Helping businesses breathe easy

There are a number of reasons why users choose to wear respiratory protection equipment (RPE) including compliance with the law, workplace procedures, personal judgement and health reasons. However, there are just as many reasons why some choose not to wear it, such as limited access to RPE, user discomfort, compatibility with other PPE, a lack of awareness of health risks and how RPE works and inadequate guidance.

Risk assessment 

An effective workplace risk assessment will identify all factors potentially hazardous to health. In terms of respiratory hazards, it will recognise potential threats arising from environments Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) such as oxygen-deficiency/ acute respiratory toxins and will consider the threat from combinations of respiratory hazards such as mixtures of dusts, fibres and gases. To quantify risk in relation to respiratory hazards, ‘hazard ratio’- the ratio between the allowable concentration limit and that which is found in the workplace environment- will be used. RPE type with sufficient protection factor will then be selected to mitigate risk as quantified by the hazard ratio.

Selection procedures

Selecting appropriate RPE for protection in a hazardous environment requires a thorough assessment of all hazards present. A clearly defined set of selection steps must be followed to determine the type of RPE to be used for the work task including consideration of breathing apparatus, filtering masks, powered air or use of compressed airline systems. Clarity in the process for determining workplace hazards and selecting PPE is essential. HSE in the UK has published guidelines in its HSG53 document detailing protection factors offered by various types of RPE-filtering facepieces, halfmasks, full masks and powered-air, in order to comply with the law.

With many kinds of filter types available on the market eg. PSL, ABE, ABEK ABEK-Hg, selection of the right filter can be confusing. To assist in appropriate selection of facemask filter types, reputable equipment manufacturers such as Scott Safety offer a website filter selection tool (SureLife) which provides easy selection of a filter for particular respiratory hazard(s). 

Fit testing

Even though RPE is designed and certified to accommodate a wide range of the population based on anthropomorphic databases, facial morphology is not the sole determination of fit. Regular fit testing verifies the ability of the end user to don the RPE and obtain a satisfactory fit factor. When fit testing users, alternative sizes and models should be provided to ensure the most appropriate and best performing choice can be made, tailored to the individual. Employers implementing fit testing should ensure employees carrying out the programme are suitably trained or that they contract a qualified specialist provider. 

Training

Employers are expected to provide training in general RPE use and specific use instructions. Manufacturers assist by providing training aids both in physical copy and online. Manufacturers also provide training services, including certification where the level of protection selected requires it, such as with breathing apparatus. 

Maintenance and storage

RPE must be inspected and maintained on a regular schedule and stored properly to prevent damage and contamination. Manufacturer’s guidelines will provide details. An effective RPE programme needs to provide a suitable area for cleaning, maintaining and storing RPE between uses. It should be a clean area away from the workplace hazard, ideally provide enclosed lockers or boxes and a suitable hanging facility, if appropriate for the type of RPE. If filters are to be re-used they will usually be removed from the RPE, stored in a plastic bag/box in a clean, dry environment away from contamination. Other parts of RPE that are either washed or wiped clean need an area to dry naturally before being stored. In some instances, depending on the type of chemical hazard, filters must also be changed out after each shift.

Technology is continuously in development with new products available every year. It is important to reflect this in your respiratory protection programme. A versatile range of ergonomically designed headtops and masks are available to provide comfort and offer high levels of protection for industrial end users in a range of potentially hazardous workplace environments. Available ranges include flip-up visors and faceshields, half mask and full face mask options in addition to half and full head tops, all incorporating the highest levels of protection alongside the latest equipment and design to increase wearer acceptability.