Respiratory Protection

Many of us manage a Respiratory Protection Program for all types of respirators and many types of hazards.  What many programs lack is the annual evaluation of the program and its execution. The written program should contain information on how and who will perform this evaluation and although the standard does not state this evaluation…...

In a recent FaceBook Group posting, a member asked about using one of the DOT Special Permits that allows DOT containers/cylinders that came with a 15-year service life to have their service extended to 30 years.  I wrote about this very issue in September 2019, explaining the pitfalls of using one of these DOT Special…...

During a recent audit of a facility’s emergency response programs, we came across an interesting “manufacturer requirement” regarding the use of their Emergency Escape Breathing apparatus/device (EEBA or EEBD).  This client is one who wants every single layer of mitigation efforts reviewed and validated, so we reviewed their efforts surrounding these EEBA’s, especially since the…...

3/8/2021 UPDATE: Of course, someone finds an LOI that says otherwise to my position and totally blows me away – not because the LOI says a PFT is not required, but that in the LOI OSHA states that personnel who are trained to the Operations Level are not HAZMAT responders and therefore do not need…...

Firefighter #1, Firefighter #2, and Firefighter #3 were participating in a training drill. All three (3) Firefighters were assigned to the decontamination team, which is responsible for decontaminating hazardous materials response members. The team was suited in LEVEL B protective gear and was utilizing Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. The team was using a “buddy breather”…...

Last week I asked my FaceBook Group a “trick question” regarding the end-of-service-time indicator (EOSTI) on our Supplied Air Respirators that we use for emergency response.  I was so pleased to get so many texts/calls/emails and even a few phone calls checking to see if I was feeling OK.  I did not tell the group…...

A petrochemical refinery was undergoing a turnaround. A contractor crew had been assigned the job of sandblasting the inside surfaces of a reactor vessel (permit-required confined space). Although UNWRITTEN COMPANY POLICY called for the use of air compressors for supplying respirator air, this crew, with the supervisor’s knowledge, had previously used plant air to supply…...

Several of the EEBA manufacturers do not offer this advice upfront, but some manufacturers put this info in their owner’s manuals.  I am no lawyer, so I have no idea why a manufacturer would NOT provide this information for an Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA).  But having these devices in the workplace, if you use…...

What is the number 1 battle we deal with in our respirator programs?  Facial hair!  But luckily an Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA) is not hindered by facial hair; however, an EEBA could be hampered by…… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...

Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA) are making come back – at least I am finding more and more facilities that never had them now implementing them for many reasons.  Some companies now believe they are required because of PSM/RMP, some 3rd party PHA facilitators must be getting kick-backs as a lot are recommending them in…...