IS 9623: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Devices--Code of Practice (First Revision)

2008·3 MB·English

by  Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

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in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority,
and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest
to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of
education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the
timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.
“जान1 का अ+धकार, जी1 का अ+धकार” “प0रा1 को छोड न’ 5 तरफ”
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“The Right to Information, The Right to Live” “Step Out From the Old to the New”
IS 9623 (2008): Selection, Use and Maintenance of
Respiratory Protective Devices--Code of Practice (First
Revision). ICS 13.340.30
“!ान $ एक न’ भारत का +नम-ण”
Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda
““IInnvveenntt aa NNeeww IInnddiiaa UUssiinngg KKnnoowwlleeddggee””
“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी च0राया नहB जा सकता हहहहै””ै”
Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam
“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”

IS 9623 : 2008
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Indian Standard
SELECTION, USE AND MAINTENANCE OF RESPIRATORY
PROTECTNE DEVICES - CODE OF PRACTICE
( First Revision)
ICS 13.340.30
© BIS 2008
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
MANAK BHA V AN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002
April 2008 Price Group 11
Occupational Safety and Health and Chemical Hazards Sectional Committee, CHD 8
FOREWORD
This Indian Standard (First Revision) was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft finalized by
the Occupational Safety and Health and Chemical Hazards Sectional Committee had been approved by the
Chemical Division Council.
This standard is intended to be a guide for the use of respiratory protective devices in industries. It is stressed that
where there is a risk arising from employees inhaling air-borne contaminants which may cause injury, efforts
should be made to remove the risk by improving the environment of the plant and the methods of operation.
Nevertheless, the use of respiratory protective devices becomes necessary in some operations and in these situations
such devices should be readily available for immediate use. Certain toxic substances can also be absorbed through
skin. Where such hazards exist, respiratory protection alone is not sufficient and whole body should be protected
through a positive pressure-tight suit including boots and gloves.
This standard was first published in 1980 taking assistance from AS CZ 11-1968 'Respiratory protective devices' ,
BS 4275 : 1968 'Recommendation for the selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment'
and ANSI Z 88-2-1969 'Practices for respiratory protections'. The concerned technical committee felt the need
to revise this standard based on the experiences gained and the technological developments in the last two and a
half decades in this area. During this revision, the standard has been made compatible with IS 8347 : 2007
'Respiratory protective devices - Definitions, classification and nomenclature of components (first revision)'
and also considering the present Indian Standards on RPD which are developed aligning with the relevant EN
standard. Further, apart from modifications in most of the clauses, following new aspects have been incorporated
in this revision:
a) Hazard identification, evaluation and control,
b) Biological effects of respiratory hazards,
c) Respiratory protection programme,
d) Periodic evaluation and audit of the programme, and
e) Nominal protection factor.
This revision also provides the requirements of air quality for supplied air respirators, examples for selection of
respirators through use of protection factor required medical fitness to use respirators, sample programme for
respiratory protection programme and its checklist as annexes (see Annexes A, B, C, G and H) for benefit of the
users.
The composition of the Committee responsible for the formulation of this standard is given at Annex J.
For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with, the final value,
observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with
IS 2 : 1960 'Rules for rounding off numerical values (revised)'. The number of significant places retained in the
rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.
IS 9623 : 2008
Indian Standard
SELECTION, USE AND MAINTENANCE OF RESPIRATORY
PROTECTIVE DEVICES - CODE OF PRACTICE
( First Revision)
1 SCOPE IS No. Title
15322 : 2003 Particle filters used in respiratory
This standard describes various types of respiratory
protective equipment
protective devices, discusses the factors affecting the
15323 : 2003 Gas filters and combined filters used
choice of such devices, provides information and
in respiratory protective equipment
guidance on the selection, use and maintenance of
respirators and contains recommendations for 3 TERMINOLOGY
establishing respirator protection programmes at the
For the purpose of this standard, the definitions given
workplace.
in IS 8347 shall apply.
The standard, however, does not cover in its purview
4 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, EVALUATION
underwater breathing devices, the use of respirators in
AND CONTROL
aircrafts, the use of respirators under military combat
conditions and the use of life support respirators for
4.1 Purpose
medical or resuscitation purposes.
