Stop The Spread – Clean and Contain

Nursing Homes: Failure to sterilize linens can become an incubator for the spread of Bacteria and may cause infections in residents, personnel who work at the facility and family and friends who come to visit.

Nursing homes, other health care and extended living operations can produce 2,500 lbs. of dirty laundry a day.  Sheets with blood, urine, feces and other bodily fluids are routinely washed with other, less contaminated items.

To ensure laundry is clean and sanitized key steps are necessary in the processing of Linens.  Housekeeping and laundry personnel need to wear gloves, goggles and any other types of protective equipment and clothing.  Coveralls made of TYVEK will give you the flexibility and durability you require to perform all your functions while being protected.  This step is vital when handling, transporting, sorting and washing soiled linens.  When collecting and transporting soiled linen, handle it as little as possible and with minimum contact to avoid accidental injury and the spread of microorganisms.  Carry linens in covered containers or plastic bags to prevent spills and splashes and confine the soiled linen to a designated area.

Do not do any sorting or washing of soiled linens in areas where patients live or come in contact with.  Establish an area that has adequate ventilation and physical barriers (walls) between the clean and soiled linen areas.  Safe sorting is extremely important.  Bedding from patient’s rooms may contain blood –stained or wet with other body fluids.  Washing and drying all linen items used in the direct care of a resident must be thoroughly washed before reuse.  Decontamination prior to washing is not necessary, unless linen is heavily soiled.  Using Amerisource ONYX, our break detergent will help you handle the most difficult soiled linens.  You can also add bleach about 2 to 3 table spoons will do it, using our OPAL De-Strainer and Sanitizer.

Remember throughout this process make sure if at any time you take your gloves off make sure you wash your hands.

When the linens are clean they are ready to be stored in a clean storage area, keep shelves clean and handle the stored linen as little as possible.  During transportation back to the resident the linens should be wrapped or covered to avoid any contamination.  Do not leave extra linen in a room, avoid shaking linen as it may release dust and lint into the room also clean soiled mattresses before putting linen on them.

It is important that care be taken when you are handling the needs and heath of the elderly.  All of us some day will depend on someone else to maintain a clean environment for us.

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Your Hard Hat Has an Expiration Date?

       
    Expiration Stamp

It is hard to believe, but a Hard Hat, and it may be the one you are
wearing right now has an expiration date.  This date is imprinted on the inside of the hat by the manufacturer.  It is recommended that a Hard Hat be replaced every five years.  If you work outside then you may have to replace them every two years.  This may be the result of ultraviolet radiation that will cause a natural degradation over time of the plastic.

You Can Test your Hard Hat– To See What Condition Your Hard Hat is in you can do the Crackle “Pop” Test.  To perform this test all you have to do is hold the Hat upside down and squeeze the two sides together if you hear a cracking sound then the jig is up and you need a new Hard Hat.  If your ear plugs are in when you do the test then what can I say?  But seriously your hat will no longer provide the necessary protection that you will need in the event of any impact to your head.

Now let’s talk about the inside webbing of your Hard Hat, that is recommended to be replaced every 12 months.  The webbing comes out and should be replaced because of all the wear and tear.  The webbing acts as your shock absorber and creates a secure fit for your head.  The idea is to keep your hat on so there are no near miss accidents that cause you injury.

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There is only one effective way to wash your hands?

 Hands often act as culture samples of disease-causing pathogens from person to person.  You can humans or animals and contaminated foods or water can transport bacteria.  Hand washing with soap works by interrupting the transmission of disease.  Proper hand washing and drying includes using all the right products.  For example Tissue and towel products are integral in helping maintain clean and hygienic surroundings, at your home, at the office or anywhere else you may hang your hat.  Have you ever seen the dispensers now showing up at all your local grocery stores? You bet, wipe off the handle of the cart, I do.  But washing your hands includes using soap.  Researchers from the University of Michigan found that Antibacterial soaps are no more effective than plain soap for killing disease causing germs.  Studies also show that drying your hands with paper towels significantly reduces the presence of bacteria that is commonly found on your hands.  That makes sense; you are the one and only using that towel making it an important part of the bacteria reduction process.

 There are minimum resources you will need in order to wash your hands effectively.

Here are some of them:

• You will need a Sink.
• Suitable treated and/or filtered warm water source.
• A “Hands-free” paper towel dispenser.
• Soap that is non-irritating or sensitizing.

Now let’s look at the actual process of Hand Washing:

• You will need to moisten your hands with warm water.
• Using a Total Hand Washing time, including lathering with soap of 15 to 20 seconds.

After your Hand Washing you will need to:

• Rinse well in warm water at an adequate flow rate. During the rinse, hands and fingertips should be positioned down into the sink, with the rinse progressing from elbow or forearm to fingertip. This way, water is drained from the fingertips into the sink.
• It’s important to remove all soap residues from hands during rinsing, since prolonged exposure to soap components can cause irritation.

Last but not least you need to dry off your hands with:

• Single-use paper towels, ideally from a hands-free dispenser, this has been proven above all other methods to effectively remove most unwanted germs and loose skin cells.
• Dry hands thoroughly, since wet hands can pick up and transfer more contamination.

Key Success Factor: The Hand Washing sink must be well maintained, with regular cleanup and replenishment of soap and paper towels. 

Amerisource Industrial Supply Company

Stocks and offers all KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL hand towels.  We packaged, and ship with safety and satisfaction of the customer in mind. Proper storage and use in a dispenser further maintain the cleanliness of the products. Customers who wash their hands and dry them with our towels can be confident of gaining hygienic benefits and reducing the spread of infectious organisms.

