You must:
• Conduct respirator inspections as often as specified in Table 9.
• Make sure respirator inspections cover all of the following:
– Respirator function
– Tightness of connections
– The condition of the facepiece, head straps, valves, connecting tubes, and cartridge, canisters or filters
– Pliability and deterioration of elastomeric parts
– Maintenance of air or oxygen cylinders
– Making sure SCBA air cylinders are at ninety percent of the manufacturer's recommended pressure level
– Proper functioning of SCBA regulators when air-flow is activated
– Proper functioning of SCBA low-pressure warning devices when activated
• Certify inspections for emergency respirators by documenting the following:
– Inspection date
– Serial number of each respirator or other identifying information
– Inspector's name or signature
– Inspection findings
– Required action, if problems are found.
Note: | • When documenting inspections you may either: |
| – Provide the information on a tag or label and attach it to the respirator compartment |
| or |
| – Include the information in an inspection report stored in paper or electronic files accessible to employees. |
You must:
• Repair or replace any respirator that is not functioning properly before the employee returns to a situation where respirators are required.
– If respirators fail inspection or are not functioning properly during use due to problems such as leakage, vapor or gas breakthrough, or increased breathing resistance, all of the following apply:
■ Do not permit such respirators to be used until properly repaired or adjusted
■ Use only NIOSH-certified parts
■ Make sure repairs and adjustments are made by appropriately trained individuals
– Use the manufacturer or a technician trained by the manufacturer to repair or adjust reducing and admission valves, regulators, and warning devices on SCBAs or air-line respirators.
■ Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and specifications for the type and extent of repairs.
Use Table 9 to determine how often to inspect respirators.
Table 9
Required Frequencies for Respirator Inspections
If the respirator is . . . | Then inspect . . . |
A SCBA in any use | • Before each use |
| and |
| • During cleaning |
| or |
| • Monthly if not used |
Used for nonemergencies, including day-to-day or infrequent use | • Inspect before each use and • During cleaning |
Used only for emergencies | • Check for proper function before and after each use |
| and |
| • Inspect at least monthly as instructed by the manufacturer |
Used for escape-only purposes | • Before carrying into a work place for use |