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i / ARD 002776 CHAPTER VI PERSONAL PROTECTIVE DEVICES I. General A. Scope of the Chapter B. Protectors as Precautionary Devices II. Respirators A. Supplied Air Equipment 13. Air Purifying Equipment 1. Chemical Cartridge Respirator 2. Mechanical Filter Respirator C. Selection of a Respirator D. Commercially Available Respirators E. Storage, Maintenance and Cleaning HI. Ear Protection A. Ear Plugs 13. Ear Muffs C. Performance Characteristics IV. Gloves A. General B. Solvent Protection V. Aprons VI. Aluminized Cloth Aluminum Company of America INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE HANDBOOK Chapter VI Personal Protective Devices Scope The contents of this chapter are confined only to those protective devices which are used to prevent industrial hygiene problems. Those items such as glasses, shoes, helmets, suits, etc. fall more appropriately in the field of safety and will not be discussed here. Protectors as Precautionary Devices The function of personal protective devices is to give protection to the worker when all other methods of control have proved impractical. They are not intended, nor should they be used, as substitutes for good engineering control methods. The wearing of a personal protective device should not acknowledge that a hazard is definitely and continually present (frequently protectors are worn for reasons of comfort rather than protection). At most, their use admits that there is a possibility of a hazard. This approach is recognized and accepted with the use of safety glasses, for example. It is not expected that molten metal, metal chips, or grinding wheel fragments will strike the employee's eyes. However, these happenings are possible and therefore safety glasses are worn. On the other hand if a worker is observed to be wearing ear or respiratory protection it is generally assumed that lie is working in a continuously hazardous environment. The implications of wearing protective equipment should not be dependent upon the type of protector. Whether they be safety glasses, safety shoes, respirators or ear plugs, the use of all personal protective devices is simply precautionary. Respirators Respiratory protective devices can be classified in three major groups: Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, Supplied Air Equipment and Air Purifying Equipment. When selecting such devices it is always desirable to obtain equipment which has the approval of the U. S. Bureau of Mines. This approval is clearly marked on the product. There are, however, some types of res piratory protective equipment which have not come under any of the schedules set up by the Bureau and have not been tested by them. Therefore the absence of their stamp of approval does not nec essarily mean that the respirator is an inferior product. Supplied Air Equipment Self contained breathing apparatus and supplied air equipment have very little use for industrial hygiene purposes. Their use in Alcoa plants is primarily for emergency situations. Common exceptions are the uses of supplied air devices when sand blasting, cleaning large solvent tanks and welding in enclosed areas. Air Purifying Equipment Types of air purifying equipment may be further broken down into three subdivisions: mechanical filter respirators, chemical cartridge respirators and canister-type gas masks. Like the self contained breathing apparatus and supplied air equipment, canister-type gas masks have few industrial hygiene applications. They are generally used for emergency situations