Asbestos Cement Siding Inspection
by Nick Gromicko, CMI®
Asbestos cement is a composite material made from Portland cement reinforced with asbestos fibers. Manufacturers popularized asbestos cement siding before banning it in the U.S. in the 1970s. During inspections, InterNACHI inspectors often encounter this type of exterior cladding. Both inspectors and homeowners benefit from understanding the health risks associated with asbestos cement siding, as well as common problems related to its damage and deterioration.
History
In 1907, Austrian engineer Ludwig Hatschek developed a method to shape asbestos cement into sheets, which allowed its use as siding and shingles. By the 1920s, the National Board of Fire Underwriters recommended asbestos cement over wood for siding and roofing due to its superior fire resistance. This endorsement led to a surge in popularity, and by the 1940s, many U.S. homes featured asbestos cement siding.
However, reports in the late 1960s and early ’70s highlighted the health hazards of asbestos. As concern grew, the federal government responded, and in 1973, the EPA banned asbestos in building products.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Cement
Inhaled asbestos fibers pose serious health risks. Asbestos dust can cause asbestosis, a type of lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a deadly cancer affecting internal organs. Asbestos cement siding, when properly installed and undisturbed, does not pose health risks. The cement binds the asbestos fibers, preventing their release into the air under normal conditions.
The EPA considers asbestos hazardous when it becomes friable, meaning it can crumble or pulverize by hand. Friable asbestos releases airborne particles that can cause health issues. Siding remains safe as long as it is not disturbed or damaged in ways that release asbestos fibers.
Advantages
Asbestos cement siding resists fire, unlike vinyl and wood.
It withstands termite damage and rotting.
The siding can mimic other materials, such as wood grain.
The material is brittle and prone to chipping, cracking, or breaking.
High-pressure washing can crack the siding and lead to moisture issues.
Pulverizing asbestos cement through activities like sawing or sanding can release dangerous fibers.
Finding replacement siding for repairs is challenging.
Asbestos cement siding cannot be refurbished like wood clapboard or cedar shake siding.
It is no longer considered aesthetically desirable.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance of asbestos cement siding is crucial to prevent structural and health issues. Keeping the siding clean and repairing damage promptly is essential. Brittle siding can crack, chip, or suffer from impact damage, potentially releasing asbestos particles. Replace irreparable damaged sections with non-asbestos fiber cement that mimics the appearance of the original material.
Incorporate landscaping features, such as shrubs, to protect the siding from impact damage.
Inspection Tips
Inspectors frequently encounter these issues with asbestos cement siding:
Chipping and cracking due to its brittleness.
Fasteners deteriorating faster than the siding.
Discoloration or staining from corrosion or runoff, which might indicate decreased durability.
Efflorescence, a crystalline growth from water passing through the material, indicating potential deterioration.
Biological growth, like moss and algae, which can stimulate surface damage and staining.
As asbestos cement siding was a popular choice for many years, inspectors often find it during exterior inspections. Understanding the associated health risks helps answer client questions, although specific concerns should be directed to a healthcare professional. Homeowners should schedule regular inspections with an InterNACHI inspector as part of their home maintenance routine.
Understanding SCAQMD Rule 1403 Procedure 5 Cleanup Plan
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has established Rule 1403 to regulate asbestos emissions from demolition and renovation activities. Among the procedures detailed in this rule is Procedure 5, which outlines the requirements for cleanup plans. This article will provide an in-depth look at what a Procedure 5 Cleanup Plan entails, its importance, and the steps involved.
What is SCAQMD Rule 1403?
SCAQMD Rule 1403 is designed to protect the public from the health risks associated with asbestos exposure during demolition and renovation activities. Asbestos fibers can cause serious respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Rule 1403 aims to minimize the release of asbestos fibers into the air by enforcing strict regulations and procedures.
Overview of Procedure 5 Cleanup Plan
Procedure 5 under Rule 1403 specifically addresses the cleanup of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) after demolition or renovation activities. The goal of the Procedure 5 Cleanup Plan is to ensure that all asbestos debris is properly removed and disposed of, thereby preventing any potential exposure to asbestos fibers.
