WorkSafe WIRE

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May/June 2009

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are you ready for redoubt?

By Dave Popken, MS, PA-C, Clinical Director, WorkSafe IMED Occupational Health Services
As Mount Redoubt continues to rumble and build an increasingly unstable lava dome, Southcentral Alaska residents need to remain prepared for another large explosive event and have on-hand protective masks. While most of the populated areas escaped heavy ash fall so far, scientists warn that another explosive event could occur at any time with little or no warning. Winds could bring the next ash plume over your workplace or home. It is important for employers to purchase the proper type of masks for employee use, and ensure a good fit for each employee. recOMMeNDeD DUsT Masks fOr PrOTecTiON frOM VOlcaNic ash When a volcano erupts, be prepared for ash, which can cause irritation of the airways, lungs and the eyes. Either stay indoors during an ash fall or wear a mask. You should use a mask whenever suspended dust is present. Masks should also be worn by anyone involved in clean-up operations and maintenance, including cleaning up your own home and property. Mask types and standards High-efficiency, light-weight, disposable masks/respirators are appropriate for protection against volcanic ash. It is important that you choose a mask that fully protects against the highest concentration the wearer will experience. Disposable masks cover the nose, mouth and part of the chin. An elastic band around the head and neck keeps them in place. Some of them contain exhaling valves. Valve masks are more comfortable, especially for those who wear glasses or eyewear as the mask may cause the eyewear to mist up. Valve masks are also recommended in hot or humid climates. recommended masks Suitable disposable masks are marked to show that the design has been tested to a recognized standard. U.S. respirators are tested to > 0.3 m diameter and will be marked with the standard N95. The N95 is an appropriate choice for the general population exposed to suspended volcanic dust. finding a good mask A respirator must pass three tests: 1. It must be capable of providing adequate protection. 2. It must fit you properly and be compatible with any other personal protective equipment that you wear. 3. It must be worn correctly to be fully effective. Respirators only protect you if they fit properly without any leakage around the nose or chin. Even expensive respirators are unsuitable if they do not seal properly with the face. Beards or beard stubble can affect the fit and reduce protection. Many manufacturers make respirators in different sizes to allow for variations in the shape and size of faces. You should not expect one respirator to fit everyone. If you are responsible for providing masks, you should order them in several different sizes and types. Special effort should be taken to properly fit the mask to the individual. a good fit To check if a respirator fits properly, ensure that the straps - and any strip for molding the respirator around the bridge of your nose - are correctly adjusted. Then hold the respirator in place and breathe in or out sharply. If you detect any leakage around your face, you should readjust the respirator and retest. children

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www.worksafeinc.com | are you ready for redoubt continued...

The Official e-NewsleTTer Of wOrksafe, iNc.

info@worksafeinc.com

Tel (907) 563.8378

Fax (907) 563.8380

Respirators are not made to fit childrens faces, which is why children should be kept indoors when there is ash is in the air and not allowed to play in dusty environments. Occupational exposure Full-face, non-disposable respirators with changeable filters are more appropriate for continuous labor in dusty conditions. storage Although the masks are disposable, they can be reused. Store them in a clean bag or box to ensure that dust does not contaminate them. warning Cheap masks may look similar to lightweight disposable masks but they are not intended for use in dusty environments and are not marked N95. Instead, the package may say something like: This product does not provide respiratory protection. Do not use any mask for protection from volcanic ash that does not conform to a recognized standard.