Environment, Health, & Safety at SUNY Plattsburgh - Respiratory Protection

Policies & Procedures

• Overview

Policies

• Blood-Borne Pathogens Exposure Control
• Chemical Hygiene Plan
• Chemical Hygiene Plan for Art Studios
• Confined Spaces Policy
• Exposure Control Plan
• Hearing Protection
• Industrial Trucks
• Respiratory Protection Policy
• Right to Know Policy
• Scaffolding and Fall Protection
• Tuberculosis Policies

Procedures

• Asbestos Procedures
• Lockout and Tagout Procedures
• Radiation Safety
• Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan
• Trenching and Excavation Procedures

Environment, Health, & Safety

• Overview
• Emergency Contacts
• Staff

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Respiratory Protection Policy

SOP Number: 15.002
Replaces: 15.001

Introduction

The State University of New York College at Plattsburgh, in an effort to protect its employees from occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors will attempt to limit these exposures by using engineering controls where feasible. In the event that engineering controls will not be adequate, this respiratory protection plan policy and procedures will be followed.

Engineering Controls

Processes that cause unhealthy breathing atmospheres will be performed in areas that minimize the potential of exposure to the workers performing the process as well as the people in the surrounding area. General ventilation is the amount of control for indoor processes. Local ventilation consists of welding hoods, chemical fume hoods, and laboratory and studio local ventilation.

Isolation of the work area is another engineering control. Asbestos removal requires this type of containment.

Respirator Use

Respirators will be used when required to protect the employee from exposure to a breathing atmosphere that could cause adverse health effects and specifically:

1. Warning Labels or Material Safety Data Sheets will recommend or require use of a respirator.
2. Various standard working procedures require respirator protection.
3. Code Rule 56 of the New York State Department of Labor Laws require respirator protection if the action level of .01 fibers/cc is reached.
4. Respirator protection will be worn any time the PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) is exceeded in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1000 codes of Federal Regulations.

Respirator Selection

Respirators will be selected on the basis of the hazard to which the worker is exposed. The College will provide all respirators used on campus.

Assignments requiring the use of a respirator and the type provided:

1. Asbestos Abatement - Racal PAPR with HEPA Filter.
2. Chemical Spill Response - Racal PAPR with Organic Vapor and Acid Gas Filters.
3. Tuberculosis Patient Contact - 3M Half-Face Masks with HEPA Filters, Racal PAPR Hood with HEPA Filters.
4. Pesticide Application - 3M Half-Face Masks with Organic Vapor and Acid Gas Filters.
5. Spray Painting - 3M Half-Face Masks with HEPA Filters.
6. Gym Floor Coating - 3M Half-Face Masks with Organic Vapor and Acid Gas Filters.
7. HTHW Generator Cleaning - 3M Supplied Air Disposable Hood System.

Respirator Issue

No employee will be permanently issued a respirator without first being given a doctors clearance that the employee has no medical condition that would prevent him from performing the assignment while wearing the respiratory protection. All respirators will be issued only with the prior approval of the Environmental Health Officer. SUNY Plattsburgh does not assign any employees to areas or assignments that require routine use of respiratory protection.

Training

Employees will be given training on the proper use of the individual respirator they are issued. This training will consist of proper selection, pre-use tests, and use limitations of the respirator. Care and cleaning of the unit will be covered during training.

Fit Tests

All employees issued a respirator will be fit tested for that respirator upon issue. Negative air respirators such as the 3M half Mask will be fit tested every six months. PAPR units will be fit tested annually. Tests will be made using the 3M saccharine test methods requiring the wearer to demonstrate a range of head motions that will insure no infiltration of the breathing area during normal working conditions.

Maintenance

Respirators will be cleared and disinfected after every use. Cleaning will be done using a mild detergent and water. Disinfections can be accomplished using a solution of 10% bleach to water. The wearer prior to use will inspect all components. Any worn parts will be replaced prior to use. The respirators will be stored in a clean, dry and sanitary location.

Record keeping

The records of all Doctors Clearances, Fit Tests and employee exposures will be kept on file at the Environment, Health, & Safety Office.

Contact Information

Keith Tait, Director
Office: Beaumont Hall-207C
Phone: 564-3290
Fax: 564-5082
E-mail: ktait001@plattsburgh.edu