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Testing Reveals High Contamination Levels of Everyday Objects in Major U.S. Cities; Gas Pump and Mailbox Handles are Among the Dirtiest

Kimberly-Clark Professional* Findings Also Show People Encounter Armies of Germs Just Getting to WorkEach Day; Results Reinforce Importance of Proper Hand and Surface Hygiene as Critical to a Healthy Workplace ROSWELL, GA [DATE] –Just in time for cold and flu season, new testing in six major U.S. cities reveals that gas pump and mailbox handles may be among the dirtiest surfaces Americans touch. The results, released today by Kimberly-Clark Professional*, show that more than 60 percent of gas pump and mailbox handles and more than 40 percent of escalator rails and ATM machine buttons can be highly contaminated, potentially exposing people to illness-causing bacteria. Illness in the workplace is not just a health issue, but can also have a major economic impact. Each year companies lose $1,685 per employee due to absenteeism and presenteeism (employees coming to work while sick). 

 The testing was conducted by trained hygienists in high traffic locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Philadelphia. Using a Hygiena System SURE II ATP Meter, a device commonly used to monitor sanitary conditions in industry, Hygienists swabbed the objects to measure levels of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is present in all animal, vegetable, bacteria, yeast and mold cells. Detection of ATP indicates the presence of contamination by any of these sources. Everyday objects with an ATP reading of 300 or higher are considered to have a high risk for illness transmission. In all, more than 350 separate swabs were taken and analyzed.

 The percentage of public surfaces tested and found to have high levels of contamination (an ATP count of 300 or higher), includes:

•  71 percent of  Gas Pump Handles
•  68 percent of  Mailbox Handles
•  43 percent of  Escalator Rails
•  41 percent of  ATM Buttons
•  40 percent of  Parking Meters/Kiosks
•  35 percent of  Crosswalk Buttons
•  35 percent of  Vending Machine Button

“People do not realize the amount of contamination they are exposed to going to work each day and doing everyday things like filling their gas tank or riding on an escalator,” said Dr. Charles Gerba, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Arizona. “This new testing is compelling because it underscores the importance of hand and surface hygiene. Most cold and flu viruses are spread because people touch surfaces in their immediate area and then touch their faces, other objects and other people. Washing and drying your hands frequently throughout the day, can help prevent your risk of getting sick or spreading illness around the office.” 

“The likelihood for illnesses to transfer from the objects that people use every day like ATMs and parking meters is eye-opening,” said Brad Reynolds, North American Platform Leader, The Healthy Workplace Project*, Kimberly-Clark Professional*. “These findings indicate that illness-causing germs are everywhere and have the potential to travel with you into your office space. That’s why we developed The Healthy Workplace Project* – a unique approach to hand and surface hygiene that helps employees understand and reduce the spread of cold and flu germs throughout their workplaces.”

The Healthy Workplace Project* is a new, multi-faceted program that Kimberly-Clark Professional* has designed to help companies provide their employees with a healthier and more productive office environment. The program provides educational materials in conjunction with hand and surface hygiene products to employees, arming them with the tools and knowledge necessary to break the cycle of germ transmission in the office. By reinforcing the importance of “washing, wiping and sanitizing” through The Healthy Workplace Project*, employers can help reduce that impact.

About Kimberly-Clark Professional*

Kimberly-Clark Professional* is dedicated to providing essential solutions for a healthier, safer and more productive workplace. These include a unique portfolio of innovative, cost-effective and sustainable offerings for office buildings and lodging properties, healthcare facilities, manufacturing environments, laboratories and cleanrooms, educational facilities, food preparation and processing operations, and home professionals. Kimberly-Clark Professional* offers a comprehensive array of hand hygiene and contamination control solutions to break the germ transmission chain and help create a healthier workplace as well as wiping and safety solutions that minimize risk and drive productivity. Its trusted global brands include Kleenex

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One innovative Skin Care Hand Soap dispenser

 The STOKO® Refresh 4 in 1 dispensing system is the latest cost – cutting Innovation from the worldwide leader in skin care solutions. Now, one durable, attractive, easy – to – use and economical dispenser is all you need for all of your hand hygiene programs.

 One dispenser works with four Skin Care systems

1. Thick Foam encourages frequent washing and proper skin care– environmental friendly and easy on your budget
2. Concentrated spray cleansers and sanitizers deliver superior STOKO quality at the lowest cost per use 
3. Mild liquid cleansers are ideal for use in high – traffic or high – volume work areas 
4. Hand sanitizing gel effectively sanitizes hands without water, killing 99.99% of germs that can cause illness

Flexible skin care System

• Complete system choice with abilityto switch product type at any time
• Easy to operate, simple and quick to refill
• Secure key–entry or convenient  Keyless push–button option
• One dispenser for all product types
• Can be customized with customers logo or colors

Economical Skin Care

•Low Cost per use
•High use per refill

Durable Skin Care Dispenser

• Sturdy, high impact dispenser housing
• Low maintenance, clean design

Better for the environment

• Environmentally preferred ingredients
• Conforms to recognized ecological standards
• Complete system choice with ability to switch product type at any time
• Easy to operate, simple and quick to refill
• Secure key–entry or convenientkeyless push–button option
• One skin care dispenser for all product types
• Can be customized with customer’s logo or colors

 Economical Skin Care Products

• Low cost per use
• High use per refill

Durable

• Sturdy, high impact dispenser housing
• Low maintenance, clean design

STOP throwing money down the drain.

STOKO Refresh 4 in 1 – the best solution for facility operation and business profit!

