Inspecting Respirators
It is important to inspect your respirator regularly to ensure that it is in good condition and will provide adequate protection when necessary. If you notice any damage or other issues with your respirator, replace it immediately.
Respirator Inspection
Follow the important points below when inspecting respirators.
- Inspect respirators that are used routinely during cleaning.
- Replace any worn or deteriorated parts.
- Carefully inspect emergency-use respirators at least once a month and after each use.
- Inspect self-contained breathing apparatus monthly.
- Ensure air and oxygen cylinders are fully charged according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Make sure that the regulator and warning devices function properly.
- Check the tightness of connections and the condition of the facepiece, headbands, valves, connecting tube, and canisters.
- Inspect rubber or elastomer (elastic rubber) parts for pliability and signs of deterioration.
- Stretch and manipulate rubber or elastomer parts with a massaging action to keep them pliable and flexible.
- A record must be kept of inspection dates and findings for respirators maintained for emergency use.
Inspecting the work area: Make sure appropriate surveillance of work area conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress is conducted.
Inspecting the program: Regularly inspect and evaluate the program to determine its continued effectiveness.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-4. How often should a self-contained breathing apparatus be inspected?
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