Respirators & Masks: Advantages & Disadvantages from Worker s & Manager s Perspectives Dan Curts: CIH, ROH, CRSP
What is a Mask? A mask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that prevents the release of potential contaminants from the user into their immediate environment. NIOSH(1)
What is a Respirator? Respirators are devices that are designed and engineered to remove specific air contaminates by passing ambient air through the air-purifying element. (CSA Z94.4) Air Purifying Facepiece Elastomeric Facepiece Powered Air
Differences between Masks and Respirators In the U.S., surgical masks are cleared for marketing by the U.S. FDA. They may be labelled as surgical, laser, isolation, dental, or medical procedure masks.* In the U.S., NIOSH certifies respirator filter media through a series of certification tests (42 CFR Part 84) regarding the media s ability to remove specified contaminates at specific flow rates, particle sizes, pressure drops, particulate loading levels, temp & RH settings and time durations. Provided the respirator passes these tests, it is then NIOSH-certified * * Canada does not certify Masks or Respirators
Respirator filter testing criteria Respirator filters must meet stringent certification tests (42 CFR Part 84) established by NIOSH. The NIOSH tests use what are considered "worst case" parameters, including: A sodium chloride (for N-series filters) or a dioctyl phthalate oil (for R- and P-series filters) test aerosol with a mass median aerodynamic diameter particle of about 0.3 µm, which is in the MPPS-range for most filters Airflow rate of 85 L/min, which represents a moderately-high work rate Conditioning at 85% relative humidity and 38 C for 24 hours prior to testing An initial breathing resistance (resistance to airflow) not exceeding 35 mm water column* height pressure and initial exhalation resistance not exceeding 25 mm water column height pressure A charge-neutralized aerosol Aerosol loading conducted to a minimum of 200 mg, which represents a very high workplace exposure The filter efficiency cannot fall below the certification class level at any time during the NIOSH certification tests
Respiratory Protective Equipment Spectrum Surgical Mask Half Facepiece, Filtering Facepiece or Maintenance- Free Full-face Respirator Powered- Air Purifying Respirator Air- Line Self- Contained Breathing Apparatus Protection
What Drives Decisions to Purchase & Use PPE?
Legislation and Legislative Drivers Acts Regulations job specific substance specific OELs & APFs Company Programs become enforceable under General Duty Clause(s) Standards e.g. CSA become enforceable under General Duty Clause(s)
CSA Z94.4 Standard Enforcement across Canada 82 93 93 Breathe Safer & 93 02 02 02 93 93 02 02 93 *CSA sets APFs, gov ts don t except BC As of October 2008
Legal or Legislative Drivers Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act General Duty Clause; take every precaution reasonable in the circumstance for the protection of the worker CSA Z94.4 either 1993 or 2002. Selection, Use and Care of Respirators Federal Canada Labour Code Part II Reference CSA Standard Z94.4-M1982
What Drives Decisions to Purchase & Use PPE?
Cost of Use Cost of use is a function of the: Initial price of the product + number of times the product is replaced per day per person + time to maintain the product (if any) + parts The majority of $ is related to worker time! $2/resp x 3 resp/shift/emp =$6/emp/day or $1500/yr $35 ic + 1filter/wk ($1.2/d) + 10 min/day ($10br) =$11.34/emp/day or $2800/yr $2000 ic + $150 parts/yr + 1filter/month ($3/d) + 10 min/day ($10br) =$21.60/emp/day or $5400/yr
Other Financial Considerations Worker illnesses/injuries cost money Product quality & quantity produced goes down Indirect costs rise (4X-6X higher then direct costs) Work disruption
What Drives Decisions to Purchase & Use RPE?
Degree of Protection Masks are not designed to protect workers by definition but rather reduce the amount of large exhaled particles from the HC provider from coming in to contact with the patient Respirators are designed to protect workers from inhaling gases, vapours, and particulates including various bioaerosols. Respirators may also protect workers eyes, skin and head depending on the type selected.
What Drives Decisions to Purchase & Use PPE?
Comfort Masks are very comfortable due to their lack of fit. Tight fitting respirators can be uncomfortable due to their contact with the skin and increased temperature inside the facepiece. Powered-air purifying and supplied air respirators can be very comfortable due the well distributed weight, cool air in the worker s breathing zone and ability to communicate.
Comfort and Productivity Comfortable workers; work faster ($) take fewer additional breaks ($) achieve higher quality because they can concentrate on the job rather than what s bugging them ($$) are more content in their jobs fewer days off ($$) lower turn-over ($$$)
What Drives Decisions to Purchase & Use PPE?
Ethical/Moral Considerations Canadian employers have a moral obligation to treat their employees with care and dignity. Most employers want to protect their most valuable asset, their employees, so that they can be productive and live happy and fulfilled lives. Protecting workers from chemicals and biological agents in Canadian workplaces is an expectation.
What Drives Decisions to Purchase & Use PPE?
What Drives Worker s RPE Decisions? Comfort Degree of Protection Regulations
Advantages for Worker s Decision Driver Priority Comfort Degree of Protection Regulations
What Drives Management s RPE Decisions? Regulations Degree of Protection Cost of Use Comfort Moral/Ethical
Advantages for Management Decision Driver Priority Regs Cost of Use Degree of Protection Comfort Ethical
Summary Recognizing the Drivers of PPE and the frame of reference for each stakeholder will help to ensure that the Best PPE is chosen for the right reasons to protect a company s most valuable asset; its workers. Cost of Ownership Acts, Regs Co. requirements Universal Precautions Facial Hair Wages Productivity Ethnic Diversity Facial Hair Availability Hazards PPE Compatibility FBIE Wear time, Mobility PPE Compatibility
Questions?
3M Canada Service Centre OH&ES 1-800-267-4414 www.3m.com/ca/occsafety 3M Customer Service: 1-800-410-6880 Other Product Inquiries: 1-800-3M Helps