If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protection equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.
If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Care, and Use of Respirators", available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.
Respiratory Protection Guidelines:
NIOSH/OSHA recommendations for ozone concentrations in air:
UP TO 1 ppm: Chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) to protect against ozone*; or SAR.
UP TO 2.5 ppm: SAR operated in a continuous-flow mode; or powered air- purifying respirator with cartridge(s) to protect against ozone*.
UP TO 5 ppm: Full-facepiece chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) to protect against ozone*; or gas mask with canister to protect against ozone*; or SAR with a tight-fitting facepiece operated in a continuous-flow mode; or full-facepiece SCBA; or full-facepiece SAR.
EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATIONS OR IDLH CONDITIONS:
Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.
ESCAPE: Gas mask with canister to protect against ozone*; or escape- type SCBA.
*NOTE: Only nonoxidizable sorbents are allowed (not charcoal).
NOTE: The IDLH concentration for ozone is 5 ppm.
NOTE: The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately. The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed. Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators.
ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = immediately dangerous to life or health.
What eye/face protection is recommended for working with ozone?
Not required for normal working conditions, as ozone is processed in a fully enclosed system. Chemical safety goggles for non-routine situations.
What skin protection measures are recommended when working with ozone?
Not usually required, as ozone is processed in a fully enclosed system. For non-routine exposures, use chemical protective gloves, coveralls, and/or other resistant protective clothing.
What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
No specific information available. Contact the manufacturer/supplier of your ozone-generating equipment for advice.