Identification of the type, nature and level of the hazard
2 REFERENCES
is necessary as it helps to determine the need for
respiratory protection and the type of respirators
The following standards contain provisions which,
required therewith.
through reference in this text constitute provisions of
this standard. At the time of publication, the editions
4.2 Hazard Identification
indicated were valid. All standards are subject to
revision, and parties to agreement based on this 4.2.1 The type and nature of the airborne contaminants
standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility shall be identified from the substances used, the
of applying the most recent editions of the standards processes and their products.
indicated below:
4.2.2 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be
IS No. Title obtained from the manufacturers for all substances used
8347: 2007 Respiratory protective devices - and likewise information should be compiled for all
products and by-products of process operations.
Definitions, classification and
nomenclature of components (first 4.2.3 The atmosphere of any confined space shall be
revision)
tested for oxygen deficiency, explosive atmospheres,
9473 : 2002 Respiratory protective devices -
and presence of toxic airborne contaminants before
Fi ltering half masks to protect against
allowing entry of any person.
particles (first revision)
10245 Breathing apparatus: 4.3 Hazard Evaluation
(Part 1) : 1996 Closed circuit breathing apparatus
4.3.1 The level of exposure of workers to inhalation
(compressed oxygen cylinder) -
hazards shall be determined by measuring the
Specification (first revision)
concentrations of air contaminants or oxygen using
(Part 2) : 1994 Open circuit breathing apparatus
appropriate sampling instruments and analytical
(first revision)
methods.
(Part 3) : 1999 Fresh air hose and compressed air
line breathing apparatus 4.3.2 Appropriate sampling strategies shall be followed
(Part 4) : 1982 Escape breathing apparatus (short to determine the full time weighted average (TWA)
duration self-contained type) concentration, and where appropriate, the short term
14166: 1994 Respiratory protective devices - concentration to which the workers may be exposed.
Full face masks The results shall be compared with the relevant
14746 : 1999 Respiratory protective devices: Half permissible exposure levels specified in the Factories
masks and quarter masks Act and/or Mines Act, 1952.
IS 9623 : 2008
4.4 Hazard Control 5.2.3 Anaesthetics
The main objective is to reduce or minimize workplace They cause loss of feeling and sensation and may lead
concentration of contaminants (dusts, mists, smoke, to unconsciousness and death, for example, nitrous
vapour or gases). This shall be accomplished, as far as oxide, halogenated hydrocarbons and ethers. Some
possible, by adopting appropriate engineering control anaesthetics damage body organs, for example, carbon
measures. Subject to effective engineering control tetrachloride affects liver and kidneys, and chloroform
being not feasible, suitable performing respirators shall affects liver and heart.
be used.
5.2.4 Systemic Poisons
5 RESPIRATORY HAZARDS AND THEIR These damage organs and systems in the body, for
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS example, mercury (nervous system and various
organs), phosphorus (bone), hydrogen sulphide
5.1 Oxygen Deficiency
(respiratory paralysis) and arsine (red blood cells and
5.1.1 Occurrence liver).
Oxygen deficiency is likely to be encountered in 5.3 Particulate Contaminants
confined or unventilated cellars, wells, mines, ship
5.3.1 Relatively Inert
holds, tanks, bins, vaults, burning buildings, and
enclosures containing inert atmospheres. They cause diScomfort and minor Irntation, but
generally there is no injury at reasonable
5.1.2 Effect
concentrations. Examples are marble and gypsum.
There is normally 21 percent by volume of oxygen in
5.3.2 Pulmonary Fibrosis Producing
the air, but a human being can get along on 17 percent,
although this will cause his breathing to be laboured. They produce nodulation and fibrosis in the lungs,
At about 16 percent a candle or oil flame will .be possibly leading to complications, for example, quartz,
extinguished, whereas at 13 percent an acetylene flame cristobalite, tridymite, coal and asbestos.
goes out and most men cannot work. Below 13 percent
5.3.3 Cancer Producing
concentration, dizziness and headaches occur. Eight
to 10 percent concentration usually results in These produce cancer in some individuals after 'latent'
unconsciousness or death. period of 20 to 40 years, for example, asbestos,
chromates, and radioactive particulates.
