ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE

 

Guide for Respirator Selection & Use

 

 

The following is intended to provide guidance in determining; (1) when respirators should be used and (2) the correct respirator and cartridge to use for the expected respiratory hazard. These guidelines are not all-inclusive and are not intended to replace good judgment in making decisions regarding an employees' personal safety and health. Decision making about personal safety and health is a shared responsibility, which includes both the supervisor and employee.

 

RESPIRATOR USE IS REQUIRED - For These Tasks:

 

Spraying Operations - Half-face mask APR or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with magenta & black cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA cartridge) which provides protection against organic vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.

 

            Using spray equipment to apply paint, varnish, adhesives, cleaning solvents

           

            Using spray cans to perform spraying activities in areas that are poorly ventilated

 

Landscape Activities - Half-face mask APR or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with magenta & black cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA cartridge) which provides protection against organic vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.

 

            Applying fungicides, pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers that require respirator     use, i.e., Diazinon                      NO FUMIGANTS

 

Chiller Plant Refrigerant Leaks - Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

 

            Situations requiring investigation or repair of an HCFC 123 refrigerant leak

 

Indoor Firing Range HVAC Unit Maintenance and Repair - Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with magenta cartridge (HEPA) for protection against dusts, fumes and mists or magenta & black cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA cartridge) for protection against organic vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.

 

HVAC Duct and Coil Cleaning - Half-face mask APR or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with magenta & black cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA cartridge) which provides protection against organic vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.

 

            Cleaning coils or performing work inside HVAC ductwork

 

 

Installing/Removing Insulation - Disposable N95 or higher APR or half-face mask APR or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with magenta cartridge (HEPA) for protection against dusts, fumes and mists or magenta & black cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA cartridge) for protection against organic vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.

 

            Installation or removal of fiberglass insulation

 

Sanding: Power and Hand - Disposable N95 or higher APR or Half-face mask APR or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with magenta cartridge (HEPA) for protection against dusts, fumes and mists or magenta & black cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA cartridge) for protection against organic vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.

 

            Sanding drywall and plaster

            Power sanding wood, laminates, and plastics

 

Masonry: Sawing/Grinding - Disposable N95 or higher APR or Half-face mask APR or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with magenta cartridge (HEPA) for protection against dusts, fumes and mists or magenta & black cartridge (organic vapors/HEPA cartridge) for protection against organic vapors, dusts, fumes, mists, paint and pesticides.

 

            Sawing concrete, concrete block, brick and other masonry products

 

§§§   NOTE:   Employees are prohibited from entering or working in environments that require wearing half-face mask APR, full-face mask APR, or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) when a good face-to-respirator seal cannot be maintained.

 

Employees who choose to maintain facial hair which interferes with the face-to-respirator seal or who have any other condition which prevents a good face-to-respirator seal are required to wear a hooded, powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) anytime air purifying respiratory protection is required. The PAPR may be used in place of a half-face mask APR or full-face mask APR anytime air purifying respiratory protection is required; however, a PAPR may not be used as a substitute in situations where self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is required.