Document jy1jO8yd0wKMbZpK21wN7dXz5

ABDOOO19291 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Safety Meeting Outlines pobox7qo, Frankfort, il 60423 815-464-0200^ Vol 25 No 15 Week of 4/15/2002 Company Nam Job Name RESPIRATORS Date Respirators prevent us from inhaling a wide range of tox ins and hazardous materials They protect against dust containing lead, asbestos, silica and radioactive parti cles, against vapors and gases like acids, chlorine and carbon monoxide, and against biological agents like mold and viruses If you are not protected by a respira tor, working in a hazardous atmosphere can lead to per manent respiratory damage, cancer, heart disease, chronic illnesses and death Standard respirators are adequate in many situations but if the atmosphere is im mediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) an atmos phere-supplying respirator must be worn Employers need to select and provide NIOSH certified respirators that are appropriate for the atmospheric haz ards present Before you use a respirator you must un dergo medical screening and fit testing Many factors can change the fit of a respirator, including the growth of facial hair, surgery or a significant change in weight Perform a user seal check, as well as positive and nega tive pressure tests, every time you put on a respirator To perform a positive pressure test, cover the exhalation valve with the palm of your hand and blow You should feel air escaping around the seal of the mask To per form a negative pressure test, cover the inhalation valve with your hand and inhale The mask should collapse on your face Hold the valve closed for 3 to 5 seconds If a leak is detected, adjust the straps closest to the leak and repeat the test until air is no longer leaking Do not rely on a leaking respirator for protection OSHA requires employers to develop a written respira tory protection program that, among other things, ad dresses the following' 1) procedures for selecting respi rators for use in the workplace, 2) medical evaluations of employees required to use respirators, 3) fit testing pro cedures, 4) procedures for proper use of respirators, 5) procedures and schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, storing and inspecting respirators, and 6) employee training on respiratory hazards and the proper use of respirators, including putting them on and removing them, and any limitations of their use If at any time while wearing a respirator you experience trouble breathing or smell anything out of the ordinary, leave the area immediately! SAFETY REMINDER Special Topics For Your Project Using the wrong filter or wearing a poorly fitting respirator in a toxic atmosphere can be as deadly as not wearing one at all! Employee Safety Recommendations Reviewed MSDS # Subject Meeting Attended By ____________________________________ Supervisor's Signature These instructions do not supersede local state, or federal regulations