NOTE - The adverse effect of oxygen deficiency increases
with decreasing atmospheric pressure or increased altitude. 5.3.4 Chemical Irritants
5.2 Gaseous and Vapour Contaminants These produce irritation, inflammation, ulceration, etc,
in upper respiratory tract, for example, acid mists and
5.2.1 A.sphyxiants
alkali mists.
They interfere with utilization of oxygen in the body.
5.3.5 Systemic Poisons
5.2.1.1 Simple asphy.xiants
They produce pathologic reactions in various systems
These are physiologically inert substances that dilute of the body, for example, lead, manganese and
oxygen in the air, for example, nitrogen, hydrogen, cadmium.
helium, methane and carbon dioxide.
5.3.6 Allergy Producing
5.2.1.2 Chemical a,sphyxiants
They produce reactions such as itching, sneezing and
In low concentrations, these interfere with the supply asthma, for example, pollens, isocyanates, gums and
or uti lization of oxygen in the body by chemically spices.
reacting with blood, for example, carbon monoxide,
5.3.7 Febrile Reaction Producing
hydrogen cyanide, cyanogens and nitriles.
These produce chills followed by fever, for example,
5.2.2Irritallls
fumes of zinc and copper.
These are corrosive in action. They may cause irritation
5.4 Combinations of Gas, Vapour and Particulate
and inflammation of parts of the respiratory system
Contaminants
(also skin and eyes) and pulmonary odema, for
example, ammonia, hydrogen chloride, formaldehyde, Combinations of contaminants may occLlr
sulphur dioxide, chlorine, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, simultaneously in the atmosphere. Contaminants may
phosgene and arsenic trichloride. be entirely different substances (dust or gases from
2
IS 9623 : 2008
blasting) or the particulate and vapour forms of the b) leakage through the seal between the
same substance. Synergistic effects may occur. Such facepiece and the face, and
effects may require extraordinary protective measures. c) leakage through the exhalation valve.
5.5 Conditions immediately dangerous to life or health For respirators to be effective, they shall be of the
may result from most of the above hazards with the correct type to protect against the hazard, be properly
probable exception of nuisance or low toxicity dusts. fitted to the workers faces, be worn all the time in the
presence of the hazard and be properly maintained.
6 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
The purpose of the respiratory program is to ensure
that where respirators are used, they should provide
6.1 Purpose
adequate and effective protection against inhalation
The purpose of respiratory protection is to ensure that hazards.
the workers are adequately protected from inhaling
excessive airborne contaminants or air, which is oxygen 7.2 Program Administration
deficient. Workers should not be exposed to airborne
7.2.1 The respiratory program shall be established by
contaminants in excess of their permissible exposure
the employer or by the occupier and an individual
levels, where possible.
designated to administer the program. The individual
6.2 Indications selected to administer or coordinate the program should
be well versed in the area of respiratory protection and
Appropriate respiratory protection shall be used by
ideally be trained in Occupational Health or Safety.
workers when exposed to oxygen deficient
Overall he shall be responsible for the effective
atmospheres or to airborne concentrations of
implementation of the program and shall have the full
contaminants in excess of or likely to exceed. the
support of the management.
permissible exposure levels. Where the airborne
contaminants exceed half the permissible exposure 7.2.2 Written Standard Operating Procedures
levels, the use of appropriate respirators is advisable.
Written standard operating procedures shall be
established and implemented. There should be
6.3 Respirator Standards
procedures for routine use of respirators as well as for
The respirator shall meet the relevant Indian Standards. emergency and rescue use. Suitable individuals should
be responsible to the overall coordinator and be given
6.4 Employer Responsibility
responsibility of implementing some of the component
Where respirator protection is required, suitable activities of the program, where appropriate.
performing respirators shall be provided and
7.2.3 Records
maintained by the employer or by the occupier. The
employer or the occupier shall be responsible for the Records of workplace monitoring, respirator issuance,
establishment and maintenance of a respiratory fit testing, training, periodic inspections and
protection program. They shall also be responsible for maintenance of respirators shall be maintained.
ensuring that the workers are properly trained in the
7.3 Program Components
use and care of the respirators.
