CHAPTER 8

PROTECTING THE WORKER:

RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Objective: To provide a detailed discussion of the use, maintenance and

limitations of respiratory protection and protective clothing.

Learning Tasks: Information in this section should enable participants to:

• Identify the need for effective respiratory protection for

asbestos abatement personnel.
• Understand the categories and operating principles of
respirators used for protection against asbestos.
• Recognize the use and limitations of various types of
respirators.
• Understand the importance of properly fitting the respirator.
• Become familiar with the concept of protection factors and
how they relate to respirator selection and use.
• Understand the basic requirements of an effective
respiratory protection program.
• Recognize the need for and proper use of protective clothing
and equipment.

8-1
PROTECTING THE WORKER:
RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, as in the case of asbestos

encapsulation, enclosure or removal projects, asbestos fibers will become airborne.
Once in the air, the asbestos fibers may be inhaled by workers performing these
projects, posing a significant health risk. For these reasons, engineering controls and
work practices such as wet methods are used to minimize the generation of airborne
fibers. Since no method has been devised to remove asbestos without generating some
airborne fibers, respirators should be used at all times. Further, protective clothing
should be worn by all personnel. Lastly, other protective measures such as safety
glasses, hard hats, heavy boots or ear plugs may be required to protect the employee
from other hazards.

Respiratory hazards are generally divided into two categories--toxic contaminants and
oxygen deficiency. The potential for either or both must be considered when addressing
respiratory protection.

Normal air contains about 21 percent (20.9%) oxygen. For breathing purposes, air
should not contain less than 19.5 percent or more than 23.5 percent oxygen. Oxygen
deficiency generates a variety of symptoms, ranging from increased breathing and
pulse rate to unconsciousness and death.

Asbestos abatement projects generally do not pose oxygen deficiency hazards.

However, since there are abatement projects and circumstances where it can be a
problem, it must always be considered. For example, there could be an oxygen
deficiency problem while working in steam tunnels, mechanical chases, or boilers.
Failing to consider oxygen deficiency could result in a quick fatality on an asbestos
abatement project.

Toxic contaminants are the more common category of respiratory hazards on asbestos
abatement jobs. Those toxic contaminants are generally subdivided into three
categories, particulates, gaseous materials and vapors. Asbestos fibers are an example
of the particulate subcategory, carbon monoxide is an example of the gaseous
subcategory and mastic removal solvent is an example of the vapor subcategory. It is
possible to have all of these hazardous substances, plus others in a work area at the
same time.

The control of respiratory hazards often involves three steps:

• Assessing the hazards

• Reducing or eliminating the hazards
• Providing respiratory protective equipment

8-2
The asbestos abatement industry is actually based on these first two steps. Buildings
and structures are surveyed to assess potential asbestos hazards. When a potential
asbestos hazard exists, a contractor is called upon to reduce or eliminate the hazard
through removal, encapsulation, or enclosure. Thus the third step, respirators, is
generally avoided for the building occupants.

Several hazard reduction techniques are used inside the abatement area, including
wetting with amended water, using negative air machines, prompt bagging of removal
materials, wet cleaning and HEPA vacuuming. These techniques do reduce the air-
borne fiber concentrations during removal projects, but they may not get them down to
the 0.01 f/cc level which is generally considered clean. Thus, the employer (contractor)
must proceed to the third hazard control step and provide an adequate respiratory
program for the workers. The respirators must be selected and the program established
based on OSHA standards, the actual or anticipated air sampling results, and other
guidelines (i.e., respirator manufacturers).

As required by the OSHA Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), only
approved respirators may be considered during the selection process. And, the
respirators must be approved for protection against the specific hazard -- asbestos, for
example. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the
testing agency which approves respirators. If the entire respirator assembly, including
cartridges/filters/hoses, passes their test, then they issue a joint NIOSH approval
number for that specific respirator assembly. The NIOSH approval number (TC
number) is like a serial number. It describes a certain model from a certain
manufacturer with certain filters.

CATEGORIES OF RESPIRATORS

There are three major classes/categories of respirators, plus subcategories for each
category. The major categories are:

• Air-Purifying
• Air-Supplied
• Self-Contained

AIR-PURIFYING RESPIRATORS

Air purifying respirators remove limited concentrations of air contaminants from the
breathing air, but do nothing to improve (or change) the oxygen content. Thus, they can
only be used in atmospheres where there is enough oxygen, and where air
contaminants do not exceed the specified range of the respirator and cartridge.