in areas of high gas contamination, up to 2% by volume, and for relatively long periods of time. For industrial hygiene purposes the main interest in air purifying equipment lies with mechanical filter and chem 6-1 ARD 002778 ical cartridge respirators. These small respirators are designed for relatively short exposures. The chemical cartridge respirator is also limited to concentrations of gaseous contaminants below 0.1% (1000 ppm) by volume, [f the worker's environment is other than this, a different type of protective device must be used. Again, it should be stressed that a respirator should never be used as a substitute for good hygienic practices. Chemical Cartridge Respirator The chemical cartridge respirators afford protection against a variety of toxic gases and vapors. They are not all alike, each type being intended to protect against certain kinds of gaseous contaminants. To provide complete protection chemical cartridges may be used with mechanical filters in areas having both gaseous and particulate contamination. All cartridges have a limitation on their useful life and must be replaced as the reactive chemicals approach depletion.. Mechanical Filter Respirator The mechanical filter type respirators are used to protect the wearer against dusts, fumes and mists. The particle size and toxicity of these contaminants must be considered when selecting a suitable filter for the respirator. Whereas an inefficient type (e.g. cheese cloth) may be perfectly suitable for protection against inert nuisance dust of large particle size (e.g. alumina), it cannot be used for highly toxic material, regardless of its particle size. Materials of extremely high toxicity and small particle size, such as beryllium or radioactive fumes, require the most efficient type of filter available. For the greatest ease of breathing, respirators containing these high efficiency filters should be of the twin cartridge type. Filters like the chemical cartridges also have a limited life. With constant usage they become clogged and must be replaced. Selection of a Respirator Selection of a respirator should be based on its ability to do the job and to fit properly and comfortably. Because there are so many different types of filters and cartridges available it is important that care be taken to select the correct type so that it will protect the wearer from the contaminants to which he may be exposed. The respirator should fit the contours of the face well with no leaks and with the maximum of comfort. For maximum ease of breathing the two-car tridge unit is best because of its large filtering area. Also, this type of respirator has a longer useful life than the single cartridge type. Commercially Available Respirators Table 6.1 lists a representative group of commercially available respirators and the contaminants against which they will give protection. Most of these devices have been approved by the Bureau of Mines. Their approximate price range is between $4.00 and $6.50. There are many other good respirators available and the absence from this table of any particular type or make does not necessarily mean that it is an unacceptable or inferior product. Scorage, Maintenance and Cleaning In areas where respirators are used it is necessary that facilities be available for their storage, maintenance, cleaning and supervision of usage. The best method of cleaning the respira tor is with warm water and soap. If several people use the same respirator it is wise that the mask be sanitized after each usage. Solutions of quaternary ammonium salts, such as "Roccal", or alcohol make satisfactory sanitizing agents. It is important that the agent neither damages the respirator nor causes facial dermatitis on the next user. Brandt d) and Patty (2) have more de tailed information in their chapters on respiratory protection. 