An effective respiratory protection program should
6.5 Employee Responsibility
incorporate the following:
The workers shall use and maintain the respirators
a) Selection of suitable types of respirators,
provided in accordance with instructions and training
b) Medical screening to determine workers
received.
fitness to use respirators,
7 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAMME c) Fit testing during issuance of respirators to
ensure proper facial fit,
7.1 Purpose
d) Training workers in the proper use and care
Providing respirators are only one of the components of respirators,
of the overall employer responsibility, and by itself may e) Supervision of proper usage of respirators,
not ensure effective protection against inhalation
f) Inspection and maintenance of respirators,
hazards. The amount of contaminant that penetrates
g) Regular monitoring of worker exposure to the
into the respirator depends on:
contaminant, and
a) the efficiency of the filtering medium, h) Periodic evaluation and audit.
3
IS 9623 : 2008
8 TYPES OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE (c) absorption through the skin or airborne contaminants.
DEVICES, THEIR CAPABILITY AND The maximum contaminant concentration against which
LIMITATIONS an air purifying respirator will protect is detennined by
the designed efficiency and capacity of the chemical
8.1 Respiratory protective devices are classified under
filter or filter. For gases and vapours and for particles
two distinct types, namely, filtering device type and
having a TLV of less than 0.1 mg/m2 the maximum
breathing apparatus type. The detailed classification
concentration for which the air purifying unit is designed
of respiratory protective devices is shown in Fig. 1,2,
is specified on the label. Respirators will not provide
and 3.
th~ maximum design protection specified unless the
8.1.1 Filtering Device facepiece is carefully fitted to the wearer's face to
prevent inward leakage. The period for which
8.1.1.1 The contaminated inhaled air passes through
protection is afforded depends on: (a) the type of filter,
filter(s) that reduce harmful airborne contaminants to
(b) concentration of contaminant, and (c) the wearer's
below permissible exposure levels. The nature of the
filter depends upon the composition and physical state respiratory rate.
oft he contaminant. Such devices do not provide
A proper type of filter should be selected for the
protection in oxygen deficient atmospheres or an
particular atmosphere and conditions. Filtering devices
atmosphere where the level of the harmful contaminant
generally cause discomfort objectionable to breathing.
is excessive such as a level posing immediate danger
Respirator facepiece present specjal problems to
to life and health (IDLH). There are also some gases
individuals required to wear prescription lenses.
or vapours which cannot be removed by any available
filter(s). 8.1.2 Breathing Apparatus
8.1.1.2 Filtering devices do not protect against: (a) 8.1.2.1 Respirable air is provided from a source
oxygen deficient atmospheres, (b) skin irritation, and independent of the working environment. It is delivered
I
I Respiratory protective
devices
I
I I
Dependent on ambient atmosphere
Independent of ambient atmosphere
Breathing apparatus
Filtering Devices
FIG. 1 CLASSIFICATION OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
FilT ERING DEVICES
I
I i 1
Against Against gases and Against particles, gases and
particles vapours vapours
I I I
I I I I I
Particle Filtering half Gas Filter Filtering half mask Combined Filtering half mask
Filter + mask against + against gases and Filter + against particles, gases
facepiece Particles facepiece vapours facepiece and vapours
FIG. 2 FILTERING DEVICES
4
IS 9623 : 2008
1
BREATHING APPARATUS
I
I
Non-self-contained Self-contained
Breathing apparatus breathing apparatus
I I
1 I I
Fresh air hose Compressed
breathing airline breathing Open circuit Closed-circuit
apparatus apparatus
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FIG. 3 BREATHING ApPARATUS
to the person through an airline, or from an apparatus or from a compressor/compressed air cylinder
carried by the person. [see IS 10245 (Part 3)]. The quality of
compressed air shall meet the specifications
Atmosphere-supplying respirators provide protection
in Annex A. The hose is attached to the user
against oxygen deficiency and most toxic atmospheres.
by a belt or other suitable means and can be
The breathing atmosphere is independent of ambient
detached rapidly and easily in an emergency.
atmospheric conditions. Except for the supplied-air
A flow control valve or orifice is provided to
suit, no protection is provided against skin irritation
regulate the rate of airflow to the user. Exhaled
by materials such as ammonia and hydrogen chloride,
air passes to the ambient atmosphere through
or against absorption of materials, such as hydrogen
a valve or opening in the respirator inlet
cyanide, tritium, or organic phosphate pesticides
covering (half or full facepiece, helmet or
through the skin. Facepieces present special problems
to individuals required to wear prescription lenses. hood).
