Appendix 2 - Safe Work Practices For Handling Asbestos
Appendix 2 - Safe Work Practices For Handling Asbestos
for Handling
Asbestos
About WorkSafeBC
WorkSafeBC (the Workers’ Compensation Board) is an independent provincial statutory agency
governed by a Board of Directors. It is funded by insurance premiums paid by registered employers and
by investment returns. In administering the Workers Compensation Act, WorkSafeBC remains separate
and distinct from government; however, it is accountable to the public through government in its role of
protecting and maintaining the overall well-being of the workers’ compensation system.
WorkSafeBC was born out of a compromise between B.C.’s workers and employers in 1917 where
workers gave up the right to sue their employers or fellow workers for injuries on the job in return for a
no-fault insurance program fully paid for by employers. WorkSafeBC is committed to a safe and healthy
workplace, and to providing return-to-work rehabilitation and legislated compensation benefits to
workers injured as a result of their employment.
Phone 604 276-3100 in the Lower Mainland, or call 1 888 621-7233 (621-SAFE) toll-free in Canada.
To report after-hours and weekend accidents and emergencies, call 604 273-7711 in the Lower Mainland,
or call 1 866 922-4357 (WCB-HELP) toll-free.
Safe Work Practices
for Handling
Asbestos
WorkSafeBC publications
2012 Edition
Annual.
Also available on the Internet.
ISSN 1497-2956 = Safe work practices for handling asbestos
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Who should read this manual?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ALARA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Use this manual as a starting point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Appendices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Sample exposure control plan for cutting small amounts (<3 m 2)
of gypsum board containing asbestos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Sample respirator program for asbestos work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
ALARA
The ALARA principle governs worker exposure to asbestos — all exposures
must be kept as low as reasonably achievable. Although the Regulation
specifies exposure limits and action levels, every employer must further
reduce or eliminate worker exposure if it can reasonably be done. Where
possible, asbestos-containing materials should be replaced with products
that do not contain asbestos.
Asbestos is a hazardous material. Its fibres are extremely fine and can
remain suspended in the air for hours; workers exposed to asbestos-
contaminated air can inhale the fibres. If handled improperly, asbestos
may cause serious chronic health problems and even death.
Pleural thickening may develop after heavy asbestos exposure. The lining
of the lung (pleura) thickens and swells, causing shortness of breath and
discomfort in the chest.
This manual uses some words and phrases specific to the asbestos industry.
Asbestos-containing material
A manufactured article or other material, other than vermiculite
insulation, that would be determined to contain at least 0.5% asbestos if
tested in accordance with one of the following methods:
y y Asbestos, Chrysotile by XRD, NIOSH Method 9000 (Issue 2, dated
August 15, 1994) in the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods,
published by the United States National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
y y Asbestos (bulk) by PLM, NIOSH Method 9002 (Issue 2, dated August 15,
1994)
y y Test Method for the Determination of Asbestos in Bulk Building
Materials (EPA/600/R-93/116, dated July 1993), published by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Containment
An isolation system designed to effectively contain asbestos fibres within
a designated work area where asbestos-containing materials are handled,
removed, encapsulated, or enclosed. Glove bags are a type of containment.
Enclosure
A physical barrier that isolates asbestos-containing materials from adjacent
occupied areas in a building, using means such as gypsum board, plywood,
or metal sheeting to prevent the release of asbestos fibres into those areas.
HEPA filter
Defined in the Regulation as a high-efficiency particulate air filter that is
at least 99.97% efficient in collecting an aerosol particle 0.3 micrometre
in size. Any HEPA filters used for asbestos applications must be at least
99.97% efficient. When used for respiratory protection, HEPA filters are
now referred to as NIOSH 100 series filters, or “100” filters for short.
Qualified person
A person who has education, training, and experience in the management
and control of asbestos hazards (see “Who is qualified to deal with
asbestos” on page 16).
Respirator
Note A device worn to prevent the inhalation of hazardous airborne substances.
