Hey, first off I'll say hello! I've been lurking on this forum from awhile before ebola hit the U.S., but since it has become even more a vital tool in keeping informed, so thanks everyone who has contributed.I'll keep the intro short, but I figure I should give some background about myself so you can judge for yourself if the info I contribute is worth your time.
First off I am in no way a expert in the medical field, and there is a ton of people smarter (and better trained) than I am, but I have seen some questions that I believe I can help shed some light on. So I'll share my knowledge, and who knows it might be of use to some.
So, my back ground, I am an environmental construction worker (or was till a few months ago), in a nut shell my job was to clean up all sorts of nasty chemical contaminates (from simple petroleum products, to old military arsenal dump sites where nerve gas was a real possibility ). I started two weeks after my 18th birthday, and I just turned 32 So I did that just shy of 14 years.
Now to get to the info
PPE
From OSHA's website
Respirators
I've seen a lot of questions about respirators (or "gas mask") here's some first hand thoughts and info.
First the disposable kind, (and I'm not knocking anyones p95 or p100 disposable mask, they seem a lot better than what some of the nurses have been issued), they have there uses but they are not the same as respirators used (level C and up) while they may filter down to x microns they still don't seal off to the face the way a level C or higher respirator does so keep that in mind.
personally I would want a level C or better (if I was a healthcare worker I'd want level A, but in a SHTF situation you probably wouldn't be able to have enough supplied air bottles already filled, and couldn't get them refilled)
With Level C or B (basically any non disposable) respirators you are suppose to have a Fit test done, during which time the tester puffs (using a bulb and tube contraption supplied in the "test kit", no they are not actually toking up) irritant or highly fragrant smoke around you (the wearer) while you move your head every which way, talk and do any sort of contortion to your face you might do in the field. If you have a good fit and good cartridges you should NOT smell or feel any affects from the smoke, if you smell it or it irritates you than you DO NOT have a proper fit and you either need to adjust your respirator correctly or you need a different size.
Side note about fit test most average sized men will fit a medium, when I was younger and fairly slim I could fit a medium, but a small fit better (with out tightening the straps to there smallest point). the only people I have worked with that wore large were "big men" with pretty large heads. I would guess most women and children would wear small ( just a guess).
Even after you have done a yearly fit test, you should do what we call a "field test" (positive and negative). you do this is any time you put the mask on (don it ), once you have adjusted the straps to what feels like you have a good fit.
With clean hands,(this is the positive)--> cover the exhalation valve and breath out, the mask should "pop out" a bit and you should feel some pressure against your face before it "breaks the seal" along the side and air escapes. (negative)--> now cover the inhalation valves, or cartridges (on both side) fully blocking any incoming air, suck in. If you have a good seal and your cartridges are on properly (and your hand is fully covering them) your mask should collapse in a bit (like breathing in on a paper or plastic bag).
if you get leaking during these test it lets you know your respirator has a issue and is NOT safe to use, if air is coming around and not THROUGH your cartridges they aren't doing any good.
you may need to replace or clean your mask (you should clean the seal regularly with alcohol wipes, and a cleaning solution to avoid bacteria etc.), or shave (protocol is no more than a days growth)
* note I am not suggesting you trusting your life to equipment you are not properly trained or fit tested to, but in a SHTF case... well you be the judge*
(I'd learn what I can now, maybe get a fit test if your going to use this kind of respirator)
First off I am in no way a expert in the medical field, and there is a ton of people smarter (and better trained) than I am, but I have seen some questions that I believe I can help shed some light on. So I'll share my knowledge, and who knows it might be of use to some.
So, my back ground, I am an environmental construction worker (or was till a few months ago), in a nut shell my job was to clean up all sorts of nasty chemical contaminates (from simple petroleum products, to old military arsenal dump sites where nerve gas was a real possibility ). I started two weeks after my 18th birthday, and I just turned 32 So I did that just shy of 14 years.
