Tech 437 Respiratory Protection Program Evaluation for Studio of Art - Copy

Respiratory ProtectionEvaluation 2014
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Respiratory Protection Program
Evaluation for Studio of Art (SOA)
Ceramics Laboratory
By: Robell Kumbi z1561345
&
Kyle Malec z1644615
Retrieved from https://www.cca.edu/sites/default/files/styles/949x800/public/images/2012/05/_ceram_marhc_2920120329_0088_1.jpg?itok=TUbMe-4W
Submitted in fulfillment of
Tech 437 Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene
Dr. William Mills with assistance fromJames Kearns & Lee Sido
Class Project for fall of 2014

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Abstract
In the world of arts and ceramics, glazes are often used to color or finish clay pieces. These
glazes primarily consist of a mixture of silica, fluxes and colorants. During the weighing and
mixing of glazes there exists a very concerning possibility of inhaling large amounts of free
silica, as well as the inhalation of fluxes such as barium and lithium, which are also highly
toxic in their own right. Inhalation of large amounts of silica may lead to silicosis, often
referred to as “potter’s rot”. In order to avoid potential health hazards during the mixing
operation, it is necessary to install adequate ventilation and/or wear an acceptably rated
respirator.
The following report is a detailed analysis and evaluation of the current state of Northern
Illinois University’s Respiratory Protection Program in regards to the Studio of Art’s (SOA)
ceramic laboratory. This report includes documentation of current mixing procedures as well as
existing controls in place to reduce respiratory related health hazards. Ultimately, this report
will also consist of feasible recommendations with the goal of leading to a more efficient and
practical respiratory program.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………..4
2. Materials and methods……………………………………………………………….5
3. Results and discussion………………………………………………………………..7
3.1Results…………………………………………………………………………….7
3.2Discussion…………………………………………………………………………7
3.2.1 Quantitative Fit Testing………………………………………………...7
3.2.2 Dustpak LEV…………………………………………………………...8
3.2.3 Enrolling Students into Respiratory Protection Program…………….....8
3.2.4 Use of Pre-mixed Glazes………………………………………………..9
3.3 Detailed Overview………………………………………………………………………....9
3.3.1 Responsibilities……………………………………………………………….....9
3.3.2Selection……………………………………………………………………….....9
3.3.3 Type…………………………………………………………………………….10
3.3.4 Medical Evaluation/Initial Medical…………………………………………….11
3.3.5 Fit Testing……………………………………………………………………....13
3.3.6 Seal Protection……………………………………………………………….....14
3.3.7 Continuing Effectiveness……………………………………………………….14
3.3.8 Maintenance and Care Procedures………………………………………...........15
3.3.9 Storage………………………………………………………………………….15
3.3.10 Inspection……………………………………………………………………...15
3.3.11 Disposal………………………………………………………………………..16
3.3.12 Training………………………………………………………………………..16
3.3.13 Seven Basic Elements……………………………………………………........17
3.3.14 Program Evaluation…………………………………………………………..18
4. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………….....19
5. References………………………………………………………………………….....20
Appendix A…………………………………………………………………………...21
Appendix B…………………………………………………………………………...25

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1. Introduction
Between the dates of November 3rd
through November 7th
of 2011, Northern Illinois University,
including the School of Art (SOA), was subject to a safety inspection conducted by the Illinois
Department of Labor (IDOL). As a result of this inspection, the SOA was issued two citations
containing a total of eleven items, each of which carry the potential of an accompanying fine.
Two of the eleven items are closely related to issues that are within the scope of the respiratory
protection program concerning the ceramics laboratory. The two previously mentioned cited
items both include violations for “Hazard Communication” (See Appendix B). The first, is a
failure to provide labels and appropriate hazard warnings on containers comprising of
hazardous chemicals as required by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5). The second cited
item related to the ceramic glaze mixing operation was a failure to maintain copies of the
MSDS’s (recently changed to SDS) as stated by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8).
Although the SOA did not incur any financially related penalties, compliance with the cited
standards was necessary in order to avoid future financial penalties.
The following report will include an analysis of the remedial steps taken to improve the safety
of both the students and staff that participate in, or are in the immediate vicinity of, glaze
mixing operations. By conducting several on-site inspections as well as interviews with the
head staff technician directly in charge of the ceramics laboratory, vital information was able to
be gathered concerning the present respiratory practices and procedures in place within the
SoA ceramics laboratory.
Currently, only the head staff technician is responsible for mixing glazes, however if students
wish, they are permitted to mix their own glazes. The frequency of glaze mixing operations
varies significantly depending on need and demand for a specific glaze. According to the lab
technician, mixing operations and procedures can occur anywhere from once or twice a
semester, to six or more. Due to OSHA regulations only applying towards employees, students
are not required by OSHA to be enrolled into NIU’s respiratory protection program. Thus, due
to the ambiguity of OSHA regulations regarding students, students are also not required to
wear respirators, but are permitted to do so by NIU if they desire.
Northern Illinois University is responsible for ensuring the safety of its staff in regards to
respiratory safety throughout all campus activities and areas requiring some sort of protection.
NIU understands that engineering controls may not be enough to ensure the protection of its
employees, so the respiratory program is in place to provide protection where those controls
lack. The goal of this report is to determine how well the respiratory program covers the
activities that take place within the SoA Ceramics Studio. This report considers not only the
negative factors within the program, but also the positives aspects that provide exceptional
protection against potential respiratory hazards.

