TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION... 1-2 1.1 COURSE OBJECTIVES... 1-2 1.2 LEGISLATION... 1-3 2.0ASBESTOS AWARENESS... 2-5 2.1 USES OF ASBESTOS... 2-5 2.2 HEALTH AND EXPOSURE RISKS... 2-9 2.3 ASBESTOS CONTROL METHODS/OPTIONS... 2-9 2.4 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT...2-10 3.0 EXPOSURE CONTROL PROGRAM AND MODERATE RISK SAFE WORK PROCEDURE FOR CLEAN- Page 1-1 BCMSA 2011
1.0 INTRODUCTION This training prgram was develped t prvide municipal emplyees with infrmatin n the precautins that must be taken when cleaning up and dispsing abandned drywall (gypsum) bard that has suspect r cnfirmed asbests-cntaining drywall jint cmpund, texture cating, r any ther plaster prduct adhered t it. IMPORTANT NOTE: The asbests safety precautins detailed in this prgram are nt required fr the cleanup r dispsal f drywall (gypsum) bard that des nt have suspect r cnfirmed asbests-cntaining drywall jint cmpund, texture cating, r any ther plaster prduct adhered t it. If the drywall has nt been painted, textured r jined with ther drywall r surfaces, it will nt cntain asbests. 1.1 COURSE OBJECTIVES At the end f this curse, participants will: 1. Understand the hazards f the Asbests-Cntaining Materials (ACMs) t be able t practively identify situatins where there is a risk f harmful expsure and t prtect themselves and thers frm the risk f harmful expsure 2. Knw the applicable sectins f the British Clumbia Occupatinal Health and Safety Regulatin. 3. Understand an asbests expsure cntrl plan and safe wrk prcedure including the precautins that must be taken when cleaning up and dispsing f asbestscntaminated drywall waste. 4. Be able t fllw Mderate Risk Abatement techniques and prcedures detailed in the abve-nted asbests expsure cntrl plan and safe wrk prcedure. Page 1-2 BCMSA 2011
1.2 LEGISLATION Wrker s Cmpensatin Act Wrkplace health and safety is regulated in British Clumbia by WrkSafeBC under the Wrkers Cmpensatin Act (effective April 15, 1998), as amended by the Wrkers Cmpensatin (Occupatinal Health and Safety) Amendment Act (effective Octber 1, 1999). The Act defines the general duties and bligatins f the emplyer, emplyees and thers at the wrk site. BC Occupatinal Health and Safety Regulatin ACMs are regulated specifically under Part 6 (sectins 6.1 t 6.32) f British Clumbia Occupatinal Health and Safety Regulatin (BC Reg.) 296/97, as amended frm time t time. Maximum Allwable Asbests Expsure Levels The Time-Weighted Average (TWA) fr all frms f asbests fr an 8-hur wrk shift is: f/cc 0.1 (fibres per cubic centimeter) Fr extended wrk shifts the TWA must be adjusted cnsistent with the requirements f Part 5.50 f the OH&S Regulatins. Prvincial Envirnmental Legislatin In British Clumbia, envirnmental matters pertaining t waste generally fall under the jurisdictin f the British Clumbia Ministry f Envirnment (ME), pursuant t the Envirnmental Management Act. The key waste regulatin under the Envirnmental Management Act relating t hazardus building materials is the Hazardus Waste Regulatin (HWR), BC Reg. 63/88, as amended by BC Reg. 319/2004, as amended frm time t time. Page 1-3 BCMSA 2011
The HWR prvides the requirements fr the prper handling, strage, transprtatin, treatment, recycling and dispsal f hazardus wastes in the prvince. The regulatin als utlines the materials and criteria t be used t characterize waste as hazardus. Transprtatin Regulatins The transprtatin f hazardus wastes is gverned under the Transprtatin f Dangerus Gds (TDG) Act and Regulatins which utline the requirements fr strage, handling, and transprtatin f hazardus waste, amngst ther prducts. Guidelines WrkSafeBC has published Safe Handling f Asbests, A Manual f Standard Practices, revised in 2006. This manual utlines basic infrmatin n asbests and asbests prducts, health hazards requirements fr wrker prtectin, safe wrk prcedures and principles that shuld be fllwed in selecting the mst suitable technique fr the safe abatement f ACMs. WrkSafeBC has als published G20.112 Hazardus Materials Asbests, dated 2008. The