Document 8RbNEj4d1Zyqmwm9EERQ4j6we

ALLIED CHEMICAL CORPORATION MEMORANDUM March 26, 197^ TO: Mr. Guy Walter SUBJECT: Recommended Respirator Program - Pottsvllle The enclosed recommendation offers a respirator program for use at Pottsvllle that complies with the essential require ments of Section 1910.134 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards. It is offered as a guide for the plant, realizing that local plant conditions and personnel may make it necessary to modify some aspects of the program. EJF/nm E. ip. Freeman Specialist, Occupational Health and Product Safety AS I 000015645 RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR PROGRAM - POTTSVILLE Introduction Respiratory protection devices, properly selected and used, can be a major factor in the prevention of occupational diseases caused by breathing air contaminated with dusts and fumes. The effects of airborne contaminants on the Individual are not always immediately apparent. In the case of PVC, there is a long period between exposure and onset of clinical symptoms. General Philosophy Because of the many practical considerations Involved in any respiratory protection program. Allied's general philosophy regarding respirators is that: WORKERS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO WEAR RESPIRATORS FOR PERIODS LONGER THAN 30 MINUTES AT A TIME, NOR FOR MORE THAN FOUR HOURS PER DAY. If this philosophy Is followed, and the balance of the program is sound, employees will generally accept respirators. Elements of an Acceptable Respirator Program Any respiratory protection program must meet the minimum OSHA criteria outlined in Part 1910.134 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards. The elements of an acceptable program are outlined as follows: 1. The employer must select and furnish respiratory protection devices on the basis of the hazard to which the worker is exposed. 2. The user must be Instructed and trained in the proper use of respirators and their limitations. 3. Because of the large differences in facial features and problems of fit, a choice of respirators may be necessary. 4. Respirators must be properly stored and cared for. 5. Respirator usage must be monitored frequently to insure that they are used properly. 6. Airborne contaminants must be monitored periodically to determine if the respiratory protection used is still needed and/or is adequate. AS I 000015646 Page 2 Recommended Respirator Program Pottsville Pottsvllle Program Ideally, respiratory protection would be worn by the worker any time he works in a contaminated atmosphere, and he would do so without the need for close supervision, because he wants to protect his health. As a matter of practicality, however, management must tell the worker when and how to wear the respirator. SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT PEOPLE MUST SET THE PROPER EXAMPLE FOR THE WORKER BY STRICT PERSONAL ADHERENCE TO RULES GOVERNING RESPIRATOR USAGE. Respirators must be worn at any time the worker is required to enter the enclosures around theextruders and during the blending operation. Permanent signs are required at all access points to these areas to warn empolyees and visitors of the hazard and to advise that respirators must be worn. The approved respirator for PVC and organic vapor exposure will be the MSA Comfo II with NIOSH approval number TC-23C-47* Substitutions will not be allowed unless approved by. Along with supervisory personnel setting the proper example for the worker, local management must adequately instruct and train the worker in the proper use of respirators and their limitations. This must be done at least yearly, and a document stating the topics covered and employee attendance sent to the Safety Department for a permanent record. Form may be used for this purpose. Comfo II Half-Face Respirators USE The Comfo II half-face respirator was designed to be worn with the straps In place and a filter properly installed. Facial seal can be checked by covering the face of the filter holder with the palm of the hand and inhaling deeply. If the unit Is sealed properly, it will tend to collapse to the face; if not, something is wrong and needs correcting. Correct filter installation is best assured by proper training and visual Inspection. Properly worn, this type respirator will give a protective factor of from 10 to 15. CARE Cleaned and packaged respirators should be issued monthly. The individual worker must be taught to care for his respirator. It should be checked frequently to detect flaws due to wear and/or misuse. Cleaning materials must be conveniently placed so that the respirator can be cleaned as necessary. Extra filters must be available o the worker to replace the dirty ones. Extra respirators must be available to replace damaged or lost respirators. AS I 000015647 > Page 3 Recommended Respirator Program Pottsville MAINTENANCE After each month's use, the respirator must be inspected, repaired as necessary with the manufacturer's approved parts, sanitized in a sanitizing solution, dried, reassembled, and placed in a plastic bag along with spare filters for reissue. A log of such maintenance is required. ASI 000015648 Date____ Foreman RESPIRATORY PROTECTION DEVICES AT FOTTSVILLE Part 1910.134 of OSH Standards require that respirator users be instructed and trained in their use and limitations. This must be done at least yearly. The Supervisor will cover the essential points (check off as covered) with the employee and record attendance. COMMON FEATURES Need for respirators - Stress health hazard potential l.e. lung cancer, lung disease, other disease-- respirators help prevent these. Q Where and when they will be worn |) How worn: Straps in place Interferences to fit; hair, missing dentures,etc. HU Half - Face Respirator Demonstrate Proper Wearing Demonstrate Fit Check (Seal off filter) Q Demonstrate Cleaning Demonstrate Filter Changing | | Explain Issue Procedure Q Explain Limitations EMPLOYEES ATTENDING THIS SESSION: AS I 000015G49