 Cost effective

• Save time. Save money
• Simplify your purchasing – no morefiguring out which product goes inwhich dispenser
• Streamline your inventory – no needto stock multiple dispensers
• Competitively priced refills
• Improve cash flow – less inventoryto carry
• No confusion at point of use – you always have the right dispenser at hand

Trusted quality from one world class supplier

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 CALL AMERISOURCE FOR ALL YOUR RESPIRATORY NEEDS AND ASSISTANCE

These instructions are for using irritant smoke when conducting qualitative fit testing of persons qualified to wear respirators under a respirator program which complies with OSHA regulation 29CFR 1910.134. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the persons administering qualitative fit tests are able to, conduct test properly, recognize invalid tests and assure that test equipment is in proper working order.

If  employment conditions require respiratory protection an employer is required to have a written respiratory program on file that specifies

1. Hazards & airborne contaminants
2. Defined exposure areas and required protection
3. Air sampling data with exposure limits
4. Respiratory change out procedure and control

Each employee that is required to wear respirator protection must have an annual fit test and respiratory health fitness medical exam and clearance.

Part I. OSHA-Accepted Fit Test Protocols

A. Fit Testing Procedures — General Requirements

The employer shall conduct fit testing using the following procedures. The requirements in this appendix apply to all OSHA-accepted fit test methods, both QLFT and QNFT.

1. The test subject shall be allowed to pick the most acceptable respirator from a sufficient number of respirator models and sizes so that the respirator is acceptable to, and correctly fits, the user.

2. Prior to the selection process, the test subject shall be shown how to put on a respirator, how it should be positioned on the face, how to set strap tension and how to determine an acceptable fit. A mirror shall be available to assist the subject in evaluating the fit and positioning of the respirator. This instruction may not constitute the subject’s formal training on respirator use, because it is only a review.

3. The test subject shall be informed that he/she is being asked to select the respirator that provides the most acceptable fit. Each respirator represents a different size and shape, and if fitted and used properly, will provide adequate protection.

4. The test subject shall be instructed to hold each chosen facepiece up to the face and eliminate those that obviously do not give an acceptable fit.

5. The more acceptable facepieces are noted in case the one selected proves unacceptable; the most comfortable mask is donned and worn at least five minutes to assess comfort. Assistance in assessing comfort can be given by discussing the points in the following item A.6. If the test subject is not familiar with using a particular respirator, the test subject shall be directed to don the mask several times and to adjust the straps each time to become adept at setting proper tension on the straps.

6. Assessment of comfort shall include a review of the following points with the test subject and allowing the test subject adequate time to determine the comfort of the respirator:

(a) Position of the mask on the nose

(b) Room for eye protection

(c) Room to talk

(d) Position of mask on face and cheeks

7. The following criteria shall be used to help determine the adequacy of the respirator fit:

(a) Chin properly placed;

(b) Adequate strap tension, not overly tightened;

(c) Fit across nose bridge;

(d) Respirator of proper size to span distance from nose to chin;

(e) Tendency of respirator to slip;

(f) Self-observation in mirror to evaluate fit and respirator position.

8. The test subject shall conduct a user seal check, either the negative and positive pressure seal checks described in Appendix B-1 of this section or those recommended by the respirator manufacturer which provide equivalent protection to the procedures in Appendix B-1. Before conducting the negative and positive pressure checks, the subject shall be told to seat the mask on the face by moving the head from side-to-side and up and down slowly while taking in a few slow deep breaths. Another facepiece shall be selected and retested if the test subject fails the user seal check tests.

9. The test shall not be conducted if there is any hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface, such as stubble beard growth, beard, mustache or sideburns which cross the respirator sealing surface. Any type of apparel which interferes with a satisfactory fit shall be altered or removed.

10. If a test subject exhibits difficulty in breathing during the tests, she or he shall be referred to a physician or other licensed health care professional, as appropriate, to determine whether the test subject can wear a respirator while performing her or his duties.

11. If the employee finds the fit of the respirator unacceptable, the test subject shall be given the opportunity to select a different respirator and to be retested.

12. Exercise regimen. Prior to the commencement of the fit test, the test subject shall be given a description of the fit test and the test subject’s responsibilities during the test procedure. The description of the process shall include a description of the test exercises that the subject will be performing. The respirator to be tested shall be worn for at least 5 minutes before the start of the fit test.

13. The fit test shall be performed while the test subject is wearing any applicable safety equipment that may be worn during actual respirator use which could interfere with respirator fit.

14. Test Exercises.

(a) Employers must perform the following test exercises for all fit testing methods prescribed in this appendix, except for the CNP quantitative fit testing protocol and the CNP REDON quantitative fit testing protocol. For these two protocols, employers must ensure that the test subjects (i.e., employees) perform the exercise procedure specified in Part I.C.4(b) of this appendix for the CNP quantitative fit testing protocol, or the exercise procedure described in Part I.C.5(b) of this appendix for the CNP REDON quantitative fit-testing protocol. For the remaining fit testing methods, employers must ensure that employees perform the test exercises in the appropriate test environment in the following manner:

(1) Normal breathing. In a normal standing position, without talking, the subject shall breathe normally.

(2) Deep breathing. In a normal standing position, the subject shall breathe slowly and deeply, taking caution so as not to hyperventilate.

(3) Turning head side to side. Standing in place, the subject shall slowly turn his/her head from side to side between the extreme positions on each side. The head shall be held at each extreme momentarily so the subject can inhale at each side.

(4) Moving head up and down. Standing in place, the subject shall slowly move his/her head up and down. The subject shall be instructed to inhale in the up position (i.e., when looking toward the ceiling).

(5) Talking. The subject shall talk out loud slowly and loud enough so as to be heard clearly by the test conductor. The subject can read from a prepared text such as the Rainbow Passage, count backward from 100, or recite a memorized poem or song.

