KEEPING IT SIMPLE: AN RPE SELECTION GUIDE


Alan McArthur, a technical specialist at science-based technology company 3M, outlines key areas to consider when selecting respiratory protective equipment (RPE).


Around 12,000 people die each year from respiratory diseases caused by past working conditions, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).


The HSE also estimates that every year there are 14,000 new cases of breathing or lung problems caused or made worse by work.


The first step towards protecting workers against respiratory conditions is to carry out a risk assessment to identify any airborne hazards.


Employers should then act to limit these by either eliminating the hazard completely, substituting it for something less harmful, or introducing engineering controls to reduce its presence.


However, often a respiratory hazard will remain even after taking these measures, requiring employees to wear Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).


In these cases, it is vital that employers select RPE that adequately protects against the hazard and is suitable for the environment, task and wearer.


PROTECTION REQUIRED Employers must first ensure that their chosen RPE is adequate to protect against the particular hazard, or hazards, identified in their risk assessment. These could be particulates, gases, vapours, or some combination of these.


Next, employers must check that their chosen RPE provides enough protection for the quantity of the hazard present in their particular environment.


The HSE gives each RPE type an ‘assigned protection factor’, denoting the level of protection it offers. This


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can be cross-referenced with both the employer’s risk assessment, which should include the concentration levels of contaminants found in the workplace, and Workplace Exposure Limits published in the HSE’s EH40 document, which can be downloaded free from the organisation’s website.


3M’s free Select and Service Life Software can help to simplify this process. By entering details of contaminants and their concentrations, companies can receive tailored product suggestions. The software covers more than 700 chemicals and also offers a method for estimating the service life of 3M filters.


SUITABLE PROTECTION Given the wide range of RPE options available, a number of products will normally provide adequate protection for an employer’s needs.


However, RPE must also be suitable for the wearer, task and workplace environment.


This helps to improve worker compliance, resulting in better protection and increased productivity, as wearers will not waste time adjusting their equipment.


Employers should therefore include workers in the selection process where possible, by allowing them to trial various options and then taking feedback. 3M is happy to provide free samples or trial products for workplace trials.


Employers are also legally required to face fit test wearers of tight- fitting RPE to ensure the respirator adequately seals to their face, as the equipment’s performance hinges on this. Additionally, wearers of tight- fitting RPE must be clean shaven under the area of the face seal.


Alternatively, bearded men may wear loose-fitting powered and supplied air respirators. Employers can also consider these options if they wish to avoid face fit testing.


RPE type is one of the major decisions to make during the selection process, before deciding on specific models. Disposable, reusable, and powered and supplied respirators all have their own benefits and things to consider.


TRAINING ON CORRECT


RPE USE Another important stage of the RPE- selection process is training. Without the correct knowledge, workers may be at risk of unnecessary exposure.


Training should begin with the need for protection in the first place. Workers must understand why and when RPE will be required.


Next, the respirator’s limitations should be explained so that users know what they can and cannot rely on their RPE to protect them against.


Putting on and removing the equipment should also be covered. This is important as it will affect user acceptance of the RPE, as well as compliance rates.


Maintenance is also a key topic. Respirators designed to be used repeatedly must be properly cleaned and stored between shifts and during breaks to prevent damage and contamination.


More information about selecting RPE can be found in the HSE guide ‘Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work (HSG53)’ click here.


Alternatively, call the 3M helpline on 0870 60 800 60 to discuss specific requirements with a technical expert.


www.3M.co.uk/safety www.tomorrowshs.com


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