8-3
These respirators generally consist of a soft silicone facepiece and replaceable filters or
cartridges. Two different cartridge types for air purifying respirators are the mechanical
filter type and the chemical cartridge type. The mechanical filter is designed to protect
against particulate matter such as dust and asbestos fibers. The chemical cartridge is
used to protect against light concentrations of chemicals, such as solvent vapors. There
are even combination models approved for both types of protection.

Respirator facepieces (including those for the air-purifying category) are used to further
describe specific subcategories, based on the construction and face coverage. The
major subcategories are:

• Half-Mask
• Full-Face

High efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) cartridges must be used when asbestos exposure
is a possibility. The HEPA cartridges are approved by NIOSH at a minimum efficiency
level of 99.97% on particulate down to 0.3 microns in diameter. These cartridges are
color coded purple or magenta in color, and are designated “P100”. P100 cartridges
have the highest level of particulate protection, with no exclusions.

The Half-Mask respirator covers half of the face--from under the chin to the bridge of the
nose. All, half-mask respirators are NIOSH approved. It is still necessary to choose the
correct approved model for the identified air contaminant.

The Full-Face respirator covers from under the chin up to the forehead. This greater
coverage provides a better face fit, higher degree of protection, and gives eye
protection. Many full-face respirators have four or more straps. Regardless of the
number of straps, the respirator should be put on by placing the chin into the chin cup,
then tightening the straps going from the bottom to the top.

A special sub -category of air purifying respirator is the Powered Air Purifying Respirator
(PAPR). This respirator combines the air-purifying respirator, with positive pressure
protection in the facepiece and has become the standard respirator for Class I Work
(removal of TSI or surfacing).

The previously described air-purifying respirators depend on breathing energy to draw

the air in through the respirator cartridge or filter. However, these PAPR units use a
battery-powered blower that passes the contaminated air through the cartridge or filter
where the air is cleaned and forced through a hose to the facepiece. That face covering
can be a half-mask, full-face mask, helmet (hat), or hood.

8-4
An advantage of using a powered air-purifying respirator is that it supplies air at a
positive pressure within the facepiece, helmet, or hood, so that any leak is outward.
Therefore, they provide a much higher degree of protection than do most half-mask and
full-face air purifying respirators.

PAPRs must deliver at least 4-6 cubic feet of air per minute (4-6 CFM) to a tight-fitting
facepiece and at least 7 CFM to a loose-fitting helmet or hood.

AIR-SUPPLIED RESPIRATORS

Air-supplied respirators deliver breathing air through a supply hose connected to the
worker's facepiece (half mask or full face). This category of respirator is seldom, if ever,
used in the asbestos abatement industry today, as it has no higher level of protection
than the PAPR, and the worker is limited by the air hose. This creates hazards in the
workplace, and reduces production by about 40%.

SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA)

Self-contained respirators provide protection for various periods of time depending upon
the amount of breathing air (air pressure and tank size) and the breathing demands of
the wearer. The worker is independent of his/her surrounding atmosphere when using
these devices; therefore, they can be used in environments immediately dangerous to
life and health (IDLH).

However, since they have several disadvantages, they are seldom used on asbestos
abatement jobs. They are heavy and awkward to wear. The air supply usually lasts only
30 to 50 minutes, thus requiring a large supply of filled tanks on-site. They require more
training than the other types of respirators.

PROTECTION FACTORS

Respirators offer varying degrees of protection against asbestos fibers. The key to
understanding the differences between types of respirators (air-purifying, powered-air
purifying, air-supplied, etc.) is the amount of protection afforded the wearer. Also, the
competent person, or supervisor, must be responsible to see that each person at an
abatement site is protected to the proper level of respiratory use, depending on the
current or potential exposure. To compare these, one must understand the concept of a
protection factor (PF).

8-5
A protection factor is a number obtained when the concentration of a contaminant
outside the mask is divided by the concentration found inside the mask. This simple
formula is illustrated below.

Concentration outside mask

Protection Factor (PF) =
Concentration inside mask

The protection factor is the level of protection required to protect an employee to a

certain level of protection in a certain level of exposure.