6-2 ARD 002779 g S u^ Uy -o 9O o au fl s o SPo <O ZQ oe'cu"n H < a -Ou n - ca ~n < .5 O S3 T5 Ug Xg t3i 3^ oa, xv ^x o> Is es a uc/5 u u H2 -o 3.6>0 -Qg02*0 |1 S H U. a Q g Ss HU S 'O o u C? a.'* HU u ri 1 lius gjf h HU sS u53 11 & =5 < o2 3 HfeU _ 'a -- f- 8 irt in : V3 !& Hu SIMPLE RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES Respirator and filte r are an integral unit. Entire unit must be replaced when expended. . "S '3 2 IB .2 ^ 9) S u o (0 U 4H g S zu e/5 < cc o H < as E a jatjddng ?5' as t- 5; . v 00 S a a.M2Q3Q 5QO \Q Hg-. J& <0 U O .s'r ee oU u o-.gs gi2 Ae gue-7d OCCU u 3 3 jBOijdo ueauauty saauetiddy Xjajeg auijiJ 6-3 3 8S sjonpojj uosniM ARD 002780 Ear Protection Ear protectors find an application in those noisy areas where it is impractical to reduce the employee's exposure by other means. Fortunately the aluminum industry, in contrast to others such as the jet aircraft industry, is a relatively quiet one. There are, however, certain isolated operations in aluminum plants which do create major noise problems that are presently without solutions. In areas around these operations the use of good ear protective devices will insure that the employees do not receive damaging exposures. While they give protection to the employ ees, ear protectors do not limit, their ability to hear speech or warning signals. As a matter of fact the ability to hear them is enhanced by wearing ear protection. Ear Plugs Ear protective devices may be classified as either inserts (plugs) or muffs. The plue has almost universal application in Alcoa plants. These made of soft, plastic, rubber-like materials are probably best frnm the point of view of attenuation, comfort, and durability. Wax impregnated cotton is comfortable and has good initial attenuation but it tends to lose its shape, and by doing this loses some of its effectiveness. Wax plugs, although cheaper than the plastic types can be used only once and then must be discarded for sanitary reasons. Cotton is ineffective as a noise protector. So called "speech filters" such as the Lee Sonic Ear Valve and Selectone K are expen sive and give less protection than the solid, less complicated, cheaper and more comfortable soft plastic ear plugs. Ear Muffs Ear muffs are good attenuators and, while there are many instances where their use is preferred, their applications are more limited than the insert type protector. They are best used in areas of short time, intermittent exposures. Muffs are uncomfortable in hot areas or when worn for long periods, especially those protectors with the highest noise attenuation. Generally speaking, the more effective muffs apply a greater pressure to the head and ears. For the ultimate in pro tection muffs can be used in combination with plugs. However, at the present time there ere no noises generated in Alcoa plants of sufficient intensity to warrant the use of such an extreme measure. Performance Characteristics Information on the characteristics and performance of some of the more popular types of ear protective devices are listed in Tables 6.2 and 6.3. These data are intended to assist in the selection of suitable devices for any particular requirement. Further information about ear protec tors and their performances can be found in the "Industrial Noise Manual" (3) and