For more information There are two basic types of respirators: air purifying and air supplying.
on respirators and So-called “single-use” or “disposable” respirators are not acceptable for
respirator programs, working with asbestos.
see the WorkSafeBC
manual Breathe Safer. Risk assessment
A comprehensive document, developed to select appropriate workplace
controls, that evaluates the probability and degree of possible illness,
injury, or death in a hazardous situation.
The current occupational exposure limit for asbestos (all forms) is 0.1 fibres
per millilitre.
Owners
Owners have the following responsibilities:
y y Provide and maintain the land and premises that are being used as
a workplace to ensure the health and safety of anyone at or near the
workplace.
y y Provide the employer or prime contractor at the workplace with
information known to the owner that is necessary to identify the
hazards, including asbestos.
y y Comply with the relevant sections of the Regulation and the Workers
Compensation Act (the Act), as well as any applicable orders.
Employers
Employers have the following responsibilities:
y y Ensure the health and safety of all workers at the worksite.
y y Identify workplace hazards and assess the risks of injury associated
with those hazards.
y y Conduct a risk assessment for asbestos exposure, develop an exposure
control plan, write safe work procedures, and implement controls.
y y Ensure that workers and supervisors are adequately instructed and
trained.
y y Keep written records of training (detailing who, what, and when).
y y Establish and maintain an occupational health and safety program,
including a written health and safety policy and a procedure for
incident investigations.
y y Support supervisors, safety coordinators, and workers in their health
and safety activities.
y y Take action immediately when a worker or supervisor reports a
potentially hazardous situation.
y y Initiate immediate investigations into incidents.
y y Report exposure incidents to WorkSafeBC.
y y Provide adequate first aid facilities and services.
y y Provide and maintain PPE and clothing, as required.
y y Ensure that workers follow the requirements of the Regulation and the
Act, and that they have access to these documents.
Consultants
Consultants:
y y Should be occupational health and safety professionals with
experience in the practice of occupational hygiene as it relates to
asbestos management
y y Should only provide advice and information based on their education,
training, and experience
y y Must follow accepted occupational hygiene practices, including those
related to:
–– Collection and identification of samples
–– Reporting of sample results
–– Performance of risk assessments
–– Development of safe work procedures
–– Implementation of exposure control methods
y y Should provide documentation within a reasonable time frame and
clearly explain any results, conclusions, or recommendations
The following table lists some of the materials that commonly contain
asbestos in older commercial and residential buildings.
The sampling technique and quantity of material sampled are two other
important factors to consider. Sufficient quantities of material must be
collected. Check the laboratory method for required sample quantities, or
check with the laboratory analyst. For materials like vermiculite, ensure
that the full depth of the material down to the bottom is sampled and that
the quantity collected meets the requirements of the analytical method
that will be used (for example, about 4 L of vermiculite insulation is
required for the EPA/600/R-04/004 method).
- 30 -
Safe Work Practices for Handling Asbestos
Risk assessment
Statement of purpose
Employers
Employers have the following responsibilities:
y y Ensure that the resources (such as safe work procedures, worker
training, PPE) required to implement and maintain the exposure
control plan are readily available where and when they are required.
y y Select, implement, and document the appropriate site-specific control
measures.
y y Ensure that supervisors and workers are educated and trained to an
acceptable level of competency.
y y Ensure that workers use appropriate PPE (such as disposable coveralls,
eye protection, and respirators).
y y Conduct a periodic review of the plan’s effectiveness, including a
review of the available control technologies to ensure that these are
selected and used when practicable.
y y Maintain records of training and inspections.
y y Ensure that a copy of the exposure control plan is available to workers.
Workers
Workers have the following responsibilities:
y y Know the hazards of the workplace.
y y Follow established safe work procedures as directed by the employer
or supervisor.
y y Use any required PPE as instructed.
y y Report any unsafe conditions or acts to the supervisor.
y y Know how and when to report exposure incidents.
Exposure limit
The occupational exposure limit for airborne asbestos is a 0.1 fibres per
millilitre 8-hour time weighted average. As asbestos is a confirmed human
carcinogen, the ALARA principle also applies, and workplace exposure
must be reduced to levels as low as reasonably achievable.
