6.8.3 Respirator Inspection & Maintenance Respirators are to be visually inspected for worn or deteriorated parts, routinely cleaned, and properly maintained to ensure effective protection at all times. Worn or defective parts must be replaced prior to use. Replacement parts must be approved by the respirator manufacturer, to comply with the NIOSH approval number for the respirator. 6.8.3.1 Inspection Procedures Respirators are to be inspected before and after each use. The following checklist will be used when inspecting respirators: Facepiece: check for cracks, tears, holes, facemask distortion, cracked or loose lenses/faceshield, etc. Headstraps: breaks, tears or bent or broken buckles. Valves: residue or dirt, cracks or tears, valves stuck or folded open. Filters/Cartridges: NIOSH approval designation/label clearly visible, gaskets, cracks or dents in housing, proper cartridge for hazard. PAPRs: hose condition, gaskets, motor function, battery charge and condition. Air Supply Systems: breathing air quality/grade, condition of supply hoses, hose connections, settings on regulators and valves. Respirator users are permitted to leave their work area to perform limited maintenance on their respirator. This should be in a designated area or an area that is free of respiratory hazards. Situations may include: Wash their face and/or face piece to prevent eye or skin irritation, To replace the filter cartridge or canister if vapor odors or chemical breakthrough or leakage is detected, or If any other damage to the respirator or its components is detected. 6.8.4 Filter Cartridge Change Schedules 6.8.4.1 Particulate Filter Cartridges: Respirator users wearing respirators with particulate filter cartridges (N-, R-95, 99, 100) shall change the cartridges when they first begin to experience increased breathing resistance while wearing their masks, if interior cartridge is damaged or wetted, or at least monthly. 6.8.4.2 Organic Vapor/Chemical Cartridges: Respirator wearing respirators with organic vapor cartridges shall change the cartridges as soon as chemical odors can be detected while wearing the respirator, in accordance with manufacturer requirements, if cartridge is wetted or damaged, or according to a specific change schedule. Cartridges shall be properly stored.
6.8.3 Respirator Inspection & Maintenance Respirators are to be visually inspected for worn or deteriorated parts, routinely cleaned, and properly maintained to ensure effective protection at all times. Worn or defective parts must be replaced prior to use. Replacement parts must be approved by the respirator manufacturer, to comply with the NIOSH approval number for the respirator. 6.8.3.1 Inspection Procedures Respirators are to be inspected before and after each use. The following checklist will be used when inspecting respirators: Facepiece: check for cracks, tears, holes, facemask distortion, cracked or loose lenses/faceshield, etc. Headstraps: breaks, tears or bent or broken buckles. Valves: residue or dirt, cracks or tears, valves stuck or folded open. Filters/Cartridges: NIOSH approval designation/label clearly visible, gaskets, cracks or dents in housing, proper cartridge for hazard. PAPRs: hose condition, gaskets, motor function, battery charge and condition. Air Supply Systems: breathing air quality/grade, condition of supply hoses, hose connections, settings on regulators and valves. Respirator users are permitted to leave their work area to perform limited maintenance on their respirator. This should be in a designated area or an area that is free of respiratory hazards. Situations may include: Wash their face and/or face piece to prevent eye or skin irritation, To replace the filter cartridge or canister if vapor odors or chemical breakthrough or leakage is detected, or If any other damage to the respirator or its components is detected. 6.8.4 Filter Cartridge Change Schedules 6.8.4.1 Particulate Filter Cartridges: Respirator users wearing respirators with particulate filter cartridges (N-, R-95, 99, 100) shall change the cartridges when they first begin to experience increased breathing resistance while wearing their masks, if interior cartridge is damaged or wetted, or at least monthly. 6.8.4.2 Organic Vapor/Chemical Cartridges: Respirator wearing respirators with organic vapor cartridges shall change the cartridges as soon as chemical odors can be detected while wearing the respirator, in accordance with manufacturer requirements, if cartridge is wetted or damaged, or according to a specific change schedule. Cartridges shall be properly stored.
penn_state_respiratory_protection_program_apr_2018.docx