the Handbook of Noise Control. (4) Gloves The use of gloves for protection against harmful materials is nothing new to Alcoans and the selection and use of these protectors are generally obvious. From an industrial hygiene standpoint, gloves can be used to prevent dermatitis caused by irritant and sensitizing materials; mechanical trauma caused by glass wool, wood and similar materials; and intoxication caused by absorption of toxic materials through the skin. Closely woven cotton gloves are good for protection against trauma. Leather gloves which are also good for this application should be made of a soft, pliable, washable leather such as chamois. Gloves for the protection of hands against irritant and sensitizing chemicals should be made of impervious materials. Plastic or plastic-dipped cotton are recommended for this purpose. Suitable applications for them are shown in Table 6.4. They should reach well up the forearms and should be worn under impervious sleeves, fastening at the wrists to prevent chemicals from entering the gloves. The wearing of gloves should not encourage sloppiness. If careless practice permits the contaminant to get inside the gloves it creates a condition which is worse than wearing no gloves at all. 6-4 ARD 002781 --O ft z: o o orH o p v 0 cm 0ft 0ft O ft p >3 >3 PP >3 ft 0 TO >0 3c P H O ft CJ 0 0 0 fOt "1 o -qb ^0 0 ft G cr G 0cra: ~ 5 0 1 ff00tt 0 | ff00tt 0 1 \ft 50 0 fCtO c 0 O 0 o0 0 r-v-* 553 PG >-- P rH G G G G G 0 P 0ft P P P ua HA HA >>> oO 5s 2 CO ft fOt 0 ft O ft fCt f0t I fi--oti CO 0 C0O CO 0 C0O C0O c0o 00 >H >- >H >- > > oCO 0 Oo P* 2 ft ft CQ 0 c0o O >H ft TABLE 6 .2 REPRESENTATIVE GROUP OF IN S E R T-TY P E PROTECTORS Co: G ft T3 ft ft ft T3 G ft ft ft G 'O 0 o O 0 O 0 O 0 O o o H O o c o o a o a O O o a O o nO. O o o o o o 03 u. fot o a GG GO 0 ft PP P0 < f>t T3 -a oo Oo Oa oa H H PP CO CO 0 co rH rH ft ft PP ft ft 00 CO CO -P G 0 i--i G0 W P fG0t G fHt1 9 G oo 00 X ft ft ft T3 ooo O o 0 0 )O C3 a a a oooo rH rH rH H TOP P P P CO CO (0 0000 rH rH rH rH ft ft ft ft P PP P ft ft ft ft OoO0 CO CO CO CO CO G 0 ft P G G f0t TG0O 0 Q MG1 O0 G0 rH *H G0 0G CO W < Wl ft rr* 1 3 0o CO CO CO CO o- ft o ft o 0 rH 0 o fH a o ca > ft 0 TO G G ft O P O P 0PP 00o Aoo G ft ft O00 Pp o 00 TO H P G bD Gbb G 0 CO 0 0 P ft0 G G H rH ft ft ft H H TO P TO oft W * 0 Cd 0 rH CO o bD TO 0 rH 04 TO 04 bD G CO rH Oh G 0 THO 0 zo TO H 'Zo >3 PG PrH G 3 1 PH G GS &0 CO ft 0 CO G0 < PH PTO Go G r0H l* Q5 p1 f0Ht a? uGu o H o o0o cu u* Cu G 0o P H rH p ftrH TO 0 rH -C ft G o 0 ft 0P ft 0 O CO ft O CO G 0 rH > rH 0 PoG T G O G0 O W0 o fTtO *h0 o 2 coo 9 fi 3 0o 9 P O p CO o ft H <0 o TO 0 rH fCtO 0 0 O bD A% cd bD o CO & S3 CO 0 rH >H 0 bD CO CO 0p 0 p H -P' ft bD H > o CO ft CO H O rH ft o 0 O- 3 >CO 0 << > C3 ft s <73 0 G ft > 0 G rH Pi > 0 CO o 0 ft 0 O * CO G ft G ft ft UA 0 CO o O 0 bD CGO ft, o 0 ft 3 CQ 0 0 -5 > < `o co ft G 0H ft G z5 O rH G <\J 0 ft0 ft g CO UA rH ^ G M 0 C^s 0 ' ft O O 2 3 Oi CTN O rH C*A o O CA CO CO co rH CO *ua P P O' rH 0 CO bD o s cd 0"r * (8 * a) w G H G ft ft O GO G " O ft CO 0 o O o CO 0 oi 0 G MG 0 ft 0 G 'P OO G0 ft rH CO O0O bD 0 O 0 bD fGt r0H H ft > G O0 fPOt ft 0 < CO 0 G fbtD W 0 ft O S0 fot P> f0t c0o P>> f0t c0o 0O SI fOot pCO O G ft O G ft GOTO G ft CO CO T0O fGt rH q bD ft G ,8 . PH G pCO f0t o G * ft OO 5 TO ' j a> H CO < o G 2 bD rH CO => b co rH rH w co G K ft Gl 0 rH ST ft S /**, r--s <-n /*n rs--s 0 P 0 ft 0 ft bDP ft O ------- --" w ---- -k ARD 002782 REPRESENTATIVE GROUP OF MUFF-TYPE PROTECTORS* U nited S ta te s S a fe ty S e rv ic e C o ., 1535 W