Document ga908ooagwvykRkj07yGOj1XG

PO-i CSTAtUSHCO M02 E. f. du Pont de Nemours 51 Company INCORPORATED Wilmington, Delaware PETROCHEMICALS DEPARTMENT April 6, 1981 TO: FROM: OH COORDINATORS 'AO J. C. OLGUIN { FIT TESTING DISPOSABLE/SINGLE-USE RESPIRATORS The attached describes the only effective method found to date to fit test single-use respirators. Employees must be told the method uses saccharin as the challenge atmosphere and the test can only be conducted if the employee does not object. Should the employee object, a cartridge jrespirator, that would have organic vapor cartridges for fit testing with isomyl acetate, must be issued to that employee. JCO/dc attach. DUP 0801085 DU 007739 i 1-157? *ev i cc: C. F. Reinhardt/B. C. McKusick P. G. Gilby - C&P - B-16235 L. F. Percival { PPD - Montchanin J. R. Martin - ER - BOD 1442 UTAIUSHfOKOi E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company INCOMPOflATCO kCt !VE0 Wilmington, Delaware 19898 i ' l:-. CENTRAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT W?0.v;;,T.v, t.vs P:T.<ICAo I'.'- ( HASKELL LABORATORY FO* TOXICOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE ,March 12 1981 DEPARTMENTAL OSH COORDINATORS i I FIT TESTING OF DISPOSABLE/SINGLE-USE RESPIRATORS OSHA's recent Directive CPL-2-2.29 provided guidelines for enforcing the fit testing requirements of)OSHA's Respiratory Standard 29 CFR 1910.134(e)(5). The directive particularly emphasized the need for enforcement of the fit testing of single-use/disposable respirators.) Haskell Laboratory has examined several methods, including Zinc Stearate dusts and aerosolized|sweetners, for fit testing single-use respirators. Currently, the 3M test method utilizing aerosolized saccharin is the[only effective system. Standard operating procedures for this method are enclosed. Although controversy exists over the use of saccharin in food, the FDA does allow its use for valid dietary reasons and technological purposes other than calorie reduction. Under the conditions of the fit test, exposur levels are very low compared to normal dietary levels. For example, a single fit test will result in exposure to le s than 1-2% of. the saccharin in a diet soda or a piece of su gar-free gum. These considerations, along with limited acut human inhalation experiments, indicate that the hazard potenti al is low for this test. Haskell is continuing to search for alte rnative test agents and will keep you informed of progress however, in the meantime, should an employee object to th use of saccharin he could be given a half-mask respirator and fit tested by the isoamyl acetate semi-quantitative method. DUP 0801086 OTS/dar Enclcsu ORRIN T. 3KRETVEDT CONSULTANT - INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE DU 007740 mn matm STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE SACCHARIN FIT TEST SINGLE USE/DISPOSABLE RESPIRATORS PURPOSE The following method is recommended for meeting the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134 (e)(5) concelrning the fit testing of single use/disposable dust, mist, or fume respirators. The method has been tested and found to be suitable for assuring an adequate fit for this type of respirator. MATERIALS Glass Nebulizer The DeVilbiss Company manufactures a Glass Nebulizer #40 used for aerosol therapy. The unit costs $15 and is available at most drug stores. i Saccharin Sodium saccharin 'granular, unsized can jbe ordered from Sherwin-Williams Chemicals, P.O. Box 65:06, Cleveland, Ohio, 44101; Attention; Hint.Novak, $4.:95/lb. PREPARATION 1. Preparing the Test Solution Locate an approximate 100 ml bottle with screw cap - eyedropper combination. Dissolve 120 grams of saccharin for each 100 ml of water. This will produce a saturated solution of saccharin. To dissolve the saccharin place the bottle in warm water ('w,120e>F) and agitate to bring most of the material into solution. If large amounts of saccharin should ever crystalize out, the solution should be warmed to increase the solubility. DU 007741 DUP 0801087 2. Preparing the Nebulizer Remove the large rubber stopper, hblding the nebulizer in an upright position, insert the test solution into the nebulizer using the eye dropper. The test solution should be about one half inch above the rubber squeeze bulb. Reinsert rubber stopper until ready to test The small rubber stopper should be left in place. Additional operating instructions are located on the packaging carton that comes with the nebulizer. 3. The fit test should be conducted in an area having adequate ventilation, preferably about three feet in front of a hood. With the test subject's eyes closed check his sensitivity to saccharin by gently directing an aspirated cloud of the solution towards his open mouth. Keep exposure as low as possible during this pre-test as a light .exposure is all that is needed. If the subject is unable to detect the swpet taste of saccharin, a disposable respirator should not be used. Have the test subject don and position the respirator, adjusting the nose bridge if one is present. Follow the manufacturers donning instructions, TEST PROCEDURE Instruct the person to close his eyes and breathe through his mouth while taking regular deep breaths. Breathing through the mouth is essential because a leak will be detected by taste not smell. I Visually divide the respirator perimeter into quadrants. Holding the nebulizer four inches from the face, check the face seal in each quadrant by squeezing the bulb slowly twice, while moving back and forth along jthe respirator perimeter. See Figure 1. Be certain the subject takes a deep breath (full inspiration during one second) as you test each quadrant.) Test each quadrant sequentially making two full revolutions. With a proper fit the subject willj not sense any change in taste. If the face seal is not adequate, a very sweet taste will pe noted. DUP 0801088 - 2- DU 007742 el m m 4. If the subject has received adequate training on the donning of single use respirators and did not pass this test, another make or model of respirator should be issued. j 5. After testing, reinsert the large stopper in the nebulizer to prevent clogging. A visible vapor cloud should be seen when the bulb is squeezed. If not, check the aspiration siphon inside the nebulizer to be certain saccharin crystals have not plugged the siphon .6 When testing is completed, pour the remaining solution back into the bottle. Rinse the nebulizer thoroughly with warm water, drain, insert stopper, and store in a dry, clean place. DUP 0801089 2/18/81 - 3- DU 007743