Now to get to the info
PPE
From OSHA's website
Quote:
Part A. Personal protective equipment is divided into four categories based on the degree of protection afforded. (See Part B of this appendix for further explanation of Levels A, B, C, and D hazards.) I. Level A - To be selected when the greatest level of skin, respiratory, and eye protection is required. The following constitute Level A equipment; it may be used as appropriate; 1. Positive pressure, full face-piece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA, approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 2. Totally-encapsulating chemical-protective suit. 3. Coveralls.(1) 4. Long underwear.(1) 5. Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant. 6. Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant. 7. Boots, chemical-resistant, steel toe and shank. 8. Hard hat (under suit).(1) 9. Disposable protective suit, gloves and boots (depending on suit construction, may be worn over totally-encapsulating suit). __________ Footnote(1) Optional, as applicable. II. Level B - The highest level of respiratory protection is necessary but a lesser level of skin protection is needed. The following constitute Level B equipment; it may be used as appropriate. 1. Positive pressure, full-facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA (NIOSH approved). 2. Hooded chemical-resistant clothing (overalls and long-sleeved jacket; coveralls; one or two-piece chemical-splash suit; disposable chemical-resistant overalls). 3. Coveralls.(1) 4. Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant. 5. Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant. 6. Boots, outer, chemical-resistant steel toe and shank. 7. Boot-covers, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable).(1) 8. Hard hat.(1) 9. [Reserved] 10. Face shield.(1) __________ Footnote(1) Optional, as applicable. III. Level C - The concentration(s) and type(s) of airborne substance(s) is known and the criteria for using air purifying respirators are met. The following constitute Level C equipment; it may be used as appropriate. 1. Full-face or half-mask, air purifying respirators (NIOSH approved). 2. Hooded chemical-resistant clothing (overalls; two-piece chemical-splash suit; disposable chemical-resistant overalls). 3. Coveralls.(1) 4. Gloves, outer, chemical-resistant. 5. Gloves, inner, chemical-resistant. 6. Boots (outer), chemical-resistant steel toe and shank.(1) 7. Boot-covers, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable).(1) 8. Hard hat.(1) 9. Escape mask.(1) 10. Face shield.(1) __________ Footnote(1) Optional, as applicable. IV. Level D - A work uniform affording minimal protection: used for nuisance contamination only. The following constitute Level D equipment; it may be used as appropriate: 1. Coveralls. 2. Gloves.(1) 3. Boots/shoes, chemical-resistant steel toe and shank. 4. Boots, outer, chemical-resistant (disposable).(1) 5. Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles.(1) 6. Hard hat.(1) 7. Escape mask.(1) 8. Face shield.(1) __________ Footnote(1) Optional, as applicable. |
Respirators
I've seen a lot of questions about respirators (or "gas mask") here's some first hand thoughts and info.
First the disposable kind, (and I'm not knocking anyones p95 or p100 disposable mask, they seem a lot better than what some of the nurses have been issued), they have there uses but they are not the same as respirators used (level C and up) while they may filter down to x microns they still don't seal off to the face the way a level C or higher respirator does so keep that in mind.
personally I would want a level C or better (if I was a healthcare worker I'd want level A, but in a SHTF situation you probably wouldn't be able to have enough supplied air bottles already filled, and couldn't get them refilled)
With Level C or B (basically any non disposable) respirators you are suppose to have a Fit test done, during which time the tester puffs (using a bulb and tube contraption supplied in the "test kit", no they are not actually toking up) irritant or highly fragrant smoke around you (the wearer) while you move your head every which way, talk and do any sort of contortion to your face you might do in the field. If you have a good fit and good cartridges you should NOT smell or feel any affects from the smoke, if you smell it or it irritates you than you DO NOT have a proper fit and you either need to adjust your respirator correctly or you need a different size.
Side note about fit test most average sized men will fit a medium, when I was younger and fairly slim I could fit a medium, but a small fit better (with out tightening the straps to there smallest point). the only people I have worked with that wore large were "big men" with pretty large heads. I would guess most women and children would wear small ( just a guess).
Even after you have done a yearly fit test, you should do what we call a "field test" (positive and negative). you do this is any time you put the mask on (don it ), once you have adjusted the straps to what feels like you have a good fit.
With clean hands,(this is the positive)--> cover the exhalation valve and breath out, the mask should "pop out" a bit and you should feel some pressure against your face before it "breaks the seal" along the side and air escapes. (negative)--> now cover the inhalation valves, or cartridges (on both side) fully blocking any incoming air, suck in. If you have a good seal and your cartridges are on properly (and your hand is fully covering them) your mask should collapse in a bit (like breathing in on a paper or plastic bag).
if you get leaking during these test it lets you know your respirator has a issue and is NOT safe to use, if air is coming around and not THROUGH your cartridges they aren't doing any good.
you may need to replace or clean your mask (you should clean the seal regularly with alcohol wipes, and a cleaning solution to avoid bacteria etc.), or shave (protocol is no more than a days growth)
* note I am not suggesting you trusting your life to equipment you are not properly trained or fit tested to, but in a SHTF case... well you be the judge*
(I'd learn what I can now, maybe get a fit test if your going to use this kind of respirator)
PPE, Respirators and levels of protection
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