Conduct a thorough assessment of the worksite to identify all areas where damaged asbestos-containing materials and associated debris are present.
Develop a detailed work plan outlining the scope of the cleanup, including the specific tasks to be performed, the personnel involved, and the timeline for completion.
Containment and Safety Measures:
Implement containment measures to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers during the cleanup process. This may include sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting and using negative air pressure systems.
Ensure all personnel involved in the cleanup are equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators and disposable coveralls.
Removal and Disposal:
Carefully remove all asbestos-containing materials and debris from the worksite. This includes using wet methods to minimize dust and employing specialized tools designed for asbestos abatement.
Properly package and label all asbestos waste in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Transport the waste to an approved disposal facility.
Air Monitoring and Clearance:
Conduct air monitoring during and after the cleanup process to ensure that asbestos fiber levels are within acceptable limits.
Perform a final visual inspection and clearance testing to confirm that the worksite is free of asbestos contamination.
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain detailed records of the cleanup activities, including assessment reports, air monitoring results, disposal manifests, and clearance certifications.
Submit the required documentation to SCAQMD to demonstrate compliance with Rule 1403.
Importance of Compliance
Compliance with Procedure 5 Cleanup Plan is crucial for several reasons:
Public Health: Proper cleanup of asbestos-containing materials reduces the risk of asbestos exposure, protecting the health of workers and the general public.
Legal Obligations: Non-compliance with SCAQMD Rule 1403 can result in significant fines and legal penalties. Adhering to the Procedure 5 Cleanup Plan helps ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Environmental Protection: Proper disposal of asbestos waste prevents environmental contamination, preserving the quality of air and soil in surrounding areas.
Conclusion
The SCAQMD Rule 1403 Procedure 5 Cleanup Plan is a vital component in the regulation of asbestos emissions during demolition and renovation activities. By following the detailed steps outlined in the plan, contractors and property owners can ensure a safe and thorough cleanup of asbestos-containing materials. This not only protects public health and the environment but also ensures compliance with regulatory standards, avoiding potential legal and financial repercussions. For more information on SCAQMD Rule 1403 and Procedure 5 Cleanup Plans, visit the SCAQMD website or consult with 3West Environmental.
If your walls or ceiling are going to be opened up for repair or remodeling, it is essential to have them tested beforehand. This is required by regulations to ensure the protection of the workers and residents involved, as well as for proper disposal purposes.
Most wall systems will either be:
Drywall (gypsum) with joint compound
Lath and plaster (plaster applied over slats of wood)
Plaster over button board (drywall/gypsum with small holes to hold the plaster)
Other types and variations also exist
And then joint compound/mud will typically be applied over these in different areas (seams, edges, around holes, screw holes, etc.) or over the entire surface as a skim coat.
Asbestos is rarely found in the drywall itself, but is more often found in the joint compound, skim coat and plaster.
Although homes built before the 80s have a greater chance of having asbestos in the joint compound, skim coat and plaster, it’s still possible for homes built after the 80s to contain asbestos in these materials since products can come in from other countries that have asbestos.
And because of this state and local regulations require the drywall or plaster to be tested for asbestos before it will be disturbed even if the structure was built this year.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can be positively identified only with a special type of microscope. There are several types of asbestos fibers. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance. InterNACHI inspectors can supplement their knowledge with the information offered in this guide.
How Can Asbestos Affect Human Health?
From studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer in the forms of mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the chest and the abdominal cavity, and asbestosis, in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue.
The risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma increase with the number of fibers inhaled. The risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers is also greater if you smoke. People who get asbestosis have usually been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.
Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop these health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibers can remain there for a long time, increasing the risk of disease. Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard.
Where Would Asbestos Be Found, and When Can it Be a Problem?
Most products made today do not contain asbestos. Those few products made which still contain asbestos that could be inhaled are required to be labeled as such. However, until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos.