It is virtually impossible to measure the concentration inside the mask (where the worker
is breathing) for each worker, all the time, during all the various activities he or she may
be conducting. Accordingly, OSHA assigned protection factors, based on extensive
research, have been specified for different categories of respirators. Using these
protection factors, it is easy to determine what type of respirator is appropriate to
maintain the protection inside the mask at a desired level.

Using OSHA protection factors, the contractor may select from Table 8-1 the
appropriate respirator to maintain the concentration inside the respirator below 0.1 f/cc.
OSHA requires, by regulation, at least a minimum level of protection at the PEL (0.1
f/cc).

Aside from regulatory compliance, liability management and true worker protection is
also of paramount importance. An employer may choose to protect employees beyond
the regulatory of 0.1 f/cc to address these two issues. The next logical level of
protection with regulatory agency reference would be EPA’s “final clearance” under
AHERA, at 0.01 f/cc. AHERA has the effect of saying that schools may not reoccupy
spaces in a building unless the air is at least this clean – or, ‘ this is safe enough to be in
without a respirator.’

An employer is not required to protect employees to 0.01 f/cc, but if he chose to, the
same protection factor calculation would be used to determine the proper respirator. In
either case, by comparing the calculated PF to the OSHA assigned PF chart, the proper
respirator can be determined.

8-6
TABLE 8-1

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR SELECTION

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST ASBESTOS

OSHA OSHA MAXIMUM USE

RESPIRATOR SELECTION PF CONCENTRATION
Half Mask Air-Purifying with HEPA filters 10 1.0 f/cc
Full Facepiece Air-Purifying with HEPA filters 50 5.0 f/cc
Powered Air Purifying (PAPR), loose-fitting 25 2.5 f/cc
helmet or hood, HEPA filter
Powered Air-Purifying (PAPR), Full 1000 100.0 f/cc
Facepiece, HEPA filter
Full Facepiece Supplied Air, Pressure 1,000 100.0 f/cc
Demand + HEPA escape
Full Facepiece Supplied Air, Pressure >1,000 >100.0 f/cc
Demand with auxiliary SCBA, Pressure
Demand or Continuous Flow

Example: Personal air sampling indicates the fiber concentration outside the mask is 3.5
f/cc (8 hour, time-weighted average).
Then:
Protection Factor Needed = 3.5 f/cc outside mask
0.1 f/cc desired inside mask
Protection Factor Needed = 35

By going to the table, any respirator with a p rotection factor above 35 should maintain
the fiber concentration inside the mask below 0.1 f/cc.

Example: The employer may also use the protection factor formula to estimate
concentrations inside the mask if the personal sampling results are available. If a
worker's personal sample for an 8-hour workday was 2.7 fibers/cc and he wore a full-
face PAPR respirator, what is his estimated exposure inside the mask?

8-7
Concentration in the mask: = Concentration outside mask
Protection Factor of mask

Concentration in the mask = 2.7 f/cc (8-hour,TWA)

1000

Concentration in the mask = 0.0027 f/cc (8-hour, TWA)

Accordingly, if the worker wore the respirator properly fitted and maintained, his
exposure should have been well below 0.1 f/cc (8-hour, TWA).

Maximum Use Concentration: (or, what is the dirtiest air I can wear my respirator in?)

Example: If an employee currently has a Half-mask negative pressure respirator, what

is the maximum ambient particulate concentration he/she may be exposed to, yet still
maintain a protection level of 0.1 f/cc inside the mask?

Maximum Exposure: = Protection Factor x Protection Desired

10 x 0.1 = 1 f/cc

It should be noted that protection factors should only be used when the respirator is
properly fitted, maintained, and used as intended. It should also be noted that protection
factors for a specific model (and size) of respirator may be estimated for each employee
if quantitative fit-testing is performed for each worker (see “Fit Testing” below).

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

Any employer who requires or permits employees to wear a respirator must have a
written respiratory protection program. This is required by OSHA in their asbestos
standard (29 CFR 1910.1001, amended, and 29 CFR 1926.1101, a copy of which is
attached as Appendix A of this manual) and respiratory protection regulations (29 CFR
1910. 134, copy included in Appendix B). The written respirator program establishes
standard operating procedures for the asbestos abatement contractor concerning the
use and maintenance of respiratory equipment. In addition to having such a written
program, the contractor must also be able to demonstrate that the program is enforced
and updated as necessary.

