Storing Respirators
After being inspected, cleaned, and repaired as needed, respirators must be stored in a way that protects them from dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture, or damaging chemicals.
Respirators intended for emergency use should always be readily accessible and stored in specifically designed compartments at stations and work areas. These compartments should be clearly labeled. Routinely used respirators, such as dust respirators, may be placed in plastic bags. Respirators should not be stored in such places as lockers or tool boxes unless they are in carrying cases or cartons.
Respirators should be packed or stored in a way that the facepiece and exhalation valve maintain their normal position. This ensures that their function won't be affected by the elastomer (rubber material) settling into an unusual shape.
Emergency Procedures
In environments where the user could be overcome by a toxic or oxygen-deficient atmosphere if the respirator fails, there must be at least one additional person present. There must be a way to communicate—whether through visual, voice, or signal line—among all individuals present. Plans must ensure that one person remains unaffected by potential incidents and possesses the appropriate rescue gear to assist others in an emergency.
When self-contained breathing apparatus or hose masks with blowers are used in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health, standby persons must be present with suitable rescue equipment.
Persons using air line respirators in atmospheres immediately hazardous to life or health must be equipped with safety harnesses and safety lines for lifting or removing persons from hazardous atmospheres or equivalent provisions for the rescue of persons from hazardous atmospheres must be used. A standby person or persons with suitable self-contained breathing apparatus must be at the nearest fresh air base for emergency rescue.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-10. When self-contained breathing apparatus or hose masks with blowers are used in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health, ____.
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