Difference between revisions of "Respiratory Protection Plan"

Revision as of 12:29, 6 September 2016

Section 2 - EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

210.08 Respiratory Protection Plan

PURPOSE:

To establish a procedure to prevent injury as a result of acute or chronic exposure to airborne toxic substances or other respiratory hazards such as oxygen deficient atmospheres, superheated gases, toxic products or other hazardous contaminants.

To provide guidelines for maintenance and use of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

To comply with OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.134.

PROCEDURE:

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus is defined as Positive Pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). These procedures apply to all personnel identified as a user of any Respiratory Protective Unit (S.C.B.A.).

Inspections

• Users are responsible for the Daily Inspection of their assigned respirator.
• Regular inspection and maintenance of respirators in accordance with the manufacture’s instructions will ensure that these respirators, when properly used, will give the wearer the best possible protection.
• Inspections shall include but are not limited to:
  • Check regulator, heads up display lights, and low-air alarm for proper operation
  • Check tightness of connections
  • Check condition of the face piece and harness assembly, including straps, shoulder and waist assemblies for tears, frays, and deficiencies.
  • Check HYDRO test date on cylinder.
  • Hydro testing shall be conducted every five years
  • Check cylinder pressure
  • Check the condition of the cylinders to ensure that it free from obvious cracks, heat discoloration, or deformities.
• If during the inspections any unit is found to be unserviceable, the deficiency will be noted on the red “O.O.S tags” and (placed out of service).
  • A “Track-it” work order and “O.O.S TAG” shall be completed. The red O.O.S tag will accompany the out-of-service unit to the SCBA repair area. The work order will be mailed to the head SCBA service member via inter office mail. An Email will be sent to the email group "SCBA Repair Team" advising them of the needed repairs.

Maintenance

• All respirator repair i.e., replacement of lens, batteries, hoses, shoulder harness, cylinder hydrostatic tests, regulator, and all other related repairs are handled by an SCBA Technician Only.

Cleaning Instructions for SCBA’s

**** DO NOT USE BLEACH ****

• Acceptable cleaning procedure is as follows:
  • Using a cleaner/sanitizer, create a warm water solution of no more that 120 degrees F
  • One may use a mild dish detergent in place of a commercial cleaner/sanitizer.
  • Immerse the mask in the solution and wash
  • Rinse the assembly with clean, warm water
  • Drain all water and air-dry the assembly
  • Hand wipe the assembly, valve and other parts with damp cloth as needed to remove residue and all foreign materials
• No other cleaning agents or chemicals are to be used on the SCBA mask, including but not limited to bleach, windex, Rain X, etc.

Storage of Respirator

• After cleaning and inspection all SCBA units will be stored to protect against dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture or damaging chemicals.

Medical Examinations

• Shall be done on an annual basis with specific emphasis on respiratory protection.

Training

• All training will be conducted in accordance with the MFRD Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Training PowerPoint, NFPA Standards 4201-4204.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• SCBA’s will be worn whenever the presence or possibility of contaminated (toxic) atmospheres.
• All personnel that are expected to, or likely to, respond to and function in areas of atmospheric contamination shall be equipped with and trained in the proper use and maintenance of SCBA’s.
• Personnel shall thoroughly check the SCBA at the start of his/her duty tour to ensure its full serviceability. Each member shall be accountable for his or her personal facemask and assigned SCBA.
• If a SCBA is found to be functioning improperly it shall be taken Out Of Service, “Tagged O.O.S” and reported to the Company Officer. Company Officers will be responsible for completing a “Track-it” work order to the SCBA Team for repair and/or replacement.
• SCBA’s shall be worn by all personnel operating at fire incidents above ground, below ground or in any other area which is not, but which may become, contaminated by products of combustion or other hazardous substances. In these circumstances only, the SCBA may be worn with the face piece and/or mask regulator removed. The wearing of the SCBA in this fashion provides for a state of readiness in case circumstances rapidly deteriorate.
• SCBA’s shall not be prematurely removed.
• SCBA’s shall not be removed until the atmosphere has been determined to be safe utilizing two gas monitors. A safe atmosphere following a structure fire is determined by the following parameters.
  1. CO = less than 35 ppm
  2. O2 = greater than 19.5%
  3. Authorization for the removal of the SCBA shall only be by Order of the Incident Commander (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134)
• All personnel are responsible for proper donning and use of functioning SCBA’s.
• In accordance with OSHA 1910.134, Section K, annual training must be conducted and documented on the proper use and donning of SCBA equipment.
• All personnel must complete an annual respiratory fit test in accordance with OSHA 1910.134.

Proper Seal of the SCBA Mask

• No hair of any kind shall interfere with the proper and safe donning and seal of the SCBA mask.