Protection for Anthrax and other Biological Exposures

Orr Safety makes the following recommendations to its customers with regard to protecting themselves against anthrax and other biological exposures.

·         If skin contact does occur, perform rapid washing of the exposed surfaces with a non-abrasive, anti-bacterial soap to prevent infection. Exposed eye surfaces or mucous membranes - such as the mouth or nose - should be flushed with water for at least 15 minutes.  If no apparent exposure occurs, or after gloves are removed, it is still beneficial to stress good hygiene and washing.

·         Adequate training should be provided to anyone who will be wearing respirators and PPE for biologics.  OSHA's Respirator Standard (1910.134) has specific requirements for respirator training.  1910.132 in Subpart I - the OSHA standard for the use of Personal Protective Equipment- requires training for the use of gloves and other PPE that may be worn.  Remember that improperly removing gloves with biologics on them may result in skin exposure and/or contamination of surrounding areas.

1)       Per 1910.134, fit testing is required for respirators used for contaminant control - including disposable "dust masks".  OSHA requires this at least annually or more frequently if there are facial changes that affect the fit of the respirator.  Fit tests help to assure that the employee can make a seal with a particular respirator model and size.  Respirator sealing is critical with the use of negative pressure respirators.  (**NOTE**)

2)       Per 1910.134, Employees who will be assigned respirators to wear for contaminant control must be medically evaluated by a physician or licensed health care professional.  Negative pressure respirators potentially can place a strain on the heart and lung system and may cause further adverse health effects to employees with pre-existing cardiovascular problems.  (**NOTE**)

3)       1910.134 also states that employers who require employees to wear respirators for contaminant control must have a written Respiratory Protection program.  1910.134 provides guidance in development of this program.  The program must also specify a "Program Administrator" to oversee this program.  (**NOTE**)

4)       There are also requirements in 1910.134 for the development of standard operating procedures for the inspection, maintenance and cleaning of respirators that must be addressed.  (**NOTE**)

**NOTE**  If an employer determines their is no risk of biological exposure and/or the use of a respirator is limited to the "filtering face piece--disposable dust mask" styles as a precautionary measure, items 1 through 4 may be re-evaluated.  In this case, the employer has only the responsibility to ensure that the employee has read Appendix D of 1910.134 and ensures that the respirator use itself does not represent a hazard to the employee - i.e. that the employee keeps it clean, replaces it on a regular basis, etc.  Medical evaluations, fit testing and a written program are not required unless a respirator other than a "disposable" mask is worn.  However, fit testing is recommended by Orr Safety.

Further information on this topic can be found on the OSHA web site - www.osha.gov,- the NIOSH web site - www.cdc.gov/niosh, and at the US Postal Service site (for handling mail and the potential for risk) at www.usps.com.

As always, Orr Safety Corporation stands ready to provide specific information to you regarding respirators and personal protective equipment to help minimize the risk of illness or injury.  Likewise, Orr Safety's Professional Services division can provide fit testing, training and consultative services relating to respiratory protection. 

FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE, CLICK ON " ASK THE EXPERT" on our website.

or contact a customer service representative at 1-800-669-1677.