Q1. Who needs to follow the KAUST Respiratory Protection Program?
The Program is for KAUST researchers, visiting researchers, staff, and students who need to wear special masks that fit tightly to their faces.
Q2. What steps are required to be approved for wearing a tight-fitting respirator?
To participate in the KAUST Respiratory Protection Program, you must:
- Assess the need for a respirator through a risk assessment.
- Undergo a medical evaluation.
- Complete the online training via Salute and
- Perform a fit test (if required).
Please note that HSE does not provide respirators. Instead, we conduct the fit test. To request a fit test, submit a general inquiry in Salute. HSE will then provide you with the Respirator Request Form, which must be completed and approved.
Q3. Can any respirator be used?
No, you need to use the correct respirator for the hazards you might face at work. KAUST wants you to use certified NIOSH(National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) respirators.
Q4. Does this Program replace the need for and importance of engineering controls (such as fume hoods) and safe work practices?
No, using engineering controls (such as fume hoods) and working safely is still very important. Respirators are only needed when those measures are not enough.
Q5. Provide a clear definition for "non-routine use"?
It means doing a task that’s not part of your routine duties and involves hazardous work that needs special care. Examples of non-routine work would be:
- Has never been performed before
- Does not have documented procedures
- Performed infrequently (the scale and frequency of the task is not routine)
- Outside regular duties/outside regular working hours
- Performed differently from a documented procedure (Deviation from the procedure)
- Routine tasks that carry a high level of risk
Q6. How often do you need refresher training for using a respirator?
You need refresher training every two years.
Q7. What is the validity period of the medical checks?
Per the Kaust Respiratory Protection Program, an initial medical evaluation will be required. You need refresher medical assessment and training every two years. In addition, medical examinations may be required after the initial medical assessment if.
- The User reports signs and/or symptoms related to their ability to use a respirator, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains, or wheezing.
- The PI (supervisor or person in charge) informs the RST that the employee needs to be re- evaluated.
- A change occurs in workplace conditions that may increase the User’s physiological burden.
Q8. Who administers the Respiratory Protection Program?
The Program is administered by a competent person qualified (Certified Industrial Hygienist) and knowledgeable in respiratory protection and can run all aspects of the Program. You can contact them at
HSE@kaust.edu.sa.
Q9. Is a user seal check the same as a fit test?
No. A fit test is to choose the right respirator size for the wearer.
Each time you wear the respirator, a user seal check is done to ensure it fits right. A tight-fitting respirator requires a user seal check each time it is used, as explained during the online training in the “Donning and Doffing” video. Air will take the path of least resistance, so if the seal is improperly maintained, leak paths may allow the air to flow around the facepiece seal rather than through the filter(s), compromising respiratory protection. A user seal check only applies when a respirator has been successfully fit-tested on the individual.
Q10. When do you need to do a fit test for your respirator?
Before you use it for the first time, if you change the type of respirator at least every two years or if your face changes (e.g., facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an apparent change in body weight). You must be fit-tested with the same make, model, style, and size of the respirator that you will be using.
Q11. What if I have a small face and the respirator doesn't fit?
Try a different size or a respirator from another manufacturer.
Q12. Do you need to see a doctor/Physician before using a respirator?
No, you need a medical evaluation to be fit-tested for the respirator. You might be asked to visit the clinic for additional medical assessment only if needed.
Q13. Who should tell my supervisor about my medical evaluation result?
You should inform your supervisor.
Q14. What maintenance and care is required for respirators?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and storing your respirator.
Q15. Can respirator be shared among workers?
- Disposable (single-use) respirators can’t be shared.
- Reusable ones can be shared if they are cleaned and disinfected correctly, as explained in thistraining session, or by using equally effective procedures recommended by the manufacturer.
Q16. How long can a particulate respirator be used before it must be discarded?
Respirators with replaceable filters are reusable, and a respirator classified as disposable may be reused by the same worker as long as it functions properly. All filters must be replaced whenever they are damaged, soiled, or causing noticeably increased breathing resistance (e.g., causing discomfort to the wearer). Before each use, the outside of the filter material should be inspected. If the filter material is physically damaged or soiled, the filter should be changed (in the case of respirators with replaceable filters) or the respirator discarded (in the case of disposable respirators). Always follow the manufacturer’s service-time-limit recommendations.
Q17. What is the proper way to store a respirator?
Respirators must be stored in a way that they will be protected from damage, contamination, dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals. They must also be packed or stored to prevent deformation of the face piece and exhalation valve. A good method is to place them in clean zip-log bags or containers with tight-fitting lids. Keep in mind that respirator face pieces will become distorted and the straps will lose their elasticity if hung on a peg for a long time. Check for these problems before each use.
Q18. Do you need training before using a respirator?
Yes, you need to complete online training before using it and do refresher training every two years.
Q19. What will happen if I use a tight-fitting mask, but I haven't done the necessary steps or joined the program?
You will get an email saying you haven’t done everything needed. You’ll be given a time to complete the steps.
Q20. Can facial hair (beard or mustache) affect how well a respirator works?
Yes, facial hair can interfere with the seal, so you shouldn’t have facial hair where the respirator fits.
Q21: Can I wear loose clothing with my respirator?
Loose clothing must be avoided where it can interfere with the proper fit of respirators or filtering face pieces.
Q22. Can you buy your own respirator and use it?
No, you need to get approval/fit test from
HSE@kaust.edu.sa before using a personal respirator at work.
Q23. Can you wear glasses while using a respirator?
Yes, but they shouldn’t interfere with the seal. There are special kits for mounting prescription lenses inside the respirator. Contact lenses can be worn with any respirator, but they are not recommended in dusty atmospheres while wearing a half-mask facepiece.
Q24. What if you get a rash from a latex seal on a respirator?
You might be sensitive or allergic to latex. Try using a respirator with a silicone-based seal instead.
Q25. Where can you find more information about the KAUST Respiratory Protection Program?
Contact
HSE@kaust.edu.sa or visit the KAUST Respiratory Protection Program on HSE website.
