Respirator Maintenance Handout

Cleaning and Disinfecting

1. Remove filters, cartridges, or canisters. Disassemble facepieces by removing speaking diaphragms, demand and pressure- demand valve assemblies, hoses, or any components recommended by the manufacturer. Discard or replace any defective parts.
2. Wash components in warm (43° C [110° F] maximum) water with a mild detergent or with a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. A stiff bristle (not wire) brush may be used to facilitate the removal of dirt.
3. When the cleaner used does not contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components should be immersed for two minutes in one of the following:
   1. Hypochlorite solution (50 ppm of chlorine) made by adding approximately one milliliter of laundry bleach to one liter of water at 43° C (110° F); or,
   2. Aqueous solution of iodine (50 ppm iodine) made by adding approximately 0.8 milliliters of tincture of iodine (6-8 grams ammonium and/or potassium iodide/100 cc of 45% alcohol) to one liter of water at 43° C (110° F); or,
   3. Other commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality when used as directed, if their use is recommended or approved by the respirator manufacturer.
4. Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43° C [110° F] maximum), preferably running water. The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or disinfectants that dry on facepieces may result in dermatitis. In addition, some disinfectants may cause deterioration of rubber or corrosion of metal parts if not completely removed
5. Components should be hand-dried with a clean lint-free cloth or air-dried.
6. Reassemble facepiece.
7. Test the respirator to ensure that all components work properly.

Storage

When not in use, the respirator and cartridges should be kept in a sealed container and stored in a clean, dry, moderate temperature, non-contaminated environment. It is especially important to keep gas and vapor cartridges in a sealed container so they do not passively adsorb gases and vapors from the storage area, thereby reducing the filter service life. Particulate filters should also be protected from dusts and dirt. Emergency use respirators should be stored in a sturdy compartment that is quickly accessible and clearly marked. If a respirator has become contaminated, cleaning it prior to storage is crucial.

Replacement Parts Consult the manufacturer or distributor for replacement parts and filters.

Inspection Procedures and Schedules

Each respirator shall be inspected routinely before and after use. Respirators shall be inspected by the user immediately prior to each to ensure that it is in proper working condition. After cleaning, each respirator shall be inspected to determine if it is in proper working condition and if it needs replacement of parts or repairs. Each respirator stored for emergency or rescue use shall be inspected at least monthly, and shall be checked for proper function before and after each use.

1. Inspection Checklist for Disposable Respirators
   1. Holes in filter
   2. Elasticity of straps
   3. Deterioration of straps and metal nose clip
2. Inspection Checklist for Air-purifying respirators
   1. Facepiece
      Dirt
      Cracks, tears, or holes
      Distortion of facepiece
      Cracked, scratched, or loose fitting lenses
      
   2. Headstraps
      Breaks or tears
      Loss of elasticity
      Broken buckles or attachments
      Worn serration on head harness which might allow facepiece to slip
      
   3. Inhalation and Exhalation Valves
      Dust particles, dirt, or detergent residue on valve and valve seat
      Cracks, tears, or distortion in valve material
      Missing or defective valve covers
      
   4. Filter Elements
      Proper filter for the hazard
      Approval designation
      Missing or worn gaskets
      Worn threads on filter and facepiece
      Cracks or dents in filter housing
      Deterioration of gas mask canister harness
      Service life indicator, or end of service date