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2. Materials and Methods
The material under review is the current respiratory program put together by NIU to protect
their students and staff against all possible exposures across various places on campus, more
specifically, the SoA Ceramics Studio. Along with respirators, other controls in place to reduce
the respiratory hazards associated with mixing procedures will also be evaluated. Safety Data
Sheets (SDS’s), are also required to see if the respirators used can efficiently protect against all
chemicals and particulates students and staff may be exposed to. NIU’s most current and
complete respiratory program can be located at; http://www.niu.edu/ehs/health-
safety/respiratory/index.shtml
In order to determine whether the selected respirators used to protect the students and staff is
indeed effective, quantitative fit testing will need to be conducted using identical respirators to
the ones currently in use. The instrument used to conduct the quantitative fit testing was
provided by the Department of Technology’s Environmental Health and Safety division. The
description of the instrument is as follows:
Manufacturer - TSI
Description - PORTACOUNT PRO PLUS
Model # - 8038
Serial # - 8038114525
NIU Tag # - 306557
Last Calibrated - January 2012
**However, take note that any results derived from this instrument are not entirely accurate
since it requires calibration. Thus, until the instrument is calibrated, results cannot be
considered valid and all data gathered serves only for educational purposes.
Retrieved from https://www.totalsafety.com/totalsafety/images/products/90_PORTACOUNT-Respirator-Fit-Testers.jpg

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The description of the respirator currently in use by the ceramics laboratory’s head staff
technician is as follows:
Manufacturer - Honeywell
Model # - 312000 T-series
Description - Survivair Premier half mask face piece
Size - Medium
Retrieved from http://www.honeywellsafety.com/Products/Respiratory_Protection/Survivair_Premier_%28NIOSH%29.aspx?site=/asia
Students are encouraged to supply their own personal respirator. The ceramics lab is not
responsible for supplying students with respirators. However, the lab does have several Dust
masks available for use.
Retrieved from http://images2.opticsplanet.com/365-240-ffffff/opplanet-stanley-rst-64001-nuisance-dust-mask-box-of-50.jpg

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3. Results and Discussions
3.1 Results:
With the current materials available, quantitative fit testing was limited solely to N95
respirators. The existing procedure for quantitative fit testing consists of first procuring a
secondary mask identical to the mask worn by the employee undergoing testing. This
secondary mask must then be probed in order to adequately fit the tubing connecting it to the
PORTACOUNT. Once the mask has been probed it is no longer acceptable for normal use
other than for conducting fit testing. The results of the fit test will then determine if a specific
make and model respirator will appropriately fit and protect the employee being tested.
Although an N95 respirator is not the type of respirator primarily worn by the ceramics studio
lab technician, it was the only model on hand that was previously probed and suited for
conducting fit testing using the PORTACOUNT. Despite the lab technician ultimately failing
his fit test for an N95 respirator, this does not necessarily mean that model respirator is
unacceptable for the technician. As previously stated, the instrument is past due its
recommended calibration date. Also, the ambient particle reading was just over the
recommended lower limit. The lab technician was not entirely clean shaven during the time of
the fit test. One or all of these factors may have contributed to the ultimate failing result of the
fit test.
3.2 Discussion:
3.2.1 Quantitative Fit Testing
As a viable, more practical, and convenient, alternative method of conducting quantitative
fit testing, adapters may be purchased that allow fit testing to be performed on the actual
respirator that will be in use. These adapters eliminate the need to purchase and probe
additional respirators exclusively for testing use. Furthermore, employees submitted to this
type of testing, (in this case, the lab technician) can be certain that their specific and unique
respirator is providing adequate protection. Utilizing fit testing adapters also greatly
reduces the risk of spreading germs through the sharing probed masks. Since the adapter
would make the users mask suitable for testing, this would eliminate the need to use a
commonly shared probed mask for testing.
A compatible adapter for the respirator currently in use by the lab technician is pictured
below. Depending on the distributor, prices for the adapter vary significantly from around
$80.00 to upwards of $240.00. The description of the adapter is as follows:
Manufacturer - Honeywell
Mfr. Model # - 14900756
Description - Quantitative Fit Test Adapter

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Retrieved from: http://www.grainger.com/product/HONEYWELL-Quantitative-Fit-Test-Adapter-3PRC3
Retrieved from: http://www.neobits.com/images/1acac434ca250/4L/4LR49.jpg
As seen above, the adapter connects to the filter cartridge of the mask, while the tubing
connects to the instrument used to conduct testing i.e. PORTACOUNT.
Procuring a quantitative fit test adapter may prove to be extremely beneficial when conducting
respiratory fit testing.
3.2.2 Dustpak LEV
As a result of the previously mentioned citations (See Appendix B), in order to address the
health and safety concerns of students and staff, the NIU ceramics laboratory acquired a
Dustpak portable dust collection system with HEPA filtration. The procuring of this device
provided a local exhaust ventilation system that controls emissions during the glaze mixing
process. The installation and implementation of this device can ultimately significantly
reduce both staff and student’s exposure to airborne particulates.
3.2.3 Enrolling Students into Respiratory Protection Program
According to a draft memorandum addressed to the ceramics studio lab technician as well
as other relevant individuals (See Appendix A), “The use of respiratory protection will not
be required for graduate students, graduate assistants, and undergraduate upper-division
(junior and senior) major students as well as the ceramics technician.” However, the draft
memorandum also states, “The SOA will enroll a small and limited (manageable) number
of students/staff (per Sido a total of 14) that are comprised of graduate students, graduate

