Respiratory Protection Program
General
"Respiratory protection shall be used to protect a user from inhaling a hazardous atmosphere when engineering or administrative control measures are not practicable or not adequate, while such controls are being instituted, or during shutdown for maintenance, repair, or emergency." (excerpt from CSA Z94.4)
The respiratory protection program at the University of Manitoba is structured to meet the requirements of CSA standard Z94.4. The program consists of assessing the respiratory protection needs of staff and students and provided them with training in the proper care, use, maintenance and limitations of the selected respirator. Potential respirator wearers are also required to pass a medical screening and quantitative fit test prior to being issued half face negative pressure respirators.
Two main types of respiratory protection are in use at the University; half face negative pressure air purifying respirators and self contained breathing apparatus.
Air purifying (negative pressure) respirators
University staff who are required to use a respirator for duties as assigned, are required to complete a medical surveillance form that will be assessed by the Occupational Health Coordinator prior to fit testing.
Once medically cleared, the worker will be fit tested using a quatitative method to ensure proper respirator fit and function. The worker will also be trained in the proper care, use, maintenance and limitations of the respirator.
To schedule a medical clearance and fit testing/training session please contact Terry Neufeld at 474-9031.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
University staff who are required to use Self Contained Breathing Apparatus are required to complete a medical surveillance form that will be assessed by the Occupational Health Coordinator prior to being trained in SCBA use.
Once medically cleared the worker will be fit tested and trained in the proper care, use, maintenance and limitations of the SCBA. Staff who are expected to use an SCBA must be retrained every 12 months.
To schedule a medical clearance and training please contact Terry Neufeld at 474-9031.
Click here for pre-fit test requirements for respirator users.
