FAQ’s about Respiratory Protection

A: KAUST researchers, visiting researchers, staff and students who are required or permitted to wear respiratory protective equipment with a tight fitting seal that forms a complete seal with the face.

A: To use a respirator in KAUST laboratories, you must be enrolled in the KAUST Respiratory Protection Program. Prerequisites for enrollment are that you need to pass a medical evaluation, undergo a fit test and successfully complete the online training module in Black Board.

A: No, respirators must be selected on the basis of hazards to which the worker is exposed (i.e., particulates, vapors, or combination). Also, KAUST requires the use of NIOSH (The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) certified respirators.

A: No. Engineering controls and safe work practices are preferred controls to protect lab users against potentially harmful air contaminants. Respiratory equipment should not be necessary when adequate engineering controls such as fume hoods or other local ventilation are available.

A: We would consider a “non-routine” task as any task that is not described in established procedures and which involves hazardous work that must be controlled to reduce the risks to acceptable levels. When making a risk assessment to reduce risks to acceptable levels, we also expect that the Hierarchy of Control methodology will be used. Examples of non-routine work would be:

• Performed infrequently (the scale and frequency of the task is not routine)
• Outside normal duties
• Does not have documented procedures
• Performed in a different way from a documented procedure
• Has never been performed before
• Routine tasks that carry a high level of risk

• A: All respirator users (this includes voluntary users) and their Supervisors are required to successfully complete the online training module in Black Board before using a respirator and to be enrolled in the KAUST Respirator Program. Once they have successfully completed the initial training, a refresher training is required once every 2 years.

• A: Parr. 15 of the Respiratory Protection Program states that an initial medical evaluation will be required. The same par. explains when additional medical examinations after the initial medical will be required:
  • - The User reports signs and/or symptoms related to his or her ability to use a respirator, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains, or wheezing.
  • - The PI (supervisor or person in charge) informs the PA that the employee needs to be re-evaluated.
  • - A change occurs in workplace conditions that may result in an increased physiological burden on the User.

• A: The cost that may be associated with the implementation of program prerequisites is the responsibility of the User’s faculty, school, department or service. Please ensure that your PI, Manager or Person in Charge is informed and has given approval prior to visiting KMC:

  • The cost of the full evaluation is expected to be around 900 SAR (this includes the fit test and spirometry test.
  • - There will be no cost for filling-out the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire and Respiratory Protection Certification and having it screened by the KAUST Occupational Medicine Specialist.

• A: The program must be administered by a competent person who is qualified and knowledgeable in respiratory protection to run all aspects of the program. At KAUST, this person can be contacted at Researchsafety@KAUST.edu.sa

• A: Yes, you can by doing a user seal check. A tight-fitting respirator requires a user seal check each time it is used, as was explained during the online training in the “Donning and Doffing” video. Note that a fit test is a method used to select the right size respirator for the user. A user seal check is a method to verify that the user has correctly put on the respirator and adjusted it to fit properly each time the respirator is used.

• A: Prior to initial use, whenever a different respirator face piece is used, and at least annually thereafter. An additional fit test is required whenever there are changes in the user's physical condition that could affect respirator fit (e.g., facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious change in body weight). You must be fit tested with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator that you will be using.

• A: Manufacturers make several different sizes. Respirators may also vary in size from manufacturer to manufacturer. Users may be able to get a better fit by trying a respirator made by another manufacturer.

• A: The employer must provide a medical evaluation to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator before the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator. You will be asked to complete two questionnaires, first the Respiratory Protection Certification and then the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire. The PLHCP will discuss and arrange with you any further medical investigations or tests that he/she deems appropriate.

• A: It is your, the User’s responsibility to inform your PI of your assessment outcome.

• A: At KAUST, we require that users of respiratory protection familiarize themselves with the manufacturer’s instructions on how to care for their respirator and to follow these instructions.

• A: Disposable respirators cannot be disinfected, and are therefore assigned to only one person. Disposable respirators must be discarded if they are soiled, physically damaged, or reach the end of their service life. Respirators with replaceable filters are reusable and so can be shared, but must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use before being worn by a different person, as explained in this training session, or by using equally effective procedures recommended by the manufacturer.

• A: Respirators with replaceable filters are reusable, and a respirator classified as disposable may be reused by the same worker as long as it functions properly. All filters must be replaced whenever they are damaged, soiled, or causing noticeably increased breathing resistance (e.g., causing discomfort to the wearer). Before each use, the outside of the filter material should be inspected. If the filter material is physically damaged or soiled, the filter should be changed (in the case of respirators with replaceable filters) or the respirator discarded (in the case of disposable respirators). Always follow the manufacturer's service-time-limit recommendations.

• A: Respirators must be stored in a way that they will be protected from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals. They must also be packed or stored to prevent deformation of the face piece and exhalation valve. A good method is to place them in clean zip-log bags or containers with tight-fitting lids. Keep in mind that respirator face pieces will become distorted and the straps will lose their elasticity if hung on a peg for a long time. Check for these problems before each use.

• A: Yes. You must also successfully complete the online training module in Black Board before using a respirator and to be enrolled in the KAUST Respiratory Protection program. Once you have successfully completed the initial training, a refresher training is required biennially.

• A: You will be notified by email that you have not satisfied the requirements, and be given a window period in which to comply with the prerequisites.

• A: Tight-fitting respirators must not be worn by employees who have facial hair that comes between the sealing surface of the facepiece and the face or that interferes with valve function.

• A: Loose clothing must be avoided where it can interfere with the proper fit of respirators or filtering face pieces.

• A: It is not allowed to purchase a respirator and bring it to your place of work for personal use without prior consultation with hse@kaust.edu.sa

• A: Yes, but if you wear corrective glasses or goggles or other personal protective equipment, such equipment must not interfere with the seal of the face piece to the face of the user. Kits are available from all respirator manufacturers that allow the mounting of prescription lenses inside the respirator. Contact lenses can be worn with any type of respirator, but their use is not recommended in dusty atmospheres while wearing a half-mask face piece.

• A: Users might have an allergy or sensitivity to the latex or its additives used in the manufacture of some respirators. Changing to a respirator using a silicone-based compound for the face seal may solve the problem.

• A: Contact hse@kaust.edu.sa or visit the KAUST Respiratory Protection Program Repository where you will find all applicable documents and forms.