Common products that might have contained asbestos in the past, and conditions which may release fibers, include:
steam pipes, boilers and furnace ducts insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape. These materials may release asbestos fibers if damaged, repaired, or removed improperly;
resilient floor tiles (vinyl asbestos, asphalt and rubber), the backing on vinyl sheet flooring, and adhesives used for installing floor tile. Sanding tiles can release fibers, and so may scraping or sanding the backing of sheet flooring during removal;
cement sheet, millboard and paper used as insulation around furnaces and wood-burning stoves. Repairing or removing appliances may release asbestos fibers, and so may cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling, or sawing insulation;
door gaskets in furnaces, wood stoves and coal stoves. Worn seals can release asbestos fibers during use;
soundproofing or decorative material sprayed on walls and ceilings. Loose, crumbly or water-damaged material may release fibers, and so will sanding, drilling or scraping the material;
patching and joint compounds for walls and ceilings, and textured paints. Sanding, scraping, or drilling these surfaces may release asbestos fibers;
asbestos cement roofing, shingles and siding. These products are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless sawed, dilled or cut;
artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces, and other older household products, such as fireproof gloves, stove-top pads, ironing board covers and certain hairdryers; and
automobile brake pads and linings, clutch facings and gaskets.
Where Asbestos Hazards May Be Found in a Home
Some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement.
Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.
Asbestos may be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.
Older products, such as stove-top pads, may have some asbestos compounds.
Walls and floors around wood-burning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard or cement sheets.
Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
Hot water and steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.
Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.
What Should Be Done About Asbestos in the Home?
If you think asbestos may be in your home, don’t panic. Usually, the best thing to do is to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone. Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. There is no danger unless the asbestos is disturbed and fibers are released and then inhaled into the lungs. Check material regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Don’t touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage, such as tears, abrasions or water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibers. This is particularly true if you often disturb it by hitting, rubbing or handling it, or if it is exposed to extreme vibration or air flow. Sometimes, the best way to deal with slightly damaged material is to limit access to the area and not touch or disturb it. Discard damaged or worn asbestos gloves, stove-top pads and ironing board covers. Check with local health, environmental or other appropriate agencies to find out proper handling and disposal procedures. If asbestos material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional is needed. Before you have your house remodeled, find out whether asbestos materials are present.
How to Identify Materials That Contain Asbestos
You can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos, or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. A professional should take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibers are released. In fact, if done incorrectly, sampling can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. Taking samples yourself is not recommended. If you nevertheless choose to take the samples yourself, take care not to release asbestos fibers into the air or onto yourself. Material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed (by remodeling, for example) should be left alone. Only material that is damaged or will be disturbed should be sampled.
Anyone who samples asbestos-containing materials should have as much information as possible on the handling of asbestos before sampling and, at a minimum, should observe the following procedures:
Make sure no one else is in the room when sampling is done.
Wear disposable gloves or wash hands after sampling.
Shut down any heating or cooling systems to minimize the spread of any released fibers.
Do not disturb the material any more than is needed to take a small sample.
Place a plastic sheet on the floor below the area to be sampled.
Wet the material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent before taking the sample. The water/detergent mist will reduce the release of asbestos fibers.
Carefully cut a piece from the entire depth of the material using a small knife, corer or other sharp object. Place the small piece into a clean container (a 35-mm film canister, small glass or plastic vial, or high-quality resealable plastic bag).
Tightly seal the container after the sample is in it.
Carefully dispose of the plastic sheet. Use a damp paper towel to clean up any material on the outside of the container or around the area sampled. Dispose of asbestos materials according to state and local procedures.
Label the container with an identification number and clearly state when and where the sample was taken.
Patch the sampled area with the smallest possible piece of duct tape to prevent fiber release.
Send the sample to an asbestos analysis laboratory accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Your state or local health department may also be able to help.