alnut S t., Kansas C ity , Mo. ON \ in 3C id 30 cu -h V 0 V 0 T) 0 TO 0 tj 0 t) 0 si PP 0 0 0 0 0 0 p p id o o u o o o H 3 rH id H 3 0 pH H pH rH rl H 3 P P P rH P p 0 0 W W rH (/) in P -H ft. rH ft pH ft ft id rH Oh id rH 0. P 0 H s E e 3 s s TO (TJ CIJ cr id id 0) 0 ft, 0 ft f0t H 4 0 u. 0 Po 3 3 P in 3 0 0 cu u P--N >--s, H*--N id *--s <_dH -a_*- o '_0 T3 -_/ HI cu -_H __ 0> JO >N id id 3 T3 id 3 3 CU id <y p Oh H 0) O 0) O O' O' 3 T3 rl G s 3 3 3 0) id a-H rl 3 3 3 H nj 3 Id rH rl in --- rH *3H icdu O w cq in t) rH rH id 2 T3 T) rH s >< 0) 3 3 CU p id id 0 3 3 rl O 0 o 3 'H O o si p 3 id 0) in in in in id p 3 .3 H 3 3 i 3 Or O 3 -rl o O' 0 0 0 flj O P 1 H 2 in in 14 in 3 iOdJ nj u p i<n rH rH H rH rH rH 1 p id 3 piHd ft cx 2 C/) 2 3 3 in * . id 0. n in O' in H id .3 2 io in in a in p 0) <d p O' 2 H tJ 0, rl -- 33 * > 0) 0 si p P in 3 id 3 0. 3 O in oQ> <y > 3< O o' 3 n 3 X rl u X) 0 " 0 id o cu V r) QJ cd rH > id i0d < M 03 *H X 0 Pu u 8* id Oh 2 u rH id 3 oo > id o CM o 00 O rl I 3 - Js > >. 3 rl rl 3 id a Q id rl a rH in in p o 3 s 0 u a a V in O P cu T> H in 3 rH id id rH rH in Q s 3 rs ..---V P-N id -- -.C--1r 0 T3 6-6 ARD 002783 Solvent Protection When gloves are used for protection against solvents the main thing to remember is that almost all organic solvents will be absorbed by rubber, neoprene or plastics to a greater or lesser extent. Absorption, of course, will be greatest with prolonged usage. This is especially important when handling toxic solvents that can be absorbed through the skin. It is best to check with the glove manufacturer to determine the resistance of his product to any specific material. Aprons Aprons are of special value for protection against cutting oils. They should reach well up to the neck and below the knees. It must be emphasized that in order for aprons and other pro tective clothing to be truly protective, they must be cleaned regularly and frequently. Otherwise they will become primary sources of exposure in themselves. The frequency of cleaning depends on the dirtiness of the job. Aluminized cloth A final word can be said on the use of protective clothing made of aluminized cloth. This material is effective as protection against radiant heat and may give relief to workers on oper ations involving molten metal; for example, permanent mold casting. 6-7 ARD 002784 Table 6.4 SUITABLE GLOVES FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS Number! following name! of chemical* represent the types of gloves that give workors tho best protection. Recom mendation* come from information furnished by glove manufacturers. Synthetic rubber* artd plastics differ widely in content and purpose; ask your supplier for exact advice on the right types for your purposes. 1--plastic-coated gloves 2--natural rubber-coated gloves 3--synthetic rubber-coated gloves Naphthalene Nitric arid Acetone Acetylene un* Arrylonimlr Ammonium hydroxide Amyl acetate Amyl alrohol Aniline Aniline hydrochloride Aniline oil Animal oils \nlhruerne Aromatic fuels 1 1 3 1. 2, 3 1 2. 3 1. 3 1. 2. 3 1. 2. 3 1, 2. 3 3 l, 3 1 1, 3 Banana oil Battery arid Rcnzaldehydr Ron/cnc. Benzol Bcn/yl alcohol Benzyl hen/.oate Mrnzvi chloride Bromine Butane Butyl acetate . Butyl alrohol Rutyhddchydc Butylene Riitynr 1. 3 1, 3 1. 3 1 .. 1 1, 2. 3 1 1 1, 2. 3 1, 3 1, 3 1. 2. 3 1, 2. 3 1, 3 1 Calcium hydroxide Carbolic acid Carbon dioxide Carbon disulphide Carbon tetrachloride Castor oil Chlorine . Chlorobenzene Chloroform ... Cldoronoplitbalene Chloropicrin Chromic acid Citric acid Clorox Cottonseed oil . Creosote Cresol . Cyclohexane Cyciohexanol Cyclohexanone ... 