Rainbow Passage

When the sunlight strikes raindrops in the air, they act like a prism and form a rainbow. The rainbow is a division of white light into many beautiful colors. These take the shape of a long round arch, with its path high above, and its two ends apparently beyond the horizon. There is, according to legend, a boiling pot of gold at one end. People look, but no one ever finds it. When a man looks for something beyond reach, his friends say he is looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

(6) Grimace. The test subject shall grimace by smiling or frowning. (This applies only to QNFT testing; it is not performed for QLFT)

(7) Bending over. The test subject shall bend at the waist as if he/she were to touch his/her toes. Jogging in place shall be substituted for this exercise in those test environments such as shroud type QNFT or QLFT units that do not permit bending over at the waist.

(8) Normal breathing. Same as exercise (1).

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Latex Allergies & Glove Selection

A Latex Allergy is an allergic reaction to natural rubber latex most commonly found in latex gloves and balloons. Symptoms can include hives or welts, swelling of the affected area, runny nose, sneezing, headache, reddened itchy or teary eyes, sore throat or hoarse voice, abdominal cramps, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Latex-allergic individuals can also develop asthma or occupational asthma, as well as cross-reactive allergies to foods such as bananas, avocados, kiwi fruits and chestnuts.

The Glove Connection
Most allergic latex reactions occur from finished rubber products that are made via a dipping method, as with gloves. Manufactured latex products, such as gloves, may contain additive chemicals that have a propensity to cause delayed hypersensitivity reactions manifested as contact dermatitis. Workers who use latex gloves (and other gloves) may get irritant dermatitis on their hands from numerous causes (e.g., sweating, powder, frequent handwashing). The allergenic proteins in latex may be carried on cornstarch powders that are used as a lubricant on some gloves, resulting in respiratory exposure.

Workers in labs, cleanrooms, and other controlled environments who wear gloves on a regular basis should be aware that they have options for protective gloves:

• Vinyl – known for being very clean, inexpensive and static dissipative. However, vinyl gloves retain heat and have poor moisture vapor transmission.
• Natural Rubber Latex – has the best cost/performance ratio of any material available. It is durable and easy to manufacture. However, it has no inherent static dissipative features.
• Nitrile – offers very good puncture resistance and exhibits broader chemical resistance than that of natural latex, especially with solvents. Nitrile also has very good static dissipative features not found in natural rubber latex.

In addition to issues around allergies and sensitivities, a glove’s material can have a dramatic influence on its comfort. For example, latex gloves are typically viewed as being more comfortable, while vinyl gloves tend to be more uncomfortable due to the rigid nature of vinyl. Nitrile gloves are now becoming more comfortable, however. In fact, some suppliers are using new nitrile-based production technologies to combine the sensitivity of latex with the protection of nitrile for gloves that provide the best of both worlds – sometimes at a value price.

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NOISE REDUCTION RATINGS FOR HEARING PROTECTION

Much has been written about the importance of hearing protection and many people do not understand the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) that is part of description of hearing protection.

NRR is the measurement, in decibels, of how well a hearing protector reduces noise as specified by the EPA. The higher the NRR number the greater the noise reduction. While wearing hearing protection your exposure to noise is equal to the total noise level minus the NRR of the hearing protectors in use. For example, if you were exposed to 80db of noise but were wearing earplugs with an NRR of 29, your actual noise exposure would only be 51dB.

How does wearing dual hearing protectors change NRR?

When dual protectors are used, the combined NRR provides approximately 5 – 10 decibels more than the higher rated of the two devices. For example using disposable earplugs (NRR 29dB) with earmuffs (NRR 27dB) would provide a Noise Reduction Rating of approximately 39 decibels.

What is considered excessive noise?

The amount of on-the-job noise exposure can be determined through various testing devices. Excessive noise is defined as 85-90 decibels or more over an 8- hour period.

Examples of noise levels considered dangerous by experts are a lawnmower, a rock concert, firearms, firecrackers, headset listening systems, motorcycles, tractors, power tools and industrial machinery. All can deliver sounds in excess of 90 decibels and some up to 140 decibels.

Painful:

150 dB = Rock Concerts at Peak
140 dB = Firearms, Air-Raid Siren, Jet Engine
130 dB = Jackhammer
120 dB = Jet Plane Take-off, Amplified Music at 4-6 ft., Car Stereo, Band Practice

Extremely loud:

110 dB = Machinery, Model Airplanes
100 dB = Snowmobile, Chain saw, Pneumatic Drill
90 dB = Lawnmower, Shop Tools, Truck Traffic, Subway

Very loud:

80 dB = Alarm Clock, Busy Street
70 dB = Vacuum Cleaner
60 dB = Conversation, Dishwasher

Moderate: 

50 dB = Moderate Rainfall
40 dB = Quiet room

Faint:

30 dB = Whisper, Quiet Library

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PPE OVERVIEW – SAFETY RULES

The selection of appropriate protective gear is based on the hazards anticipated or recognized. Complete protection calls for assembling a set of gear including respirator, hardhat, safety glasses or face shield (preferably both), body covering (coveralls, pants and jacket), gloves and safety boots/shoes (steel toe and shank). Omitting one item may compromise the individual’s safety.  Some pieces of protective equipment, such as hardhats and boots, have specific standards for manufacture and only those items meeting these standards should be used. However, there are no such standards for chemical protective clothing. Selections must be based upon judgment.

Head Protection

The hardhat, a basic piece of safety equipment used in any work operations, must meet ANSI Z89.1 1986 specifications for protection. Manufacturers have adapted hardhats so that ear protection and faceshields may be easily attached. Hardhats are adjustable so a liner can be worn during cold weather. A chin strap is advantageous when work involves bending and ducking. It also helps secure the hardhat to the head when full face masks are worn.

Faceshields that attach to hardhats provide added protection. A combination that leaves no gap between the shield and the brim of the cap is best because it prevents overhead splashes from running down inside the faceshield. The faceshield must meet ANSI Z87.1‑1989 specifications.