purpse f this guideline is t explain the hazards assciated with the uncntrlled release f asbests. It als prvides infrmatin fr wners, emplyers, cnsultants, wrkers and ther invlved persns n what cnstitutes a cmpliant asbests inspectin, arranging fr and cnfirming the safe abatement f asbests, and what t d if additinal materials suspected t cntain asbests are encuntered during demlitin r salvage wrk. Jurisdictinal Cntrls Accrding t the Ten Steps t Cmpliance as utlined in WrkSafeBC guideline 20.112, an ACM survey must be cmpleted prir t renvating and/r demlishing any building r structure that was built prir t 1990. Page 1-4 BCMSA 2011
2.0 ASBESTOS AWARENESS Asbests is a grup f naturally ccurring mineral fibres that are mst cmmnly mined in pen pits. Three cmmn types f asbests include: Chrystile: White Amsite: Brwn Crcidlite: Blue 2.1 USES OF ASBESTOS Asbests was used in thusands f materials due t its wide range f benefits. Useful Prperties f Asbests: Resists burning, even at high temperatures Has great tensile strength Acustic dampener Resists crrsin by chemical Resists bilgical grwth Insulates against the cnductin f electricity Is very flexible Page 2-5 BCMSA 2011
Asbests Cntaining Materials (ACMs): Building Exterirs Cement paneling, sffits and rf panels Rfing felts and mastics Stucc Brick and blck mrtar Lse fill insulatin in exterir wall cavities Flring Flr tile Sheet vinyl flring Flr leveling cmpund Ceilings T-bar ceiling tile Cement ceiling tile Acustic finishes Stippled finishes Plaster r drywall jint cmpund (DWJC) Page 2-6 BCMSA 2011
Walls Plaster r drywall jint cmpund (DWJC) Surface texture applied t walls Texture cating Transite wall bard Service Areas Biler rm insulatin bilers, pipes, ducts, incineratrs, flrs, walls, ceilings Fan rm insulatin insulatin n pipes, chillers, flrs, ceilings, walls Machine rm insulatin insulatins n pipes, ducts, flrs, ceilings, walls Crawl space insulatin - insulatin n pipes and ducts Wall cavity insulatin Page 2-7 BCMSA 2011
Pipe r Biler Insulatin Steam and ht water pipes Dmestic water and drains Rain water lines Gaskets in flanged pipe jints Insulating jackets n bilers and ht water tanks Pipe chases insulatin wrap n cncealed mechanical systems Miscellaneus Materials Incandescent light fixture backings Wire insulatin Fume hds Labratry cunter-tps Fire blankets Brake pads Fire-stpping theatre curtains Page 2-8 BCMSA 2011
2.2 HEALTH AND EXPOSURE RISKS Health Risk Asbests disease is a result f deep lung inhalatin f asbests fibres. The risk fr wrkers is assciated with inhaling airbrne fibres. If the asbests is nt disturbed and des nt becme airbrne, the expsure ptential is minimal. Materials that have lw friability, are in gd cnditin, in an inaccessible lcatin, and prtected frm damage are lw hazard. Where damage r disturbance cannt be cntrlled, management f the expsure risk is very difficult. Hazardus Fibres The hazard assciated with the fibres is due t their size and shape. Lng, fine fibres are mst hazardus and can still be inhaled int the deep lung. A fibre is mst hazardus if its length is greater than 5 micrns and the width is less than 60% f its length. In cntrast, fibreglass fibres tend t be t large t reach the deep lung and are nt as significant an expsure hazard. The Three Main Diseases f Asbests: Asbestsis Lung Cancer Mesthelima 2.3 ASBESTOS CONTROL METHODS/OPTIONS Types f Asbests Cntrl Methds: Remval Encapsulatin Enclsure Survey & Management Plan Page 2-9 BCMSA 2011
Each cntrl methd requires expsure cntrl plans and specific safe wrk prcedures, in cmpliance with Regulatin. 2.4 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Respiratrs Asbests fibres are hazardus when they are inhaled. Therefre, respiratrs are the mst imprtant pieces f equipment fr anyne handling asbests. The minimum prtectin required is a NIOSH-apprved half-face r full-face dualcartridge respiratr, fitted with P-100 filters. All wrkers must be clean-shaven where the respiratr seals with the face. Prir t use, a qualitative fit test (irritant smke r Bitrex) must be perfrmed by a qualified persn. This test must be cnducted annually, after maintenance has been perfrmed n the respiratr, r if the wrker changes respiratrs. Prir t each use, wrkers must cnduct a negative and psitive pressure fit-check. In additin t Respiratrs, ther PPE may be required. Dispsable cveralls (hded with elasticized cuffs) Wrk glves Safety ftwear (steel ted, seamless, laceless rubber bts) Hardhat Hearing prtectin Safety glasses Page 2-10 BCMSA 2011
