For anyone exposed to dust and airborne particles at work it is essential to reduce the risk of them contracting respiratory-related illness and disease, such as lung cancer, silicosis, occupational asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prevention is critical and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) plays a key part in the solution. 

According to statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (1):

• There are approximately 12,000 UK deaths annually due to occupational respiratory diseases
• As these are long latency diseases (the symptoms and impact take a long time to develop following exposure) current deaths reflect the impact of past working conditions
• About 41,000 people who worked in the last year and 147,000 who had ever worked currently have breathing or lung problems believed to be caused or made worse by work (Labour Force Survey)(2)

Higher risk environments

Some industries have a higher risk or exposure to dust and respiratory hazards including:

• Construction, building and demolition – through concrete, stone, brick and mortar
• Quarrying, mining and slate processing
• Potteries, ceramics, brick and tile manufacturing
• Foundries
• Concrete product manufacture
• Engineering
• Architectural masonry manufacture
• Kitchen cabinet and worktop manufacture

For workers in these environments, the ideal scenario is to eradicate any possible contact between them and the dust hazard and, where this cannot be achieved, respiratory protection should always be worn. One of the most common types of RPE used is a disposable respirator.

Selection

All disposable respirators must be approved to EN 149: 2001 +A1 2009 FFP1, FFP2 or FFP3

The FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 (FFP Filtering Face Piece) signifies different levels of protection, against different hazards the wearer may be in contact with (assuming they fit properly and are used correctly). An FFP3 is the highest level of protection offered by disposable RPE

Such respirators are designed to filter out particulates such as very fine dust, mists and fumes. 

Wider considerations include:

• Identifying the hazard and level of exposure
• Measuring the airborne concentration in the workplace
• Selecting suitable RPE and conducting Face Fit Testing 
• If the exposure level is not known go with a higher level of protection

Remember that not all faces are the same shape and neither are disposable respirators. The only way you can know if a respirator is suitable for the wearer is by having a proper Face Fit Test – a legal requirement under the COSHH regulations

Face fit testing

Having worked closely with the BSIF and HSE in the development of a suitable accreditation scheme for Face Fit Testing, Alpha Solway says it was the first to have  ’Fit2Fit’ accredited employees, confirming the competency of an individual to perform fit testing on tight fitting face pieces. 

A Face Fit Test is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the seal between the wearer’s face and the respirator, specific requirements for conducting RPE Fit Testing outlined in the HSE282/28 guidance include:

•  Competences of Fit Test operators

•  Specific Fit Testing procedures

•  Guidance in selection of RPE

•  Record keeping

Driving the Message 

Despite the positive impact ‘Fit2Fit’ has had there is still much that can be done to drive this message home.

Many people are still unaware of it or its full implications. Even more importantly we need to emphasise that effective Fit Testing is not simply a matter of providing RPE that ticks the performance box, but vitally is about the specific individual using it and the effectiveness of the fit every time they wear the mask.