How to Manage an Asbestos Problem
If the asbestos material is in good shape and will not be disturbed, do nothing! If it is a problem, there are two types of corrections: repair and removal. Repair usually involves either sealing or covering asbestos material. Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a sealant that either binds the asbestos fibers together or coats the material so that fibers are not released. Pipe, furnace and boiler insulation can sometimes be repaired this way. This should be done only by a professional trained to handle asbestos safely. Covering (enclosure) involves placing something over or around the material that contains asbestos to prevent the release of fibers. Exposed insulated piping may be covered with a protective wrap or jacket. With any type of repair, the asbestos remains in place. Repair is usually cheaper than removal, but it may make removal of asbestos later (if found to be necessary) more difficult and costly. Repairs can either be major or minor. Major repairs must be done only by a professional trained in methods for safely handling asbestos. Minor repairs should also be done by professionals, since there is always a risk of exposure to fibers when asbestos is disturbed.
Repairs
Doing minor repairs yourself is not recommended, since improper handling of asbestos materials can create a hazard where none existed. If you nevertheless choose to do minor repairs, you should have as much information as possible on the handling of asbestos before doing anything. Contact your state or local health department or regional EPA office for information about asbestos training programs in your area. Your local school district may also have information about asbestos professionals and training programs for school buildings. Even if you have completed a training program, do not try anything more than minor repairs. Before undertaking minor repairs, carefully examine the area around the damage to make sure it is stable. As a general rule, any damaged area which is bigger than the size of your hand is not considered a minor repair.
Before undertaking minor repairs, be sure to follow all the precautions described previously for sampling asbestos material. Always wet the asbestos material using a fine mist of water containing a few drops of detergent. Commercial products designed to fill holes and seal damaged areas are available. Small areas of material, such as pipe insulation, can be covered by wrapping a special fabric, such as re-wettable glass cloth, around it. These products are available from stores (listed in the telephone directory under “Safety Equipment and Clothing”) which specialize in asbestos materials and safety items.
Removal is usually the most expensive method and, unless required by state or local regulations, should be the last option considered in most situations. This is because removal poses the greatest risk of fiber release. However, removal may be required when remodeling or making major changes to your home that will disturb asbestos material. Also, removal may be called for if asbestos material is damaged extensively and cannot be otherwise repaired. Removal is complex and must be done only by a contractor with special training. Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your family.
Asbestos Professionals: Who Are They and What Can They Do?
Asbestos professionals are trained in handling asbestos material. The type of professional will depend on the type of product and what needs to be done to correct the problem. You may hire a general asbestos contractor or, in some cases, a professional trained to handle specific products containing asbestos.
Asbestos professionals can conduct inspections, take samples of suspected material, assess its condition, and advise on the corrections that are needed, as well as who is qualified to make these corrections. Once again, material in good condition need not be sampled unless it is likely to be disturbed. Professional correction or abatement contractors repair and remove asbestos materials.
Some firms offer combinations of testing, assessment and correction. A professional hired to assess the need for corrective action should not be connected with an asbestos-correction firm. It is better to use two different firms so that there is no conflict of interest. Services vary from one area to another around the country.
The federal government offers training courses for asbestos professionals around the country. Some state and local governments also offer or require training or certification courses. Ask asbestos professionals to document their completion of federal or state-approved training. Each person performing work in your home should provide proof of training and licensing in asbestos work, such as completion of EPA-approved training. State and local health departments or EPA regional offices may have listings of licensed professionals in your area.
If you have a problem that requires the services of asbestos professionals, check their credentials carefully. Hire professionals who are trained, experienced, reputable and accredited — especially if accreditation is required by state or local laws. Before hiring a professional, ask for references from previous clients. Find out if they were satisfied. Ask whether the professional has handled similar situations. Get cost estimates from several professionals, as the charges for these services can vary.
Though private homes are usually not covered by the asbestos regulations that apply to schools and public buildings, professionals should still use procedures described in federal or state-approved training. Homeowners should be alert to the chance of misleading claims by asbestos consultants and contractors. There have been reports of firms incorrectly claiming that asbestos materials in homes must be replaced. In other cases, firms have encouraged unnecessary removal or performed it improperly. Unnecessary removal is a waste of money. Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your family. To guard against this, know what services are available and what procedures and precautions are needed to do the job properly.
In addition to general asbestos contractors, you may select a roofing, flooring or plumbing contractor trained to handle asbestos when it is necessary to remove and replace roofing, flooring, siding or asbestos-cement pipe that is part of a water system. Normally, roofing and flooring contractors are exempt from state and local licensing requirements because they do not perform any other asbestos-correction work.