The OSHA regulations spell out just what must be included in a written program. Below,
these items are discussed with special emphasis on applications to asbestos abatement
work.

8-8
The Elements of a Respiratory Protection Program
(29 CFR 1910.134)

1. Procedures For Selecting Respirators -

In the asbestos control industry, this usually means two things. First, the
respirator facepiece must be at least a standard half-mask, and must be
equipped with HEPA cartridges. Second, the level of respiratory protection will be
mandated by the level of exposure or potential exposure. The program should
indicate company policy on maximum use of various respirator systems at given
levels of exposure. See 29 CFR 1910.134(d).

2. Medical Evaluations of Employees Required to Use Respirators -

No worker may be assigned to work in a respirator unless a physician has
determined that they are physically capable of performing that work in a
respirator. This medical determination must be done initially, and at least
annually thereafter. This documentation should be maintained at the worksite for
each worker involved. See 29 CFR 1910.134(e).

3. Fit Testing Procedures -

All tight fitting facepieces must be tested at least annually by either qualitative or
quantitative methods. See 29 CFR 1910.134(f) and Appendix A for proper
procedures.

4. Procedures for Proper Use of Respirators -

A clear employer standard operating procedure must be documented. See 29
CFR 1910.134(g).

5. Procedures for Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance -

The respirators must be kept clean and sanitary. This means cleaning and
disinfecting after each use. Dirty respirator systems must not be allowed to be
stored. If they are stored dirty, they will be used dirty.

6. Procedures to Ensure Adequate Air Quality, Quantity and Flow -

Again, a clear standard operating procedure for the use of air supplied
equipment, including source, purification, storage and distribution. See 29 CFR
1910.134(i).

7. Training in Respiratory Hazards -

Address the issues of asbestos exposure in the workplace. See 29 CFR
1910.134(k).

8. Training in Use of Respirators -

8-9
 Include donning, doffing, use limitations and maintenance. See 29 CFR
1910.134(k).

9. Program Evaluation -
The written program should be kept current and pertinent to the respiratory
equipment being used at any given time. As equipment is changed, the program
should be updated to reflect the change. Also, the supervisor must survey the
work site and evaluate the program for effectiveness and compliance, with
feedback from the employees involved. See 29 CFR 1910.134(l)

RESPIRATOR FIT CHECKS AND TESTING

RESPIRATOR FIT CHECKS

One of the most important elements of an effective respirator program is fit-testing. In

fact, the OSHA respirator standard (29 CFR 1910.134) requires that the fit of respirators
be determined when the respirators are issued and that the employees check the fit
each time they put the respirator on. These are valid requirements since the weakest
point of protection for a respirator is leakage around the face seal.

During any type of fit-testing, the respirator straps must be properly located and as
comfortable as possible. Over-tightening the straps will sometimes reduce facepiece
leakage, but the wearer may be unable to tolerate the respirator during the work period.
The facepiece should not press into the face and shut off blood circulation or cause
major discomfort. At the time of respirator issuance, a visual inspection of the fit should
always be made by a second person. That person should check to see that there are
not visible openings/leaks (around the nose, for example) and that the respirator
appears properly adjusted and comfortable.

Negative Pressure Check: For this check, the user closes off the inlet of the cartridges
or filters by covering with the palms and inhales gently so the facepiece collapses
slightly. If the facepiece remains slightly collapsed and no inward leakage is detected,
the respirator is working properly. This procedure checks for the placement and function
of the exhalation valve, without which the user would have no protection.

Positive Pressure Check. This check is very similar in principle to the negative
pressure check. It is conducted by closing off/covering the exhalation valve and
exhaling gently into the facepiece. The respirator function is considered okay if slight
positive pressure can be built up inside the facepiece without any evidence of outward
leakage around the facepiece. It also checks for the placement and function of the
inhalation valves, without which the user would be rebreathing stale air, eventually
becoming oxygen deficient.

8-10
RESPIRATOR FIT TEST

There are two major categories of fit-testing, qualitative (pass/fail basis) and quantitative
(scientific measure basis). Then there are several methods within both major
categories. Only those considered most applicable to asbestos abatement will be
presented in this section.

