Hey respirator geeks

[Mr Stubs]

Who knows what a N95 mask is good up to?

Company says if the air quality is over 150 then we are not to work without a mask. They say that N95 masks are on the way for us.

I bagged on work today because it was at 437. I’m kinda thinking that is a little above and beyond what a N95 will handle...

Anyone got a link or good info?

 

[SomeGuy]

150 or 437 what?

N95 means it filters 95% of some particles to some size. Frankly though, a 3m 750x with 2097 or 2297 P100 filters are the only way to go.

 

[Mr Stubs]

150 or 437 what?

N95 means it filters 95% of some particles to some size. Frankly though, a 3m 750x with 2097 or 2297 P100 filters are the only way to go.

AQI. Or Air quality index.

Aqicn.org is the site I’m pulling info on those numbers from.

 

[Slander]

Who did the IAQ assessment? They should have the recommendations to reduce it, thats the legal document that will tell you what the mitigation is and what PPE you need. You as an employee have a right to see that assessment.

 

[Mr Stubs]

Who did the IAQ assessment? They should have the recommendations to reduce it, thats the legal document that will tell you what the mitigation is and what PPE you need. You as an employee have a right to see that assessment.

Regional manager sitting behind his desk down in California

 

[Black Sabbath]

Who knows what a N95 mask is good up to?

Company says if the air quality is over 150 then we are not to work without a mask. They say that N95 masks are on the way for us.

I bagged on work today because it was at 437. I’m kinda thinking that is a little above and beyond what a N95 will handle...

Anyone got a link or good info?

The dust mask style N95s get the same rating as the standard half masks with N95 filters of 10. That is they will protect you up to 10 times the allowable unfiltered levels. Now I have never heard of using the air quality index as a measure for allowables, but if 150 is allowable then you would be OK up to 1500 with the mask on.

On edit: Have they fit tested you? Even the filter masks style respirators require fit testing and a written program if they are being used to protect against known respiratory hazards.

Second edit (yes I am a geek ): Looks like the CA regs are the employer must provide masks from 151-500 to be used on a voluntary basis which should exempt them from a fit test requirement, and mandatory used over 500 which should require fit testing.

https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/wildfire/worker-protection-from-wildfire-smoke.html

 

[Mr Stubs]

The dust mask style N95s get the same rating as the standard half masks with N95 filters of 10. That is they will protect you up to 10 times the allowable unfiltered levels. Now I have never heard of using the air quality index as a measure for allowables, but if 150 is allowable then you would be OK up to 1500 with the mask on.

On edit: Have they fit tested you? Even the filter masks style respirators require fit testing and a written program if they are being used to protect against known respiratory hazards.

No fit test... GF just said that they are tossing some in the mail from California and to expect them soon.

 

[Black Sabbath]

No fit test... GF just said that they are tossing some in the mail from California and to expect them soon.

See my second edit, a fit test is likely not required below 500 for "voluntary" usage if they are just following the CA regs but if their written plan requires in the 150-500 range them then fit test should be required, but not sure if you want to force their hand on that one.

 

[Muckin_Slusher]

150 or 437 what?

N95 means it filters 95% of some particles to some size. Frankly though, a 3m 750x with 2097 or 2297 P100 filters are the only way to go.

I use dragers with these cartridges. They've got activated charcoal or something in them and I think they're even good for painting.

 

[Slander]

See my second edit, a fit test is likely not required below 500 for "voluntary" usage if they are just following the CA regs but if their written plan requires in the 150-500 range them then fit test should be required, but not sure if you want to force their hand on that one.

Oregon has their own OSHA state plan so they would not follow CALOSHA unless they hate themselves LOL!!!

Fit test is only required if they mandate them for a task then you have to air sample. They should make you read and sign an appendix D form when they issue them to you for voluntary use per OSHA. If they dont, you could be a dick and call OSHA on them.

Fit testing for N95s is dumb, at that point you may as well just use a tight fitting respirator.

 

[White Shark]

See my second edit, a fit test is likely not required below 500 for "voluntary" usage if they are just following the CA regs but if their written plan requires in the 150-500 range them then fit test should be required, but not sure if you want to force their hand on that one.

This is a large part of what I deal with everyday.


California has come up with specific guidelines for fit testing and wildfires.

In normal conditions, the employer determines that a hazard exists, then the 1910.134 standard kicks in and you have to do a medical review, fit testing, etc.

If there is a wildfire hazard (or the employee wants a mask for general nuisance use), then CalOSHA allows your employees to wear an N95 voluntarily. You have to provide them with the Appendix D to the 1910.134 standard which outlines the safety issues and use of respirators.

https://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/5141_1.html

§5141.1 Protection from Wildfire Smoke.

"(A) Where the current AQI for PM2.5 is equal to or greater than 151, but does not exceed 500, the employer shall provide respirators to all employees for voluntary use in accordance with section 5144 and encourage employees to use respirators. Respirators shall be NIOSH-approved devices that effectively protect the wearers from inhalation of PM2.5, such as N95 filtering facepiece respirators. Respirators shall be cleaned, stored, maintained, and replaced so that they do not present a health hazard to users. Employers shall use Appendix B to this section in lieu of Appendix D to section 5144 for training regarding voluntary use of respirators.

NOTE: For voluntary use of filtering facepieces, such as N95 respirators, some of the requirements of section 5144 do not apply, such as fit testing and medical evaluations.

(B) Where the current AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 500, respirator use is required in accordance with section 5144. The employer shall provide respirators with an assigned protection factor, as listed in section 5144, such that the PM2.5 levels inside the respirator correspond to an AQI less than 151."

_____________________

1910.134 Appendix D Voluntary Respirator Use (make sure you give a copy of this to every employee, have them read it, and have them sign a log or training sheet stating that they have read and received the Appendix D, and keep the signature log in the event of an OSHA walk or audit, it will keep you out of trouble and a Serious Violation)

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regul...0/1910.134AppD



__

 

[Slander]

This is a large part of what I deal with everyday.


California has come up with specific guidelines for fit testing and wildfires.

In normal conditions, the employer determines that a hazard exists, then the 1910.134 standard kicks in and you have to do a medical review, fit testing, etc.

If there is a wildfire hazard (or the employee wants a mask for general nuisance use), then CalOSHA allows your employees to wear an N95 voluntarily. You have to provide them with the Appendix D to the 1910.134 standard which outlines the safety issues and use of respirators.

https://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/5141_1.html

§5141.1 Protection from Wildfire Smoke.

"(A) Where the current AQI for PM2.5 is equal to or greater than 151, but does not exceed 500, the employer shall provide respirators to all employees for voluntary use in accordance with section 5144 and encourage employees to use respirators. Respirators shall be NIOSH-approved devices that effectively protect the wearers from inhalation of PM2.5, such as N95 filtering facepiece respirators. Respirators shall be cleaned, stored, maintained, and replaced so that they do not present a health hazard to users. Employers shall use Appendix B to this section in lieu of Appendix D to section 5144 for training regarding voluntary use of respirators.

NOTE: For voluntary use of filtering facepieces, such as N95 respirators, some of the requirements of section 5144 do not apply, such as fit testing and medical evaluations.

(B) Where the current AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 500, respirator use is required in accordance with section 5144. The employer shall provide respirators with an assigned protection factor, as listed in section 5144, such that the PM2.5 levels inside the respirator correspond to an AQI less than 151."

_____________________

1910.134 Appendix D Voluntary Respirator Use (make sure you give a copy of this to every employee, have them read it, and have them sign a log or training sheet stating that they have read and received the Appendix D, and keep the signature log in the event of an OSHA walk or audit, it will keep you out of trouble and a Serious Violation)

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regul...0/1910.134AppD



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Didnt know that about CALOSHA and wild fire smoke, good stuff.

Thank god I dont have to deal with CALOSHA anymore!

 

[Black Sabbath]

Oregon has their own OSHA state plan so they would not follow CALOSHA unless they hate themselves LOL!!!

Or like in this case the safety idiot is sitting in CA and therefore assumes the rest of the world has to follow the same rules

 

[smurfblue40]

I find it interesting that one of the talking heads on the evening news was harping about wearing masks to stop the spread of the virus. The very next story was about the fires. In the middle of the fire story news boy tells us how the COVID masks will not protect us from the smoke and ash

 

[Slander]

Or like in this case the safety idiot is sitting in CA and therefore assumes the rest of the world has to follow the same rules

I know its cliche, but fuck CALOSHA LOL!!! Their website is such a PITA to use to find standards, fed OSHA on the other hand actually has a pretty kick ass website.

Oregon OSHA has the wire wheel tool rest letter of interpretation that I got a $10,000 fed OSHA fine tossed out on.

 

[White Shark]

Here's some more info for those outside of Kalifornistan:


FedOSHA has their regular standard and the Department of Industrial Relations in CA puts out the Cal OSHA info. I'm sure other states have something similar, but I'm not familiar with them.

The Federal Standard covers voluntary N95 use though, (the OSHA guys have told us N95's are a respirator, but they can also be used as a voluntary dust / nuisance / smoke mask).

There is an OSHA Standard Interpretation Letter that states that employees can wear the N95 mask as a voluntary measure if they also receive a copy of the 1910.134 Appendix D that I linked earlier.

THIS LETTER IS FED OSHA AND WILL APPLY TO ALL STATES.

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/stand...ons/2018-04-26

__________________


I also just received info that CalOSHA is looking at relaxing the standard due to unavailability of the N95's and they will likely be allowing the Chinese made KN95 masks in AQI conditions of 150-170, or possibly even 150-200. They haven't nailed it down yet, but they are trying to make more options available. This will also include all other masks from other suppliers and countries with different certs that are equivalent such as the masks on the chart. They are saying the masks will have to filter out 95% or more, have two straps for the head, and cannot be attached using ear straps.

They will also be issuing new data regarding using the regular OSHA Respiratory Program under 1910.134 and issuing specifics regarding half face, full face, and other masks for specific condition ranging from AQI 150-500. This of course will require a med review, fit testing, etc.

THIS HAS NOT BEEN DECIDED BUT WILL BE UPCOMING SOON.