Asbestos-containing automobile brake pads and linings, clutch facings and gaskets should be repaired and replaced only by a professional using special protective equipment. Many of these products are now available without asbestos.
If you hire an InterNACHI® inspector who is trained in asbestos inspection:
Make sure that the inspection will include a complete visual examination, and the careful collection and lab analysis of samples. If asbestos is present, the inspector should provide a written evaluation describing its location and extent of damage, and give recommendations for correction or prevention.
Make sure an inspecting firm makes frequent site visits if it is hired to assure that a contractor follows proper procedures and requirements. The inspector may recommend and perform checks after the correction to assure that the area has been properly cleaned.
If you hire a corrective-action contractor:
Check with your local air pollution control board, the local agency responsible for worker safety, and the Better Business Bureau. Ask if the firm has had any safety violations. Find out if there are legal actions filed against it.
Insist that the contractor use the proper equipment to do the job. The workers must wear approved respirators, gloves and other protective clothing.
Before work begins, get a written contract specifying the work plan, cleanup, and the applicable federal, state and local regulations which the contractor must follow (such as notification requirements and asbestos disposal procedures). Contact your state and local health departments, EPA regional office, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s regional office to find out what the regulations are. Be sure the contractor follows local asbestos removal and disposal laws. At the end of the job, get written assurance from the contractor that all procedures have been followed.
Assure that the contractor avoids spreading or tracking asbestos dust into other areas of your home. They should seal off the work area from the rest of the house using plastic sheeting and duct tape, and also turn off the heating and air conditioning system. For some repairs, such as pipe insulation removal, plastic bags may be adequate. They must be sealed with tape and properly disposed of when the job is complete.
Make sure the work site is clearly marked as a hazardous area. Do not allow household members or pets into the area until work is completed.
Insist that the contractor apply a wetting agent to the asbestos material with a hand sprayer that creates a fine mist before removal. Wet fibers do not float in the air as easily as dry fibers and will be easier to clean up.
Make sure the contractor does not break removed material into smaller pieces. This could release asbestos fibers into the air. Pipe insulation was usually installed in pre-formed blocks and should be removed in complete pieces.
Upon completion, assure that the contractor cleans the area well with wet mops, wet rags, sponges and/or HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaners. A regular vacuum cleaner must never be used. Wetting helps reduce the chance of spreading asbestos fibers in the air. All asbestos materials and disposable equipment and clothing used in the job must be placed in sealed, leakproof, and labeled plastic bags. The work site should be visually free of dust and debris. Air monitoring (to make sure there is no increase of asbestos fibers in the air) may be necessary to assure that the contractor’s job is done properly. This should be done by someone not connected with the contractor.
Caution!
Do not dust, sweep or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos. These actions will disturb tiny asbestos fibers and may release them into the air. Remove dust by wet-mopping or with a special HEPA vacuum cleaner used by trained asbestos contractors.
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This is a video about the different types of respirators that workers might use in their workplace. If your employer requires you to wear a respirator on the job, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration – also called “OSHA” – and State OSHA Agencies require that your employer select an appropriate respirator for you.
A brief overview and general information about various types of respirators and some of your employer’s responsibilities under OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard will be discussed in this video.
This video can be part of the OSHA-required respiratory protection training, which includes many topics, like how to put on and take off a respirator and how to use, clean, and maintain your respirator. Your employer must also provide you with worksite-specific training.
There are two main types of respirators:
air-purifying respirators, which use filters, cartridges, or canisters to remove contaminants from the air you breathe,
and
atmosphere-supplying respirators, which provide you with clean air from an uncontaminated source.
Respirators can also be classified as tight-fitting or loose-fitting.
Tight-fitting respirators need a tight seal between the respirator and the face and/or neck of the respirator user in order to work properly. If the respirator’s seal leaks, contaminated air will be pulled into the facepiece and can be breathed in. Therefore, anything that interferes with the respirator seal is not permitted when using this type of respirator. This could include facial hair, earrings, head scarves, wigs, and facial piercings.