Qualitative Fit Testing. The qualitative fit test is allowed for half-mask respirators, and
for Full-Face respirators used at the allowable limit of the half-mask (10 x PEL, or 1
f/cc). All tight fitting respirators must be fit tested at least annually.

Irritant Smoke Test. Once the asbestos abatement worker has passed the visual,
negative pressure and positive pressure checks, they can be tested with irritant smoke.
It can be used for both air-purifying and air-supplied respirators. All respirators must
have high-efficiency filters. The test substance is an irritant smoke (stannic chloride or
titanium tetrachloride). Sealed glass and plastic tubes with substances to generate
smoke are available from safety supply companies. When the tube ends are broken and
air passed through them with a squeezable bulb, a dense irritating smoke is emitted.

For this test, the user enters the test enclosure and the irritant smoke is
sprayed/squeezed into the test hole. If the wearer detects any irritant smoke inside the
respirator, it means a defective fit, and adjustments or replacement of the respirator is
required. This test has a distinct adva ntage in that the wearer reacts involuntarily to
leakage by coughing or sneezing. The likelihood of merely pretending to pass the fit test
is very low, as a sensitivity test must also be given.

The irritant smoke fit test is qualitative (pass/fail). It can and should be performed at the
abatement job site by the supervisor, or competent person.

Quantitative Fit Testing. There are more scientific methods of determining the fit of a
respirator. Those methods are called quantitative fit tests. In fact, these quantitative fit
tests are the methods used to determine a respirator's scientific and published degree
of protection (protection factor).

Quantitative fit-testing actually measures the degree of leakage of a facepiece. It may

be done using a number of protocols, all of which require special equipment and
training. This test results in a fit factor which may be compared to the standard for pass-
fail.
Portable fit-testing units are available and some consultants will come to the job site and
perform quantitative fit-tests on workers. These tests usually show that most workers
receive much better protection than the standard protection factors published and
quoted for respirators. Quantitative fit-testing usually costs $25-50 per worker,
depending on several factors such as how many workers are to be tested at one site.

8-11
Regardless of the type of fit test, its advantages and disadvantages, it is necessary to
include such a test in an effective respirator program. It is the key to detecting and
correcting contaminant leakage around the facepiece to face seal. This leakage can be
critical when the contaminant is a proven human carcinogen -- asbestos.

A more extensive description of fit-testing methods and respirator use are included in
Appendix A of 29 CFR 1910. 134.

Respirator Program Checklist

In general, the respirator program should be evaluated at least annually with program
adjustments, as appropriate, made to reflect the evaluation results. Program function
can be separated into administration and operation.

A. Program Administration

___ (1) Is there a written policy which acknowledges employer

responsibility for providing a safe and healthful workplace, and
assigns program responsibility, accountability and authority?

___ (2) Is program responsibility vested in one individual who is

knowledgeable and who can coordinate all aspects pf the program
at the jobsite?

___ (3) Are there written procedures/statements covering the various

aspects of the respirator program, including:

___ designation of an administrator

___ respirator selection
___ purchase of approved equipment
___ medical aspects of respirator usage
___ issuance of equipment
___ fitting
___ training
___ maintenance, storage and repair
___ inspection
___ use under special conditions and
___ work area under surveillance?

B. Program Operation

8-12
___ (1) Respiratory protective equipment selection and assignment

___ Are work area conditions and employee exposures properly

surveyed?
___ Are respirators selected on the basis of hazards to which the
employee is exposed?
___ Are selections made by individuals knowledgeable of proper
selection procedures?
___ Are only approved respirators purchased and used; do they
provide adequate protection for the specific hazard and
concentration of the containment?
___ Has a medical evaluation of the prospective user been made
to determine physical and psychological ability to wear the
selected respiratory protective equipment?
___ Where practical, have respirators been issued to the users
for their exclusive use, and are there records covering
issuance?

___ (2) Respirator fitting

___ Are the users given the opportunity to try on several

respirators to determine whether the respirator they will
subsequently be wearing is the best fitting one?
___ Is the fit tested at appropriate intervals?
___ Are those users who require corrective lenses properly
fitted?
___ Is the facepiece-to-face seal tested in a test atmosphere?
___ Are workers prohibited from entering contaminated work
areas when they have facial hair or other characteristics
which prohibit the use of tight fitting facepieces?

