From the CEO's desk

It is a sad fact that thousands of workers develop lung problems and cancer each year as a result of breathing in harmful quantities of dust, fumes or other airborne contaminants at work.

Unfortunately, poor or uncomfortable fit is one of the main excuses for workers' reluctance to wear the necessary Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and it is a frightening fact that the fit of the equipment can in many cases mean the difference between life and death, or at the very least, the onset of long term respiratory problems.

In 2009, the BSIF, in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other industry stakeholders, launched the 'Fit2Fit Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme' which is a competency based scheme that has the overall aim to significantly reduce the incidence of occupational respiratory injury. The scheme highlights the need for RPE to be fitted properly after it emerged that many workers' RPE does not achieve the correct level of protection due to poor fit. This scheme is designed to confirm the competency of any person performing face piece fit testing by passing an industry recognised exam, followed by a practical assessment. These assessments demonstrate that they have a thorough knowledge of the HSE guidance on fit testing and that they know how to fit test in practical circumstances. The BSIF recently received results for the 'Fit2Fit Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme' that highlighted that over the past year the pass rate for the scheme has been less than 50%.
These results are a cause for concern as they highlight that individuals who carry out this job may believe they are more competent in the area than they actually are. The low pass rate has caused the BSIF to reflect on the general competence of RPE fitters. This incompetence may be due to a lack of knowledge, skills, experience and/or understanding of fit testing, or that these skills may have deteriorated over time.

Either way, the wearer of the equipment will be risking potential respiratory health problems if the RPE is ill fitted. Consequently we shall continue to strive to educate and raise the proficiency of RPE fitters, as well as seek to increase the pass rates of the scheme. It is vital that everyone who carries out this job is accredited to the necessary standard, thereby reducing unnecessary risk to workers.

UK laws stipulate that RPE used at work must be: adequate and provide the wearer with effective protection; suitable for the intended use; CE marked; selected, used and maintained by properly trained people; correctly maintained, examined and tested; and correctly stored. These UK laws and regulations place a heavy legal obligation on employers to provide their workforce with correctly fitted RPE. However the responsibility doesn't just rest on the employers, employees need to be aware of the need for perfectly fitting RPE and if they have concerns, address them immediately. With both employers and the workforce working together, a positive step towards a safer future will be achieved!

David Lummis, The BSIF Chief Executive Officer.
www.bsif.co.uk