Risk controls
Risk controls are measures that are used to eliminate the risk to workers
or, if elimination is not possible, minimize the risk.
Some types of controls are more effective than others, but it may not
always be practicable to use the more effective solution. Whenever possible,
however, controls must be implemented in the following order of preference:
1. Substitute less hazardous materials or processes.
2. Use engineering controls, such as barriers, containment, and local
exhaust ventilation.
3. Use administrative controls, such as signage and proper use of
washing facilities.
4. Use PPE. This is considered the last line of defence and should be used
only when other controls are not practicable, or in addition to other
controls. The proper use, fit, and disposal of PPE must also be considered.
Written safe work procedures describe how to carry out specific tasks
safely and efficiently. In general, safe work procedures are written for:
y y Hazardous tasks
y y Complicated tasks, so that important steps don’t get missed
y y Frequently performed tasks
y y Less routine tasks, to remind workers of the hazards and how to
control the risks
Written safe work procedures must specify any required PPE, when it must
be used, and where it can be found. Post the procedures where they will be
available to workers. These procedures must be submitted to WorkSafeBC
along with an NOP prior to the start of an asbestos abatement project.
Follow these five steps when developing a written safe work procedure:
1. Determine the overall task for which the safe work procedure is needed.
2. Break down the task into its basic steps.
3. Identify the hazards associated with each step.
4. Identify the actions needed to minimize the risks to workers from
these hazards.
5. Prepare a list of the actions that workers must do when performing the
task.
Employers must ensure that workers are informed about the contents
of the exposure control plan, and that they are educated and trained to
work safely. Exposure control plans should describe worker education and
training, and how they will be carried out. Education and training are
particularly important for new workers.
Written records
The exposure control plan must be written down, and records should be
kept for each component of the plan. For example, document education
and training activities — keep track of who was trained, when the training
took place, and what it included. Other documentation should include the
following:
y y Workplace inspections
y y Health and safety meetings
y y Accident investigations
y y Health monitoring records
Health monitoring
Review the exposure control plan at least once a year, and update it as
necessary. During this process, consult with the joint health and safety
committee (or the worker health and safety representative, if applicable).
Employers must ensure that workers are trained in proper use and care
of respirators. Employers must also provide fit testing (using a protocol
acceptable to WorkSafeBC, such as described in CSA Standard Z94.4-02)
when a worker is first fitted with a respirator, and once a year thereafter.
Fit-test kits are available from respirator suppliers. One type of test, the
qualitative fit test, determines whether the worker can detect any amount
of a test compound leaking through the respirator. Employers must keep
records of these tests and of the fit-test program.
Note
Despite the 10-year and 3-year time limits identified in the Regulation,
employers are advised to keep all records for as long as the company
exists because a WorkSafeBC officer may ask to see records at any time.
If employers cannot produce records proving, for example, that they have
trained workers or conducted risk assessments in the past, they may have to
retrain workers or redo risk assessments.
The guideline allows the employer to carry out this work without submitting
a separate NOP each time one of these routine tasks is performed. It is not
intended for use by asbestos abatement contractors or restoration contractors.
Moderate-risk work activities are those other than high-risk work activities
that involve working with or in proximity to asbestos-containing material
that is being cut, sanded, drilled, broken, ground down, fragmented, or
otherwise disturbed. It is necessary to use PPE or engineering controls to
prevent worker exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.
Note
While the area outside a glove bag is considered a moderate-risk area, the
work activity inside a glove bag is considered high risk. If a glove bag is torn
or punctured, the risk level outside the bag may increase (for example, from
moderate risk to high risk) if a significant amount of debris is released or
spilled.
8. Place the collected sample in the sample bag and label the bag with
collection details. Seal the sample bag. Samples should be double-bagged.
9. Using wet wipes, wet paper towels, or a wet cloth, wipe up any visible
material that may have fallen or become dislodged during sample
collection.
10. Place this waste material (including wipes) in a designated asbestos
waste bag.
11. Use tape, caulking, or other effective means where appropriate to
seal sample collection locations where the sample collection may have
resulted in minor damage to the material sampled. (For example, after
disturbing drywall or ceiling material, tape or caulk the area to seal it.)
