Washington Administrative Code
Title 296 - Labor and Industries, Department of
Chapter 296-842 - Respirators
Section 296-842-22015 - Follow procedures established for cleaning and disinfecting respirators

Step

Task

1.

Remove filters, cartridges, canisters, speaking diaphragms, demand and pressure valve assemblies, hoses, or any components recommended by the manufacturer.

* Discard or repair any defective parts.

2.

Wash components in warm (43°C (110°F) maximum) water with a mild detergent or with a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer

a. A stiff bristle (not wire) brush may be used to help remove the dirt

b. If the detergent or cleaner does not contain a disinfecting agent, respirator components should be immersed for two minutes in one of the following:

i. A bleach solution (concentration of 50 parts per million of chlorine). Make this by adding approximately one milliliter of laundry bleach to one liter of water at 43°C (110°F)

ii. A solution of iodine (50 parts per million iodine). Make this in two steps:

A. First, make a tincture of iodine by adding 6-8 grams of solid ammonium iodide and/or potassium iodide to 100 cc of 45% alcohol approximately

B. Second, add 0.8 milliliters of the tincture to one liter of water at 43°C (110°F) to get the final solution

c. Other commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality when used as directed, if their use is recommended or approved by the respirator manufacturer.

3.

Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43°C (110°F) maximum), preferably, running water.

Note:

The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or disinfectants that dry on facepieces could cause dermatitis. In addition, some disinfectants may cause deterioration of rubber or corrosion of metal parts, if not completely removed.

4.

Drain components.

5.

Air-dry components or hand dry components with a clean, lint-free cloth.

6.

Reassemble the facepiece components.

Replace filters, cartridges, and canisters, if necessary (for testing).

7.

Test the respirator to make sure all components work properly.