Section 296-307-61015. Inspect and repair respirators.

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

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 05-01-166, § 296-307-61015, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.]

RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 05-01-166, § 296-307-61015, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.