6. Clean and completely cover or enclose with poly sheeting all non-
removable fixtures, such as lockers, large machinery, and equipment.
Clean all fixtures and equipment that can be reasonably removed by
damp-wiping or using a HEPA vacuum, and remove them from the
containment area.
Wall
30 cm Plastic
Wall (12 in.)
Floor covering
Self-closing
partitions Waste transfer Equipment
room holding room
Contaminated
work area
Clean Shower room Personnel
room transfer room
1. Enter the clean room, remove all street clothes and personal
belongings, leave them in the clean room, and change into protective
clothing (disposable coveralls).
2. Put on an appropriate respirator and ensure that it fits and works
properly.
3. Pass through the shower room into the personnel transfer room
and finish putting on any other PPE required for the work, such as
footwear or safety headgear.
4. Enter the contaminated work area to perform the work activities.
Note: Protective clothing worn throughout the job may be stored and
put on in the personnel transfer room, as long as acceptable laundering
facilities exist and appropriate time intervals for cleaning protective work
clothing are established.
1. Before entering the personnel transfer room, remove all gross asbestos
materials using wet wipe-down procedures or a HEPA vacuum.
2. In the personnel transfer room, remove all protective clothing and
equipment except the respirator. Place disposable protective clothing
and any waste materials in poly bags for disposal.
3. Enter the shower room and shower while wearing the respirator (an
adequate supply of tempered water and soap must be provided). After
having an initial shower and thoroughly rinsing the respirator facepiece
and its harness, remove the respirator and finish showering. If the
respirator filters become wet, they should be discarded and replaced.
Note: Showers must not be removed from the containment area until
the work has been completed and air clearance has been granted.
4. Enter the clean room and dress in street clothes. Thoroughly clean and
disinfect the respirator, then store it in the clean room until its next use.
Note: Wet filters are not normally reused (see the respirator
manufacturer’s instructions). Filters may be disposed of in the work
area or taped and taken out of the work area for disposal.
5. Keep hand tools and supplies in the equipment holding room. Use
this room as well when transferring asbestos waste containers or any
equipment that has been decontaminated to the waste transfer room.
Note: Partitions between rooms in the decontamination facility (see the
illustration on page 56) must be self-closing so that each room can function
as an air lock. These partitions are normally constructed of overlapping
sheets of heavyweight poly sheeting suspended to form a curtain. Workers
must not open more than one such partition per room at any one time.
Cleaned clothing should be packaged and used only for asbestos work.
When removing pipe insulation without a glove bag, workers must follow
all the procedures for high-risk work activities (see pages 52–60).
Air sampling
Consultants and air-monitoring technicians who collect ambient, clean
room, occupational, and clearance air samples should have specific
education and training in the following:
y y Requirements for asbestos air sampling using NIOSH Method 7400,
Asbestos and Other Fibers by PCM
y y Sampling equipment and procedures
y y Pump and rotameter calibration procedures
Equipment calibration
Ambient air samples should be collected daily when there are unprotected
persons in the immediate vicinity of the work area.
For all air samples, as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours after
collecting samples, make the sampling results available to the workers
involved and to the joint occupational health and safety committee, if
any, at the worksite. Make the sampling results available to a WorkSafeBC
officer upon request.
Ambient air samples must be collected daily when there are unprotected
persons in the immediate vicinity of the containment.
During removal and cleanup operations, air samples must be collected for
every shift. Sampling must cover at least half of the total duration of the work
shift and at least one decontamination sequence at the end of the work shift.
When carrying out clean room air sampling, the following must be done:
y y Set the flow rate at 2.5 L/min or less, otherwise the filters will become
overloaded with particulate.
y y Place the sampling cassette about 1.5 m (4 – 5 ft.) from the ground and
at least 30 cm (1 ft.) from the clean room walls. The cassette should be
pointed downward at about 45 degrees.
y y Submit field blanks to the laboratory along with the samples.
y y Analyze filters and notify workers of the results within 24 hours.