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assistants, and undergraduate upper-division (junior and senior) major students into the
respiratory protection program on an annual basis.” Despite the designation for up to 14
students who may enroll into the respiratory protection program, there are currently no
students enrolled. The draft memorandum does however specify that “The ceramics
technician will also continue to remain enrolled in the respiratory protection program”.
Although not required by OSHA, requiring students who wish to participate in glaze
mixing operations to enroll into the NIU respiratory program is another option that has the
potential to significantly reduce exposure to airborne particulates.
3.2.4 Use of Pre-mixed Glazes
Although pre-mixed glazes serve as a much safer alternative, it may not be financially
possible or practical to purchase all glazes pre-mixed. However, if the budget allows it, it
may be beneficial to purchase a certain amount of glazes that have been pre-mixed. This
may reduce the total amount of mixing needed to be performed by either the lab technician
or the students, which may ultimately also reduce total exposure.
3.3 Detailed Program Overview
This section describes the respiratory program itself with an overview of what NIU did
well when implementing the program, as well as discussing some areas with the potential
to thrive by applying minor adjustments. All information in regards to the program come
straight from NIU’s Respiratory Protection Program.
3.3.1 RESPONSIBILITIES
The program has been developed and written by the Department of Environmental Health
and Safety and the members of the EH&S administer and conduct the proper evaluations to
determine how effective the program is. Personnel are fully qualified by appropriate
training and experience commensurate with the complexity of the program.
Some components the plan covers:
1. Assessment of potentially hazardous environments utilizing industrial hygiene sampling
protocol if warranted.
2. Employee respiratory safety training program.
3. Advise employees or proper selection of respirators.
4. Employee respirator fit tests.
5. Medical surveillance for participating employees.
6. Review and approve selection of respiratory protection prior to purchase.
7. Review respiratory procedures.
NIU did a great job with this because it gives the proper information on the various levels
of decision making required when determining what protection is needed and when.
3.3.2 SELECTION

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The next part of the program sets up probably the most important aspect of any respiratory
protection program, respirator selection. Respirators are determined by what hazards an
employee can be exposed to.
EH&S makes all decisions with these OSHA requirements taken into consideration:
1. All respirators issued to participating employees are NIOSH-approved;
2. Potential toxic or irritating contaminant, its concentration and condition (e.g. dust, vapor,
fume. etc);
3. Type of work performed, such as but not limited to: welding, grinding, sanding, blasting,
abrading, cutting, drilling, sawing or other mechanical operations that can affect respirator
performance and reliability;
4. Nature of chemical or material involved (e.g. corrosive, volatile, etc.) to which a worker
is exposed that affects respirator performance and reliability.
5. Limitations of the user and the equipment (e.g. protection factor, health conditions,
adequate selection of respirator models and sizes for proper fit);
6. Presence of other control measures (e.g. engineering and administrative controls,
housekeeping, work practices);
7. Percentage atmospheric oxygen in the area to be entered (e.g., oxygen-deficient, normal or
oxygen-enriched atmospheres).
When these decisions were made, the most important aspect is to meet the requirements set by
standards and regulations. Selecting the right respirator for a job is extremely important and
these considerations must be taken into the decision making process in order to gain the
protection that employees seek. NIU does a great job in listing certain things to consider, like
what types of conditions are they to be exposed to, the type of work they are intending to do,
limitations which what their choice is, and what other control measures are already in place
that could alter the decision making process on the amount of protection needed.
3.3.3 TYPES
The next section is to cover the specific types of respirators that are used throughout NIU's
campus.
The first type is the Negative Pressure Air Purifying Respirators, which also happens to be the
one used by the technician in the SoA Ceramics Studio. An air-purifying respirator (APR) is a
full or half face mask with filters (N, P or R 95 and 100) that filters contaminated air as it is
drawn in through cartridge filters. These filters are designed specifically for use in the presence
of certain hazardous substances [e.g., high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) organic vapor,
mercury vapor, acid gas, etc.]. It 6 does not supply oxygen, therefore it shall only be used in
atmospheres where the oxygen content ranges between 19.5% and 23.5%. APRs shall not be
used in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).
The second type of respirator is the Powered Air Purifying Respirator. The positive pressure
air-purifying respirator (PAPR) consists of a full face mask, filter cartridge and battery pack.
Please note that EH&S does not have PAPRs in stock available for use. Please contact EH&S
during the design and develop stage of a project to determine if a PAPR is needed. The PAPR
is not an air supplied unit and should not be used in:
a) Atmospheres with less than 19.5% oxygen;
b) The presence of contaminants that are not filtered by an appropriate cartridge;

