05-020/26 Avon FM-12 Respirator Masks

PURPOSE OF ORDER:     The purpose of this unit order is to establish procedures for the issuance, care and mandated annual testing of Avon FM-12 Respirator Masks and filter canisters.

SCOPE OF ORDER:          This order applies to all personnel assigned to and/or working at the North County Correctional Facility (NCCF).

ORDER:

Issuance of Avon FM-12 Respirator Masks and Filter Canisters:

The Training Unit shall coordinate the issuance of the AVON FM-12 Respirator Masks to all sworn personnel. This shall include:

1. All sworn personnel shall fill out an “Employee Medical Evaluation Clearance Form for Respirator Use” as well as the “OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire.” Both forms must then be turned into Occupational Health Programs for approval.

2. All sworn personnel shall fill out and complete a “Fit Test Form” and be fit tested for an appropriately sized respirator mask.

3. Once all the requirements for being issued a respirator mask and filter canister have been met, then each sworn personnel will be issued an appropriately sized respirator mask, one “NBC” (Nuclear, Biological or Chemical) filter canister, and one carrying bag. They will also be issued one “CN, CS, CR & OC” filter canister which is to be used solely for Custody Division responses. Once personnel are re-assigned and leave NCCF, they shall return the issued “CN, CS, CR & OC” filter canister.

4. The “CN, CS, CR & OC” filter canisters only have a shelf life of about 6 months to one year once the tab is pulled and the filter is used for the first time. When personnel are in need of a new filter canister, they shall bring the used canister to the NCCF Training Unit Sergeant for replacement. He is the only person at NCCF authorized to re-issue a new filter canister for either the “NBC” or the “CN, CS, CR & OC” filters.

Care and Maintenance of Avon FM-12 Respirator Masks and Filter Canisters

All sworn personnel shall be responsible for maintaining and cleaning their issued Avon FM-12 respirator mask. This shall include:

1. Respirator masks and filter canisters shall be stored in personnel’s issued carrying bag at all times when not being used.

2. “NBC” filter canister is issued in a sealed foiled wrapper. This sealed wrapper shall not be opened except when personnel are responding or deployed to a possible nuclear, biological, or chemical situation.

3. “CN, CS, CR & OC” filter canister’s tab shall not be removed unless the canister is being used. Once the filter canister has been unsealed and used, replace the tab immediately and put into the “zip-lock” baggie you were issued and store with your respirator mask in issued carrying bag.

4. When respirator mask or canisters need to be cleaned, they shall only be cleaned with warm water and a mild soap.

Avon FM-12 Respirator Mask and Filter Canister Annual Training

All sworn personnel and custody assistants shall be fit- tested and trained annually in the testing and the use and care of the Avon FM-12 Respirator Mask. The Training Unit shall schedule and conduct this annual training during the last quarter of each year. The Training Unit shall also keep records of this annual training.