How to select the correct RPE
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is available in several different types, some of which can be used interchangeably and some that is specific to one form of hazard or a certain task. When selecting a respirator, there are many things to consider in order to determine the required protection level and best overall option.
Following an effective respiratory protection programme, RPE should be the last line of defence to protect employees from inhaling hazardous substances. First alternative materials or processes should be considered, and control measures such as suppression or extraction to reduce the concentration level. RPE should be used where exposure cannot be reduced to safe level using other control measures.
Selecting adequate RPE
In publication HSG53 ‘Respiratory protective equipment at work’ , the HSE define an ‘adequate respirator’ as ‘right for the hazard and reduces exposure to the level required to protect the wearer’s health’.?
To determine if a respirator is adequate for use, various factors must be considered, and it may be necessary to consult several sources for information and guidance. A full risk assessment should be carried out to determine the correct type of RPE and level of protection.
Some key things to consider and important information to obtain include:
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Workplace respiratory hazards are encountered in four forms: solid particulates, liquid particulates, gases, and vapours.
The type of protection required will depend on the form of the hazard. If the atmosphere is oxygen deficient then supplied air RPE can be required.
To reduce exposure to a safe level, it is necessary to select a respirator of the right class and efficiency level. Assigned Protection Factors (APFs) can be used to select the level of protection required. APFs vary by country, and it is therefore important to check local legislation.
In some cases, COSHH guidance from HSE or SDSs for substances will detail the appropriate APF for protection against a hazardous substance. For example, HSE now state that an APF of 20 is required for woodworking.?
Where there is no protection factor stipulated by the HSE or advised by material suppliers, the appropriate APF must be identified by calculating the Required Protection Factor (RPF). First the level of hazardous substance must be measured. The measured value must then be divided by the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for that contaminate to determine the RPF. WELs are set nationally for many substances and vary for different countries.?
There are only a select number of APFs in the UK: 4, 10, 20, 40, 2000. For adequate protection, a respirator with an APF of at least the RPF or higher is required.?
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Selecting suitable RPE
HSG53 defines a ‘suitable respirator’ as ‘right for the wearer, task and environment, such that the wearer can work freely and without additional risks due to the RPE’.
In order to assess the suitability of a respirator it is necessary to consider factors relating to the wearer as well as those relating to the work task and environment.
Suitability factors relating to the wearer include any medical conditions or allergies that could affect the selection or use of RPE, and whether the wearer requires corrective spectacles, contact lenses, or other PPE at work. The respirator must be compatible with any other PPE or spectacles required to be worn by the user or by the task. This can be achieved by using a combined unit or by ensuring that each piece of PPE is compatible with each other.?
Another important consideration is facial hair; this can determine whether tight-fitting RPE is an option. Tight-fitting RPE includes disposable respirators , half masks , and?full face masks which rely on creating a seal with the face. Facial hair and stubble can compromise the fit by interfering with the seal and allowing inward leakage of harmful substances.?
For tight-fitting RPE, ensuring a good fit is also part of determining suitability. Respirators are available in a range of sizes to fit different facial dimensions . To ensure a good fit, face shape and size must be considered and, if possible, measured prior to selection. Face fit testing assesses how well RPE fits an individual, taking into account the compatibility of other PPE and prescription spectacles.?
Factors relating to the task and environment are things such as wear time and work rate – how long does the RPE need to be worn continuously for and how hard will the wearer be working? Is the work in a tight or confined space? Temperature, humidity, movement and vision requirements are also important factors to consider.?
For a respirator to be suitable, the wearer must not be impeded in any way as a result of the equipment selected. Impediment can range from a hose getting caught in a confined space to a contact lens becoming lodged in a face mask valve, meaning all relevant factors need to be carefully considered.?
Selecting the correct RPE involves considering many factors and consulting multiple sources for information, in order to find a respirator that is adequate for the hazard and suitable for the wearer and task. The new JSP Respiratory PPE product guide provides more information on choosing the correct RPE, with guidance on mask fitting and filter selection.
Have any more respiratory protection questions? Take a look at our?respiratory protection faq !
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Take a look at our new Respiratory Guide .