PFP "0?15 October 25, 2016 PFP has completed their evaluation and is lifting their stop work in regards to using MSA Optima TL PAPRs. Lifting this stop work will allow the use of all MSA Optima TL PAPR OptiFiIters (P-100 and Chem- OV) and Will eliminate the use of the O-Ring Bumper Guard. On October 21, 2016, paint was found inside several Optima TL PAPR Units beyond the cartridge ?lters. investigation found that the seal between the Chem-0V Cartridges and the PAPR Units was being inhibited by the -Ring Bumper Guards. This situation was found to be unique with the Chem-0V Cartridges and not the High Ef?ciency Particulate (P400) Cartridges also used at PFP. Smoke testing done as part of this investigation showed the following: - Configuration 7 Result l_Chem?OV Cartridges with the R-ing Buniper'Guards installed prior to the Smoke detected beyond the installation of the Chem-0V Cartridge cartridge ?lters Chem-0V Cartridges with no O-Ring Bumper Guards installed No smoke detected beyond the cartridge ?lters Chem-0V Cartridges with the O?Ri'ng Bumper Guards instalied after the Np smoke detected beyond the installation of the Chem-0V Cartridges cartridge ?lters P-100 Cartridge with the O-Ring Bumper Guards instaiied prior to the No smoke detected beyond the cartridge ?lters installation of the P-100 Cartridges No smoke detected beyond the P- 100 Cartridges with no O?Ring Bumper Guards installed . . 7 . cartridge ?lters Cartridges with the O-Ring BumperGuards installed after the No smoke detected beyond the installatidn of the Cartridges. I cartridge ?lters Our investigation fdund that the outer'sh?il- of the Chem-0V Cartridges protrudes further than that of the P400 Cartridges and its installation can be impeded by the 0- -Ring Bumper Guard when the Guard' Is installed prior to the installation of the Chem-0V Cartridges. This provides a potentiai pathway of chemical/radiological contaminants to personnel when using these TL PAPR Units' In this configuration. In 2012, in response to numerous incidents where respirator cartridges had been bumped or caught and knocked off MSA Optima TL PAPRs, PFP with input from MSA began using the O- -Ring Bumper Guards. This was implemented In conjunction with a Peer Check Process and a Congested Area Checklist. Implementation of these actions proved very effective at reducing the number of accidental dislodgments of respiratory cartridges. Initial use of the O-Ring Bumper Guards required that the bumper guards be installed after the ?lter cartridges were installed. This installation process was changed in the August 2014 time frame due to the difficulty involved in installing the bumper guards and ergonomic issues. in going forward, PEP is looking at what additional aspects of the CongeSted Area Checklist needs to be implemented into the current work control process. PFP Management is expecting all respirator users to have a peer check performed prior to use to ensure that respirator cartridges are installed correctly and tight. This is highly encouraged for the protection of our health and safety. PFP has no way of knowing exactly how much exposure was received by personnel through these Chem- OV cartridges over the last couple of years. We anticipate that exposures were low and in many circumstances less than Occupational Exposure Limits, but honestly have no true way of knowing. This circumstance is truly unfortunate. It is understood that many of you have concerns and so. We will make radiological bioassays available to anyonewho feels that this would be appropriate. We will also schedule an appointment with medical if you wish to paythem a visit and be evaluated because of this issues. We are also drafting a letter that will be placed in your medical file upon request. . . Please contact Sheila Godfrey if you would like to schedule a radiological bioassay. Please contact Lance . Gurney if you would like to schedule a medical appointment and/or have a letter placed in you medical file. Please contactJim Matte or Lance GurnEy if you have any additional questions.