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c) Atmospheres immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).
The third type of respirator is the Air Supplied Respirator. The Air Supplied Respirator
(ASR) supplies clean air from an independent source (e.g., airline). Please note that EH&S
does not have ASRs in stock available for use.
The fourth and final respirator is the Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Self-
Contained Breathing Apparatus supplies clean air from a portable independent source such
as an air tank carried on ones back, shoulder or belt. It may be used in IDLH atmospheres,
particularly where oxygen may be deficient or the atmosphere toxic.
When determining which respirator would be needed for the Ceramics Studio, the only
type that that gives the proper protection is the Negative Pressure Air Purifying Respirator.
This is the only respirator type that provides the filter that protects against high efficiency
particulate air (HEPA), and is specifically designed for this. There is a chart within the
program that recognizes all of the respirator types on campus and the proper use of each in
regards of what it protects against.
The APR, with any approved filter, is for particulates by NIOSH for contaminants consisting
primarily of particles with mass median aerodynamic diameters (MMAD) of at least 2
micrometers, (i.e., dust). The usage recommended by NIU's EH&S Department is for strictly
for dust control. This is the respirator used by the technician when making glazes and mixing
clay. Although this program is in place to protect NIU's staff, it is also important that the
students are protected. While the staff uses the APR, students are either to supply their own
respiratory protection or can use a N95 NIOSH-approved disposable filter.
While in the studio, the technician showed what protection there is to provide students without
a proper respirator. There were Honeywell General Purpose dust masks and Stanley Protection
Particulate Masks. Just from looking at the box of the Honeywell brand, it was not NIOSH
approved and not the appropriate protection for the task determined by the chart on what each
type of respirator is intended to protect against. The Stanley Protection Particulate Mask was
also not NIOSH approved, but even if it, the fact remains that it is not the right protection for
mixing glazes.
Staff use the Half Mask Face piece (Reusable Air Purifying Respirator) Survivair 312000
Premier face piece T-Series.
3.3.4 MEDICAL EVALUATIONS/INITIAL MEDICAL
A medical evaluation is an important element of an effective Respiratory Protection
Program. It is necessary to determine whether an employee is medically qualified to use a
given respirator. This is intended to prevent injuries, illnesses, and in rare cases, death from
the physiological burden imposed by respirator use. At NIU, employees will not be
assigned to tasks requiring the use of respirators unless it has been determined that they are
physically able to use the respirator.

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Before any initial examination or questionnaire is given, NIU will supply the PLHCP with
the following information so that he/she can make the best recommendation concerning an
employee's ability to safely use a respirator:
a) Job tasks that required donning a respirator as outline in employee’s job description;
b) Type and size of the respirator to be used by the employee;
c) Duration and frequency of respirator use (including use for rescue and escape);
d) Expected physical work effort;
e) Additional protective clothing and equipment to be worn;
f) Temperature and humidity extremes that may be encountered.
The SoA Ceramics Studio is susceptible to creating various dust hazards from glazing and
mixing the clays. The respirator that is suggested by NIU to use in this situation fully meet
the requirements set by them as well as the regulations and standards referenced within the
program itself.
Once the PLHCP determines whether the employee has the ability to use or not use a
respirator safely, he/she sends NIU’s Department of EH&S a written recommendation
containing only the following information:
g) Whether or not the employee is medically able to use the respirator;
h) Limitations on respirator use related to the employee’s medical condition;
i) Limitations on the workplace conditions in which the respirator will be used;
j) The need, if any, for follow-up medical evaluations; and
k) A statement that the PLHCP has provided the employee with a copy of the PLHCP's
written recommendation.
NIU will provide additional medical evaluations if:
a) An employee reports to his/her supervisor and EH&S medical signs or symptoms that
are related to the ability to use a respirator safely;
b) A PLHCP, the employee’s supervisor, or EH&S informs the division director that the
employee needs to be reevaluated;
c) Information from the respiratory protection program, including observations made
during fit testing and program evaluation, indicates a need for employee re-evaluation; or
d) A change occurs in workplace conditions (e.g., physical work effort, job duties,
protective clothing, temperature) that may result in a substantial increase in the
physiological burden placed on an employee.

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This is important and done very well by NIU because it may be obvious, but to get the best
protection from a respirator, it needs to be used correctly. Once the EH&S Department is
informed, performing the reevaluation will ensure that the employee avoids any mistakes
in the future. The other factor that was acknowledged in the plan is a change to the working
environment. When there is any change in an environment, like work effort and job duties
mentioned in the program, there can be physical consequences that can impair the
employee and create a possibility of injuries. This does not necessarily apply to the studio.
3.3.5 FIT TESTING
Respirators must fit properly to provide protection. If a tight seal is not maintained between
the facemask and the employee's face, contaminated air will be drawn into the facemask
and be inhaled by the employee. Fit testing seeks to protect the employee against inhaling
contaminated ambient air and is one of the core provisions of our respirator program. In
general, fit testing may be either qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative fit testing (QLFT)
involves the introduction of a gas, vapor, or aerosol test agent into an area around the
employee’s breathing zone.
If the user can detect the presence of the test agent through subjective means, such as odor,
taste, or irritation, the respirator fit is inadequate. In a quantitative respirator fit test
(QNFT), the adequacy of respirator fit is assessed by measuring the amount of leakage into
the respirator, either by generating a test aerosol as a test atmosphere, using ambient
aerosol as a test agent, or using controlled negative pressure to measure the volumetric leak
rate. Appropriate instrumentation is required to quantify respirator fit in a QNFT.
NIU ensures an employee is fit tested under the following circumstances:
a) New employee or one that has changed jobs into one that requires respirator work;
b) Whenever a different respirator face mask (size, style, model, or make) is used;
c) At least annually;
d) Whenever the employee reports, or the PLHCP, supervisor, or EH&S makes visual
observations of changes in the employee's physical condition that could affect respirator fit.
Such conditions include but are not limited to, facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic
surgery, or an obvious change in body weight; and
e) When the employee, subsequently after passing a QLFT or QNFT, notifies the employee’s
supervisor, EH&S or the PLHCP that the fit of the respirator is unacceptable. That employee
will be retested with a different respirator. Employees must have a fit test of a type that
follows the protocols and procedures contained in 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix A.
Ensuring that a respirator fits properly is by far the most important detail when selecting a
respirator. Without performing a fit test, employees can be exposing themselves to
dangerous substances when in reality; they think they are providing themselves the proper
protection. The technician in the Ceramics Studio was fit tested for his APR respirator, but
when a quantitative test was conducted on the N95 respirator, it failed the test. Although
from the section above about using the correct respirator for the job, the N95 should not be