3.0 EXPOSURE CONTROL PROGRAM AND MODERATE RISK SAFE WORK PROCEDURE FOR CLEAN-UP OF ASBESTOS-CONTAMINATED DRYWALL WASTE Under WrkSafeBC Regulatin, an emplyer must create and cmmunicate an Expsure Cntrl Prgram fr Asbests. A sample Expsure Cntrl Prgram is in Appendix A. This substance-specific expsure cntrl prgram details safety prcedures and prtcls that must be fllwed when cleaning up and dispsing abandned drywall (gypsum) bard that has suspect r cnfirmed asbests-cntaining drywall jint cmpund, texture cating, r any ther plaster prduct adhered t it. IMPORTANT NOTE: These safety prcedures and prtcls are nt required fr the cleanup r dispsal f drywall (gypsum) bard that des nt have suspect r cnfirmed asbestscntaining drywall jint cmpund, texture cating, r any ther plaster prduct adhered t it. Thrugh the preparatin f this training prgram, EHS Partnerships Ltd. f Burnaby, BC cnducted a qualified substance-specific risk assessment. The substance-specific risk assessment was cnducted t evaluate wrker expsure and envirnmental risks assciated with cleaning up asbests-cntaminated drywall waste in vlumes less than r equal t ne (1) cubic meter. Thrugh the qualified risk assessment, EHS Partnerships Ltd. determined that the clean-up presents a Mderate Risk f a harmful expsure t the wrkers cmpleting this type f wrk. Subsequently, EHS Partnerships Ltd. determined that Mderate Risk asbests abatement wrk prcedures wuld prvide sufficient prtectin t wrkers cnducting this type f clean-up and dispsal wrk. Additinally, a written Safe Wrk Prcedure (Appendix B) was develped t prvide municipal emplyees with infrmatin n the precautins that must be taken when cleaning up and dispsing f asbests-cntaminated drywall waste that is illegally dumped thrughut the municipalities f British Clumbia. Page 3-11 BCMSA 2011
Refer t the Expsure Cntrl Prgram fr general infrmatin regarding health and safety requirements assciated with this type f wrk. The remainder f this manual will fcus n the safe wrk prcedures that were develped specifically fr the cleanup f asbests-cntaminated drywall waste in vlumes less than r equal t ne (1) cubic meter. General Practices N eating, drinking, r smking is permitted in the asbests remval area. Wrkers must fully decntaminate befre perfrming any f these activities, r using the washrm. PPE is t be wrn at all times by all wrkers inside the asbests cleanup area. Required Equipment/PPE Traffic Cntrl Equipment (apprpriate Signage and Pylns) High Visibility Vests Dispsable Tyvek Cveralls NIOSH Apprved Half-Face r Full-Face Respiratr w/ P-100 Filters NIOSH Apprved Prtective Glves NIOSH Apprved Prtective Eye Wear (if using Half-Face respiratr) NIOSH Apprved Prtective Ft Wear (Seamless Rubber Bts) Tw Wash Buckets fr each tw emplyees Hand Sap First Aid Kit Duct Tape Asbests Warning Tape Asbests Waste Bags Dispsable Hand Twels 6 Mil Plyethylene Sheeting Minimum f 4 Asbests Hazard Signs Spray Canister Capable f Misting Shvel Hand Spade 5 micrn filter sck Page 3-12 BCMSA 2011
Persnal Decntaminatin Area and Prcedures The barricaded wrk area will be cnstructed with a persnal decntaminatin area, immediately adjacent t the asbests clean-up area, limiting entry and egress t and frm the wrk area. One entrance and exit will be used and maintained by all wrkers. Wash pails within the persnal decntaminatin area (n mre than tw wrkers per set f tw wash pails) will be used by all persnnel and equipment exiting the wrk area. Each time the wrker leaves r enters the wrk area he/she will have t use apprpriate PPE and will have t fllw specific safety prcedures and prtcls detailed belw. Persnnel Exiting the Wrk Area (Persnal Decntaminatin) 1. One entrance and exit will be used and maintained by all wrkers. 