Eye Protection

Safety glasses must also meet ANSI Z87.1‑1989. They should be standard safety gear when the respiratory protection is a half‑face mask with no faceshield. Both safety glasses/goggles and a faceshield are advisable as long as they do not impair visibility.  Safety glasses should be of the type that incorporate face shields.

Ear Protection

Ear plugs or muffs should be issued when noise may be a problem, such as around heavy machinery and impact tools. 

Foot Protection

Footwear worn during site activities (including leather work boots and rubber boots) must meet the specifications of ANSI Z41‑1991. The material used to make the boots is not subject to any standards. Protection against liquid hazardous chemicals requires a boot of neoprene, PVC, butyl rubber, to some other chemical resistant material.

Boots are available in two styles: pullover and shoe boot. Pullovers may be inexpensive enough to be considered disposable; otherwise they must be completely decontaminated. With chemical resistant boots, the pant leg should be outside and over the boots to prevent liquids from entering.

Hand Protection – Gloves

The hands are as susceptible to contamination as the feet. Gloves must resist puncturing and tearing as well as provide the necessary chemical resistance. Heavy leather gloves may be worn over chemical protective gloves when doing heavy work. If they become contaminated, they should be discarded because leather is difficult to decontaminate. Jacket cuffs should be worn over glove cuffs to prevent any liquid from spilling into the gloves. If hands are elevated above the head during work, the gloves should be sealed with tape to the coveralls or splash suit.

When selecting gloves consider thickness and cuff length. The thicker and longer the glove the greater the protection. However, the material should not be so thick that it interferes with the necessary dexterity. Two pair of gloves should also be considered for extra protection of the hands if the outer glove is torn or permeated. A pair of inner gloves also adds an extra layer of protection for the hands during the removal of outer gloves and other chemically protective items. 

Body Protection

Clothing to protect the body against hazardous liquids, gases, or vapors is available in a variety of styles and materials.

If the hazard present is known to be minor or simply a nuisance, minimal protection is warranted. This may be in the form of garments of MicroMax which are disposable or Nomex which are durable. Both are available as coveralls suitable for field use. As the hazards to the body increase, so does the level of protection needed. A splash suit made of PVC is suitable for a liquid such as an acid or base or when there will be minimal contact with organic materials. Some are inexpensive enough to be disposable.

If the material is more toxic, then more protection must be utilized. Splash suits similar in design to the PVC splash suits are good barriers against toxic hazards. These are made of neoprene and butyl rubber.

Toxic vapor/gases require the most complete protection, the best being fully encapsulating suits. The suit must not allow any penetration or permeation. Zippers must be properly sealed and seams properly connected and sealed to protect against vapors. Fully encapsulating suits also require the basic safety items such as safety boots and hardhat, along with a source of breathing air.

Wearing protective clothing creates some problems, the main one being that the body is shielded from normal circulation of air. Perspiration does not evaporate, thus eliminating the body’s main mechanism for cooling.  A cool towel on the nape (back of the neck) will effectively cause the hypothalamus (the body’s thermostat to reduce the body’s temperature immediately by   2 - 4 degrees in a heat stress situation.  With that gone, the body is prone to heat stress, including heat stroke, which can be fatal. Heat related problems are very common when temperature rises above 75 degrees F. Work schedules for persons wearing fully encapsulating clothing must be closely and conservatively regulated lest heat stress becomes more of a threat than the chemical hazard itself.

The best way to combat heat stress is to allow the body to cool normally. The most efficient body cooling process is by evaporation. Someone wearing protective clothing that has no ventilation perspires profusely. If the perspiration remains in contact with the skin, it has a better chance of evaporating and cooling the body surface. If the perspiration is allowed to run off the body quickly, less evaporation occurs. This happens when shorts are worn under a fully encapsulating suit.

Suit material can become very hot and cause severe burns if it contacts the wearer’s bare skin. Long cotton underwear is a good solution to this problem. It clings to the body when soaked with perspiration, thus allowing the greatest amount of cooling by evaporation and also protects the body from burns caused by the suit itself.

During extended periods of work in fully encapsulating suits, some sort of “cooling” must be provided to the wearer. The best method is to schedule frequent rest periods. If this is not adequate, a cooling device should be employed. Effective cooling units are available for use with supplied‑air units. A vortex tube separates the air into cool and warm components, releasing the warm air outside the suit. When self-contained air is used for breathing, the cooling device must also be self-contained. For example, vests have been designed to carry ice packs. There are other commercial devices available to combat heat generated by fully encapsulating suits.

Many workers spend some part of their working day in a hot environment. Workers in foundries, laundries, construction projects, and bakeries, to name a few industries, often face hot conditions which pose special hazards to safety and health.

In selecting the protective material, the following should be considered:

Chemical Resistance

Protective material must be able to resist degradation, penetration, and permeation by the contaminant. Any of these actions may result upon contact, depending on factors such as concentration and contact time. 

Degradation

Degradation is the result of a chemical reaction between the contaminant and the protective material. Damage to the material may be slight or as severe as complete deterioration. The reaction may cause the material to shrink or swell, become brittle or very soft, or completely change its chemical and physical structure. Changes such as these may enhance or restrict permeation or allow penetration by the contaminant.

Penetrability

A chemical penetrates a protective garment because of its design and construction imperfections, not because of the inherent material from which it is made. Stitched seams, button holes, porous fabric, and zippers can provide an avenue for the contaminant to penetrate the garment. A well designed and constructed protective suit with self‑sealing zippers and lapped seams made of a nonporous degradation‑resistant material prevents penetration, but as soon as the suit is ripped or punctured it loses its ability to prevent penetration. A material may also be easily penetrated once degraded.

