Suitable RPE selection

As mentioned, the focus from BSIF has been on RPE and detailing how it should be used and selected when it has been deemed as required to protect a worker or workforce from a hazard. RPE is designed to protect the wearer from breathing in harmful substances or from oxygen-deficient atmospheres when other controls are either not possible or insufficient on their own. RPE can broken down into two main types:

• Respirators
• Breathing Apparatus

Whilst Breathing Apparatus can be used when fumigating large areas, we’ll focus on the various types of respirators shown here. 

The images above show the two different types of respirators, Tight-fitting facepieces (often referred to as masks) which rely on having a good seal with the wearer's face and Loose-fitting facepieces which rely on enough clean air being provided to the wearer to prevent contaminant leaking in (only available as powered respirators). Examples are hoods, helmets, visors, blouses and suits.

Selecting RPE

Selecting the appropriate RPE is vital, when choosing the product to use, it must be both Adequate and Suitable.

What do we mean by this? Well, Adequate means the RPE chosen is right for the hazard that the wearer is up against and wearing the product will reduce the exposure to the required level to protect their health.

Suitable means, is the RPE right for the wearer, the task and the environment in which it is being worn. When wearing the RPE, the wearer should be able to work freely and without any additional risks caused by the RPE.

Some further points to consider in the selection process are: What is the hazardous substance that the RPE is protecting against? What is the form of that substance in the air, is it a gas? A vapour or a particle? What is the task being carried out that requires the use of RPE? Does the wearer have any individual requirements that need to be considered, eg: do they wear glasses?

RPE Filters

To identify the hazard that you will be exposed to, you need to consider the safety data sheets provided by the manufacturer of any chemical being used – this can then help identify the suitable filter you may need. The MSDS should detail the CAS number of the chemical and any good provider of RPE will be able to identify the type of filter that may be required.

Different hazards require different filters or combinations of filters, As you can see in the images here these filters all have relevant codes and colours based upon what they are designed to protect against, It’s worth noting that some filters can be combined to provide protection against multiple hazards.

Filtering Face Pieces

Now we will take a look at what are commonly called ‘dust masks’. These are filtering face pieces and. They work by creating a tight seal to the wearers face and the mask filters any contaminants from entering when the wearer breaths in. The images below show the difference between a mask being fitted correctly and therefore filtering the air and a mask that doesn’t fit, this illustrates how contaminated air can be breathed in which poses a risk to the wearer.

The masks are available as cup, fold flat and may be valved or un-valved. They have a grading of P1, P2 or P3 and generally are known as FFP1, FFP2 etc.

It is worth noting that some masks available to purchase are designed with ear loop fittings. These types of mask are not suitable to be worn as a protective measure. HSE conducted 90 tests on ear loop masks and of those 90 only 2 were able to pass a fit test meaning that if worn they would not offer protection. The reason for this is that with an ear loop mask the fit to the face is not tight enough to provide an adequate seal. The HSE actually went on to state that Ear loop masks do not provide protection as tight fitting RPE. 

Face Fit Testing

RPE Face Fit testing is a process for ensuring a specific make, model and size of tight-fitting protective face masks are suitable to the individual wearer’s facial features and that the chosen mask seals correctly to the wearer’s face. A Face Fit test will also help to identify unsuitable face masks which should not be used by the individual. The HSE state that a Face Fit test must be carried out on any worker who is using tight fitting RPE to protect them from a hazard.

The performance of tight-fitting face masks relies on a good contact between the wearer’s skin and the face seal of the face mask. 

Who should conduct RPE face mask Fit Testing?

The HSE state that face mask fit testing should be carried out by an individual who is competent in face fit testing.

So how does an individual prove they are competent to face fit test?

One way to prove competency is for the fit testers to hold the Fit2Fit Accreditation, you can find all of the Fit2Fit Accredited fit testers here: www.fit2fit.org/find-a-tester/

Do you need to be clean shaven when wearing RPE?

One of the questions we get asked most is do you have to be clean shaven when wearing a mask? The Simple answer is yes, when that mask is relying on a tight seal to the face in an area that could have facial hair. 

Useful Links:

www.bsif.co.uk

www.fit2fit.org

www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk