Respiratory Protection SOG

Purpose Tocomply with OSHA standards 1910 134 for the control of occupational diseases
which will help lead to the over all safety and well being of all employees of the
Moorhead fire and Rescue Department

Policy In the fire and rescue service we are exposed to any number of atmospheric and physical
hazards So it is our desire to take the proper precautions and protection of the
respiratory track through the use of proper equipment its maintenance and training

1 Equipment that we will SCBA HEPA masks and in some occasions dust
use are
mask For the HEPA masks and the SCBA all employees will need to be fit tested

2 Situations in which we may need respiration protection but not limited to are confined
spaces hazmat incidents medicals and structural fires

3 Hazardous atmospheres we may encounter but not limited to are IDLH asphyxiating
high temperatures particles of combustion and infectious diseases

4 If a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean the respirator itself can become a

hazard
A face pieces should be cleaned on a monthly bases and the entire system should be
cleaned after every use Face piece are require to be cleaned prior to the 15
h of each
month
a Disassemble
b Wash in warm water in mild detergent
c Rinse
d Immerse in disinfectant for two minutes Optional if detergent does not
contain a disinfectant
e Rinse for two minutes
f Hand Dry
B SCBA will be checked and recorded on a weekly bases

5 SCBA will remain in use on the emergency scene until it is determined that the
atmosphere is safe This can be achieved through monitoring and or with ventilation
techniques blowers fans etc
A It is required to wear SCBA anytime IDLH exceeds 10 Since CO is a primary
product of combustion and is easily detected we will use this for our gauge to
determine atmosphere quality IDLH for CO is 1200 ppm our bench mark then will
be no greater than 120 ppm
B It will be up to the discretion of the officer in charge or the safety officer if
appointed to determine if it is safe to remove one
s SCBA

6 For further information consult the city policy and the manufactures recommendations

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