THE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAMME
This guide is principally about selecting the correct Respiratory Protective Device for a given application. However, device selection is only one element of the total programme, which has little value unless it is properly managed.
The key elements of a successful respiratory programme are:
(1) Risk Assessment
(2) Control at Source
(3) Device Selection, including fitting of devices to workers
(4) Worker Training
(5) Hygiene Facilities (e.g. decontamination)
(6) Maintenance and checking of equipment
(7) Monitoring, reassessing and corrective actions for programme shortcomings
Note that all the above also apply to engineering controls, where assessment, training, maintenance and monitoring are equally important in assuring programme success.
The following, as a minimum, should be covered as part of worker training:
(1) Nature of the hazard, possible health effects, and the control measures to be used.
(2) How to recognise faults in their RPE, where to report them, where and how to obtain spares
(if applicable).
(3) If applicable, how to maintain the RPE, although it is nearly always preferable except in very
small companies, to have one person specially trained to maintain RPE.
(4) How to perform checks prior to use.
(5) How to put the device on.
(6) Any limitations to the use of the device which may be applicable (e.g. work areas, tasks etc
where the device is not suitable.) .
(7) How to take the device off, including any applicable decontamination procedures.
(8) How and where to clean it.
(9) Where to store it.
(10) Practical exercises to ensure that the device is used correctly.
Training should be revised regularly in order to ensure workers remain proficient, and retraining may be necessary also where audits show incorrect worker practices.
Specialist facilities are usual where significant cross-contamination from workers leaving the work area is possible, particularly for asbestos, nuclear, pharmaceutical and other similar applications. Advice on these should be sought from official regulations and publications. RPE in general, however, must be cleaned and dried after each use in accordance with manufacturers' instructions, checked, and then stored in specific locations which are clean and dry, away from heat or sunlight. RPE must never be stored in dirty work areas, as this will reduce its effective protection, from both cross-contamination, and from reduced mechanical efficiency.
MAINTENANCE AND CHECKING OF EQUIPMENT
A. Daily checks are required to assure the correct functioning of the device. These must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturers instructions but will usually include the following components, if fitted:
(a) Facepiece (checking for holes, cuts, cracks, distortion)
(b) Valves, particularly exhalation valves. These are delicate but vital components. In the event
of them not functioning, the device can be rendered useless without this necessarily being
obvious to the wearer.
(c) Head harness
(d) Hoses (if fitted)
(e) Filters, check type is correct, within date and not in need of replacement
(f) Visor (if fitted)
(g) Any sealing components for filters etc.
Powered respirators will need a daily flow check, and preferably before and after each use, in order to ensure the flow is maintained throughout the working shift.
B. A documented monthly check is recommended for all RPE and this should cover all items in the daily checks. A record of each device should be kept showing the results of checks and noting any parts replaced. Air flow-rate and quality for air-fed devices should be checked approximately monthly also. This needs to be carried out for each working point in a compressed air system.
C. Periodically, it is advisable to have a more thorough test carried out on high performance devices, including full facemasks and powered respirators. This is usually done by the manufacturer or manufacturer's agent, who can then issue a certificate showing the device tested still meets specification. This type of test can be done at any interval to suit the user or applications, although six monthly would be average.
It is important to note that checks on Breathing Apparatus need to follow manufacturer's guidelines very precisely, so these must be followed in all cases.
The above information is not intended to be comprehensive, but merely to give pointers as to the correct approach. Consult statutory authorities, PPE manufacturers or suitably qualified safety professionals if more detailed information is required.
