Texas State University uses engineering, administrative, and procedural controls to protect people from dangerous atmospheres, including harmful mists, smoke, vapors, and oxygen-deficient atmospheres. When these controls cannot provide adequate protection against harmful atmospheres, respiratory protection is necessary.

The Facilities Department can provide training and fit testing for personnel who need respiratory protection. A copy of the Respiratory Protection Program is available from the Facilities Department.

People who use respiratory protection must be physically capable of using and wearing the equipment. In most some cases, a physician must determine if an employee is healthy enough to use a respirator. In addition, all people required to wear respirators must be formally trained and instructed in proper equipment usage. This training should include instruction on common respiratory hazards and symptoms of exposure.

It is important to use only a particularly selected the right respirator for a specific job. There are many types of respirators and each type protects against different hazards at different levels. Respirators are classified according to these factors:

• Air source: supplied air or ambient air
• Pressure: positive or negative
• Mask configuration

The following lists information on various respirators:

• Supply Air Respirators:
  • Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA's) use supplied air from a cylinder carried by the user.
  • Airline respirators require a compressor or cylinder(s) and an airline hose to the user.
  • Supply air respirators are necessary in oxygen deficient atmospheres.
  • When using a supply air respirator, have a back-up person with a SCBA standing nearby.
• Air-Purifying Respirators:
  • Air purifying respirators use ambient air and cannot be used in oxygen deficient atmospheres, immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) atmospheres, or areas where the identity or concentration of an airborne contaminant is unknown.
  • Ambient air is purified by a chemical cartridge, canister, or particulate filter.
  • Users must select the proper cartridge/canister/filter.
  • Cartridges and canisters must be replaced if the user notices an odor, taste, or throat irritation. Wet, damaged, and grossly contaminated cartridges/canisters must also be replaced.
  • Powered air- purifying respirators use filtered ambient air in a positive-pressure continuous flow mode.
  • Disposable or single-use respirators are made of cloth or paper and are primarily used for nuisance dusts or odors.
  • All filters (HEPA, dust pads, and disposable respirators) must be replaced if any of the following conditions occur: Breathing becomes difficult.
  • Filter or dust respirator becomes damaged, visibly dirty, wet, or contaminated on the inside.
  • Mask Types:
    • Full face mask covers the face from the hairline to below the chin. This type of mask provides eye protection.
    • Half-face mask covers the face from above the nose to below the chin.

The following table highlights various respirators and their ability to protect against different hazards:

Selecting a Respirator

When selecting a respirator, consider the following factors are considered:

• Type of hazards
• Identity and concentration of the contaminant
• Time constraints
• Activity of the person wearing the respirator
• Degree of protection provided by each type of respirator

Follow these guidelines for selecting the correct respirator:

• Use a HEPA filtered respirator:
  • If the contaminant is a biological hazard or toxic contaminant in particulate form
• Use a supply air respirator:
  • If the identity and/or concentration of the contaminant is not known
  • If an oxygen deficient atmosphere is known or suspected
  • If an IDLH condition exists
• Use a SCBA instead of an airline respirator. If an airline respirator could be damaged by work or conditions within the area

¡IMPORTANT!
Respirators are available in different types and sizes. Ensure you have selected the correct type and size of respirator for which you have been fit tested. Never replace with a different size or type of respirator.