Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 003 Hazard:

29 CFR 1910.134(f)(6) as required by 29 CFR 1926.103: Qualitative fit tests (QLFT) were performed on negative pressure air-purifying respirators when the required fit factor was greater than 100: a. Schiller Station - On or about June 5, 2017, an employee was exposed to airborne mercury above ten times the permissible exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m3 during the dismantling of the mercury boilers and related equipment. As measured by the employer, the employee was exposed to 1.7 milligrams per cubic meter of air averaged over an eight hour period, which is 17 times the permissible exposure limit. The employer used a qualitative fit test (QLFT) method to fit test employees required to wear North model 76008A full face air purifying respirator equipped with combination chlorine/mercury vapor/P100 cartridges when a fit factor of greater than 100 was required. Note: The fit factor of a negative pressure air-purifying respirator using QLFT methods is 100 which limits the use of the respirator to 10 times the permissible exposure limit of a substance. Note: Exposure to mercury may result in symptoms of nervous system toxicity including, but not limited to personality changes (irritability, shyness, nervousness), tremors, changes in vision (constriction or narrowing of the visual field), deafness, muscle incoordination, loss of sensation, and difficulties with memory. Additionally, exposure to high levels of mercury vapor can damage the lining of the mouth and irritate lungs and airways, causing tightness of breath, a burning sensation in the lungs, and coughing. Other effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increases in blood pressure or heart rate, skin rashes, eye irritation, and kidney damage.