If you are required to use a tight-fitting respirator at work, you must be fit tested with the respirator selected for your use. Fit testing is done to be sure that the respirator’s facepiece fits your face. You must be fit tested before you use your respirator for the first time. You must also be re-tested at least every 12 months to be sure that your respirator continues to fit your face.
A fit test should not be confused with a user seal check. A user seal check is a quick check performed by the wearer each time the respirator is put on. It determines if the respirator is properly seated to the face or needs to be readjusted.
Loose-fitting respirators do not depend on a tight seal with the face to provide protection. Therefore, they do not need to be fit tested.
Your employer is responsible for selecting appropriate respirators to protect you from airborne hazards. To ensure that the correct respirator is selected, your employer must consider a number of factors.
First, your employer must identify and evaluate the hazard.
Your respirator will need different types of filters, cartridges, or canisters depending on the type and amount of airborne contaminant in your workplace. It is your employer’s responsibility to determine which filter, cartridge, or canister is necessary and how often it needs to be changed. For example, respirators that have particulate filters will not protect you against gases, vapors and the non-particulate components of fumes, mists, fogs, smoke and sprays.
Your employer must also determine if the work atmosphere lacks sufficient oxygen, that is, if it is oxygen-deficient, or is contaminated to the point of being immediately dangerous to life or health. This is also referred to as “IDLH.” Only atmosphere-supplying respirators, such as an airline respirator or a self-contained breathing apparatus – also known as an SCBA – can be used in IDLH atmospheres.
Once your employer has identified the type and amount of airborne contaminant present in your workplace, your employer will use this information to see how much protection you need the respirator to provide to you.
Different types of respirators offer different levels of protection. The measure of a respirator’s protection capability is called the Assigned Protection Factor or APF. This is a number that OSHA has assigned to each class of respirators. It represents the level of protection from airborne exposure each class of respirators is expected to provide. The larger the number, the greater the level of protection. For example, when used properly, a respirator with an APF of 10 will reduce your exposure to 1/10th the concentration of the contaminant in the air. Similarly, a respirator with an APF of 50 will reduce your exposure to 1/50th the concentration of the contaminant in the air. OSHA’s APFs can be found in Table 1 of its Respiratory Protection Standard.
When selecting an appropriate respirator, your employer must also consider whether the hazard has any additional characteristics that may affect the type of respirator selected. For example, does the hazard irritate the eyes? Do you need splash and spray protection as well as eye protection? If so, you will need a full facepiece respirator or some type of eye protection.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of respirators that are available to protect you.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of respirator, so it’s important that your employer select the type that’s best suited for your work setting and the hazards you face.
These are filtering facepiece half-mask respirators, sometimes referred to as N95s. A filtering facepiece respirator covers the nose and mouth, and is a tight-fitting, air-purifying respirator in which the whole facepiece functions as the filter. Filtering facepieces may or may not have an exhalation valve to help exhaled breath exit the facepiece. They need to be fit tested, unless you are wearing them under voluntary use conditions. Filtering facepiece respirators filter out particles and do not protect against non-particulate hazards such as gases or vapors.
This is a half-facepiece elastomeric respirator. It is a tight-fitting, air-purifying respirator with replaceable filters (for particulates) or cartridges or canisters (for gases and vapors). In either case, these are attached to a rubber or silicone facepiece that covers the nose and mouth. This type of respirator needs to be fit tested and can be used instead of a filtering facepiece respirator.
An elastomeric half-facepiece respirator can be cleaned, decontaminated, and reused. This is not the case for a filtering facepiece respirator, which is normally discarded after use.
Like filtering facepieces, half-facepiece elastomeric respirators can be used for particulates, but they can also be used for many gases and vapors if equipped with the proper cartridges.
This is a full facepiece elastomeric respirator. This type of respirator provides a higher level of protection than a half-facepiece respirator because it has better sealing characteristics. Since it covers the user’s eyes and face, it can also be used to protect against liquid splashes and irritating vapors.
Like the half-mask elastomeric respirator, this respirator is a tight-fitting, air-purifying respirator with replaceable filters or cartridges attached to a rubber or silicone facepiece. It needs to be fit tested.