___ (3) Respirator use

___ Are respirators being worn correctly (i.e., head covering over
respirator straps)?
___ Are workers keeping respirators on all the time when
necessary?

___ (4) Maintenance of respiratory protective equipment

8-13
 (a) Cleaning and Disinfecting

___ Are respirators cleaned and disinfected after each use?

___ Are proper methods of cleaning and disinfecting utilized?

(b) Storage

___ Are respirators stored in a manner so as to protect them

from dust, sunlight, heat, excessive cold or moisture, or
damaging chemicals?

___ Are respirators stored properly in a storage facility so as to

prevent them from deforming?

___ Is storage in lockers and tool boxes permitted only if the

respirator is in a carrying case or carton?

(c) Inspection

___ Are respirators inspected before and after each use and
during cleaning?

___ Are qualified individuals/users instructed in inspection

techniques?

___ Is respiratory protective equipment designated as

“emergency use” inspected at least monthly (in addition to
after each use)?

___ Is a record kept of the inspection of “emergency use”

respiratory protective equipment?

(d) Repair

___ Are replacement parts used in repair those of the

manufacturer of the respirator?

(5) Special Use Conditions

8-14
 ___ Is a procedure developed for respiratory protective
equipment usage in atmospheres immediately dangerous to
life or health?

___ Is a procedure developed for equipment usage for entry into

confined spaces?

(6) Training

___ Are users trained in proper respirator use, cleaning and

inspection?

___ Are users trained in the selection of respirators?

___ Are users e valuated, using competency-based evaluation,

before and after training?

(7) Recordkeeping Items

___ Record of Training

___ Record of Fit Test

___ Record of Respirator Issuance

___ Record of Physician Approval

PROTECTING THE WORKER: CLOTHING

It is first important to understand why protective clothing is worn during asbestos

abatement work. The primary reason is to keep gross amounts of asbestos-containing
debris off the body, hair, etc. The use of protective clothing and showers will minimize
the chance of bringing asbestos out of the work area and into the home. Protective
clothing will also minimize the chance of rashes and discomfort caused by the material
being removed. In addition to the asbestos, frequently the material being removed
contains mineral wool, fiberglass, and binders such as cement. Each of these may be
irritating to the skin.

Protective clothing for asbestos abatement projects usually consists of disposable

coveralls, foot covering and head covering. The foot and head covering should be
attached to the coveralls. This eliminates the need to tape openings between garments,
etc. Tight fitting bathing suits may be worn beneath the coveralls. Gloves must be worn

8-15
when inside the work area. The OSHA regulations require “whole body covering, head
coverings, hand and foot coverings”.

Protective clothing does not include street clothes (or shoes), T-shirts, blue jeans, sweat
bands, knee-pads, and socks. If any of these items are used inside the work area, they
should remain the re until the job is completed and disposed of as asbestos-
contaminated waste. Jewelry such as rings and ID bracelets should not be worn in the
work area.

Other protective clothing/items such as hard hats and safety shoes/boots should remain
in the equipment room or work area for the duration of the project. Upon project
completion, these items can be cleaned, placed in a plastic bag, labeled as containing
asbestos, and taken to the next project.
It should be noted that this asbestos removal/control industry is, in many cases,
specialized demolition. The same general safety requirements apply here which apply
on a general construction site (hardhats, safety-toe boots, eye protection, etc).

To summarize, below is a list of items normally worn by asbestos abatement

employees:

• Disposable coveralls, with hood and boot attached

• Nylon swim suit or disposable underwear
• Safety toe waterproof boots
• Hard hat
• Gloves
• Eye protection (not needed if full facepiece respirators are used)

These disposable coveralls, foot and head coverings are available from many sources
and several materials. Coveralls, with foot and head covering attached usually cost
about $1.50 each when purchased in quantity. It is important to realize that many
"bargain" prices may not be a bargain at all. The less expensive coveralls often use less
material. Accordingly, coveralls marked "XL" may be too small for many workers. Be
sure to check the construction of the coveralls as well. Double stitching on seams will
last longer, but cost more.