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used in the first place because it does not provide to proper protection in the situations
within the lab that require the use of a respirator. Employees are all fit tested for their
respirators, but when it comes to students, they are at much more of a risk.
Students are responsible for providing their own respirators or using one of the two Dust
mask respirators available in the studio to provide the protection they are required to have.
When it comes to fit testing, NIU is not responsible for conducting a fit test on students, so
they may be exposing themselves to substances that require a degree of respiratory
protection. This should be a requirement for the SoA Ceramic Studio since the NIU
Respirator Protection Plan only applies to its staff. Since only students of the SoA can
access the lab, it should be a department requirement to conduct a fit test to protect its
students that will at any point be using the Ceramics Studio.
3.3.6 SEAL PROTECTION
It is important to keep a tight seal to eliminate any substances that may have the potential
to harm an employee. In order to keep a seal, these guidelines should be followed:
1. Facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facemask and the face or that
interferes with valve function; or
2. Any condition that interferes with the face-to-face mask seal or valve function.
3. If an employee wears corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective equipment,
ensure that such equipment is worn in a manner that does not interfere with the seal of the
facemask to the face of the user.
4. For all tight-fitting respirators, employees shall perform a user seal check each time they put
on the respirator using the procedures in 29 CFR 1910.134 Appendix B-1 (User Seal Check
Procedures) or procedures recommended by the respirator manufacturer that can be
demonstrated to be as effective as those in Appendix B-1.
Keeping a seal with the respirator is required to ensure full protection. The technician did have
a little facial hair when the fit test was conducted. When it comes to the students, it is hard to
determine if there is a seal at all since they are not required to have a fit test performed. If fit
tests were required, this would have more importance in regards to the students.
3.3.7 CONTINUING EFFECTIVENESS
Appropriate surveillance must be maintained of work area conditions and degree of employee
exposure or stress. Employees using respirators should leave the work area to attend to any of
the following situations:
1. To wash their faces and respirator face masks to prevent eye or skin irritation associated
with respirator use.
2. If they detect vapor or gas breakthrough, changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the
mask.

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3. To replace the respirator or the filter, cartridge, or canister elements.
Maintaining the condition of the respirator is essential to provide the most effective
protection possible. Any sort of defect can completely ruin a respirator and disable it from
doing its job. The plan does a good job identifying situations to which when to leave the
work and care to the respirator.
3.3.8 MAINTENANCE and CARE PROCEDURES
NIU provides all of its employees a clean and sanitary respirator in good working order.
However, each employee is responsible for cleaning and maintaining their own respirator.
They should be cleaned after the following intervals:
 Exclusively for one employee: As often as necessary to be maintained in a sanity
condition and after each use.
 Used by more than one employee: Before being worn by different individuals and
after each use.
 For emergency use: After each use.
 Used for fit testing and training: After each use.
NIU did a good job on making sure that the respirators they distribute to their employees
remain clean and working order. If they are too dirty, they will not function properly and
may not protect to the degree which it is supposed to. When sharing, it is extremely
important to keep them clean because of possible germ transfer and cause illness between
the parties that are sharing. The technician is the only one who uses the respirator given to
him, so the first interval is the only one that applies. He cleans it with an alcohol wipe after
every use.
3.3.9 STORAGE
Respirators must be stored in a clean plastic zip-lock bag to ensure that the equipment is
protected and not subject to environmental conditions that may cause deterioration. Users
are responsible to see that respirators are stored to protect them from damage,
contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging
chemicals. Respirators are to be packed or stored carefully to prevent deformation of the
facemask and exhalation valve.
The program does well in specifying on how it should be stored, as well as the
consequences when this is done incorrectly. With the APR used by the technician, there is
a specific plastic zip bag that came with the respirator for the storage aspect. When the visit
was conducted, the respirator was properly stored in the bag as the program said it should
be.
3.3.10 INSPECTION
NIU’s employees are responsible for inspecting their respirators before using them to
identify any defects that can cause any sort of decreased protection. The frequency of the
inspections is related to the frequency of the use.
 All types used in routine situations: Before each use and during cleaning

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 SCBAs maintained for use in emergency situations: Checked for proper function
before and after each use. Inspections should be conducted monthly.
Evaluations should include:
1. Respiratory function, tightness of connections, and the condition of the various parts
including the facemask, head straps, valves, associated covers and gaskets as well as
cartridges, canisters or filters.
2. Pliability and signs of deterioration.
3. Self-contained breathing apparatus regulator and warning devices as well as the
components listed above. The air and oxygen cylinders shall be maintained in a fully
charged state and recharged when the pressure falls to 90% of the manufacturer's
recommended pressure level. Metal air bottles shall be hydrostatically tested every 5 years.
Repairs:
Respirators that fail an inspection or are otherwise found to be defective are to be removed
from service. The decision to discard or repair respirators is to be made only by persons
appropriately trained to do so. Only NIOSH-approved parts by the respirator manufacturer
are to be used in repairs. Repairs must be made according to the manufacturer’s
recommendations and specifications for that type of respirator.
Making sure the respirator to be used is in great working order, regular inspections should
be conducted. The program does a good job on the determination of when employees are to
conduct their inspections. It describes the evaluation process of what to look at as stated
above. Having everything listed helps employees determine if they are forgetting anything.
When it comes to repairs, having the right parts that are specifically made for any
respirator is important. Different components may not fit correctly in other respirators,
which may cause problems when providing the right protection for any sort of job. To our
knowledge, there were not any repairs conducted on the respirator that the technician uses.
3.3.11 DISPOSAL
Respirators that fail an inspection or are otherwise not fit for use and cannot be repaired
must be discarded. HEPA cartridges contaminated with asbestos must be disposed of as
asbestos waste. Respirators themselves, once cleaned, may be discarded as general waste.
This pretty much goes unsaid, if the respirator is not fit for operation, it should not be used.
The Ceramics Studio does not need to worry about the asbestos disposal since nothing with
their operation contains asbestos. If any employees are to get their respirator replaced, they
will need to follow the second procedure of cleaning the respirators before disposal.
3.3.12 TRAINING
The most thorough respiratory protection program will not be effective if employees do not
wear respirators, or if wearing them, do not do so properly. Employee training is an
important part of the respiratory protection program and is essential for correct respirator
use.

