Respiratory Protection Recommendations for Oil Cleanup Workers
NIOSH Interim Respiratory Protection Recommendations for Deepwater Horizon Response Workers
Location | Hazard Identification | Respirator Needed? | Recommended Type |
---|---|---|---|
Source: Near damaged well |
VOCs*, crude oil, dispersant | When:
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|
Off shore: Burning oil |
VOCs, smoke, soot, partially oxidized fuel, metals (V, Cr, Ni); CO, CO2, and NOx; Fire hazards | When:
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|
Off shore: Not burning oil |
VOC | When:
|
|
Shoreline and marsh | Oil mist, tar and surface contamination | When:
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|
Decontamination of PPE, vessels, and equipment (e.g., booms) | Oil mist, tar and surface contamination | When:
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|
Decontamination of Wildlife | Spray from struggling birds; ammonia, injury hazards from pecking and talon scratches; VOCs | When:
|
|
SOURCE: NIOSH/OSHA Interim Guidance for Protecting Deepwater Horizon Workers and Volunteers, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/oilspillresponse/protecting/.
*Abbreviations: CO = carbon monoxide; CO2 = carbon dioxide; Cr = chromium; HE = high efficiency; Ni = nickel; NOx = oxides of nitrogen (e.g. nitric oxide or nitrogen dioxide); OV = organic vapor; P100 = NIOSH-approved particulate filtering respirator that is strongly resistant to oil and filters at least 99.97% of airborne particles; PAPR=Powered Air-Purifying Respirator; PPE = personal protective equipment; V = vanadium; VOCs = volatile organic compounds.