A common problem on asbestos abatement projects is a failure by contractors to

purchase eno ugh coveralls for the project. For Class I Work, each worker must use a
new coverall each time he/she enters the work area. Assuming two breaks and a lunch
period, four coveralls will be needed each day by each worker. Additional coveralls are
usually needed for authorized visitors (architect, industrial hygienist, etc.) and to replace
some that are torn to the point of being unusable. As a rule of thumb, the contractor
may estimate the number of suits needed for a project by the following formula:

8-16
 Man Days (no. of items / man / day + 1) + 10% contingency

As an example, a job estimated to last 20 days with 10 men on the job would be
calculated:
200 (4+1) + 10% =
1000 + 100 = 1100

Accordingly, the contractor should order 44 cases (25 per case) of coveralls for the
project. It should be noted that the 10% factor in the above formula provides a 10%
surplus. This is often necessary for project overruns. Further, when purchasing
coveralls, XXXL sizes should be bought. These can always be made to fit smaller
employees.

PUTTING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ON

Protective clothing is put on in the clean room of the decontamination unit befo re
entering the work area. The following sequence should be used:

1. All street clothes, including undergarments, are removed and stored in a clean,
convenient location. Bins or lockers work well for this. It is usually wise to have a
lockbox or other means to protect valuables.

2. The nylon swim suit or disposable undergarments may be put on.

3. The disposable coveralls are put on.

4. If separate disposal foot coverings are used, these are put on.

5. Ankles and waist are taped to take up slack in the suits and reduce the chance of
tripping.

6. The respiratory equipment is inspected, put on, and the fit checked.

7. Gloves are put on and taped in place.

8. The hood or head covering is put on over the respirator head straps.

9. Worker passes through airlocks and shower to contaminated equipment room.

10. Boots are put on.

11. Other protective equipment, such as hard hats and safety glasses (if a half-face
respirator is used) are put on.

8-17
One person should remain outside the work area at all times. It should be his/her
responsibility to ensure that each person entering the work area has the proper
protective clothing.

Once inside the work area, no employees, or others, should be permitted to leave
without going through the decontamination sequence unless it is an extreme
emergency.

TAKING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING OFF

Whenever an employee or other person leaves a work area for any reason, he/she must
go through the decontamination sequence. This sequence should include the following
steps:

1. Remove all gross contamination from clothing before entering the equipment
room.

2. Remove all protective garments and equipment (except respirators) in the

equipment room. This area should be kept as free as practicable of asbestos-
contaminated material. All disposable clothing should be placed in plastic bags
or other closable containers and labeled as asbestos-containing waste.

3. The person should then proceed to the shower still wearing his/her respirator.
While showering, the person should be sure to soak the respirator cartridges if
they are using negative pressure respirators. The cartridges may then be
discarded in a plastic bag located outside the shower. Wash the respirator while
in the shower.

4. The person should then proceed to the clean room air-lock, dry off, proceed to
the clean room, dress in his/her street clothes, and disinfect, clean, and inspect
his/her respirator. New cartridges should be placed in the respirator.

COVERALL COMPARISON

There are 3 general types of disposable coveralls used on asbestos projects:

• Tyvek
• Spunbond
• Filtered Coveralls

8-18
The following are general comparison specifications which may be considered when
choosing appropriate garments.

Tyvek
• Non-Breathable
• 4 lbs. tear strength
• 99% particulate holdout at 3 microns
• Water-resistant
• Cost: Approximately $6.00 each

Spunbond
• Breathable
• 6.5 lbs. tear strength
• 36% particulate holdout at 3 microns
• Cost: Approximately $1.00 each

Filtered Coveralls
• Breathable
• 9.5 lbs. tear strength
• 95% particulate holdout at 3 microns
• Water-resistant
• Cost: Approximately $3.50 each

General Considerations:

• Ambient temperature at worksite: Breathable coveralls should be used if the

temperature is high. Tyvek may be used if the temperature is low.

• Wearability: OSHA requires whole body covering, and that this covering be
maintained in an intact condition.

• Particulate Holdout: Low particulate holdout may be adequate if a shower decon

system is used. Very high particulate holdout is necessary for suiting up over
street clothing (O & M work).

• Cost: This consideration must be balanced with worker protection and jobsite
conditions.

8-19