The information below pertains to individuals and service personnel such as Police, Fire, etc. that are routinely exposed to potentially harmful or toxic chemical or biological materials. It outlines the responsibilities and requirements of the employer established to ensure employee safety.
It is important that you understand the potential dangers and take the neccessary precautions to minimize your risk of contact or contamination.
Our concern for the safety and comfort of our own employees has led to the awareness and knowledge of this equipment. With our history in Law Enforcement and continued close working relationship with various Southern California Law Enforcement agencies, we enjoy sharing this information to help those that help us. Our business survives solely upon referral from service personnel in the field, so we are more than happy to give back. We are also available to visit your department (free of charge) to speak to your officers and staff about safety in the field and measures to minimize personal risk.
Safety Standards and policies that your employer should be following regarding respirators, and your personal protection. Your employer is responsible for your safety and if you are placed in a situation that requires respiratory protection or protective wear, then they must follow the OSHA guidelines. Code 29 CFR 1910.134 covers areas where a respirator is required for employee protection. Areas that would require protection are,
1) Autopsy
2) Crime scenes where airborne bacteria may be present
3) Locations where forensic chemicals have been used,(Luminal, etc). Remember- a hepa filter does not protect against gases like luminal or embalming fluids.
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.134
The employer shall provide…
1) A written respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures.
2) Proper procedures for selecting respirators in the workplace.
3) Medical tests and evaluations of employees required to use respirators in the workplace.
4) Procedures on fit testing, to assure the mask they are using properly fits and protects the employee.
5) Procedures for proper use of respirators.
6) Implement schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing the respirator.
7) Procedures to ensure adequate air quality, quantity, and flow of the respirator.
8) Training the employee in the respiratory hazards to which they are potentially exposed to during routine and emergency situations.
9) Training the employee of the proper use of respirators.
10) Procedures for regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the program.
If your department hasn’t provided you with the proper protection it is mandatory by OSHA standards that they do. That includes gloves, outer wear, eye protection, respiratory protection, and training.
What We Use-
3M offers a variety of protective masks at very reasonable prices.
Half masks
Standard / Lightweight material 6100 = small 6200 = medium 6300 = large
Ultimate Mask / Silicone material is very comfortable. 7501 = Small 7502 = Medium 7503 = Large
Full-face masks / provides an excellent view window compared to a military tear gas mask. 6700 = Small 6800 = Medium 6900 = Large
3M 6200
3M 7502
3M 6800
We like the model 60921 cartridge .This cartridge is a triple filter and offers protection from organic material, odor, and gases (tear gas).With this cartridge you get the best of every situation, at autopsy protection against airborne virus, on decomposed bodies the charcoal liner protects against odor inhalation, and on tear gassed locations you can investigate without irritation.We really like the full faced masks on tear gas work, it’s a comfortable mask and allows you excellent viewing.
60921 Cartridge
For more information you can visit the following sites