17
NIU’s training program, provided by EH&S, is two-fold, covering both the:
a) Respiratory hazards to which our employees are potentially exposed during routine and
emergency situations, and
b) Proper use of respirators, including donning techniques, limitations on their use, and
their maintenance.
NIU is responsible for protecting their employees from all respiratory hazards. Training
their staff to know when protection is required as well as demonstrating proper use is the
key to any protection plan. From what the technician said about the areas that require some
sort of respirator protection, he was fully aware of when it is needed. Along with using it
correctly, it is essential to maintain respirator cleanliness and functionality. This is
something employees are taught, and from the previous sections about maintenance, NIU
did a great job to let their staff know how this is supposed to be done. From the plan, in
Appendix 3, there is a respirator training attendance form, which leads for us to believe
that there is a class to educate employees on all of the training aspects the program covers.
Both training parts are provided prior to requiring an employee to use a respirator in the
workplace. However, if an employee has received training within 12 months addressing the
seven basic elements of respiratory protection (see "Seven Basic Elements" below) and
NIU and the employee can demonstrate that he/she has knowledge of those elements, then
that employee is not required to repeat such initial training.
All respirator-using employees need to be retrained when the following situations occur:
a) Changes in the workplace or the type of respirator render previous training obsolete;
b) Inadequacies in the employee's use and knowledge of the respirator indicate that the
employee has not retained the requisite understanding or skill;
c) Any other situation arises in which retraining appears necessary to ensure safe respirator
use.
This aspect of the program is important because if an employee needs to don a new
respirator type, it could be entirely different in all aspects than the one he/she previously
used. Examples like using an entirely different respirator, having different cleaning
procedures or having to maintain it in a different way. In regards to the SoA Ceramics
Studio, there should not be any change in a respirator use since it measures up to what the
technician will be exposed to. One this that NIU acknowledges is the retraining if the
individual cannot retain the information to operate in a safe manner while donning a
respirator for whatever reason. If any employee forgets how to properly apply a respirator,
they are putting themselves in danger, and that is not the goal of NIU’s EH&S Department.
Re-educating that employee ensures that they are aware of skills that they clearly lack to
use a respirator in the correct manner.
3.3.13 SEVEN BASIC ELEMENTS

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NIU employees involved in tasks that may require a respirator are trained sufficiently to be
able to demonstrate knowledge of these seven elements:
1. Why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can
compromise the protective effect of the respirator.
2. What the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are.
3. How to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in
which the respirator malfunctions.
4. How to inspect, put on, remove, use, and check the seals of the respirator.
5. What the procedures are for maintenance and storage of the respirator.
6. How to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective
use of respirators.
7. The general requirements of 29 CFR 1910.134.
NIU does a great job with this section. They want their employees to be safe when
conducting work that require a respirator. All seven elements are equally important when it
comes to respirator safety, and they want each employee to know them all. Lacking any
one of these elements could put employees in danger to unexpected exposure. One thing to
highlight is that if any employee cannot demonstrate that they have full knowledge of any
of the elements, they will be required to go back and get trained on it again.
3.3.14 PROGRAM EVALUATION
It is inherent in respirator use that problems with protection, irritation, breathing resistance,
comfort, and other respiratory-related factors occasionally arise in most respirator protection
programs. Although it is not possible to eliminate all problems associated with respirator use,
NIU will attempt to eliminate as many problems as possible to improve respiratory protection
and encourage employee acceptance and safe use of respirators. Department of EH&S will
thoroughly evaluate and, as necessary, revise the Respiratory Protection Program in order to
reduce problems as much as possible.
Program evaluation involves the following:
1. Conducting evaluations of the workplace to ensure that the provisions of the current
written program are being effectively implemented and that it continues to be effective;
2. Conducting medical clearance and annual follow-up evaluation of all employees required
to use respirators;
3. Consulting employees who use respirators to obtain their views on program effectiveness
and to identify any problems. Problems that are identified during this assessment will be
addressed.
NIU understands that their plan may have some holes in it, and this section of the plan
allows for opinions from employees that are to follow this plan for their take on it. With the
first bullet of the evaluation, this allows NIU to determine if what they are preaching is
getting through to their employees and to see if they are abiding to the program. The
second bullet is important to determine if all employees have any new medical conditions
that they are fit enough to use a respirator. The final bullet is to gain the opinion of the
employees that are to follow the program and see if it is effective or not. The technician