Permeability

The ability of a protective material to resist permeation is an inherent property. A contaminant in contact with the protective material establishes a concentration gradient. The concentration is high on the contact surface and low inside. Because the tendency is to establish equilibrium, diffusion and other molecular forces “drive” the contaminant into the material.

When the contaminant passes through the material to the inside surface, it condenses there. The process of permeation continues as long as the concentration remains greater at the contact surface.  The permeation rate is based on several factors. Rate is inversely proportional to the thickness of the material and directly proportional to the concentration of the contaminant.

The amount or degree of permeation is related to the exposure conditions, especially contact time, which ultimately dictates how much of the contaminant permeates the protective material. Thus a conscious effort should be made to avoid prolonged exposure or contact with any hazardous contaminant, even when wearing protective clothing.  No material resists permeation by all agents.

Decontamination

Once a contaminant contacts a protective material, the garment must be decontaminated. With many materials, it is impossible to completely remove all contamination. Materials such as butyl rubber and Viton, which can be effectively decontaminated and cleaned, are also expensive. In some situations disposable clothing may be advantageous.

Chemical Resistance Charts

Tables are available indicating relative effectiveness of various protective materials against generic classes of chemicals.  Most tables only reflect ability to resist degradation. A protective material may resist degradation by a contaminant, but still be very permeable to it. Such charts are useful when used with discretion and when the seriousness of the hazard is properly evaluated. If a chemical is extremely toxic, then any activity involving it should be re‑evaluated.

Permeability data are available from manufacturers and independent testing laboratories. If there is a question about permeability of a material in contact with a specific contaminant, a sample swatch of the material should be tested by a recognized laboratory for permeability to that chemical.

EPA RECOGNIZED LEVEL OF PROTECTION

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency levels of protection can be used as a starting point for assembly of protective clothing ensembles. However, each ensemble must be tailored to the specific situation to provide the most appropriate level of protection.

EPA Levels of Protection

When response activities are conducted where atmospheric contamination is known or suspected to exist, personal protective equipment must be worn.

Personal protective equipment is designed to prevent/reduce skin and eye contact as well as inhalation or ingestion of the chemical substance.

Protective equipment to protect the body against contact with known or anticipated chemical hazards has been divided into four categories.

LEVEL A

Level A protection should be worn when the highest level of respiratory, skin, eye and mucous membrane protection is needed.

Personal Protective Equipment

LEVEL B

Level B protection should be selected when the highest level of respiratory protection is needed, but a lesser level of skin and eye protection. Level B protection is the minimum level recommended on initial site entries until the hazards have been further identified and defined by monitoring, sampling, and other reliable methods of analysis, and equipment corresponding with those findings utilized.

Personal Protective Equipment

* Optional

LEVEL C

Level C protection should be selected when the type of airborne substance is known, concentration measured, criteria for using air-purifying respirators met, and skin and eye exposure is unlikely. Periodic monitoring of the air must be performed.

Personal Protective Equipment

* Optional 

LEVEL D

Level D is primarily a work uniform and is used for nuisance contamination only. It requires only coveralls and safety shoes/boots. Other PPE is based upon the situation (types of gloves, etc.). It should not be worn on any site where respiratory or skin hazards exist. Refer to The Office of Emergency and Remedial Response. Environmental Response, Division. See “Interim Standard Operating Safety Procedures” for full details.

The type of environment and the overall level of protection should be reevaluated periodically as the amount of information about the site increases and as workers are required to perform different tasks.

Reasons to upgrade to a higher level (D is lowest, A is highest)

Reasons to downgrade:

E = Excellent        F= Fair          G = Good      P = Poor

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When should a respirator be used?

Workers should use respirators for protection from contaminants in the air only if other hazard control methods are not practical or possible under the circumstances. Respirators should not be the first choice for respiratory protection in workplaces. They should only be used:

• when engineering or administrative controls are not technically feasible
• while engineering controls are being installed or repaired
• when emergencies or other temporary situations arise (e.g., maintenance operations).

How should you control respiratory hazards?

Respiratory hazards can include airborne contaminants such as dusts, mists, fumes, and gases, or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Well designed and maintained engineering controls are the preferred methods of controlling worker exposure to hazardous contaminants in the air. These control methods include:

• mechanical ventilation
• enclosure or isolation of the process or work equipment
• proper control and use of process equipment, and
• process modifications including substitution of less hazardous materials where possible.

Administrative controls may be used in addition to engineering controls. Administrative controls limit workers’ exposures by scheduling reduced work times in contaminant areas or by implementing other such work rules. These control measures have many limitations because the hazard is not removed. Administrative controls are not generally favored because they can be difficult to implement, maintain and are not reliable.
Are there some things that you should know before you choose a respirator?

Employers should have a written respirator program that describes the proper procedures for selecting and operating respiratory protective equipment. The correct use of a respirator is just as important as selecting the proper respirator. Parts of the respirator program deal with finding out what hazards are present and how much protection that the workers will need. Other parts should describe how to wear and look after the respirator.

Without a complete respiratory protection program, people will probably not receive the best protection from a respirator even if it is the correct choice for a specific job. A respiratory protection program includes several components such as:

• hazard identification and control
• exposure assessment
• respirator selection
• respirator fit-testing
• training program
• inspection and record keeping
• cleaning and sanitizing respirators
• repairing and maintaining respirators
• proper storage of respirators
• health surveillance
• standard operating procedures (available in written form)
• program evaluation.

A physician should examine the medical and psychological fitness of workers. This should be done before they are assigned to work in areas where respirators may be required. The workers must be physically fit to carry out the work while wearing respiratory equipment. They must also be psychologically comfortable (e.g., not claustrophobic) about wearing respirators.

