Seminar
Thanks to those who attended the RPE Seminar on 9 November 2010 at Manchester Golf Club.
The seminar was chaired by Ron Powell, Triage Services, in the absence of Derek Fabby, Group Chairman
Bob Rajan , Principal Inspector, HSE, started the morning by explaining some of the background to the ‘Clean Air Take Care’ Campaign. He stressed that it is important to make the right decisions with RPE as the cost is high. It is necessary to manage the risk effectively and obtain a return on investment.
If the equipment is not correctly fitted it can cause stress and waste money. It is also important to keep your RPE clean and store it correctly and ensure the filters are clean and that employees are provided with training in the correct care and wearing.
Fred Charlton, Alpha Solway then took over. He explained how the first knowledge of RPE arose from the Roman miners who used a sheep’s bladder. If a male has facial hair it is even more important to ensure correct face fit. The disposable dust mask was developed in the early 1960’s. Disposable respirators were developed in 1974. Several salient points were mentioned and discussed when appropriate.
There are several types of mask, disposable, moulded, half masks, semi disposable, full face and powered air systems. Communication is difficult with RPE, thus the importance of risk assessments. As with all PPE, RPE is intended as the last line of defence.
Several activities can cause problems for employees, e.g. welders can develop asthma due to the fumes, and people working in bakeries etc can also develop asthma as a result of breathing in flour dust. Solvent fume and dust can also cause major problems.
Ensure that you protect employees by assessing the hazards and risks, and control measures put in place, and that the RPE fits the wearer correctly whether or not it is disposable.
Contaminated air damages health, respirators do not always work and are not always correctly maintained or fitted. Ensure you select the correct type of filter for the job. If in doubt, consult your RPE supplier for advice or use the Clean Air Take Care Guide.
Respirators are not suitable for use in oxygen deficient confined spaces. Enforcement measures will be taken by HSE.
The selection tool takes you through the various steps. Select the material, use your MSDS.
There are two types of face fit testing, Quantitative and Qualitative.
The important thing is the integrity of the seal to the face. FFP1 – FFP3 masks are disposable. If the job changes and thus requires a change of disposable mask, then a retest will be necessary to ensure correct fitting. Should the same person have to carry out a range of tasks that require different types of mask, then each one will require to be fitted. It is necessary to keep records for between 5 and 40 years.
Other types of PPE, e.g. goggles, hard hats, safety glasses and ear protection can also all affect correct fitting and should be compatible.
Bob Rajan , Principal Inspector, HSE, started the morning by explaining some of the background to the ‘Clean Air Take Care’ Campaign. He stressed that it is important to make the right decisions with RPE as the cost is high. It is necessary to manage the risk effectively and obtain a return on investment.
If the equipment is not correctly fitted it can cause stress and waste money. It is also important to keep your RPE clean and store it correctly and ensure the filters are clean and that employees are provided with training in the correct care and wearing.
Fred Charlton, Alpha Solway then took over. He explained how the first knowledge of RPE arose from the Roman miners who used a sheep’s bladder. If a male has facial hair it is even more important to ensure correct face fit. The disposable dust mask was developed in the early 1960’s. Disposable respirators were developed in 1974. Several salient points were mentioned and discussed when appropriate.
There are several types of mask, disposable, moulded, half masks, semi disposable, full face and powered air systems. Communication is difficult with RPE, thus the importance of risk assessments. As with all PPE, RPE is intended as the last line of defence.
Several activities can cause problems for employees, e.g. welders can develop asthma due to the fumes, and people working in bakeries etc can also develop asthma as a result of breathing in flour dust. Solvent fume and dust can also cause major problems.
Ensure that you protect employees by assessing the hazards and risks, and control measures put in place, and that the RPE fits the wearer correctly whether or not it is disposable.
Contaminated air damages health, respirators do not always work and are not always correctly maintained or fitted. Ensure you select the correct type of filter for the job. If in doubt, consult your RPE supplier for advice or use the Clean Air Take Care Guide.
Respirators are not suitable for use in oxygen deficient confined spaces. Enforcement measures will be taken by HSE.
The selection tool takes you through the various steps. Select the material, use your MSDS.
There are two types of face fit testing, Quantitative and Qualitative.
The important thing is the integrity of the seal to the face. FFP1 – FFP3 masks are disposable. If the job changes and thus requires a change of disposable mask, then a retest will be necessary to ensure correct fitting. Should the same person have to carry out a range of tasks that require different types of mask, then each one will require to be fitted. It is necessary to keep records for between 5 and 40 years.
Other types of PPE, e.g. goggles, hard hats, safety glasses and ear protection can also all affect correct fitting and should be compatible.