For all air samples, as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours after
collecting samples, make the sampling results available to the workers
involved and to the joint occupational health and safety committee, if
any, at the worksite. Make the sampling results available to a WorkSafeBC
officer upon request.
Inspect the containment and all decontamination facility rooms for gaps
and breaks at least daily (inspections must be documented). Complete
a visual check as well as a smoke-tube test to ensure that air flows from
the clean areas into the contaminated areas. Measuring the air pressure
differential between clean and contaminated areas is also recommended.
Before air clearance sampling takes place, a final visual inspection of the
work area must be conducted and all asbestos waste removed.
Before any work involving asbestos takes place, the employer must ensure
that procedures for the safe removal of asbestos dust and debris from
the work area are set out in writing by a qualified person (see “Who is
qualified to deal with asbestos?” on page 16).
The following methods are most appropriate for the safe removal of
asbestos dust and debris:
y y Use a HEPA vacuum.
y y Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth or sponge to remove residual
amounts of asbestos dust and debris.
y y Wet-sweep or wet-mop to remove larger amounts of asbestos dust and
debris.
y y Use a shovel or similar tool to place larger amounts of dampened
asbestos debris into a sealed container or doubled 6 mil asbestos bags.
Section 20.112(a) of the Regulation requires that before work begins on the
demolition or salvage of machinery, equipment, buildings, or structures,
the employer or owner must have a qualified person inspect the site to
identify asbestos-containing material that may be handled, disturbed, or
removed. This is separate from the inventory required by section 6.4 of
the Regulation. The inventory prepared under section 6.4 is required for
the protection of workers who may occupy a building. Although it may not
include asbestos that wasn’t readily accessible (for example, because it was
hidden behind concrete walls or under a number of layers of flooring), the
inventory required by section 6.4 will be a useful aid in conducting the
inspection specified in section 20.112. The latter inspection will locate and
identify all asbestos prior to demolition and renovation activities.
This means that demolition workers need some basic awareness and skill
in order to recognize materials likely to contain asbestos. Having the ability
to recognize building materials and products that may contain asbestos is
part of the training and instruction that demolition, renovation, and salvage
employers need to provide to their workers who may be exposed to asbestos
(for asbestos training requirements, see Section 6.11 of the Regulation).
Note
Electrical power may not be available at the demolition site. If this is the
case, supplementary power must be provided (for example, using portable
generators or through installation of a power pole). Check local bylaws to
determine how long generators can be run over a 24-hour period. Water must
also be available for dust control and decontamination purposes (for example,
for a wash station or shower). Tempered water is required for high-risk work.
2. The building owner (or owner’s representative) or the employer (e.g., builder or demolition
contractor) retains a qualified person (usually a consultant) to perform a risk assessment
and asbestos survey before conducting work where asbestos may be disturbed.
3. The qualified person inspects the house/building, collects representative bulk samples,
and has the samples analyzed by a qualified laboratory.
4. The qualified person prepares a report that identifies all inspection results (including
drawings, plans, or specifications), risk assessment, and scope of work for the abatement
of the asbestos.
5. The report containing the inspection results is provided to the owner or employer.
The inspection results must be available at the worksite whenever workers are on site.
6. The owner or employer retains trained asbestos abatement workers. An NOP with
written work procedures is submitted to WorkSafeBC before commencement of asbestos
removal work.
8. After the asbestos removal the owner or employer receives written confirmation that the
asbestos specified for removal on the NOP has been removed. A copy of the inspection
results is on site.
9. The owner authorizes demolition of the house or building to proceed. The demolition
employer proceeds to demolish the structure using safe work procedures. Copies of
inspection results and post-abatement reports are on site.
10. If any asbestos is found during demolition, all work is to cease until a risk assessment is
done and the asbestos is safely contained or removed. In this case, go back to step 7.
Despite the necessity of PPE, employers and workers should remember that
it is always a supplementary line of defence and should not be relied upon
exclusively. The other controls mentioned in this manual must also be used to
minimize exposure to airborne asbestos.
Heat stress
When a person’s body temperature rises above the normal range, the body
tries to get rid of the excess heat. If the body continues to gain heat faster
than it can get rid of it, body temperature will increase and the person
will experience heat stress. Health problems that result from heat stress
are known as heat-related disorders.
