Personal Protective Equipment and Respiratory Protection
Domain focus
The exam tests respirator selection, the written respiratory protection program, fit testing, and donning/doffing.
Core rules
- Select a respirator based on exposure and assigned protection factor. A half-face APR with P100 filters has an APF of 10; a full-face APR has a higher APF; PAPRs and supplied-air respirators are used for higher exposures or longer durations.
- The program requires medical evaluation, annual fit testing, training, maintenance, and proper storage. A user seal check is performed each time; it is not a fit test.
- Wear disposable coveralls, hood, boot covers, and gloves; avoid street clothing. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the regulated area.
- Doff PPE in the dirty room, HEPA vacuum, remove respirator last in the clean room, and shower.
Worked example
A worker's measured exposure is 0.5 f/cc TWA during Class I work. A half-face APR with P100 filters has an APF of 10, so its maximum use concentration is 1.0 f/cc; this is adequate for 0.5 f/cc if the program, fit, and seal are correct. The worker still needs coveralls, gloves, eye protection, and decontamination.
Traps
Facial hair breaks the seal. A qualitative fit test is not a seal check. Do not remove the respirator before contaminated clothing. Do not use a dust mask or surgical mask. Do not assume an APF applies without a complete program.