19
believed that after he reviewed the program, he could not find anything wrong with it, and
believes that it does a great job for its purpose.
4. Conclusion
Upon careful examination and close consideration, the Northern Illinois University Respiratory
Protection Program was found to be extremely sound and thorough. It consists of all the
specified requirements as stated in OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.134. The program is clear
and concise, but without omitting any vital or necessary information. Also, the way in which
EH&S representatives responded to the IDOL citations in a swift and efficient manner by
procuring the Dustpak demonstrates wise judgment as well as a genuine consideration for the
safety of staff and students.
In regards to the ceramics laboratory, adequate respiratory controls are necessary in order to
ensure protection against airborne particulate matter. NIU’s implementation of the Dustpak as
previously mentioned serves as a prime example of an adequate control measure. During the
mixing operation, the Dustpak acts as a vacuum which is capable of collecting a significant
amount of the potentially harmful airborne particulates that are produced while mixing glazes.
The collected particulates in the air then pass through a HEPA filter, which in theory should
separate many of the particulates before releasing the air back into the lab. Utilizing a local
exhaust ventilation (LEV) system such as the Dustpak is extremely efficient because unlike a
respirator which can only protect one individual, a LEV has the potential to protect many.
Although the program as it stands is certainly satisfactory, NIU may want to consider some
additional methods and controls that would further bring program beyond compliance, thus
enhancing the level of safety and protection for both staff and students. For example,
currently up to 14 students from the SOA are capable of enrolling into the NIU’s respiratory
protection program however, at this time none are enrolled. By taking advantage of this
designation, students will be better informed and protected during glaze mixing operations.
Also, NIU may want to consider the implementation of a workshop or seminar where all
students who will potentially be exposed to glaze mixing operations have an opportunity to
learn about the associated hazards as well as NIU’s respiratory protection program and how to
enroll if they choose to do so. This workshop may also include optional fit testing for students
desiring to wear respirators.
In order to streamline quantitative fit testing procedures, NIU may choose to recommend and
assign all staff and students with similar make and model respirators. Ideally, the selected
respirators would all be compatible with the same quantitative fit test adapter. This would
allow each individual with a respirator to be able to take a quantitative fit test while wearing
their own unique mask thus, eliminating the need to share a probed mask.

20
5. References
Department of Environmental Health and Safety .2013 Aug 12. Respiratory Protection Program.
DeKalb
(IL):Northern Illinois University; [2013 Aug 12, cited 2014 Nov 27] . Available from:
http://www.niu.edu/ehs/guidelines-procedures/respiratory_prot_plan.pdf
Doney, B., Greskevitch, M., Groce, D.,et al. 2009. Respiratory protection: Is your program
effective? Professional Safety, 54(5),32-35. [cited 2014 Nov 24]
Grainger . 2014. Quantitative FIt Test Adapter [Internet]. Grainger; [cited 2014 Nov 22]. Available
from: http://www.grainger.com/product/HONEYWELL-Quantitative-Fit-Test-Adapter-
3PRC3
Kauffer E, Vincent R. 2006. Occupational Exposure to Mineral Fibres: Analysis of Results Stored
on Colchic Database. Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational
Hygiene Society. [cited 2014 Nov 24] Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 131-142. Available from:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16984948
OSHA. Personalprotective equipment standards: Respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134).
[cited 2014 Nov 24] Available from:
www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=12716&p_table=standards
Section 12: Ceramics [Internet]. Waco,TX: Baylor University [cited 2014 Noember 21]. Available
from: http://www.baylor.edu/ehs/index.php?id=94374#glazes
TSI Incorporated . 2011. What You Need to Quantitatively Fit Test Various Brands of Self-
Contained
Breathing Apparatus Available in the USA - Application Note ITI-029. TSI; [cited 2014
Nov 24]. Available from:
http://www.tsi.com/uploadedFiles/Product_Information/Literature/Application_Notes/ITI-
029.pdf
TSI Incorporated . 2013 Jun 13. Introduction to Respirator Fit Testing Application Note ITI-070
[Internet]. Rev C.:TSI Incorporated; [2013 Jun 13, cited 2014 Nov 24] . Available from:
http://www.tsi.com/uploadedFiles/_Site_Root/Products/Literature/Application_Notes/iti_0
70.pdf

21
Date: October18, 2013
M E M O R A N D U M
To: DeanHolly,Collegeof Visual andPerformingArts
Doug Boughton,Director,School of Art
Lee Sido,AssistantDirector,School of Art
Yih-WenKuo,CeramicsProfessor,School of Art
JamesKearn,CeramicStudioTechnician,Schoolof Art
JeffreyDaurer,AVP,FacilitiesPlanningandOperations
RogerMass, Associate Director,BudgetsandFacilities,
Executive Vice PresidentandProvost
FrederickSchwantes, Vice Provostof Special Projects,
Executive Vice PresidentandProvost
KevinMarshall,Industrial Hygienist,EHSDepartment
From: Scott Mooberry,ActingDirector,EHS Department
Re: MeetingMinutesfromCeramicsGlaze Discussion
Thismemorandumservestosummarize the discussionfromthe meetingheldon23 September
2013 inwhichwe all met to discussoptionsfordealingwithhealthandsafetyconcernsin
teachingstudentsthe techniquesof glaze mixing.
The meetingcommencedwithabrief overview of thisissue providedbyMr.Jeff Daurerfollowed
by the distributionof the attacheddocumentprovidedbyMr. Scott Mooberrythat outlinesfour
Appendix A

