B-2: Respirator cleaning procedures (Mandatory)
These procedures are provided for employer use when cleaning respirators. They are general in nature, and the employer as an alternative may use the cleaning recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the respirators used by their employees, provided such procedures are as effective as those listed here in Appendix B-2. Equivalent effectiveness simply means that the procedures used must accomplish the objectives set forth in Appendix B-2, i.e., must ensure that the respirator is properly cleaned and disinfected in a manner that prevents damage to the respirator and does not cause harm to the user.
I. Procedures for cleaning respirators
- Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters. Disassemble
facepieces by removing speaking diaphragms, demand and pressure-demand
valve assemblies, hoses or any components recommended by
the manufacturer. Discard or repair any defective parts.
- Wash components in warm (43 deg. C [110 deg. F] maximum)
water with a mild detergent or with a cleaner recommended
by the manufacturer. A stiff bristle (not wire) brush may
be used to facilitate the removal of dirt.
- Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43 deg. C
[110 deg. F] maximum), preferably running water. Drain.
- When the cleaner used does not contain a disinfecting
agent, respirator components should be immersed for two
minutes in one of the following:
- Hypochlorite solution (50 ppm of chlorine) made by
adding approximately one milliliter of laundry bleach
to one liter of water at 43 deg. C (110 deg. F)
- Aqueous solution of iodine (50 ppm iodine) made by
adding approximately 0.8 milliliters of tincture of
iodine (6-8 grams ammonium and/or potassium iodide/100
cc of 45% alcohol) to one liter of water at 43 deg.
C (110 deg. F)
- Other commercially available cleansers of equivalent
disinfectant quality when used as directed, if their
use is recommended or approved by the respirator manufacturer.
- Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43 deg. C
[110 deg. F] maximum), preferably running water. Drain.
The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be overemphasized.
Detergents or disinfectants that dry on facepieces may result
in dermatitis. In addition, some disinfectants may cause
deterioration of rubber or corrosion of metal parts if not
completely removed.
- Components should be hand-dried with a clean lint-free
cloth or air-dried.
- Reassemble facepiece, replacing filters, cartridges and
canisters where necessary.
- Test the respirator to ensure that all components work
properly.
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