifying (APR)1

Dust Mask -10 Half Face - 10 Full Face - 50 Powered Air-

Purifying Respirators (PAPR) - 100

1-Negative pressure in facepiece

Supplied Air (SAR)2

Air-line▪ Hood style - 100▪ Facepiece style -

1000▪ Escape provisions -

>10,000

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) - >10,000

2-Positive Pressure in facepiece

Check the label for recommendationFor the following:

Dust/mist/fumes filter ▪ No spray oils present: N-95 or P-100 (HEPA)▪ Spray oils present: R-95 or P-100 (HEPA)

Toxics, Solvents, and Aerosols▪ Organic vapor cartridge (OV), or OV and acid

gas cartridge, or multi-contaminant cartridge

When first selecting a respirator, finding one that has a good seal and is comfortable is done by trying a variety of respirators. EH&S can help you with your selection and provide you with a fit test.

Several factors can lead to a respirator that does not seal properly, that is why a respirator fit test is preferred annually to help insure its fit and to review your use and care of the respirator.

Recent dental work and denturesFacial surgery, treatments & scarsWeight loss or gain of 15 pounds or moreFacial changes from agingImproper storage and maintenance of respiratorRespirator straps losing their elasticity

A respirator fit test cannot be given if there is facial hair present.

A tight fitting face piece will not seal if there is facial hair along the sealing surface.

1. Inspections

2. Donning and doffing (on and off)

3. Maintenance

4. Changing cartridges and filters

Inspect the respirator to make sure all parts are in place, in good condition, clean, and operable

Make sure cartridges and filters are the proper ones for the job and are not damaged and not expired

After donning the respirator, do a positive and negative fit check

Placing a half-face first on the bridge of the nose and tightening the upper straps first insures placement for best comfort and prevention from sliding down when perspiring

Make sure the straps are adjusted evenly on both sides and the respirator is centered on the face. Using a mirror is helpful for full-face users

Adjusting too tight can result in a poor fit from distortion, discomfort and pain, short use periods due to discomfort, headaches

Organic Vapor Cartridge (OV) need to be change after eight hours of use.

If periods of use are shorter than 8

hours, add cumulative times.

If periods in-between use extend 2 weeks or more reduce the eight hour total time.

N-95 filters – change when breathing becomes more difficult due to resistance

Organic vapor (OV) filters – change after eight hours of use

P-100 – change when breathing becomes more difficult due to resistance

Dirt particles under exhalation valves can reduce your seal/fit factor

Dirt, oils, bacteria, soaps, and disinfectants left on respirators can lead to skin irritation and dermatitis so make sure your respirator is clean and well rinsed before each use

It is recommended to clean after each use

Clean in warm water (not to exceed 100o F)

Use a mild detergent Wash with a soft sponge (brush if resistant)

Rinse with running warm water (not to exceed 100°)

Use paper towel or clean rag to hand dry respirator

Allow to finish air drying.(Do not use hairdryer)

Replace worn and defective parts with parts ONLY for that specific respirator

Do not use a respirator until all necessary repairs are completed

If assistance is needed please ask your studio manager or EH&S officer

It prevents it from getting distorted, which will cause it to lose its ability to fit properly and require it to be replaced

It prevents it from becoming contaminated reducing the protection it can provide

Storage in an uncontaminated area Store contaminated cartridges separate

from respirator Store cartridges and respirator in clean

sealed containers such as self-sealing bags or sealed plastic containers

To prevent distortion,store in separate hard containers and not in tool boxes with other items

Storage away from heat, sun, and moisture

Moisture can reduce the life of some cartridges

Leaving cartridges unsealed can reduce their useful life

You can operate with a false sense of protection and open yourself to:

Chronic exposures you cannot sense

Acute exposures that you will know about after it’s too late for protection

Please contact MassArt Environmental health and safety office for any questions or concerns.