2. Each time the wrker leaves the wrk area he/she will damp wipe his/her dispsable cveralls t remve visible debris, within the wrk area. 3. Still within the wrk area, the wrker will remve cveralls and place in a 6 mil labeled plyethylene bag and dispse f as asbests waste. DO NOT REMOVE RESPIRATOR AT THIS TIME. 4. Still wearing the respiratr, the wrker will prceed t a designated persnal decntaminatin area prvided. 5. In the persnal decntaminatin area, thrughly clean the utside f the respiratr with water. 6. Remve the respiratr. 7. Thrughly wash hands and face with sap and water. Page 3-13 BCMSA 2011
8. Wash and rinse the inside f the respiratr. 9. Respiratr filters will be taped ver while respiratr is nt in use t prevent pssible release f entrapped asbests fibres. If this is the last use f the filter cartridges, they must be dispsed f as asbests waste. 10. Exit the clean area. Clean-up and Decntaminatin f tls Tls and materials must be thrughly rinsed in a bucket f water and inspected (t ensure there is n asbests cntaminatin) befre being remved frm the authrized wrk zne. Any remaining pieces f debris shall be wiped ff the tls using a damp clth. Fllwing this clean up, tls must be rinsed in the secnd bucket f clean water and placed utside the asbests clean-up area. If the bject is t large t be washed in a bucket f water, such as a shvel, use a wet clth t wipe the bject dwn until visually clean. Inspect thrughly fr asbests cntaminatin and repeat if necessary until all material has been remved frm the item. Dispsal f Asbests-cntaminated Drywall Asbests-cntaminated drywall will be placed in a labeled asbests waste dispsal bag. Prperly sealing dispsal bags f asbests waste will fllw these directins: 1. The wrkers shall clean-up the area and place all asbests cntaminated waste (including PPE, rags and spnges used in wrk area) int a labeled Asbests Waste dispsal bag. Gently squeeze the bag t expel the air. 2. Twist tightly the unused tp prtin f the bag int a tail and seal with duct tape at the base f the tail. Page 3-14 BCMSA 2011
3. Take the leftver twisted tail sectin f the bag and bend it arund t make a lp and attach it t the base f the tail using the duct tape 4. Place the first bag int the secnd bag and repeat the sealing prcedure. Written Safe Wrk Prcedure fr Cleaning Up Asbests-Cntaminated Drywall in Vlumes Equal, r Less Than 1 Cubic Meter 1. Ensure traffic cntrl is in place in accrdance with the British Clumbia Ministry f Transprtatin and Highways Traffic Cntrl Manual and Municipal prcedures. 2. Crdn ff the wrk area using a cmbinatin f asbests warning signs, tall pylns r sawhrses, and asbests barrier tape t restrict access t the wrk areas by unauthrized persnnel. 3. The barricaded asbests wrk area will be cnstructed with a persnal decntaminatin area immediately adjacent, limiting access t and frm the asbests wrk area. 4. Place 6 mil plyethylene sheeting drp sheets n the grund within the persnal decntaminatin area and immediately adjacent t the asbests clean-up area. 5. Dn Persnal Prtective Equipment: a. Dispsable Tyvek Cveralls with elastic at wrists and ankles b. High Visibility Vests c. NIOSH Apprved Half-Face r Full-Face Respiratr w/ P-100 Filters i. Perfrm psitive and negative pressure fit check d. NIOSH Apprved Prtective Glves e. NIOSH Apprved Prtective Eye Wear (if using Half-Face respiratr) f. NIOSH Apprved Prtective Ft Wear (Seamless Rubber Bts) g. Hearing Prtectin (if required) h. Duct tape arund wrists and cuffs f cveralls. Page 3-15 BCMSA 2011