Cold stress
Similar requirements exist when a worker may be exposed to conditions
that could cause the body’s core temperature to drop below 36°C, which
can result in cold stress. Cold stress can lead to health problems, such as
hypothermia, and cold-related injuries, such as frostbite.
The need for and type of respirators are two of the elements that will have
been determined during the risk assessment — which establishes whether
the work involves low-risk, moderate-risk, or high-risk activity — and
during the development of the exposure control plan and the site work
procedures.
Respirators for use around asbestos fall into one of two categories:
air-purifying respirators or air-supplying respirators. So-called “single-
use” or “disposable” respirators are not acceptable for working around
asbestos.
Workers can use full-facepiece PAPRs with P100 (HEPA) filters in asbestos
concentrations up to 10 fibres per millilitre.
When using respirator air filters, workers must use NIOSH P100 series filters
(HEPA filters). Before workers can use respirators that are not approved
by NIOSH or the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the
respirators must meet other standards acceptable to WorkSafeBC. Employers
must submit the respirator in question and its documentation to WorkSafeBC.
1. Check the fit of the APR using one of the following methods:
y y Block the inhalation valves by placing your hands over the filters
and inhaling. If the respirator is sealed correctly, cutting off the air
supply will cause the facepiece to collapse.
or
y y Block the exhalation valve and blow into the respirator. If the
respirator is sealed correctly, the facepiece will bulge.
2. If the facepiece does not collapse or bulge, either it is not sealed
correctly or the valves are leaking. Correct the problem and recheck.
1. Install a new battery in the blower unit and remove the blower from
the facepiece.
2. Test the battery using a PAPR flow tester to ensure an adequate flow of
air, in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications.
3. Install filters in the PAPR unit and retest it on the flow tester to ensure
that the filters are not plugged. Dispose of the filters as asbestos waste
if the flow tester indicates inadequate air flow or if the cartridges
become wet. Reattach the blower to the facepiece.
4. Put on the facepiece and adjust the straps to ensure a proper fit.
5. Switch on the PAPR and hold the palm of one hand over one facepiece
exhaust port. With the other hand, feel the release of air from the other
exhaust port. If no air is released, take a deep breath and blow sharply
into the facepiece. This should free the stuck diaphragm in the exhaust
port and allow air to be released. Do this step for both exhaust ports.
6. For a loose-fitting facepiece, or hood or helmet facepiece PAPRs, check
the fit in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
The formal investigation must also examine measures that will prevent
similar situations in the future. Employers must forward copies of
the investigation report to their joint occupational health and safety
committee and to WorkSafeBC.
Ambulance telephone
Hospital telephone
Name Telephone
Name Telephone
Name Telephone
Name Telephone
Name Telephone
Name Telephone
Name Telephone
Name Telephone
Name Telephone
Employer responsibilities
y y Ensure that the materials (such as tools, equipment, or PPE) and other
resources (such as worker training) required to fully implement and
maintain this ECP are readily available where and when they are
required.
y y Conduct a periodic review (at least annually) of the effectiveness of the
ECP — this includes a review of available asbestos control technologies
to ensure that these are selected and used when practicable.
y y Ensure that all required tools, equipment, and PPE are readily
available and used as required by the ECP.
y y Ensure that supervisors and workers are educated and trained to an
acceptable level of competency.
y y Maintain records of training, fit-test results, crew talks, and
inspections (for example, equipment, PPE, and work methods).
y y Coordinate the work with other employers to ensure a safe work
environment.
Worker responsibilities
Training topics:
y y Asbestos recognition
y y Health hazards of asbestos exposure (including signs and symptoms
of asbestosis and mesothelioma)
y y Operations and materials that can produce asbestos exposures
y y Engineering controls and safe work practices used to protect workers
y y The importance of proper equipment control and maintenance
y y Proper use of respirators and the respirator program
y y Personal hygiene procedures to reduce exposures
y y The details of the exposure control plan for asbestos
Health surveillance
Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos fibres will receive yearly
medical examinations from their family physicians. These examinations
may include lung function testing and chest X-rays.
