Part 3. Respiratory Protection Program

DOE-STD-1098-99

Radiological Control

Radiological Health Support Operations

June 2004

PART 3 Respiratory Protection Program

Respiratory protection equipment includes respirators with particulate or gas -filtering cartridges, supplied air respirators,

self-contained breathing apparatus, and airline supplied-air suits and hoods.

531 General Provi sions

Use of respiratory protection shall be reduced to the minimum practicable by implementing engineering controls and

work practices to contain radioactivity at the source [see 29 CFR 1910.134].

29 CFR 1910.134 establishes requirements for respiratory protection program that are applicable to most DOE

facilities. ANSI Z88.2 provides acceptable detailed guidance for implementation of the respiratory protection

program and associated training of personnel.

Respirators shall be issued only to individuals who are trained, fitted, and medically qualified to wear the specific

type of respirator. Training and qualification testing shall be performed annually [see 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI

Z88.2].

Positive controls should be maintained for the issue, use, and return of respirators to ensure that only qualified

individuals wear respirators.

29 CFR 1910.134 mandates that breathing air meet the specifications of ANSI/CGA G-7.1 Grade D breathing air.

Compressed air supplied to respirators shall be tested quarterly. Compressors shall be of the breathing air type and

shall not allow oil or other chemicals and fumes to enter the breathing air supply. Special attention shall be focused

on the location of compressor air supply intakes and on cross-connections to other compressed gas systems to

prevent contamination [see 29 CFR 1910.134].

Facility safety analyses should not take credit for the use of respiratory protection for routine work involving

potential exposure to airborne radioactive materials.

532 Medical Assessment

Each prospective respirator wearer shall have a medical assessment prior to being fit -tested. The medical assessment

shall determine if an employee's medical condition precludes the use of respirators and should follow the guidance in

ANSI Z88.6 on frequency and content of the examination [see 20 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2]. The ability of an

employee to accommodate the additional stress placed on the body when working in a respirator is part of this

assessment.

533 Use of Respiratory Protection

The use of respiratory protection devices can impair worker mobility and vision and cause worker discomfort and stress.

For these reasons, the issue and use of respiratory protective devices must be controlled.

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