6. Befre starting any wrk that is likely t disturb the asbests-cntaining drywall, mist water nt the waste. During the wrk, cntinuusly mist water nt the waste pile that is being cleaned up. 7. Clean up dust and waste by shvel r hand. 8. Duble-bag the waste int asbests waste bags ver the 6 mil plyethylene sheeting drp sheet. 9. Visually inspect the barricaded wrk area thrughly t ensure all asbests-cntaining material and dust/debris has been fully remved. 10. Immediately upn finishing the wrk, cmplete the fllwing tasks: a. Rinse tls in bucket f water, inspect; wipe with wet clth if necessary. Rinse in secnd bucket, set aside. b. Damp wipe dispsable cveralls; remve and place in asbests dispsal bag. c. Exit the asbests clean-up area. d. Wet drp sheet. e. Fld drp sheet and barrier tape t cntain any remaining dust. f. Place int an asbests waste bag. g. Duble bag the waste int a secnd asbests waste bag and set aside. h. Clean the utside f the respiratr and remve. i. Thrughly wash hands and face. j. Wash and rinse the inside f the respiratr. k. Tape ver the respiratr filters r dispse f as asbests waste. 11. Transprt asbests waste as a hazardus waste and in accrdance with the requirements f the Transprtatin f Dangerus Gds Act and Regulatins. Page 3-16 BCMSA 2011
Mderate Risk Site Cntrl Diagram Persnal Decntaminatin Area, cntaining: 6 mil Ply drp sheet(s) Tw Wash Buckets per tw emplyees, filled with water Hand Sap Asbests Waste Bags Duct Tape Dispsable Hand Twels 5 micrn Filter Sck Asbests Clean-up Area CHECKLIST FOR ASBESTOS CONTAMINATED DRYWALL DISPOSAL Is prper signage installed at all entrances int the restricted wrk area? Are the cntainment barriers set up (pylns and hazard ribbn/tape)? Is the decntaminatin area stcked, clean and tidy? Is prper signage installed at all entrances int the restricted wrk area? Is the decntaminatin area clean and tidy? Are wrkers wearing the required respiratry prtectin? Are the wrkers wearing dispsable cveralls and bt cvers? Are the wrkers wearing any ther necessary PPE required fr the prject? Is equipment in gd wrking rder? Are wet remval methds being used? Is the waste being bagged regularly? Is the asbests waste being duble bagged in labeled dispsal bags? Page 3-17 BCMSA 2011
There are six key steps t cleaning up discarded drywall: 1. Set up safe wrk zne fr wrkers and public; set up Persnal Decntaminatin area 2. Dn apprpriate PPE 3. Clean up Drywall fllwing established Safe Wrk Prcedure 4. Clean and decntaminate tls 5. Exit wrk area, remve final PPE 6. Take Asbests waste t a temprary strage area r dispse f in apprved landfill lcatin Step 1: Set up safe wrk zne fr wrkers and public Ensure Traffic Cntrl is in place, if required, in accrdance with the BC Ministry f Transprtatin and Highways Traffic Cntrl Manual, r the Municipalities prcedures, as apprpriate. Crdn ff the wrk area using a cmbinatin f asbests warning signs, tall pylns, asbests barrier tape and asbests hazard signs, t restrict access t the wrk areas by unauthrized persnnel. A minimum f ne meter arund the asbests shuld be crdned ff, if pssible. Establish a persnal decntaminatin area immediately adjacent t the asbests clean up area, thrugh the use f pylns, tape and signs. Page 3-18 BCMSA 2011
Gather required materials, place at edge f divider between asbests clean up area and persnal decntaminatin area: Tw wash buckets fr every tw wrkers, filled with water Hand Sap Wet Wipes First Aid Kit Duct Tape Asbests Waste Bags Dispsable Hand Twels 6 Mil Plyethylene Drp Clth Spray Canister capable f misting water, filled with water Shvel Hand Spade 5 micrn Filter Sck Page 3-19 BCMSA 2011
Step 2: Dn apprpriate PPE Prir t entering int the asbests clean-up area, all wrkers will dn the apprpriate PPE: Dispsable, hded Tyvek cveralls, with elastic at wrists and ankles. High Visibility Vests (if in traffic) Hard Hat (if required) NIOSH-Apprved Half-Face r Full-Face Respiratr w/p-100 Filters; cmplete psitive and negative pressure test NIOSH-Apprved Prtective Glves NIOSH-Apprved Prtective Eye Wear (if using ½ face respiratr) Hearing Prtectin (if required) Seamless, Steel-Te Rubber Bts Duct Tape t seal arund wrists and ankles Page 3-20 BCMSA 2011
Step 3: Clean up Drywall fllwing Safe Wrk Prcedure (see Appendix B fr Written Safe Wrk Prcedure) Ensure material is misted with water. Place suspected asbestscntaining drywall int asbests dispsal bags. Page 3-21 BCMSA 2011
Make a final check f the asbests clean-up area fr any further asbestscntaining waste, place in asbests dispsal bags. Fllw prcedure fr sealing and duble-bagging dispsal bags. Instating a Gse Neck Seal n the Waste Bags Page 3-22 BCMSA 2011
Steps 4 & 5: Clean and Decntaminate Tls and PPE, exit wrk area 1. Rinse tls in bucket f water, inspect; wipe with wet clth if necessary. Rinse in secnd bucket, set aside. 2. Damp wipe dispsable cveralls; remve and place in asbests dispsal bag. 3. Exit the asbests clean-up area. 4. Wet drp sheet. 5. Fld drp sheet and barrier tape t cntain any remaining dust. 6. Place int an asbests waste bag. 7. Duble bag the waste int a secnd asbests waste bag and set aside. 8. Clean the utside f the respiratr and remve. 9. Thrughly wash hands and face. 10. Wash and rinse the inside f the respiratr. 11. Tape ver the respiratr filters r dispse f as asbests waste. 12. Filter water thrugh 5 micrn filter sck prir t discarding; dispse f the filter sck as asbests waste. Step 6: Transprt Waste t Temprary Strage r t a Designated Landfill. Page 3-23 BCMSA 2011
4.0 HANDS-ON TRAINING EXERCISE Page 4-24 BCMSA 2011
Site Cnditins Page 4-25 BCMSA 2011
Exercise: Divide int grups f six r less Each grup shall... 1. Secure the wrk area. 2. Set up the tw stage decntaminatin area. 3. Demnstrate dnning f PPE and wrk area entry prcedures. 4. Demnstrate waste (drywall) cleanup prcedures. 5. Cmplete final cleaning. 6. Demnstrate waste bagging prcedures. 7. Demnstrate waste bag decntaminatin prcedures. 8. Demnstrate persnal decntaminatin and wrk area egress prcedures. 9. Dismantle the wrk area. Page 4-26 BCMSA 2011
APPENDICES TABLE OF CONTENTS Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Asbests Expsure Cntrl Prgram Asbests-Cntaining Drywall Dispsal Safe Wrk Prcedure Mderate Risk Abatement Tls and Supply Checklist Wrk Site Respiratr Fit Check Prcedure Appendix A Page 1 BCMSA 2011
APPENDIX A ASBESTOS EXPOSURE CONTROL PROGRAM Appendix A Page 1 BCMSA 2011
APPENDIX B ASBESTOS-CONTAINING DRYWALL DISPOSAL SAFE WORK PROCEDURE Appendix B Page 1 BCMSA 2011
APPENDIX C MODERATE RISK ABATEMENT TOOLS AND SUPPLY CHECKLIST Asbests Abatement Tls and Supplies Checklist: Traffic Cntrl Equipment High Visibility Vests Dispsable Tyvek Cveralls (hded with elastic wrists and ankles) NIOSH-Apprved Half-Face r Full-Face Respiratr w/ P-100 Filters NIOSH-Apprved Prtective Glves NIOSH-Apprved Prtective Eye Wear (if using Half-Face respiratr) NIOSH-Apprved Prtective Ft Wear (Seamless Rubber Bts) Tw Wash Buckets fr each tw emplyees Hand Sap First Aid Kit Duct Tape Pylns/Sawhrses/Traffic Cnes Asbests Warning Tape Minimum f 4 Asbests Hazard Signs Asbests Waste Bags Dispsable Hand Twels 6 Mil Plyethylene Sheeting Spray Canister Capable f Misting Shvel/Hand Spade 5 Micrn Filter Sck Appendix C Page 1 BCMSA 2011
APPENDIX D WORK SITE RESPIRATOR FIT CHECK PROCEDURE Respiratrs are t be wrn nly be thse wh have been trained in respiratr use and have been fit-tested. Qualitative Fit Testing using irritant smke r Bitrex is required n an annual basis fr all wrkers wh use respiratrs. Befre each use, the wrker must: 1. Inspect the respiratr seals, valves and straps and put n the pre-adjusted persnal half-face r full-face respiratr. 2. Perfrm a check n the peratins and fit f the unit as fllws: Psitive Pressure Test After putting n the air purifying respiratr with the HEPA filters, the wearer clses ff the exhalatin valve with their hands and exhales gently int the face piece. If prperly sealed the mask will bulge slightly, any air leaks arund the face piece seal indicates the seal is nt adequate. The wearer readjusts the respiratr and repeats the prcedure until a seal has been achieved. Negative Pressure Test After the psitive pressure test is cmpleted, the wearer clses ff the penings t the HEPA filters by cvering them with their palms. The wearer then inhales gently s the face piece cllapses slightly. The mask if prperly sealed will cllapse slightly. Nte: If a prper seal cannt be achieved during either test, the wearer must nt prceed with the jb until a prper fit has been achieved. Appendix D Page 1 BCMSA 2011