Annual review
This ECP will be reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary by
the employer, in consultation with the joint occupational health and safety
committee (or the worker health and safety representative, if applicable).
Purpose
Asbestos
Respirable silica
Responsibilities
Employer
The employer is responsible for the following:
y y Implement a written respirator program and designate a respirator
program administrator.
y y Ensure that the worksite is evaluated for breathing hazards.
y y Eliminate or minimize all breathing hazards.
y y Provide and maintain respirators needed for any airborne hazard
present at the worksite, and ensure that workers use the equipment
when required.
y y Provide materials for workers to use to clean their respirators.
y y Provide supervisors with the education and training necessary to
ensure that workers use respirators safely.
y y Provide workers with the education, training, and supervision
necessary for safe use of respirators.
Program administrator
The program administrator [insert name] is responsible for the following:
y y Assess the type and amount of exposure.
y y Select the appropriate respirators.
y y Implement training and instruction programs.
y y Administer the overall program, including the maintenance of records.
y y Review the program on an annual basis.
Supervisors
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring the following:
y y Workers are aware of breathing hazards at the worksites.
y y Respirators are available when required.
y y Workers use respirators correctly as required.
y y Workers are clean-shaven.
y y Respirators are properly cleaned, inspected, maintained, and stored.
y y Workers are aware of any equipment or clothing that may interfere
with respirator use.
y y Working conditions are monitored in order to alert supervisors to
exposure to higher concentrations of a contaminant or to a new
contaminant.
y y Workers are aware of potential issues that may develop during
respirator use, such as discomfort, skin irritation, or breathing difficulty.
y y The program administrator is notified of concerns or conditions that
might affect workers’ respiratory protection.
Workers
Workers are responsible for the following:
y y Understand and follow safe work procedures.
y y Use respirators as instructed.
Respirator selection
The selection of a respirator must be appropriate to the contaminant, its
concentration, and the level of protection provided by the respirator (i.e.,
the protection factor and maximum use concentration).
The following respirators are available to workers and are to be worn for
the work activities listed below.
Always read cartridge or filter labels and instruction manuals prior to use,
and be certain the correct cartridge or filter is selected — for example:
y y Organic vapour cartridge respirators may not provide adequate
protection against isocyanate-based automotive paints.
y y Only fume-rated particle masks provide protection against welding fumes.
[insert name] will arrange fit testing and keep records of the results of
these tests.
Worker training
Every worker who may have to wear a respirator will be trained in the
proper use of the respirator. Both the worker and his or her supervisor
will receive this training. The training includes:
y y Description of the type and amount of exposure
y y Description of the respirator
y y The intended use and limitations of the respirator
y y Proper wearing, adjustment, and testing for fit
y y Cleaning and storage methods
y y Inspection and maintenance procedures
The following procedure can be used to clean and sanitize most respirators:
1. Remove any filters, cartridges, or canisters.
2. Wash the respirator (and associated parts) in warm water mixed with a
mild detergent (or a mild detergent plus bleach).
3. Rinse the respirator in clean, warm water.
4. Wipe the respirator with disinfectant wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol) or
a sanitizing foam to kill germs.
5. Air-dry in a clean area.
6. Reassemble the respirator (e.g., replace the cartridges).
7. Place in a clean, dry plastic bag (or other container).
Before doing any seal check, make sure your respirator has all its inlet
and exhaust valves. Make sure that the valves are in good condition and
lie flat. Doing these checks will help you tell whether you have a good seal
and whether the valves are in place and working.
This test is called a negative-pressure user seal check because you create
a slightly negative air pressure inside the respirator facepiece by inhaling.
Follow these instructions:
1. Put on the respirator and other associated PPE. Tighten the head straps
until the respirator feels snug but comfortable. Wear the respirator for a
few minutes so that it will warm up and conform to your face.