2. 3 1. 2. 3 1, 2, 3 1 1 1, 3 1, 3 1 1 1 1 1 1, 2, 3 1 1, 3 1 . 1, 3 1 1 1, 2, 3 Decreasing fluids Diacetone alcohol Dibenzyl ether Dibutyl phthalate Dichlorethane Diesel fuel Diethanolamine Diethylamine Diisobutyl ketone Dioctyl phthalate Dioxanc . 1 3 1, 2. 3 1 .. 1 1 1, 3 1, 3 1 1 1, 3 Kpoxy resins, dry .......................... 1, 3 Esters 1 Ethane gas 1, 3 Ethanol 1, 2, 3 Ether* .... 1, 3 Ethyl acetate .... ... .3 Ethyl alcohol Ethvl ether Ethvl formate Ethvianiline Ethvlene diamine Ethvlene dicliloride Ethylene gas Ethylene glycol Ethvlene trichloride Fsittv acids Fluorine Formaldehyde Formic acid Freon 11, 12. 21. 22 Furfural i. 2, 3 3 i i. 2. 3 1. 3 1 1. 3 i. 2, 3 1 1. 3 1. 3 1. 3 2. 3 1 i. 2. 3 Gasoline, leaded Gasoline, unleaded Glycerine Glycerol Glveol Grain alcohol Grease Halogens Heptane Hexane Hcxvl acetate 1 3 i. 2. 3 i. 2. 3 i. 2, 3 i. 2. 3 1. 3 i. 2. 3 i .1. 3 1. 3 Hydraulic oils Petroleum base Ester base 1. 3 3 Hydrobroniic acid Hydrochloric acid Hydrofluoric acid Hydrogen gas Hydrogen peroxide 1. 3 3 3 i, 2. 3 1, 3 Inorganic salts 2. 3 Iso-octane Isopropanol Isopropyl alcohol Kerosene Ketones 1. 3 1 1, 2. .1 2, 3 1. 3 1. 2. 3 lacquer thlnners Lactic acid ... Laurie acid Lineoleic acid Linseed oil . . Lubricating oils 1 2. 3 1. 3 3 1, 3 1. 3 Maleic acid Methane gas Methanol Methyl acetate Methvl alcohol Methvlamme Methyl bromide Methyl cellosolve Methyl chloride Methyl ethyl ketone Methyl formate Methylene bromide Methylene chloride Mineral oils . . ... Monochlorbenzene ........ Monoelhanolamine .......... Morpholine .................. Naphthus, aromatic ........ Naphtha*. aliphatic 1, 2, 3 1. 2. 3 2. 3 1. 3 1. 2. 3 1. 2. 3 1 2, 3 3 2, 3 1 1, 2, 3 1. 2, 3 1, 3 1, 3 1, 3 ............ 1, 2, 3 1 1. 3 Naphthalene Nitric acid Nitrobenzene Nitrocthane Nitrogen guNitromeihnne Nitropropanc Nitrous oxide Octvl alcohol Oleic acid . Oxalic acid Paint thinne*-- & remove! Palmitic m id Paradichlorobrn/em* Pentane Perchloric* m :d Perchloreihyhne Perklcne Pcrmacldor Petroleum spirits Phenol IMienvl hydra/mr Phil-solv Phosphoric arid Pickling solution Picric acid Pino oil I'lU-ll Plating solution Potas-diun hydroxide Propane ga* Propanobi-o Propyl m-etate Propyl ahohol Propylene gas Stearic acid Stoddards solvent Styrene Sulfuric arid Tannic arid . . Tetraethyl lead Toluene Toluol Trichlor . ................ Trichlorelhylene ................ Tricresyl phosphate Triethanolamine Trinitrotoluene Trinitrotoluol ................ Triptane . .... Tung oil Turbine oil Turpentine .............. Varnoline gas .............. Vegetable oils . Wood alcohol Wood preservatives Xylene Xylol .. Xylidine .... .... Copyrighted 1959 by the Industrial Publishing Corporation. From OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS, February 1959. 6-8 I 1 1. 2. A i i . 1. 2. 3 1. 1, .1 1 1. 2. A 1. A 1. A 1. A i 1. 1. A 1. A 1. 2. 1. 1. 1. 2. A 1, A 1. A 1. 1. 2. * 1. 2. A -- 1. 2. ; 1. 2. A 1. A * 1 1. 2. A 3 1. 2. 3 1. 2. A 1. 2. A 1. 3 i i i i 1. :i A t 1. 3 1. A1. 3 1, A i 1. 3 l 1. 3 ]'. 2. A 3 1 1 3 ARD 002785 Chapter VI Bibliography 1. Brandt, Allen D.p Ch. 12, Industrial Health Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., N.Y., 1947. 2. Patty, Frank A., F.d., Ch. 11, Industrial Hygiene and Toxb "logy, Vol. I. Interscience Publish ers, N.Y., 1958. 3. Industrial Noise Manual. American Industrial Hygiene Assoc., 14125 Prevost, Detroit 27, Mich., 1958. 4. Harris, Cyril M., Ed., Handbook of Noise Control. McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., N.Y., 1957. 6-9 ARD 002786