This is a loose-fitting facepiece powered air-purifying respirator, or PAPR. A PAPR has a blower that pulls air through attached filters. The blower then pushes the filtered air into the facepiece, which covers all of the user’s face. Since it is loose-fitting, it does not need to be fit tested and can be used by workers with facial hair.
Another type of PAPR is the tight-fitting full facepiece PAPR. This PAPR has an elastomeric facepiece made of rubber or silicone. It has filters and a blower that operate as they do on a loose-fitting facepiece PAPR. Because this PAPR has a tight-fitting facepiece, it must be fit tested.
There are also half-mask PAPRs as well as PAPRs that have a helmet or hood.
This is an airline respirator. It supplies clean breathing air to either a hood or a facepiece through a long hose, from a source of clean air such as a cylinder or compressor. If the facepiece is tight-fitting, it must be fit tested.
This is a self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA. It is a type of atmosphere-supplying respirator. SCBAs have a tight-fitting, elastomeric facepiece that covers the user’s face. The air is supplied from a cylinder of compressed breathing air that is designed to be carried by the respirator user. The facepiece is tight-fitting and must be fit tested. As its name implies, this respirator is truly self-contained. These respirators provide the highest level of respiratory protection.
You may hear someone refer to a respirator as an “N95” or a “P100.” While most people use the term “N95” to refer to filtering facepiece respirators, “N95” actually describes the type of filter material and its protective properties. The filter material can be used in either a filtering facepiece respirator or in a filter cartridge that’s attached to an elastomeric respirator.
The first part of the filter’s classification uses the letters N, R, or P to indicate the filter’s ability to function when exposed to oils. “N” means Not resistant to oil; “R” means somewhat Resistant to oil; and “P” means strongly resistant to oil, or oil-Proof.
This rating is only important in work settings where oils may be present, because some oils can reduce the effectiveness of the filter.
The second part of the classification — the number– refers to the filter’s ability to remove the most-penetrating particle size during “worst case” testing.
Filters that remove at least 95 percent of these particles are given a 95 rating. Those that filter out at least 99 percent receive a 99 rating, and those that filter out at least 99.97 percent – essentially 100 percent – receive a 100 rating.
Using this classification method, an N95 filter is not resistant to oil and removes at least 95 percent of the most-penetrating particles.
If you use a PAPR, the high efficiency particulate air filter, or HEPA filter that is attached to your unit, is similar to a P100 filter.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, tests different respirator models in its laboratory to make sure they meet certain minimum performance standards. To become “NIOSH-certified,” respirators must pass the performance tests listed in NIOSH’s regulations. For example, NIOSH tests the filter efficiency of the filter materials used in a respirator.
When respiratory protection is required, employers must provide NIOSH-certified respirators to their workers. To see if your respirator is NIOSH-certified, look for the NIOSH logo as well as the test and certification approval number, or TC number. The logo and TC number can be found on the respirator’s package or the user instruction insert, and sometimes they appear directly on respirator components, such as the respirator filter or cartridge. If your respirator is not NIOSH-certified, do not use it in a hazardous area.
You must never alter your respirator. Doing so can reduce its protective quality and expose you to the airborne hazard.
Never glue or staple things to your respirator; do not write on your respirator’s filter material; and never put holes in your respirator.
However, it is OK to write your name on your respirator’s straps.
You must never use unapproved parts on your respirator.
This video has provided you with a brief overview of the types of respirators available and how they are selected to protect you against airborne workplace hazards. There are many other things that you must know and do before you can safely use a respirator in a hazardous work environment. While this video may be part of your respiratory protection training, your employer must also provide you with additional training on respirators, including worksite-specific training.
Remember, if you don’t know if a respirator is needed for the task you will be doing, or if you are unsure about how to properly use a respirator or which filter or cartridge to use, talk to your supervisor before entering the hazardous area.
For more information about respirator use in your workplace, refer to these OSHA and NIOSH websites. You will find OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard, additional respirator training videos, and other guidance material to help you work safely.
Most wall systems will either be:
