This page last updated on 4/4/2001 @ 08:16 2.19.06 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

This program implements the Respiratory Protection Program for employees of the University of New Mexico in accordance
with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.134. The program ensures those
personnel who qualify for respiratory protection are trained and fitted with proper respirators.

A. SCOPE

No one may wear a respirator at the University of New Mexico without medical authorization, documented training and
documented fit testing. This program applies to all University employees requiring respiratory protection devices in working
environments where permissible exposure limits of respiratory hazards are exceeded. Substitution of hazardous materials
should be considered to eliminate the need for respiratory protection if possible. If substitution is not possible, adequate
engineering controls to eliminate the exposure to the hazard should be considered. Respiratory protection should be the last
choice in protecting our employees if the hazard cannot be eliminated through substitution or engineering controls.

B. DEFINITIONS

Cartridge/Canister - An encased sorbent employed for the sorption of gases or vapors.

Dust - Material created when solid material breaks down and gives off fine air-borne particles.

Dust Mask - A NIOSH/MSHA-approved mask providing limited protection from dusts and/or mists. Not to be used for paint
spray, fumes (including welding fumes), gases, vapors, asbestos or sandblasting.

Employee - Any person who receives compensation from the University for his/her work.

Facepiece – The portion of the respirator that covers the face.

Filter - A porous substance through which air-borne matter is passed and removed.

Fit-Testing - A qualitative or quantitative test to determine the seal of a respirator on an employee’s face against air-borne
contaminants.

Full-Face Respirator - A full-face respirator covers the entire face and includes eye protection.

Fumes - Created when solid materials vaporize under high heat. The vapor cools and condenses into extremely small
particles which become air-borne.

Gases - Substances that are similar to air in their ability to diffuse or spread freely through an area.

Half-Face Respirator - A half-face respirator covers the nose and mouth.

Medical Authorization - Approval by a licensed health care professional to wear a respirator after examination of medical
records and/or a physical examination.

PAPR - A Powered Air Purifying Respirator which is battery-operated and draws particulate contaminated air through a
filter, and delivers clean filtered air to the facepiece or hood at a required minimum flow.

PEL - The Permissible Exposure Limit as determined by OSHA and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists.

Protection Factor - A designation of the maximum multiple of the threshold limit values of the contaminant gas for which the
device is recommended.

Respirator - A device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory tract by filtering out air-borne contaminants.

SCBA - Self Contained Breathing Apparatus.

Training - Scheduled training session by a qualified trainer.

Vapors - The gaseous state of substances that are liquid or solid at room temperature.

C. REFERENCES

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection.
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926.103 Respiratory Protection.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z88.2-1980, Practice for Respiratory Protection.

D. RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs (SHEA) personnel will:

a.Evaluate the work area(s) to determine the necessary respiratory protection. As appropriate, make chemical
substitutions and/or engineering control recommendations to minimize chemical exposure.

b.Train users initially and annually in the use and maintenance of required respiratory protection equipment.

c."Fit test" individuals initially and annually with the required respirator and/or as physical changes occur to
individuals.

2.Employee Occupational Health Services (EOHS) will:

a.Medically evaluate all personnel, identified by SHEA, as requiring respirator use on their jobs, prior to any
training or fit testing.

b.Inform SHEA and supervisors when employees are unable to wear a respirator.

E.MEDICAL EVALUATIONS

1.All employees that have been identified as needing a respirator or wanting to wear a respirator must be medically
evaluated by EOHS prior to training, fit-testing and use of the respirator. Employees will fill out a medical
questionnaire and, if necessary, other tests will be performed. This evaluation will be provided to UNM employees free
of charge.

2.Frequency

a.Individuals wearing respirators who are 45 years old or older must have annual medical authorization from EOHS.

b.Individuals between 35 and 44 years old must have medical authorization every two (2) years.

c.Individuals under 35 years of age must have medical authorization every five (5) years.

E.RESPIRATOR SELECTION

1.Respirators will be selected based on the respiratory hazards to which employees are exposed. With the assistance of
SHEA, supervisors will identify the respiratory hazards in their work area. SHEA will evaluate the respiratory hazards
in the workplace and determine which respirator is appropriate. This evaluation will include workplace conditions,
chemicals used and a reasonable estimate of the concentrations of the chemicals.

2.All respirators, including dust masks, used at the University of New Mexico must be NIOSH approved.

E.PROCEDURES FOR PROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS

1.Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Supervisors, with the assistance of SHEA, will be required to develop area-specific standard operating procedures
(SOPs) that list what procedures require respiratory protection. These SOPs must also list the appropriate respirators
and cartridges/filters for each procedure. Templates for these SOPs are available in Attachment A.

2.Fit-Checks

Employees will perform the following fit-checks each time they put on their respirators:

H. USE OF RESPIRATORS IN AN IDLH ATMOSPHERE OR EMERGENCY

1. IDLH Atmospheres

In atmospheres that are considered Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH), supplied air respirators must be worn
by employees. The respirator must be a full facepiece pressure demand SCBA certified by NIOSH for a minimum service
life of thirty minutes or a combination full facepiece pressure demand supplied-air respirator with auxiliary self-contained
air supply. Respirators provided only for escape from IDLH atmospheres must be NIOSH certified for escape from the
atmosphere in which they will be used.

IDLH atmospheres include:

Atmospheres in which the concentration exceeds the IDLH concentration

Atmospheres in which the concentration may exceed the IDLH or is unknown

Oxygen-deficient atmospheres

If employees are required to enter an IDLH atmosphere, at least one person must be located outside of the IDLH atmosphere.
Visual, voice or signal line communication must be maintained between the person inside and the person outside. The
employee located outside must be trained and equipped to provide emergency rescue, if necessary.

2. Procedures To Ensure Adequate Air Quality, Quantity, And Flow Of Breathing Air

a.All compressed breathing air will meet the ANSI requirements for Type 1-Grade D breathing air.

b.Cylinders used to supply breathing air must be tested and maintained as described in the Shipping Container
Specification Regulations of the Department of Transportation (49 CFR part 173 and 178).

c.Compressors used to supply breathing air must be constructed and situated so as to prevent entry of contaminated
air into the system and have in-line air-purifying sorbent beds/filters to ensure breathing air quality.

d.For oil lubricated compressors, a carbon monoxide alarm must be used to monitor carbon monoxide levels.

e.Breathing air couplings must be incompatible with outlets for nonrespirable worksite air or other gas systems.

I. FIT-TESTING PROCEDURES FOR TIGHT FITTING RESPIRATORS

All personnel identified as requiring negative or positive pressure respirators will be educated on the use of their respirators
and will be qualitatively or quantitatively fit tested annually for the same type of respirator they have been issued. Only those
personnel who have been trained and fit-tested are authorized to use respirators.

The respective supervisors will be notified by memo when training and fit-testing is required for their employees. Training
dates will be provided at that time. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that their employees are scheduled for a class.
Fit-testing is not required for dust/mist masks as set forth in 42 CFR 84 as long as the action level of the hazardous material
is not exceeded as evaluated by SHEA. Until SHEA has determined that the exposure is below the action level, dust masks
must be fit-tested. All dust/mist masks must be NIOSH/MSHA approved.

See Attachment B for Fit-Testing Procedures.

J.PROCEDURES FOR MAINTAINING RESPIRATORS

1. Cleaning and Disinfecting

a.The maintenance and cleaning program must ensure the requirements provided in the manufacturer’s inspection
procedures are adhered to as a minimum acceptable program.

b.The actual cleaning and maintenance of a collective/multiple use respirator may be performed by the individual using
the respirator or the task may be assigned to the section responsible for the storage and issuing of collective use
respirators.

c.Individually issued respirators shall be cleaned and disinfected by the user on a frequent basis to eliminate build-up of
skin oil and grime.

d.Respirators maintained for emergency use shall be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

e.Records should be kept of each cleaning.

f.Procedure for Cleaning:

Wash facepiece, breathing tube and case in cleaner/disinfectant solution at no more than 120°F. If cleaner/disinfectant
solution is not available, use mild soap or detergent to wash the unit. An alternate disinfectant is a solution of one (1)
part bleach to one hundred (100) parts of water (1:100). This solution must be fresh, no more than a week old.
Rinse well in clean warm water (no more than 120°F). If the unit is not rinsed well, dermatitis may result.
Air dry in a clean area. Excess water may be absorbed by a clean paper towel. Do not use hair dryers or compressed
air to speed the drying process.

Clean other respirator parts as recommended by the manufacturer.

Replace defective parts if necessary, or send to SHEA for assistance with repair.

Place the facepiece in a ziplock plastic bag for storage. Respirators must be stored in a clean and sanitary condition.

The respirator must be completely dry before storage.

2. Storing

a.Do not store respirators and parts near or in:

Dusty areas. Dirty respirators can cause dermatitis. OSHA regulations require that respirators be stored in a clean
and sanitary condition.

Direct sunlight. Excessive heat will deform the respirator and prevent it from having a good face to mask seal.

Temperature extremes. Excessive heat will deform the respirator and prevent it from having a good face to mask
seal. Excessive cold can cause cracks in the facepiece causing leaks.

High humidity areas. Extremely humid conditions will make it difficult to maintain a good mask to face seal.

Toxic chemicals. Toxic chemicals can cause dermatitis or facial burns.

a.Store the respirator in such a manner as to prevent the facepiece from being deformed. Do not hang the respirator from
the straps.

b.Store the filters, cartridges or canisters separately from the facepiece. The weight of these can deform the respirator
over a period of time.

3. Inspecting

a.All respirators must be inspected before and after each use and at least monthly.

b.Check all parts for wear and defects. Inspect the head band, mask, valves, connecting tube and cartridges for
deterioration. Rubber parts should be checked for elasticity and cracks. Stretching and manipulating rubber parts when
stored for several weeks will help prevent deterioration. The valves should be inspected for tears and any obstructions
to proper sealing.

c.Check approval sticker (TC#) on filters, canisters or cartridges to verify that the right canister, filter or cartridge is
being used for the hazard encountered.

d.Replace filters, canisters or cartridges if necessary.

e.When a mask is used only for emergencies, a record of monthly inspections with dates, findings and corrective actions
shall be maintained by the owning department.

4. Repairing/Discarding

a.Only qualified personnel shall replace parts.

b.Only manufacturers parts designated for that use shall be used. Parts are not interchangeable between manufacturers.

c.Head straps can be replaced when damaged. All other repairs must be made by SHEA or the manufacturer.

d.If the respirator is damaged beyond repair or if the facepiece becomes distorted, it should be discarded immediately.

e.Dust masks should be discarded if they are damaged in any way, if they become excessively dirty or contaminated, or if
they become difficult to breathe through.

5. Replacing Filters/Cartridges

A schedule will be developed for each area, with the assistance of SHEA, for discarding filters. The schedule will be based
on the concentrations of air contaminants and the frequency of use.

6. Respirator Inspection, Cleaning and Maintenance Form

This form is provided to each employee during their Respirator Training Session. It should be used to document respirator
inspections and cleanings. Supervisors should review this form periodically to insure that respirators are being maintained
properly. A copy of this form is available in Attachment C.

K. TRAINING

Every University employee required to or choosing to wear respiratory protection will receive Respirator Training PRIOR
to respirator use. This training will be provided by SHEA. It will include the following:

Requirements of the Respiratory Protection Standard;

Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage or maintenance can compromise the protectiveness of the
respirator;

What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are;

What to do if the respirator malfunctions or if the employee becomes ill while wearing it;

How to inspect, put on, remove, use and check the seals of the respirator;

How to maintain and store the respirator; and

How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit the effective use of a respirator.

Employees will be required to demonstrate that they understand how to wear the respirator.

In addition to the Respirator Training provided by SHEA, employees must be provided with area-specific training. This
training is to be conducted by the supervisor and will inform the employees of the following:

Procedures in their work area that require respiratory protection;

Areas available for storage and cleaning of respirators;

When cartridges/filters must be discarded; and

Where employees can get new cartridges/filters.

Respirator Training will be conducted prior to the employee’s use of any respirator and annually thereafter. Retraining will
also be conducted if there is any indication that the employee cannot demonstrate that he/she has the understanding or skill to
use a respirator.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees that wear respirators are trained annually.

All training is documented and maintained by SHEA.

L. PROCEDURES FOR REGULARLY EVALUATING THE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

Ten percent of the employees in the respiratory protection program will be surveyed annually. SHEA will observe
employees using their respirators and will ask questions to ascertain their knowledge of respirator use. The Respirator Site
Evaluation Form, Attachment D, will be used to document these evaluations. Employees will be given an exam after their
annual training session and will be provided with an evaluation form to provide input about the training.

This information will be evaluated and the program will be improved as necessary.

M. Safety Precautions

Before starting any hazardous operations, be sure to employ the following safety measures:

a.Be sure the respirator functions properly.

b.Do not perform any hazardous duties unless you are medically cleared, properly trained and fit-tested.

c.When the wearer detects a resistance in breathing, a taste, an odor, smells the chemicals being used or an extra effort is
needed to inhale, they shall vacate the hazardous area immediately.

DO NOT remove the respirator until out of the hazardous area because it still offers some protection.

DO NOT reenter the hazardous area until the cause of the problem is identified and repaired.