What Is Respiratory Protective Equipment?

Airborne particles pose a significant risk to workers in some industries, including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. Substances such as wood dust, asbestos fibres, and chemical fumes can linger in the air for hours or even days, increasing the risk of accidental inhalation. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious health conditions, including lung diseases, respiratory infections, and even cancers. To mitigate these risks, employers must ensure that workers have adequate protection in the form of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).

 

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In this guide, we’ll explain what every employer needs to know about Respiratory Protective Equipment and how Fire Safe International can help you protect your workers from airborne hazards.

 

What Is Respiratory Protective Equipment?

 

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) refers to devices that are designed to protect workers from inhaling harmful airborne contaminants, such as dust, fumes, vapours, gases, or biological agents.

There are two types of RPE which work in different ways:

1. Respirators: Respirators filter the air to remove harmful substances before inhalation. They may be powered (using a motor to provide filtered air to the user) or non-powered (relying on the user’s natural inhalation to draw air through the filter). Some respirators are designed for single use, while others may be reused if correctly cleaned and maintained.
2. Breathing Apparatus: In contrast, Breathing Apparatus (BA) provides an independent air supply to the user from an alternative source, such as an air cylinder or air compressor. Often, these are the first choice for use in environments where a filter may not adequately protect the wearer.  Where the atmosphere poses an immediate danger to life, positive pressure breathing will be required, and these are typically used in confined spaces or areas with high concentrations of toxic substances. 

For Respiratory Protective Equipment to be effective, it is crucial that employers choose RPE based on the specific hazards in the workplace. Therefore, they must understand and assess the type of hazards and the associated risks to which their workers will be exposed. RPE users must be properly trained, their RPE must be maintained, and, where necessary, an individual mask fit test may be required.  While a high degree of comfort is necessary if workers are to wear the equipment for extended periods, this must be achieved without compromising their protection.

 

Why Is It Important For Workers To Wear Respiratory Protective Equipment?

 

The use of RPE is important for three key reasons:

1) Reducing The Risk Of Exposure

The use of RPE is essential to help reduce the risk of workers acquiring respiratory illnesses because of occupational exposure to hazardous substances. Without adequate protection, the inhalation of harmful particles can lead to conditions such as occupational asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), silicosis, and lung cancer. For example, in a meta-analysis of studies that evaluated the exposure of workers to wood dust, a significantly higher risk of lung cancer was found.

2) Supplementing Other Control Measures

RPE plays a critical role in minimising the risk of exposure to harmful substances when other control measures, such as ventilation, are insufficient or impractical. For instance, during the removal of asbestos, even stringent workplace controls may not eliminate all airborne fibres, making RPE a necessary safeguard to help further reduce the risk of exposure.

3) Promoting A Culture Of Compliance

Compliance with health and safety regulations is vital, not only to protect workers' wellbeing but also to enhance business operations. By providing RPE for workers at risk of exposure to harmful contaminants, employers can take positive action that will help prevent injuries, illnesses, and long-term health issues that can result in higher rates of employee absence, sickness costs, and diminished productivity. Compliance can also reduce the prospect of legal action against employers, making financial penalties and reputational damage less likely.

 

Is Respiratory Protective Equipment A Legal Requirement?

 

In the UK, the use of RPE is governed by strict health and safety regulations to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances. Employers have a legal duty to assess respiratory risks in the workplace and provide appropriate protective measures to keep their employees safe.

There are several important pieces of legislation that are relevant:

1. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations require employers to prevent or control exposure to harmful airborne substances. When elimination or substitution of hazards is not feasible, employers must implement engineering controls, such as local exhaust ventilation, and provide RPE as a last line of defence.
2. The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPER 1992) mandate that RPE be provided and maintained in good condition where exposure to harmful substances cannot be controlled by other means. Face Fit Testing (FFT) is a requirement to ensure that tight-fitting RPE provides an effective seal around the user’s nose and mouth, preventing leaks that could allow contaminants to enter.  It is the responsibility of the employer to be able to demonstrate that the PPE provided is adequate (will protect the wearer) and suitable (fits the wearer and is suited to the task and environment).
3. The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002[1]  aim to protect workers from asbestos exposure by requiring risk assessments, proper training, and control measures, including the use of appropriate RPE. It mandates employers to manage asbestos risks, ensuring safe removal, maintenance, and monitoring to prevent health hazards.
4. The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 require employers to assess and control risks in confined spaces. When hazardous substances are suspected to be present, suitable Respiratory Protective Equipment must be provided to ensure safe breathing, particularly if ventilation alone cannot maintain a safe atmosphere.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal action, and increased liability for occupational illnesses. Employers must stay informed about regulatory updates and ensure that workers receive adequate training on the proper use of RPE. Consulting the experts at Fire Safe International, who have an up-to-date understanding of current health and safety laws, can help your business remain compliant with all applicable regulations.

 

Types Of Respiratory Protective Equipment/Respiratory Protective Devices - (RPD’s)

 

Respiratory Protective Equipment is available in various forms, each of which is designed for specific hazards and workplace environments. The two primary categories are filtering respirators and supplied-air respirators.

 

Filtering Respiratory Protection Devices (Respirators)

 

Filtering respirators, which remove airborne contaminants before they are inhaled by the user, include disposable masks (such as FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3 masks), reusable half-mask respirators, and full-face respirators. These devices use mechanical filters to trap particles or chemical cartridges to adsorb gases and vapours. These also include powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), which use battery-operated blowers to supply filtered air to the wearer.

 

Supplied-Air Respiratory Protection Devices (Breathing Apparatus)

 

Supplied-air breathing apparatus provides clean air from an external source, such as a compressed air cylinder or breathing air compressor and includes self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and airline breathing apparatus (ALBA).  Fresh Air breathing apparatus where the air is drawn down a long breathing tube (the end of which should be in clean air) also falls into this category, as well as constant flow compressed air systems such as those commonly used in paint spray booths.

Filtering respirators and supplied-air breathing apparatus can both feature a tight-fitting facepiece, or mask, which forms a secure seal with the user’s face. However, in some circumstances, loose-fitting head tops such as hoods, visors, and blouses or suits may be more appropriate.

Selecting the right type of RPE depends on the nature of the airborne hazard, environmental conditions, and the likely duration of use. Employers must conduct a thorough risk assessment to determine the required level of protection for their workforce.

 

When Should I Use Respiratory Protective Equipment, And How Do I Use It Correctly?

 

Respiratory Protective Equipment should be used whenever workers may be exposed to airborne contaminants that exceed safe exposure limits and when other control measures are not sufficiently effective to mitigate the risk. Situations where the use of RPE may be required include cutting or grinding materials that generate dust, handling hazardous chemicals, working in confined spaces with poor ventilation or buildings and laboratories where toxic chemicals may be, or may accidentally become, airborne.

 

Training

 

The correct use of RPE is essential to afford adequate protection for workers. Foremostly, workers must be trained on how to properly wear, adjust, and maintain their equipment, ensuring a secure fit that prevents leaks.

 

Face Fit Testing

 

Where the RPD includes a tight-fitting face piece, regular Face Fit Testing (FFT) will likely be necessary to ensure that the selected mask, make, model, and size can achieve a proper seal to the face of the wearer.  No tight-fitting face piece will be a perfect fit, or create a perfect seal to every face; this means that it is very likely the mask will leak a little bit. A mask fit test aims to ensure that the mask does not leak too much!

To ensure that RPE performs correctly, ensure that you follow this checklist:

✔       Does the RPE fit the user, and is it suitable for the task?

✔       Have professional Face Fit Tests been conducted to ensure that each user’s RPE accommodates the size, shape, and contours of their face?

✔       Does the RPE work alongside other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used during a particular task?

✔       Have users been expertly trained to use, clean, and maintain their RPE?

✔       Is all RPE maintained as per the manufacturer's instructions by an approved service agent?

✔       Do you have clean and secure storage for RPE to ensure its integrity?

 

How Do I Choose The Right Respiratory Protective Equipment?

 

Selecting the appropriate RPE involves evaluating the specific hazards present in the workplace. Employers should conduct a risk assessment to determine the type and level of protection the respiratory protection equipment is required to provide.

But what should you consider when conducting a risk assessment? Factors to consider include:

1. What is the hazard?  Be specific and study the safety data sheet or consult with the manufacturer to identify the workplace exposure limits.  Compare this with the concentration and exposure levels in the workplace.
2. Confirm the likely duration and frequency of exposure of workers to any contaminants
3. The nature of the workplace environment (for example, if it is a confined space or one with poor ventilation).
4. Other control measures that have been implemented and their effectiveness.
5. The physical demands of the work.
6. Whether users will be using PPE while conducting their work

RPE should meet established safety standards, such as BS EN 149 for disposable respirators,  BS EN 136 for full-face masks and BS EN 140 for half masks. Devices should be UKCA or CE marked, which is a reassuring sign that they have been rigorously tested to ensure their quality, functionality, and integrity.  Beware of low-cost counterfeit products claiming to offer protection levels which in fact they do not!

Employers should consult with the experts at Fire Safe International to ensure they select equipment that offers adequate protection while allowing workers to effectively perform their tasks.

 

How Should I Correctly Maintain Respiratory Protective Equipment?

 

The proper maintenance of RPE is crucial to ensure its continued effectiveness. A programme of scheduled maintenance should be established, consisting of routine inspections, cleaning, and storage procedures. Users should understand their roles and responsibilities in RPE maintenance to ensure that oversights don’t lead to mistakes.

1. Single-shift respirators should be safely discarded after use or at the end of the shift. They should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and disposed of in designated waste bins, following workplace protocols and hazardous waste disposal regulations. Hands should be washed thoroughly after handling used respirators to prevent accidental cross-contamination.
2. Reusable respirators should be cleaned after each use using manufacturer-recommended cleaning solutions and stored in a dry, contamination-free area. Filters and cartridges should be replaced according to the manufacturer's guidelines to maintain filtration efficiency.  These may also require inspecting and testing at regular (annual) intervals to ensure they perform correctly and in accordance with the manufacturer's parameters.  Failure to adhere to a regular maintenance programme is a clear disregard of the COSHH regulation and may lead to prosecution!

How Can Fire Safe International Help?

 

At Fire Safe International, we’ve been at the forefront of workplace air quality safety for more than 30 years and have established a broad portfolio of clients in a range of industries, including Fire and Rescue, construction, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and manufacturing.

 

Our Products

 

We offer a comprehensive range of Respiratory Protective Equipment to suit different workplace environments, including powered air respirator systems, full face masks, reusable respirators, and disposable respirators. We also supply accessories such as cartridges and filters for a range of airborne hazards, such as solid particulates, gases, vapours, and spray paints.

 

Our Services

 

Our expert team provide a range of services to help employers comply with legal requirements and ensure their workers receive the highest level of protection, including:

✔      Air quality testing

✔      Air cylinder testing and refilling

✔      Face fit testing

✔      Respiratory protective equipment maintenance

 

Fit2Fit FFT Training

 

Our qualitative and quantitative Face Fit Testing training workshops are delivered by our highly experienced Fit2Fit-accredited instructors and are ideal for any business that wishes to establish an in-house Face Fit testing programme. Our training, which meets the standards of HSE INDG 479, can be provided at our dedicated training centre in central England or at your own venue, giving you maximum flexibility to provide your team with continuous professional development at a time and place to suit.

 

Your Next Step: Get In Touch With Fire Safe International

 

At Fire Safe International, our experts are ready to help you protect your workforce from the dangers of respiratory hazards.

For more information, please call us today on 01743 648934 or send us a message.