Workers with beards, long sideburns, or even a two-day stubble may not wear respirators because the hair breaks the seal between the skin and the respirator mask. Wearing eyeglasses would also break the respirator seal. This means that the respirator mask will “leak” and will not provide the needed respiratory protection. Also, if a worker has facial scars or an acne problem, the facial skin may not be able to form a good seal with a respirator mask.

What are the different classes of respirators?

The two main types are air-purifying respirators (APRs) and supplied-air respirators (SARs).

Air-purifying respirators can remove contaminants in the air that you breathe by filtering out particulates (e.g., dusts, metal fumes, mists, etc.). Other APRs purify air by adsorbing gases or vapors on a sorbent (adsorbing material) in a cartridge or canister. They are tight-fitting and are available in several forms:

• mouth bit respirator (fits in the mouth and comes with a nose clip to hold nostrils closed – for escape purposes only)
• quarter-mask (covering the nose and mouth),
• half-face mask (covering the face from the nose to below the chin), or
• full face piece (covering the face from above the eyes to below the chin).

Respirators with a full face piece also protect the eyes from exposure to irritating chemicals.

Supplied-air respirators (SARs) supply clean air from a compressed air tank or through an air line. This air is not from the work room area. The air supplied in tanks or from compressors must meet certain standards for purity and moisture content (e.g., CSA Standard Z180.1-00: Compressed Breathing Air and Systems).

Supplied-air respirators may have either tight-fitting or loose-fitting respiratory inlets. Respirators with tight-fitting respiratory inlets have half or full face pieces. Types with loose-fitting respiratory inlets can be hoods or helmets that cover the head and neck, or loose-fitting face pieces with rubber or fabric side shields. These are supplied with air through airlines.

Examples of these classes of respirators include:

Air-purifying respirators (APRs):

• particulate respirators (previously called dust, fume, and mist respirators or masks),
• chemical cartridge respirators that can have a combination of chemical cartridges, along with a dust prefilter: this combination provides protection against different kinds of contaminants in the air
• gas masks (contain more adsorbent than cartridge-type respirators and can provide a higher level of protection than chemical cartridge respirators)
• powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs).

Supplied-air respirators (SARs):

• self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA),
• airline supplied-air respirators,
• protective suits that totally encapsulate the wearer’s body and incorporate a life-support system.

There are some combinations of airline respirators and SCBAs that allow workers to work for extended periods in oxygen-deficient areas or where there are airborne toxic contaminants. The auxiliary or backup SCBA source allows the worker to escape with an emergency source of air if the airline source fails.

There are also combination air-purifying and atmosphere supplying respirators. These will offer worker protection if the supplied-air system fails, if the appropriate air-purifier units are selected. These cannot be used in oxygen-deficient areas or where the air concentration of a contaminant exceeds the IDLH level (i.e., immediately dangerous to life or health).
How do you select the right respirator?

Choosing a respirator is a complicated matter. Experienced safety professionals or occupational hygienists, who are familiar with the actual workplace environment, are the staff who should select the proper respirator. They can choose a suitable respirator only after they have evaluated all relevant factors. This includes considering the limitations of each class of respirator.

Before the proper respirator can be selected for a job, be sure you have already:

• identified the respiratory hazard.
• evaluated the hazard.
• considered whether engineering controls are feasible.

There are too many types of situations to cover them all fully here. However, the following questions represent part of “decision logic” that a safety professional or occupational hygienist can use when selecting a respirator:

• Is it to be used in firefighting or emergencies?
• Is it to be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres (less than 18% oxygen in air; some jurisdictions say below 19.5%)?
• What is the nature of the hazard (chemical properties, concentration in the air, warning properties)?
• Is the airborne contaminant a gas, vapor or particulate (mist, dust or fume)?
• Are the airborne levels below or above the exposure limit, or are they above levels that could be immediately dangerous to life or health?
• What are the health effects of the airborne contaminant (carcinogenic, potentially lethal, irritating to eyes, absorbed through the skin)?
• What are the characteristics of the operation or the process (e.g., hot temperature, confined space)?
• What activities will the worker be doing while wearing the respirator (e.g., strenuous work)?
• How long will the worker need to wear the respirator?
• Does the selected respirator fit the worker properly?
• Where is the nearest safe area that has respirable air?

DISPOSABLE RESPIRATOR Q & A

What is the difference between a disposable respirator and a “dust mask”?

By outward appearance there may not seem to be much difference between a disposable

respirator and a dust mask, but the similarities stop there. Unlike a dust mask, respirators are certified by the US government to ensure that they meet specified minimum filtration

requirements as well as specific manufacturing quality levels. Disposable respirators are often referred to as “N95s” because this is their classification by the US Government. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the agency that tests and approves respirators. A respirator that has NIOSH approval will say so on the packaging. Many dust masks or medical facemasks, which are not approved as respirators, do not seal tightly to the face allowing airborne hazards to enter the breathing zone. Even those facemasks that appear to seal tightly to the face have not been designed to protect the wearer from airborne hazards. Therefore, they should not be considered an equivalent substitute for government approved respirators.  Sometimes when documents say to use a “dust mask” what they really mean is a disposable respirator. If you are trying to reduce the number of particles that reach your lungs, you should use a NIOSH approved respirator. If the product is not approved by NIOSH, you should not use it to help protect your lungs from dust.

Can N95 respirators filter particles that are really small like smoke, soot and ash?

Yes. Particulate filters employ multiple mechanisms that are effective at filtering a range of particles that include those so small you cannot see them. In fact, as part of their certification process, NIOSH tests particulate respirators against submicron particles in the size ranges of smoke, soot and ash.

What should I do to become familiar with the respirator and how to use it?

