Roy McKay Ph.D.     
RESPIRATOR SELECTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHEMICAL CARTRIDGE CHANGE OUT SCHEDULES
 
 

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About Roy McKay

Course Schedule: Respirator Selection and Development of Cartridge Change Out Schedules

  • May 13-14, 2025
Course Fee: $600
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Course Schedule: Respirator Selection Only

  • May 13, 2025
Course Fee: $340
Register Now

Course Schedule: Development of Cartridge Change Out Schedules Only

  • May 14, 2025
Course Fee: $340
Register Now

This two-day workshop provides guidance on respirator selection and the development of an OSHA compliant change out schedule for cartridges and filters. A combination of lecture and practice problem sessions will be used. Instructional methods will include brief lectures on each topic, practice problems, and an explanation of the solution by Roy McKay, Ph.D., our course director. This course is designed to teach the student how to select a respirator based on workplace conditions (exposure level, type of contaminant, etc.). However, there is more to respirator selection than comparing exposure levels to Assigned Protection Factors (APF's). Respirator selection is an information gathering process. This process, as well as its limitation and pitfalls will be shared with the student to help him/her select respiratory protection when the MSDS simply says to "use a NIOSH-approved respirator when exposure levels are exceeded". Students will also learn how to select a specific filter/cartridge (when appropriate). Guidelines for development of an OSHA compliant cartridge/filter change out policy will also be taught. At least twelve (12) methods for developing a cartridge change out schedule (in addition to the usual guidelines of odor detection, ESLI, damage, etc.) will be provided. Methods to confirm change out schedules based upon manufacturer computer models will also be presented. Practice problems and solutions to these problems will be used to help ensure the student understands the material. This workshop is an excellent way to learn selection and change-out procedures from someone who routinely solves these and other respirator problems.

Partial Listing of Topics and Objectives

Respirator Selection
  • Review of facepiece definitions and modes of operation.
  • Practical and theoretical basis for respirator selection based upon.
          Assigned Protection Factors (APF)
          MUC's, HR's, IDLH, etc.
  • OSHA guidelines for respirator selection.
          IDLH and non-IDLH atmospheres.
  • Selection steps and information gathering procedures.
  • Hazard Ratio and Control Banding Approaches
  • Minimum respiratory protection versus practical alternatives.
  • Filter selection issues:
          How to select an N, R, or P filter.
          Why filter selection is influence by exposures below the exposure limit.
          How to choose a 95 versus 100 filter.
  • Practical methods for handling unknown concentrations without defaulting to an SCBA.
  • Calculating MUC's for mixtures.
  • Saturated Vapor Concentrations (SVC's) and selection concerns.
  • When a particulate filter may be needed for organic solvents.
  • Equilibrium Vapor Concentrations.
  • Selection Workshop
          Practical problems and solutions.
Cartridge and Filter Change Out Schedules
  • OSHA recommendations for a change out policy.
  • Factors that affect cartridge service life.
  • Learn how to develop an OSHA compliant change out schedule.
  • Understanding the breakthrough curve.
  • Common methods used to define breakthrough.
  • What level of breakthrough should be used?
  • Work rate tables.
  • Effect of high relative humidity.
  • Methods for determining service life (use, limitations, and practice problems)
          OSHA recommendations
          Rules of thumb
          Using laboratory data
          Using math models
          Using computer (software) models
          Cartridge testing methods
          Combining methods
  • Learn how to develop a change schedule when computer models are not available.
  • Recommendations for mixtures: OSHA method versus mole fraction method.
  • How to confirm your change-out schedule is correct.
  • Storage and migration concerns.
  • Immediate breakthrough upon reuse (IBUR) concepts
  • Gain confidence that your current procedure is correct!

Who Should Attend and Why?
OSHA regulations are not intended to be cookbooks that tell us how to select respirators or provide detailed assistance regarding the development of cartridge and filter change out schedules. Therefore, this training program is designed for anyone with this responsibility such as respirator program administrators, chemical hygiene officers, supervisors, managers, industrial hygienists, health professionals (nurses, physicians, etc.), fit testing personnel, and others. You should attend this program if your job includes responsibility for respirator selection and/or change out policy. This course also helps fulfill refresher-training requirements.

Prerequisites:
This is an intermediate to an advanced level course. Basic understanding of respiratory protective devices including the fundamental differences between the various types of cartridges, filters and types of respirators is required. Students can obtain this experience by taking our one-day “Overview of Respiratory Protection” course or equivalent training. Students should also have familiarity with exposure limits (PEL, TLV, etc.). Students who don’t have prior respirator training or familiarity with respirators should not participate in this program.

Location:
This program is usually held at a local hotel, located between downtown Cincinnati and the Cincinnati International Airport.

When you register, a confirmation letter will be sent with the name, location, and phone number of the host hotel.

Special arrangements will be made to reserve a block of rooms at a discounted rate. Your confirmation letter will have specific details; however, when in doubt identify yourself as a participant with the "University of Cincinnati".

Times:
Respirator Selection and Change Out Workshop Day 1Day 2
Registration & doors open 8:00 8:00
Lecture begins 8:308:30
Program ends 5:00 4:30
Note: Course content and times are subject to change.

On-Site Training:
This course can be given on-site at your location. If desired, this program can be split into two separate programs (Respirator Selection and/or development of Cartridge Change Out Schedules).

Tuition: refer to registration form for current fee
Tuition includes all course materials and a comprehensive workbook. Students are enrolled in the order in which payment and registration is received. After payment is received, a confirmation letter will be sent to each student. Students should not make non-refundable travel arrangements until the confirmation letter is received. In the unlikely event the program is canceled due to accident, injury, or other unexpected event, your registration fee will be refunded in full. Liability is however, limited to the course fee. After your registration request is submitted, an email reply should be received within 48 hours. If a reply is not received, send an email to info@DrMcKay.com

About Our Course:
We don't sell or manufacture respirators. Therefore, our approach is to provide students the information needed to meet respiratory protection requirements. We have no hidden agenda. The information is presented in an unbiased, understandable, and professional manner.

Substitution, Transfer, Cancellation, & No-Show Policy:

  • Substitutions: We will gladly substitute another student for the same course date at any time at no charge.
  • Transfers: A one-time transfer request received at least 30 days prior to the course date is permitted. A new course date must be provided at the time of the transfer request. An administrative transfer fee (see schedule below) must be paid within 7-days, otherwise the request is denied and handled as a cancellation. Transfer requests received within 30 days of the course date are not permitted.
    • Request received more than 60 days prior to course date - Administrative Transfer Fee: None
    • Request received 30 - 60 days prior to course date - Administrative Transfer Fee: 40%
  • Cancellations: Written cancellation requests received within 30 calendar days are non-refundable.
    • Request received more than 60 days prior to course date - Amount Refunded: 75%
    • Request received 30 - 60 days prior to course date - Amount Refunded: 25%
  • No Shows: Refunds are not provided if student doesn't attend their confirmed course date.

Course Schedule: Respirator Selection and Development of Cartridge Change Out Schedules

  • May 13-14, 2025
Course Fee: $600
Register Now

Course Schedule: Respirator Selection Only

  • May 13, 2025
Course Fee: $340
Register Now

Course Schedule: Development of Cartridge Change Out Schedules Only

  • May 14, 2025
Course Fee: $340
Register Now