I have inherited a number of hazmat suits with masked PAPRs. How long are the suits good for? I mean just sitting on the shelf. Also, there are some replacement filters still sealed in the original packaging. After 8-10 years, are they still usable?
2006-08-17 05:05:38 · 2 answers · asked by timothy c 1 in Environment
This site answers most of your questions
http://www.labsafety.com/refinfo/ezfacts/ezf275.htm
If you have specific questions on product specifications, product applications or installation, chemical compatibility for personal safety gear or storage equipment, regulatory compliance requirements, or other technical aspects of workplace safety contact us through our email form. Or, call 800-356-2501 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT, Monday--Friday.
Q. What is the shelf life of a cartridge?
A. Cartridges have an indefinite shelf life, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
I searched for the exact answers but this is about all that seemed appropriate. Hope it helps you or at least leads you in the right direction so you can obtain the correct answers.
Good luck and God bless.
2006-08-17 05:17:53 · answer #1 · answered by Big-Sister 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if the condition of the HAZMAT suits are sound, you still have potential liability issues. If anyone should be injured in them their lawyers will come looking for you!
There is no one answer to your question, and the best answer would come from the manufacturer of the HAZMAT suit. If I were you I'd contact them first, and document their response. They will probably tell you that 8-10 years is too long a shelf life for safety purposes. Remember, these guy's lives are on the line, and they are counting on their safety officer to protect them. Chances are you'll have to replace them.
The PAPR's life depends on the condition of the valves and seals. They should be changed and a respiratory fit-test conducted under negative pressure mode. See OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.134
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=12716&p_table=STANDARDS
Again the best answers for the respirator are going to come from the manufacturer.
2006-08-17 13:29:36 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