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the respirator User Instructions and to practice putting on the respirator in a clean area before you start working in the contaminated area.

Who should not wear respirators?

If you have pre-existing lung disease such as asthma or emphysema, underlying heart disease such as heart failure or other health conditions, you may have difficulty breathing through some respirators and should consult your healthcare provider (doctor) before use.

People with facial hair in the area where the respirator touches the face should not wear N95 or other NIOSH respirators requiring a snug fit to the face unless they shave those areas of their face.

Can children wear respirators?

Disposable respirators are designed for adult faces and not for children. Very young children, or children with very small faces, may not be able to achieve a good fit. In addition, children may not be able to follow the fit instructions or to keep the respirator on their face during the entire time they are in a contaminated area. Children under three should not wear a respirator or mask as it may be a suffocation or choking risk. Contact your local health authority if you have questions about children’s health.

What is a type N95 respirator?

N95 is one of nine classifications for National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) certified particulate respirators. N95 rated filters have a filtration efficiency of at least 95% against solid and liquid particles that do not contain oil.

Does 95% efficient mean that 5% of the particles get through my respirator filter?

Respirators are designed to help reduce, not eliminate, exposures to airborne hazards. N95 rated respirators have a filtration efficiency of at least 95% against solid and liquid particles that do not contain oil when tested using the NIOSH criteria. However, the efficiency of the filter material alone does not determine the overall reduction in airborne hazards provided by a respirator. The other determinant in reducing exposure is fit. If a respirator does not seal properly to the face, airborne hazards can penetrate or enter underneath the face piece seal and into the breathing zone. To gain the maximum benefit from the respirator (e.g. achieve the greatest reduction in exposure), follow the instructions on how to put on the respirator, do the user seal check (fit check) and make sure you are clean shaven and that no clothing or jewelry gets between the respirator and your skin. There are other factors that may reduce respirator performance such as poor maintenance, failure to follow manufacturer’s instructions, and failure to wear the respirator during the entire exposure period. It is important to remember putting the respirator on correctly means more of the air you breathe goes through the respirator filter.

WARNINGS

1.   Failure to properly select the appropriate respirator or glove for all the contaminants and concentrations against which protection is required, or a failure to follow North’s instructions and warnings, will expose the respirator user to hazardous materials, and the risk of serious illness, disability or death.

2.   Do not use any air-purifying respirator for protection against:

    Any atmosphere having less than the equivalent of 19.5 % oxygen by volume at sea level.

    Air contaminants other than those listed on the air-purifying elements and on the NIOSH Approval Label which is supplied with each respirator and replacement air-purifying element.

    Concentrations of any substances greater than the maximum use concentrations for the specific type of respirator as shown in applicable OSHA or EPA regulations, in any applicable NIOSH publication, the contaminant Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), or a pesticide label.  For example, OSHA prohibits the use of disposable respirators in asbestos environments.

    Atmospheres containing oil unless a NIOSH “R’ or “P” class filter is used.

    Gas or vapor contaminants unless the air-purifying elements are equipped with End-of-Service-Life-Indicators for that contaminant; or a cartridge change schedule is implemented based on objective service data.

    Gas or vapor contaminants which are sensory desensitizers.

    Gases or vapors which generate high heats of reaction with the sorbent material in the cartridge.

    Gases or vapors which are not adsorbed by the sorbent material in the cartridge (e.g. Methanol).

3.   Do not use a tight fitting respirator that has not been fit tested on the wearer.  Fit testing of a potential wearer must be conducted before he / she is allowed to wear any tight fitting respirator.  Fit testing instructions are given in Appendix A of OSHA Regulation 29 CFR §1910.134. Carefully follow the instructions for conducting periodic user seal checks contained in the Instructions for Use which accompanies each respirator to make certain that the respirator face piece-to-face seal has not been compromised and that the respirator operates properly.

4.   Do not use any air-purifying respirator when conditions prevent a good face piece-to-face seal. Examples of such conditions are:

    the growth of beards, mustaches or sideburns which will pass between the face piece sealing area and the face;

    the use of spectacles, goggles or other devices which interfere with the respirator;

    the use of head or face coverings which pass between the face piece sealing area and the face; and

    missing teeth or dentures, facial deformities or deep scars.

5.   Do not use an air purifying elements having End-of-Service-Life Indicators if you cannot see the End-of-Service-Life Indicators while wearing the respirator.

6.   Do not alter or modify a respirator in any way.

7.   Do not use any supplied air respirator without it being supplied with an adequate volume of Grade D or better breathing air.

8.   Immediately leave the area and remove the respirator if :

    breathing becomes difficult.

    dizziness or other distress occurs.

    the wearer senses irritation, smells or tastes the contaminants.

    the air-purifying element is equipped with an End-of-Service-Life Indicator which has changed color to indicate expiration.

    the respirator becomes damaged.; or

    the air supply fails.

9.   Immediately leave the area and remove the gloves if

    they become punctured, torn or otherwise ruptured

    contaminant breakthrough occurs

10.  Any air-purifying respirator, when properly selected and fitted, will significantly reduce, but will not completely eliminate, the breathing of contaminant(s) by the respirator wearer. When working in atmospheres containing substances which are reported to cause cancer in amounts below the permissible exposure limit, the wearer will obtain better protection from a continuous flow or positive pressure air supplied respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus (an SCBA).

11.  Gloves do not provide unlimited protection against all chemicals (including chemical mixtures) in the environment of intended use.

12.  A respirator does not provide protection to exposed areas of the body. If the contaminated atmosphere contains vapors, gases or airborne particulate matter which may either irritate or burn the eyes or the skin, or can be absorbed by the body through penetration of the skin, the use of a full face piece or specialized eye protection, hand and/or body coverings may be required for protection.

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