Cleaning of Respirators

All respirators in routine use shall be cleaned and sanitized on a periodic basis. Respirators used non-routinely shall be cleaned and sanitized after each use and filters and cartridges replaced. Routinely used respirators are maintained individually by the respirator wearer. Replacement cartridges and filters are obtained by contacting the Safety and Health Manager.

Cleaning and disinfection of respirators must be done frequently to ensure that skin-penetrating and dermatitis-causing contaminants are removed from the respirator surface. Respirators maintained for emergency use or those used by more than one person must be cleaned after each use by the user.

The following procedure is recommended for cleaning and disinfecting respirators:

1. Remove and discard all used filters, cartridges, or canisters.
2. Wash face piece and breathing tube in a cleaner-disinfectant solution. A hand brush may be used to remove dirt. Solvents which can affect rubber and other parts shall not be used.
3. Rinse completely in clean, warm water.
4. Air dry in a clean area in such a way as to prevent distortion.
5. Clean other respirator parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Inspect valves, head straps, and other parts to ensure proper working condition.
7. Reassemble respirator and replace any defective parts.
8. Place in a clean, dry plastic bag or other suitable container for storage after each cleaning and disinfection.

Issuance of Respirators

Respiratory protective equipment shall not be ordered, purchased, or issued to personnel unless the respirator wearer has received respirator training and a fit test. New Employee(s) who require respiratory protective equipment must be placed into the respirator program before being issued equipment.

49