The respirable air supply is not limited to the
8.1.2.2 There are two types of supplied air respirators:
quantity the individual can carry, and the
a) Non-SCBA or airline respirators - devices are light weight and simple. The
Breathable air is supplied via a fresh air hose, wearer is restricted in movement by the hose
5
IS 9623 : 2008
or airline and shall return to a respirable (service life is cut in half by a doubling of the
atmosphere by retracing his route of entry. The atmospheric pressure) and work load. A
hose or airline is subject to being severed or warning device shall be provided to indicate
pinched off. to the wearer when the service life has been
The demand type produces a negative reduced to a low level. Some apparatuses have
pressure in the facepiece on inhalation a short service life (few minutes) and are
whereas continuous flow and pressure suitable only for escape (self-rescue) from an
demand types maintain a positive pressure in irrespirable atmosphere. Main limitations of
the facepiece at all times and are less apt to these respirators are their weight or bulk or
permit inward leakage of contaminants. Air both, limited service life, and the training
line respirators provide no protection if the required for their maintenance and safe use.
air supply fails. There are two types of SCBA:
Airline respirators are classified into three
1) Open-circuit SCBA - Compressed
types:
" breathing air is carried in cylinders and
1) Continuous}Zow type (positive pressure) is released through a pressure demand
- A volume of air more than required valve and breathing tube to facepiece or
for breathing by the wearer is supplied head covering from which exhaled air
continuously to the respirator inlet passes through a non-return valve to the
covering in positive pressure. At least 115 atmosphere [see IS 10245 (Part 2)]. The
litres of air per minute for tight fitting duration of use for commercially
facepieces and 170 IImin for loose fitting available units typically ranges from 30
facepieces, helmets and hoods is required min to an hour. The demand type
to ensure positive pressure during the produces a negative pressure in the
users' inhalation cycle. facepiece on inhalation whereas the
2) De/nand type (negative pressure) - The pressure-demand type maintains a
demand valve permits flow of air only positive pressure in the facepiece and is
during inhalation when a negative less apt to permit inward leakage of
pressure exists in the space between the contaminants.
inlet covering of a tight-fitting respirator
2) Closed-circuit SCBA - The exhaled
and the face of the user. The demand
breath contains about 70 percent oxygen.
valve shuts off completely during
In this type all or part of the exhaled air
exhalation.
is cleaned and recycled after removal of
3) Pressure demand (positive pressure) - carbon dioxide and moisture. Make up
A positive pressure is normally oxygen is provided from cylinder(s) of
maintained in the tight fitting respirator. compressed oxygen or liquid oxygen [see
Air flows when pressure inside the IS 10245 (Part 1)], or from oxygen
facepiece is reduced below a pre-set generating chemicals. The duration of use
(positive) value because of leakage or
for commercially available units typically
inhalation.
ranges from 30 min to 4 h. The closed
b) Selj~Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) circuit operation conserves oxygen and
- The wearer carries the breathing air source. permits longer service life.
Commonly a full-facepiece is used, although
NOTE - Self-contained breathing apparatus
half facepiece and hoods are available. The can only be used with full face masks or
SCBA allows mobility. The service life mouthpieces, since half masks or hoods do
not have a sufficiently tight connection with
depends on the amount of oxygen carried and
the human air passage.
whether oxygen in the exhaled breath is
SCBA's for escape is a smaller and lighter
recirculated. It should be used in atmospheres
version that provides breathing air for a
with unknown air contaminants, IDLH levels
shorter period of time for escape from
or oxygen deficient atmospheres.
IDLH or oxygen deficient atmosphere
Use is permissible in atmospheres immediately
[see IS 10245 (Part 4)]. The facepiece or
dangerolls to life or health. The period over
head covering is designed to facilitate
which the device will provide protection is
quick donning. With a compressed air
limited by the amount of air or oxygen in the
source, the service life for a continuous
apparatus, the ambient atmospheric pressure
flow hood type escape SCBA is typically
6