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Powerful solution

07 November 2024

Specifying RPE that is both suitable and adequate can be tricky. Ian Kelsall explains how Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) can help.

THE HEALTH and Safety Executive (HSE) states that there are two considerations that are essential when specifying respiratory protection equipment (RPE). Those that are responsible for specifying RPE often focus on the first, but neglecting the second can create challenges affecting worker protection and compliance.

Firstly, RPE must be adequate, both to protect against a hazard and to reduce the exposure to that hazard to the acceptable levels required. However, secondly, it is equally important that the respiratory equipment is suitable, that is for the wearer, the task and the environment.

Suitability for a wearer relates to the correct fitting of their RPE. For many types of RPE this relies on a tight fit creating a seal to the face which is essential to ensure protection from hazardous substances entering around the sides of the mask. In the UK and many developed economies, it is a requirement that workers are fit tested by a competent fit tester to ensure the mask selected fits correctly and the anticipated protection can be provided. The requirement for fit testing is increasing internationally.

Factors such as face shape and size are often considered, but other elements will also affect the effectiveness of the seal. Consider whether the wearer has wrinkles, moles, warts, deep cuts, scars, or piercings. Do they struggle with a tight fit for medical reasons? Does the wearer have facial hair, or stubble? Being clean shaven is essential to good mask fit. This has always – and increasingly so in recent years as beards have become more popular again – meant that specifying tight-fitting facepieces for these wearers has often led to challenges.

In addition, both compliance and worker safety may be compromised if poor fitting respiratory equipment is uncomfortable, or the mask simply ‘doesn’t feel right’ causing workers to wear the RPE incorrectly, be tempted to remove it while working, or not wear it at all. 

Often a tight-fitting facepiece is not an option, so a different approach is needed and, in these scenarios, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) may be a more appropriate solution. PAPRs employ a variety of loose-fitting headpieces which cover the entire head, negating the need for a tight-fitting mask, and allowing a more diverse range of workers to remain safe in the workplace. 

When considering suitability of RPE for the task, the HSE recommends considering wear-time, work rate and vision requirements. Tight-fitting facepieces are only recommended for less than an hour of continuous use and their effectiveness may be affected when the work being undertaken is more physical where breathing may become more rapid and heavy, and sweating may occur, leading to the mask slipping or leaking, limiting the protection provided. 

Again, PAPRs offer advantages that overcome the problems posed by tight-fitting face pieces. PAPRs offer a continual flow of air to assist with wearer comfort. The air is continually drawn through a filter using a motor and a fan meaning so that the wearer does not have to use effort to pull the breathing air through the filter. In addition, this air supply offers ventilation to the head and face of the wearer and the loose-fitting seal is more comfortable around the face and neck.

Selecting RPE that is suitable for the environment that it is to be used in may pose similar issues if the work area is hot and humid. In such conditions RPE can increase heat stress, sweating and discomfort, can lead to shorter work time and increased non-compliance if removed. With powered air systems a cool air flow ventilates, maintaining comfort even at higher temperatures, and workers are less likely to overheat.

Finally, once the fit and specification has been addressed, it is essential that the equipment is used correctly. It is vital that employees who need to wear RPE are properly trained on their use, added to this, instructions on how to store and maintain equipment appropriately must be both explained by the employer and followed by the employee. 

In conclusion, PAPRs can help to overcome many of the limitations associated with tPoiight-fitting RPE where it may not be suitable for the wearer the task and the environment. PAPRs are much simpler and more cost effective than expected and when used correctly can help to improve compliance and productivity within the workforce, providing respiratory protection that is both adequate and suitable. 

Ian Kelsall is technical specialist, Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE) at Draeger Safety UK. For more information, visit www.draeger.com

 
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