Are you sure that the RPE you provide to your workers fits them properly? Are you sure the face-fit test was carried out competently?
Stuart Beaumont
?? Health & Safety and ISO Consultancy | ?? Specialising in Bespoke Compliance, ISO Consultancy and Certification (9001, 14001, 45001) | Dedicated to Keeping You Safe & Successful
According to research conducted by Fit2Fit, around 50% of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) used does not offer the wearer the level of protection expected. The biggest reason for this is that the RPE simply doesn’t fit.
Face-fit testing is crucial for any wearer of RPE to ensure that the equipment is adequate and fits suitably to protect the wearer. Not performing tests could be fatal, and one-of tests are not sufficient to protect workers.
In our experience at Spectra during testing, several workers have been identified where the mask they were originally tested for no longer fit. Highlighting the need for frequent testing.
Guidance from the HSE is very clear, COSHH ACoP L5 Dec 2013 states:
“Tight-fitting RPE (i.e. full and half masks) should be face-fit tested, using a suitable method, by a competent person… Fit testing will need to be repeated when there is a change in equipment or the facial characteristics of the wearer that could affect the fit. Loose-fitting devices, such as powered respirators with a visor or hood, need not be face-fit tested but still need to fit observably close to the face.”
The HSE is cracking down on ill-fitting and inappropriate RPE as part of their current dust and COSHH campaigns and are actively issuing improvement notices on site following their inspections, with constructions firms being the most heavily targeted. The average fee per intervention can be in the region of ￡750 and must be paid within 30 days.
These inspections will be the first time the HSE has targeted the industry with a specific focus on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease, looking at the measures businesses have in place to protect their workers’ lungs from the likes of asbestos, silica and wood dust.
For more information about face-fit testing or to find out more about one of our asbestos training courses, please contact the office on 0161 926 8519 or email me, [email protected] and one of our team will contact you shortly.