22
optionsthatthe Environmental Health&SafetyDepartment(EHS) consideredtoassistthe School
of Art(SOA) in dealingwithhealthandsafetyconcernsinteachingstudentsthe techniquesof
glaze mixing.Afterthoroughlydiscussingeachoptionthe SOA teamexpressedpreferenceto
pursue the industrial hygienestudy(option#4) inhopesthat option#4 couldbecome the process
that the SOA will operate underforthisendeavor.
Perour discussion,the SOA teamwill acquire,eitherinatemporaryor permanentcapacity,the
Dustpakportable dustcollectionsystem(withHEPA filtration) toenable ustoevaluate the
effectivenessof the machine inthe locationinwhichitwill be used.Once Mr.Lee Sidoinforms
EHS that the Dustpak hasbeenacquired,EHSwill solicitaproposal fromanenvironmental
consultanttoperformthe industrial hygiene study.Once the SOA hasearmarkedfundingforthe
environmental consultant’sservices,EHSwill coordinatethe studyschedule andformatwithSido
and the consultant.Thisprocessistargetedtobe completedwithina90 to 120 daytimeframe.
The resultsof the studywill determinewhichoptionsandassociatedadministrativecontrolswill
be incorporatedintothe glaze mixingprocess.Regardlessof the results,the SOA will purchase
and install the Dustpakunitwhichwill provide local exhaustventilationtocontrol fugitive
emissions duringthe glaze mixingprocess.
Shouldresultsof the studyreveal airborne dustconcentrationsinexcessof applicable OSHA
permissible exposure limits,thenthe SOA will committoimplementingthe variouscontrols
outlinedinoptionstwoandthree.Suchcontrolsinclude,butare notlimitedto:
 Most undergraduate students(especiallyfreshmanandsophomores) are limitedto
participatinginthe processbyusinga “pre-mix”glaze.
 Mr. JimKearnsmayalso provide demonstrationsof the glaze mixing technique for
undergraduate students.
 The SOA mayofferopportunitiesforstudentstoparticipate infieldtripsandinternships,
viewglaze mixingtechnique recordings,andengage inapplicableinteractive computer
technologies.
 The SOA will enroll asmall andlimited(manageable) numberof students/staff (perSidoa
total of 14) that are comprisedof graduate students,graduate assistants,and
undergraduate upper-division(juniorandsenior) majorstudentsintothe respiratory
protectionprogramonan annual basis.Thislistissubjecttochange baseduponcurrent

23
studentenrollmentstatusinthe ceramicsprogrambutthe SOA will ensure thatthere will
not be more than 14 students/staff(asdefinedabove) enrolledinthe respiratory
protectionprograminany academicyear.The ceramicstechnicianwill alsocontinueto
remainenrolledinthe respiratoryprotectionprogram.Shouldthe SOA feelthe needto
increase the enrollment,DeanHollyshouldinitiate arequesttomeetwiththe Provost’s
Office,FacilitiesPlanningandOperations,andEHSto furtherdiscussandevaluate this
request.The SOA will be responsible forfundingall costsassociatedwiththe enrollment
of students/staff inthe respiratoryprotectionprogramandmayseektoincorporate such
costs intothe instructional materialsfeesforthose designatedstudentsparticipatingin
thisprogram.
Shouldresultsof the studyreveal airborne dustconcentrations below applicable OSHA
permissible exposure limits,the SOA must,ata minimum, implementthe following
administrativecontrols:
 Most undergraduate students(especiallyfreshmanandsophomores) are limitedto
participatinginthe processbyusinga “pre-mix”glaze.
 Mr. JimKearnsmayalso provide demonstrationsof the glaze mixingtechnique for
undergraduate students.
 The use of respiratoryprotectionwill notbe requiredforgraduate students,graduate
assistants,andundergraduate upper-division(juniorandsenior) majorstudentsaswell as
the ceramicstechnician. Please note thatstudents/staff mustbe educatedaboutthe
potential hazardsof glaze mixingpriortoengaginginthisactivityandwill be provided
withthe opportunitytouse dustmasksif theyfeel more comfortable doingsointhis
setting. The use of respirators(e.g.,N-95,etc.) wouldnecessitateadditional
administrativecontrolsbutthisshouldbe providedasanoptionto those studentswho
are makinga specificrequesttodoso due to an existingmedical condition.
Regardlessof the studyresults,if the SOA intends toutilize the Dustpakmachinethey willcommit
to implementingthe followingadministrativecontrols asoutlinedin optionfourall of which
shouldbe inplace priorto the completionof the 90-120 day timeframe.
 The SOA will hire the Dustpaklocal distributortoperformroutine maintenance andfilter
changesinaccordance withthe operationsmanual. Thisshouldbe includedinthe initial
purchase agreementandSOA needstoplanforregularmaintenance throughthe
distributorgoingforward.

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 The SOA will developandincorporate specificglaze mixingproceduresto1) ensure
students/staffunderstandthe potential hazardsassociatedwiththe glaze mixingprocess
and to 2) ensure the properuse of the Dustpakunit.Such proceduresshall be
conspicuouslypostedinthe existingglaze mixingarea.
 The SOA will developandprovideannual hazardcommunicationtrainingforstudentsand
staff.Students/staff mustsignappropriate documentationindicatingtheyhave
participatedinsuchtraining.The SOA hasthe optionof participatinginlive classroom
trainingsessionsorparticipatinginthe on-linetrainingcourse locatedat
https://connect.niunt.niu.edu/p89r6oxrxrs
 Students/staffare requiredtodonothertypesof PPE(e.g.gloves,goggles,aprons) to
preventinadvertenteye contact,skinabsorptionandingestion.

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APPENDIXB

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