Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) can have a crucial role in safeguarding workers from harmful airborne hazards. There are many different types of respirators, and it is essential to select a product that offers adequate protection against the airborne hazards identified in your risk assessment.
The respirator must also be suitable for the wearer, the task and the environment; for example, an exhalation valve can help to reduce heat build-up inside the respirator and may be more suitable than an unvalved respirator for wearers who need to complete physically active tasks.
Working with your RPE manufacturer / RPE distributor of choice can aid with your selection considerations as they are able to share wisdom on the merits of different options available.
There are however some important but often underappreciated aspects of product selection which do not always come into play during your selection considerations. While the following principally focusses on selection considerations for disposable respirators, the three steps below can be important in your overall selection and implementation of any RPE programme.
- Check It:
Ensuring Quality and Compliance
Quality is paramount when selecting RPE. A respirator must meet required regulatory standards to provide adequate protection. Respirators sold in the UK must be approved to the relevant EN standards and the CE (or UKCA) marking must be affixed to the product. All RPE is Category III and as such they are required to go through ongoing independent quality assurance at an Approved or Notified Body. Compliant product will have the CE and or UKCA mark and a 4 digit number which refers to the Notified Body who are responsible for the quality assurance checking of the RPE. You can confirm the authority of the notified body by checking the European Commission’s NANDO database. UK Approved Body status can be confirmed at gov.uk
Beware of Counterfeit Products
The pandemic increased demand for disposable respirators, leading to counterfeit products entering the market. These may not provide the required protection. Be cautious of lower-priced products, poor fit, and substandard materials. Purchase from reputable manufacturers and authorized distributors to ensure quality. The British Safety Industry Federation’s (BSIF) Registered Safety Supplier scheme (RSSS) is designed to support the UK safety market. Companies displaying the scheme’s logo have signed a binding declaration that the safety equipment and services they offer meet the appropriate standards, fully comply to the PPE regulations and are correctly UKCA/CE marked.
Check the Use-By Date and Storage Conditions
Respirators have a shelf life, indicated generally on the packaging or product itself. After this date, they should not be used. Store respirators in original packaging, away from contaminants, sunlight, extreme temperatures, moisture, and chemicals. Regularly check the condition of your respirator; if dirty, damaged, or filters have reached their capacity – replace it/them.
- Fit It:
Ensuring Proper Fit
Tight-fitting facepieces, like disposable respirators, half masks, or full-face masks, require proper fit. Poor fit can cause leaks, compromising protection.
When considering tight fitting respirator’s fit the following may be beneficial:
- Has the wearers been face fit tested on the specific make and model?
- Ensure that the face fit test was carried out by a competent qualified Fit2Fit accredited tester. Look out for the Fit2Fit Qualification.
- If a wearer needs more than one type of tight-fitting facepiece, then each type of facepiece should be fit tested.
- The best time to do fit testing is at the initial selection stage, when individual users can be given a choice of adequate models of RPE.
- You should ensure that the make, model, type and size of facepiece that was worn when the wearer had their successful fit test is made available for their use.
- Take the time to train the wearer on how to wear the mask correctly.
- They should practise wearing the respirator to make sure it fits properly, is comfortable and that it can be worn for the full duration required, given the demands of the job.
- Is a user seal check performed daily to help ensure the respirator is sealing properly? No matter how many times a wearer takes off their mask during the day, each time the respirator is put back on, a user seal check must be carried out
- Loose fitting powered air solutions do not require wearers to be clean shaven and can therefore be a solution to consider for operatives who have degrees of facial hair.
- Wear It:
Ensuring Continuous Protection
Respirators must be worn correctly at all times of potential exposure. Gaps in the face seal of tight fitting respirators allow contaminated air inside, bypassing filters. Ensure compatibility with other PPE worn simultaneously. Assess PPE compatibility for each individual to prevent compromise of protection. Ensure that face fit testing is conducted while wearing other head worn PPE. Remember that powered air solutions with hoods/headtops can provide integrated, compatible PPE solutions.
Facial Hair Considerations
Facial hair interferes with respirator fit, allowing contaminants to bypass the seal. Even minimal stubble can reduce protection. While some facial hair may be suitable if it does not impact the seal to the face, to achieve the expected level of respiratory protection when wearing tight fitting RPE wearers should be lean shaven where the respirator seals to the face.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Workforce
Choosing the right respirator is vital for protecting employees from hazardous airborne particles. When implementing a respirator or respiratory protection program, focus on factors such as quality, proper fit, and elements that enhance compliance and wear time to maximise protection. Following these guidelines, you can help reduce exposure to harmful respiratory hazards and safeguard your workforce.
Remember, what you breathe matters—choose wisely.