2. Close off the inlet opening of the cartridges or filters by covering them
gently with the palms of your hands, a plastic bag, a special adapter,
or gloves (in some cases, you may have to remove the cartridges so
If the air does leak out, check the inhalation valves and try
repositioning the respirator on your face and adjusting the head
straps. If you cannot get a seal after a few attempts, try on another For a positive-pressure seal check,
size, make, or model of respirator. Repeat the check until you find cover the exhaust valve and breathe
a respirator that passes the seal check. out slightly.
Fit testing
After the respirator has passed either the positive- or the negative-pressure
user seal check, another test of the seal, called a fit test, must be done and
the results recorded.
When fit tests are performed, workers must be clean-shaven and must
wear all other protective equipment that they need, such as goggles and
hard hats. Prescription eyeglasses must not interfere with the seal of the
respirator (specialty eyeglasses are available). Ideally, fit tests should be
done under operating conditions similar to those that workers would
experience at the worksite.
Caution: This test agent may be an irritant to the worker being fit-tested or
to the tester. Do not use this test agent to fit-test workers with respiratory
sensitivities. The tester should consider wearing a respirator if a number
of fit tests are being performed.
Do not place a hood or bag over the head of the test subject. The test
must be performed in a location with sufficient ventilation to prevent
contamination of the work area and ventilation system.
Use a well-ventilated room or area to carry out the irritant smoke tests
(both threshold screening and the fit test).
Caution: Testers must be careful with the sharp, broken end of the smoke
tube. Coughing workers may unexpectedly jab themselves if they make
sudden movements. The fit tester may wish to cover the broken end of the
tube with a short length of tubing. Always discard used tubes in sharps
containers at the end of the test.
Workers should not eat, drink (except plain water), smoke, or chew gum
for at least 15 minutes before taking the bitter aerosol fit test.
Caution: This test agent may affect workers with respiratory sensitivities.
Location of hazardous area relative Barrier tape, barricades, or containments separate work areas from
to safe area: safe areas
Anticipated length of time that respirator will be used: Full shift — up to 8 hours per day
Worker activity level (light, moderate, or heavy): Moderate to heavy work
Information for each breathing hazard
Step 1 Oxygen level (if below 19.5%, air-purifying 20.9%
respirators cannot be used)
Steps 1, 2 Air contaminant and concentration Asbestos (moderate-risk work) — up to 0.5 fibres per
millilitre (f/mL)
Asbestos (high-risk work) — up to 5 f/mL
Silica — up to 0.02 mg/m3
Step 3 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) limit Asbestos — 0.1 f/mL
Silica — 0.025 mg/m3
Step 4 IDLH concentration
Step 5 Can the contaminant cause eye irritation? Yes, from particulates
Step 5 Can the contaminant irritate skin or be absorbed No
through skin?
Check the valves for: Soap residue or dirt on valves or on the valve seat
Cracks, tears, hardening, or warps in the valves or the valve seat
Missing or damaged valve cover
Valves that are curled under the valve seat
Check that the cartridges or Made by the same manufacturer as the respirator
filters are:
The correct type for the hazard
Fitting securely in the facepiece (threads are not worn)
Free from cracks or dents
Marked with the date they were put into service
Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs)
Does the worker have any medical concerns about wearing a respirator?
Yes No
If yes, refer the worker for a medical assessment.
Fit-test procedure
Fit testing must be repeated annually to ensure that a proper face seal is maintained.
Check when completed successfully: Correct positioning of respirator and strap adjustment
Negative- and positive-pressure user seal check
Qualitative fit testing using: Irritant smoke with HEPA/organic vapour cartridges
Bitter aerosol with particulate filter
Isoamyl acetate (banana) oil with organic vapour cartridges
Saccharin with particulate filter
Other_ ___________________________________________
Qualitative fit testing: Pass
Fail
Respirators fit-tested by worker
When a worker wears different makes and models of respirators, fit testing must be done on each make and model of
respirator and the results must be recorded. The worker should also wear all other required PPE, such as hearing and eye
protection, while undergoing the test.
Make Model Size
1
2
3
Respirator selection
Respirator limitations
Proper respirator use
Storage and maintenance
Cartridge dating, change frequency, and limitations
Where to get replacement parts
Fit-test date: Next fit-test date:
Fit-tested by:
Comments: