Guidance for University Departments

Safety Services Office

October 2012

Respiratory Protective Equipment

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Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................3 What is RPE? ................................................................................................................................3 Types of RPE ................................................................................................................................4 When can RPE be used .................................................................................................................4 Specific requirements for RPE ......................................................................................................5 Selection of RPE. ..........................................................................................................................5 Facefitting ....................................................................................................................................7 Training. ......................................................................................................................................7 Storage ........................................................................................................................................8 Maintenance................................................................................................................................8 Disposal .......................................................................................................................................8 Appendix 1: Substances listed as R42 (may cause sensitisation through inhalation) in Asthmagen. ....................................................................................................................................................9 Appendix 2: RPE Selection. ......................................................................................................... 10

The hazardous substance. ................................................................................................................ 10 Task Related Factors ......................................................................................................................... 11

How long will you be wearing the RPE for? .................................................................................. 11 How vigorous is the work .............................................................................................................. 11 Clarity of vision or communication ................................................................................................ 11 Mobility ......................................................................................................................................... 11 Confined working .......................................................................................................................... 15 Abnormal temperature and humidity ........................................................................................... 15 Power tools .................................................................................................................................... 15

Wearer related factors. .................................................................................................................... 15 Facial Hair ...................................................................................................................................... 15 Facial Markings ............................................................................................................................. 15 Spectacles and contact lenses. ...................................................................................................... 15 The use of other PPE ...................................................................................................................... 16 Medical conditions ........................................................................................................................ 16

Appendix 4: Fit testing ............................................................................................................... 19 Qualitative fit testing .................................................................................................................... 20 Quantitative fit testing. ................................................................................................................. 20

References ................................................................................................................................. 20

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Introduction

The Health and Hafety at Work Act and the Management of Health and Safety at work Regulations require you to ensure that you have a safe working environment. They set out the basic requirements for you to follow. These are the principal health and safety regulations from which all others follow. The law governing the use of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is contained in several different regulations.

• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) • The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations (CAW) • The Control of Lead at Work Regulations (CLAW) • The Ionising Radiations Regulations • The Confined Spaces Regulations

The law requires that exposure of employees to hazardous substances at work is either prevented or adequately controlled. However, exposure should be controlled by other measures rather than personal protective equipment (PPE) where possible.

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992 states:

“Every employer shall ensure that suitable personal protective equipment is provided to his employees who may be exposed to a risk to their health or safety while at work except where and to the extent that such risk has been adequately controlled by other means which are equally or more effective.”

Thus, PPE is always the “last resort” in a hierarchy of control measures; engineering controls and safe systems of work should always be considered first. For RPE this is because:

• RPE only protects the wearer – they do not remove the contaminant from the workplace and other workers who are not wearing appropriate RPE are at risk. Control measures at source protect all those in the area.

• If RPE is used incorrectly, or are badly maintained, the wearer may not be protected • RPE is uncomfortable to wear and is an intrusion into normal activities. • RPE may interfere with work.

There are also a number of Approved Codes of Practice that guide you through the regulations. While you do not have to follow the guide, doing so will ensure you have done everything reasonably practicable in complying with the law.

What is RPE?

RPE is a particular type of PPE that is designed to protect the wearer against inhalation of hazardous substances that may be present in the workplace air. These hazardous substances may be particulates such as dust or allergens, volatile chemicals, or biological agents such as bacteria.

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However, not all RPE will prevent exposure to all hazardous substances and as a consequence, careful selection as to the type and filtering capabilities of the RPE needs to be done.

Types of RPE

There are two main types of RPE which are illustrated in figure 1

• Respirator (filtering type). These use filters to remove contaminants in the air. They should never be used in situations where there is reduced oxygen.

• Breathing apparatus. This needs a supply of breathing quality air from an independent source (e.g. air cylinder or air compressor).

Both types of RPE are available with a variety of facepieces, but there are some limitations

• Masks: These are tight fitting facepieces (filtering facepieces, half and full facemasks). They rely on having a good seal with the wearers face. They can also be part of both respirators and breathing apparatus. They must be face-fitted to ensure adequate protection is being given.

• Hoods, Helmets, visors, blouses, suits. These are loose-fitting facepieces which rely of enough clean air being provided to the wearer to prevent contaminants from leaking in. They are only used on fan-powered respirators or air-fed equipment.

Figure 1: Types of RPE (taken from “Respiratory Protective Equipment at work, a practical guide)

When can RPE be used

RPE should only be selected and used after a risk assessment has justified its use. RPE can be used in the following situations:

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• Where an inhalation exposure risk remains after you have put in place other reasonable controls (residual risk)

• Short-term or infrequent exposure where you decide that other controls at source are not reasonably practicable

• While you are putting in place other control measures (interim measure) • Emergency escape you need to provide RPE for safe exit in the event of control systems

failures • Emergency work or temporary failure of controls where other means of controls are not

reasonably practicable. • Emergency rescue by trained personnel is necessary.

However, there may be circumstances where you consider it prudent to issue RPE, not because other control measures are inadequate on their own, but to provide additional protection if any of the control measures fail to operate.

Specific requirements for RPE

If RPE is being used for protection against hazardous substances there are a number of requirements that need to be met that are enshrined in law. RPE used at work must:

• Be adequate and provide the wearer with effective protection • Be suitable for the intended use • Be “CE” marked • Be selected, used and maintained by properly trained people • Be correctly maintained, examined and tested • Be correctly stored.

Prior to 1st July 1995, the HSE approved RPE for use with hazardous substances. However, after 1 July 1995, all RPE is required to be CE marked. The University of Leicester requires all RPE to be CE marked as this indicates that the equipment has met the minimum requirements laid down in the law for its design and manufacture. Consequently, any RPE manufactured before July 1995 should not be used for protection against hazardous substances. Further despite being CE marked, this does not mean the RPE is automatically suitable for the application in the workplace. It is your responsibility to select the correct RPE for use. Records of selection, maintenance and testing must be made and retained.

Selection of RPE.

Facemasks differ in properties and it is important to select a facemask that is appropriate for protection against exposure to the specific hazardous substance or substances that will be encountered. Each facemask is assigned a protective factor (PF) which gives an indication of the level of protection offered against particulates (See appendix 2). These figures give an indication on the Level of respiratory protection that can realistically be expected to be achieved in the workplace by 95% of adequately trained and supervised wearers using a properly functioning and correctly fitted respiratory protective device. A PF4 facemask will reduce the concentration of inhalable

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hazardous substance by a factor of 4, while a PF20 facemask will reduce the concentration of inhalable hazardous substance by a factor of 20. Do not use Nuisance Dust Masks; these are not CE marked, only offer low level protection against large particulates and have not been assigned a PF value.

It is important to note that unless you are using a combined particulate/gas vapour mask, particulate facemasks do not offer protection against gases or vapours and facemasks that are suitable for gases/vapour do not offer protection against particulates. If you are requiring a facemask for protection against gases or vapours, you must ensure that the filter type is appropriate for the substance.

Facemasks and RPE filters have a maximum filtering capacity. Once this capacity is reached then the facemask/filter is no longer offering the required protection and should be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, as a general rule, the following is recommended.

• Do not use past the expiry date and change before any expiry date of the RPE. • FFP1, 2 and 3 facemasks should be replaced daily unless the manufacturer can guarantee

continued protection. • Change when RPE is damaged or visibly contaminated. • Change when the RPE becomes more difficult to breathe through. This will be an indication

of the filtering capacity being reached. • For gas filters, change before the contaminant can be smelled or tasted. If you can smell or

taste the contaminant, you must change the filter immediately. For odourless gases, you must follow the manufacturers recommendations

The HSE has produced some guidance on facemask selection (HSG53 “Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide”) which goes through the details of facemask selection, relating particular risk phrases or substances generated through a particular process to health hazard groups applicable for RPE selection.

The HSE has also produced another document called Asthmagen which based on experimental evidence has evaluated a number of substances to see if they meet the required specification and should be assigned as R42 (May cause sensitisation by inhalation). The substances from Asthmagen that were assigned R42 are summarised in Appendix 1. If the substance is listed in this appendix, you must class it as R42 for the purpose of selecting RPE.

If RPE is to be worn in an oxygen reducing environment, you must supply breathing apparatus style RPE with an independent supply of breathable air.

If in the risk assessment RPE is specified to protect health then it must be worn; there are no exceptions. If there are incompatibilities due to clothing, scarring or other facial features or facial hair, alternate RPE must be sourced that is compatible and this may include powered (fan assisted) respirators with hoods.

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Facefitting

Where tight fitting RPE is selected, there is a requirement to ensure that the RPE fits the wearer properly. The HSE has published a document OC282/28 “Fit testing of respiratory protective equipment facepieces” which gives practical advice in facemask fitting. A number of factors can influence how tight fitting RPE fits and seals, such as facial hair, raised moles or scars. It is important that each wearer is assessed to ensure that the RPE fits properly and without leaks around the mask. Facefitting must be undertaken in the following circumstances.

• When a tightfitting facepiece is used for the first time (this includes changing of the brand or model of facemask).

• When the wearer’s facial appearance changes significantly (e.g. gain/loss of weight, facial hear, scaring)

• When a tightfitting facepiece has been used, but no facefit assessment has been undertaken.

It is also extremely important that facefitting is repeated to ensure that the facepiece fits appropriately and therefore gives continued protection. Where a facepiece is used as the primary control measure such as under CAW, then face-fitting must be repeated every 12 months. However, if RPE is not being used as the primary control measure, then face fitting must be repeated every 24months. There is no requirement to face fit loose fitting RPE like the powered (fan assisted) respirators with hoods.

Training.

A key requirement in the use of RPE is training. A training programme should be established which covers the following areas.

• Why RPE is required • What are the hazards, the risks and the effects of exposure • What RPE is being provided • How does the RPE work • Why fit testing is required (if relevant) • How do you wear and check it correctly • Fit checking before use • What maintenance is required and when • Where and how do you clean and store it • How do you report any problems • Employee and employer responsibilities • Use and misuse of RPE.

The manufacturer of the RPE will be able to give information on the training required to use and maintain their products.

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Storage

RPE must be stored in a safe and clean environment. This must be away from the source of inhalable substances to prevent contamination of the inside of the facemask.

Maintenance.

All RPE, irrespective of style, needs to be checked before use to ensure that it is functioning correctly. These instructions also known as the pre-use fit check should be detailed by the manufacturer. These are the only checks required for single use RPE (i.e. FFP1-NR, FFP2-NR or FFP3-NR). However, for all re-usable RPE, including disposable re-usable (i.e. FFP1-R, FFP2-R and FFP3-R) a thorough maintenance, examination and tests should be carried out on a monthly basis. However RPE that is used infrequently, the interval between inspections can be up to 3 months, BUT it must be inspected before it is next used. Details of maintenance, examination and testing will be available from the manufacturer, and must be recorded with records being kept for a minimum of 5 years.

Disposal

Whether the RPE or parts of the RPE will be considered hazardous will depend on the specific substances that you are exposed to. For example you are using RPE to protect against biological agents, it will be prudent to autoclave the RPE before disposal. You must determine through risk assessment, the most appropriate method of disposal

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Appendix 1: Substances listed as R42 (may cause sensitisation through inhalation) in Asthmagen.

It is unlikely that all these substances will be relevant to the University. However, all are listed for completeness.

List taken from Asthmagen 2001

Azodicarbonamide Some reactive dyes Carmine Rosin-based solder flux fumes Castor BeanDust Some softwood dusts Chloramine-T Spiramycin Chloroplatinates and other halogenoplanates Tetrachlorophthalic anhydride Chromium (IV) compounds Trimellitic anhydride Cobalt (metal and compounds) Coffee bean dust Cow epithelium/ urine Egg protein Crustacean proteins Fish proteins Diazonium salts Henna Ethylediamine Nickel sulphate Glutaraldehyde Opiates Some hardwood dusts Storage mites Isocyanates Alpha amylases Laboratory animal excreta/secreta Bromelains Latex Cephalosporins Maleic anhydride Cockroach material Methyl-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride Flour dusts papan Isapghula penicillins psyllium persulphates Soyabean dust Phthalic anhydride subtilisins Piperazine

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Appendix 2: RPE Selection.

Once RPE is justified through risk assessment you need to select the most appropriate type that will offer the user adequate protection. The RPE selection guide below is just one method of deciding on the most appropriate RPE to use. There are other methods and you are not restricted by methodology. RPE selection is a multi-step process, of which there are three main steps

1) Assign a protection factor based on the hazardous substance characteristics 2) Evaluate influencing factors that may dictate the type of RPE that can be used 3) Look an individual’s facial characteristics and evaluate whether the facemask will be suitable

The details that follow have been summarised from the HSE guidance document HSG53 “Respiratory protective equipment at work”. A form has been produced to help you to record the relevant information when deciding what type of RPE to use and where applicable, a form to record the suitability of a particular facemask with an individual.

In order to assess the most appropriate type of mask, you will need to gather some information.

• The hazardous substance • The amount of substance in use • How volatile or dusty the substance is • What risk phrases are associated with the substance and what health hazard group they

belong to. • Task related factors

o How long you will be working with a particular substance for o How arduous the work is o Is there anything critical to the work e.g. clear vision, communication or mobility o Are there any other factors to take into account. o What is the reason for using RPE o Are you going to be working in a confined area

• Wearer related factors o Facial hair o Facial markings o Spectacles or contact lenses o Whether additional PPR is required o Relevent medical conditions.

The hazardous substance.

What the hazardous substance is, how much is being used and its characteristics will all influence the protective factor (PF) that can be assigned. You need to assign a hazard health group (HHG) to your substance. Table 2 below combines the HSE process-generated substances guide with the Risk phrases guide to assign a particular HHG. Look up the risk phrase in the table and this will give a value a corresponding HHG of A-E. The next step is to decide how much of a substance you are going to use and how dusty or volatile the substance is. Figure 1 is designed to help determine

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volatility base on boiling point and operating temperature. Once the HHG has been defined, you know how much of a substance and its dustiness and volatility, you can use table 3 to determine the PF factor required.

Task Related Factors

There are some factors related to the work itself that can influence the type of RPE selected. This are described below.

How long will you be wearing the RPE for?

RPE can be uncomfortable to wear especially the tightfitting type and if worn for considerable lengths of time, there may be tendency for the worker to loosen or remove RPE. The HSE recommends that unless fitted with fan assisted or compressed air-supplied, tightfitting facepieces should be worn for no longer than 1 hour. If the work period is >1hr, consider using loose fitting facepieces or RPE that are fan assisted or have an air supply.

How vigorous is the work

Work rate can influence the style of mask that needs to be worn. Higher work rates are associated with increased breathing and sweating which can affect the performance of a facepiece. Increased breathing may break the seal allowing contaminants to leak in or sweating may cause the mask to slip. Heavy breathing with a tight fitting mask is uncomfortable and there will be a tendency for the worker to loosen the mask in the working area. The HSE has defined the following for work rate Light: Sedentary working; Medium: sustained hand and arm work or brisk walking; Heavy: heavy manual work.

Clarity of vision or communication

Clarity of vision is an important aspect to consider. If you need to see fine detail, masks that offer full face protection may not be ideal. They can be prone to scratching, misting and other surface contamination. You should consider whether half face masks would be more appropriate. However, if full face protection is required, consider the fan assisted or compressed air fed RPE which tend to be more resistant to misting, or those that offer scratch/misting protection.

If clarity of communication is important, you may need to look at RPE that incorporates communication devices.

Mobility

If you are working in large areas or at different heights, RPE can be a problem and may constitute a safety hazard especially if the RPE is compressed air fed. Trailing hoses can cause a trip hazard, can be snagged or dragged. If trailing hoses cannot be avoided, you may need to provide hose supports or put in place safe systems of work.

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Hazard Health Group A B C D E

R36 R20 R23 R26 R68 R37 R20/21 R23/24 R26/27 Muta cat 3 R38 R20/21/22 R23/24/25 R26/27/28

R20/22 R23/25 R26/28 R21 R24 R27 R40 R21/22 R24/25 R27/28 R22 R25 R28 R42 R42/43 R34 R45 R35 R40 R46 Carc cat 3 R36/37 R48/21 R49 R36/37/38 R48/23/24 R48/23/24/25 R48/23/25 R48/24 R48/24/25 R48/25 R41 R60 R61 R62 R63 R43 R48/20 R48/20/21 R48/20/21/22 R48/20/22 R48/21 R48/21/22 R48/22

Flour dust Cotton dust Rubber fume Lead based dust fume (e.g. removal of lead

paint

Grain dust Rubber process dust Welding/cutting stainless steel Solder flux fume

Wood dust Mineral oil mist (except used engine oil)

Poultry house dust Welding/cutting mild steel

Wool process dust Domestic chimney

Ferrous foundry dust Table 1: Health hazard groups defined by risk phrase or specific processes (see table 2 for meanings of Risk Phrases)

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Risk Phrase Meaning R20 Harmful by inhalation R21 Harmful in contact with skin R22 Harmful if swallowed R23 Toxic by inhalation R24 Toxic in contact with skin R25 Toxic if swallowed R26 Very toxic by inhalation R27 Very toxic in contact with skin R28 Very toxic if swallowed R34 Causes burns R35 Causes severe burns R36 Irritating to eyes R37 Irritating to respiratory system R38 Irritating to skin R40 Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect R41 Risk of serious damage to eyes R42 May cause sensitisation by inhalation R43 May cause sensitisation by skin contact R45 May cause cancer R46 May cause heritable genetic damage R49 May cause cancer by inhalation R60 May impair fertility R61 May cause harm to the unborn child R62 Possible risk of impaired fertility R63 Possible risk of harm to the unborn child R68 Possible risk of irreversible effects R20/21 Harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin R20/22 Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed R20/21/22 Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed R21/22 Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed R23/24 Toxic by inhalation and in contact with skin R23/25 Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed R23/24/25 Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed R24/25 Toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed R26/27 Very toxic by inhalation and in contact with skin R26/28 Very toxic by inhalation and if swallowed R26/27/28 Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed R27/28 Very toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed R36/37 Irritating to eyes and respiratory system R36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin R42/43 May cause sensitization by inhalation and skin contact R48/20 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation R48/21 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin R48/22 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if swallowed R48/20/21 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and in contact with skin R48/20/22 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and if swallowed R48/21/22 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin and if swallowed R48/20/21/22 Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed R48/23 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation R48/24 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin R48/25 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if swallowed R48/23/24 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and in contact with skin R48/23/25 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation and if swallowed R48/24/25 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin and if swallowed R48/23/24/25 Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed

Table 2: List of risk phrases and their meaning.

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Figure 2: Estimates of volatility based on boiling point and operating temperature.

Hazard health group Amount Dustiness/volatility Low Medium High

A Small - - - Medium - 4 10

Large 4 10 20

B Small - 4 4 Medium - 10 20

Large 10 20 40

C Small - 4 4 Medium 10 10 20

Large 20 20 40

D Small 10 20 40 Medium 20 40 40

Large 20 40 2000

E Small 10 20 40 Medium 20 40 40

Large 20 40 2000 Table 3: Required protection factor. For amount: small: <1kg or 1litre, medium 1-100kg or 1litre to 250litre, large >100kg or >250litre. For dustiness/volatility Low: substance is either pellets, waxy flakes or pill like solids that do not break up easily. No dust is produced and little or no dust in the area. Medium: Crystalline granular solid and dust (visible and settles quickly). Fume or mist formed close to task, but dissipates quickly. High: Fine powder, fume or mist. Dust cloud, fume or mist is formed and remains in the air for several minutes.

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Confined working

Confined working has two issues. Firstly, there may be an issue with oxygen depletion, oxygen enrichment or the creation of potentially explosive atmospheres. The second is the RPE may affect movement within the confined area. Thus depending on the work area, you may need to look for RPE that is intrinsically safe, light-alloy free and antistatic, and or less bulky and restrictive.

Abnormal temperature and humidity

Working in hot and humid conditions may lead to heat stress, sweating and discomfort and you may need to look at using fan-assisted or compressed air supplied facemask. However, using fan-assisted or compressed air supplied facemasks in extreme cold may cause chilling effects. Some manufactures supply heating and cooling devices for their RPE.

Power tools

Power tools can affect the performance of RPE. You need to ensure that any air jets from the tools do not impact on RPE valves located within the masks. If you are feeding both tools and your air supply from the same compressor, you must ensure that the compressor is capable of outputting enough air for both devices at the same time.

Wearer related factors.

It is important to take into account a workers characteristics when selecting RPE. Any items worn on the head for fashion, cosmetic or religious reasons can restrict the choice of RPE for that individual. If the cannot be eliminated, a loose fitting hood worn over the accessory may be acceptable provided it gives the appropriate protection.

Facial Hair

Facial hair in the region where a mask will seal can cause a facemask to leak compromising the protection. If facial hair cannot be eliminated, then you should consider the use of loose fitting facepieces.

Facial Markings

Moles, scars, deep cuts, wrinkles etc. can affect the way a facemask seals. If these are present in the face seal area, you will need to consider wearing loose fit facepieces.

Spectacles and contact lenses.

Spectacles with side arms are generally incompatible with full face masks because the side arms break the face seal. The may also interfere with the correct fitting of half masks especially around

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the nose bridge area. Special consideration and training needs to be given to contact lens or spectacle wearers. You need to take into account:

• If lenses are dislodged, the wearer may remove RPE to replace them while still in the hazardous area, leading to exposure

• A dislodged lens may jam in one of the RPE valves, leading to loss of protection • Contact lens wearers may be more susceptible to discomfort from the drying effects

of air flows.

The use of other PPE

You need to factor in the requirement for other PPE such as eye, ear, facial or head protection. Whatever the requirement, the PPE must work together. Where possible, choose equipment that are integrally combined

Medical conditions

It is important to consider medical conditions when selecting RPE. This includes claustrophobia, heart disease, hearing defects, asthma and other respiratory disease. Day to day coughs/colds and skin conditions as well as pregnancy are also relevant here.

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Table 4: Requirements and standards required for various RPE likely to be used within the University of Leicester:

Where qualitative test has been suggested, quantitative can also be used. Please consult HSG53 for further details of RPE which requires an independent air supply which are not covered

above. * you need to confirm the PF factor with the manufacturers as this will vary depending on the particle filter incorporated (if any) in the main filter

Mask type Common code Protection factor Fit test requirement Work rate Wear time Standards Half mask particle respirator FFP1 4 Qualitative Medium <1hr EN149 Half mask particle respirator FFP2 10 Qualitative Medium <1hr EN149 Half mask particle respirator FFP3 20 Qualitative Medium <1hr EN149 Half mask particle respirator FMP1 4 Qualitative Medium <1hr EN1827 Half mask particle respirator FMP2 10 Qualitative Medium <1hr EN1827 Half mask particle respirator FMP3 20 Qualitative Medium <1hr EN1827 Half mask particle respirator P1 4 Qualitative Medium <1hr EN140 (Mask)

EN143 (Filter) Half mask particle respirator P2 10 Qualitative Medium <1hr EN140 (Mask)

EN143 (Filter) Half mask particle respirator P3 20 Qualitative Medium <1hr EN140 (Mask)

EN143 (Filter) Half mask gas/vapour FFGas 10* Qualitative Medium <1hr EN405

Half mask gas/vapour FMGas 10* Qualitative Medium <1hr EN1827

Half mask gas/vapour Gas 10* Qualitative Medium <1hr En140 (Mask) EN14387 (Filter)

Full face particle respirator P1 4 Quantitative Medium <1hr EN136 (Mask) EN143 (filter)

Full face particle respirator P2 10 Quantitative Medium <1hr EN136 (Mask) EN143 (filter)

Full face particle respirator P3 40 Quantitative Medium <1hr EN136 (Mask) EN143 (filter)

Full face gas/vapour respirator Gas 20* Quantitative Medium <1hr EN136 (Mask) EN14387 (Filter)

Fan assisted respirator with mask TM1 10 Half mask-qualitative Full mask-quantitative Medium >1hr EN12942

Fan assisted respirator with mask TM2 20 Half mask-qualitative Full mask-quantitative Medium >1hr EN12942

Fan assisted respirator with mask TM3 40 Half mask-qualitative Full mask-quantitative Medium >1hr EN12942

Fan assisted respirator with hood TH1 10 No Medium >1hr EN12941

Fan assisted respirator with hood TH2 20 No Medium >1hr EN12941

Fan assisted respirator with hood TH3 40 No Medium >1hr EN12941

Respirator Selection Form

Signature of assessor Review period

Name Department Date of assessment

Section

Work Details Location Work Duration

Work frequency

Control Measures: What control measures are being used to reduce exposure? Reason for using RPE Residual Risk Short duration work Emergency escape

Interim measure Confined space working Emergency work/rescue Unsure No Yes If you are unsure, seek

specialist advice. If yes you must comply with Confined spaces regulations. Use only breathing apparatus with PF of 40, unless a higher PF is indicated below.

Additional protection in case of control measure failure

Confined space?

Risk of oxygen deficiency?

Substance release?

Substance Risk Phrase Health Hazard Group Amount Dust/volatility PF

Highest PF required

Task related factors Work rate (heavy medium light) Clarity of vision critical Wear time <1hr, >1hr Clarity of communication

critical

Abnormal temperatures or humidity

Congested work area

Power tools used (list below) Potentially explosive area Mobility critical RPE Selected

RPE type Make Model Filter type Rating? Tight fitting? BA Respiratory Respiratory

Appendix 4: Fit testing

Where tight fitting masks have been selected, fit testing is a formal requirement. The HSE has produced a document, OC 282/28 “Fit testing of respiratory protective equipment facepieces” which gives practical advice regarding fit testing. As this document is directed towards HSE inspectors, it also gives an idea what they will be inspecting. At the end of this document is a face fit form that can be used, but it is designed for qualitative testing only.

Fit testing must be undertaken by a competent person. To be competent, the person should have knowledge and have received instruction and training in face-fitting and the HSE regulations and approved codes of practice governing their use. One way of ensuring that the person is competent to partake in the fit tester accreditation scheme that is supported by the HSE (http://www.fit2fit.org).

Ideally, the wearer should be fit tested with the mask they will be wearing. If that is not available, an identical mask should be used. Fit testing falls into two categories, qualitative and quantitative. A number of exercises need to be performed to ensure that the facepiece is fitted adequate. Each task is designed to stress the fit of the facemask and should be performed for 1 minute.

Table 5: Exercises suggested when face fit testing RPE.

Exercise Description

1) Normal breathing The wearer should breath normally with no head movements or

talking

2) Deep breathing The wearer should breathe slowly and deeply, taking care so as

not to hyperventilate

3) Turning head side to side The wearer should slowly turn their head from side to side

(approximately 15-20 times/min) The head shall be held at each

extreme momentarily so the wearer can inhale at each side

4) Moving head up and down The wearer should slowly move their head up and down

(approximately 15-20 times/min). The wearer should be

instructed to inhale in the up position (i.e. when looking to the

ceiling)

5) Talking The wearer should talk out loud slowly and loud enough so as to

be heard by the fit tester. The should read a prepared passage or

count down from 100

6) Bending over The wearer should stand and bend at the waist as if to touch

their toes and then return to an upright position. Repeat

approximately 10-15 times per min.

7) Normal breathing Same as exercise 1

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Qualitative fit testing

Qualitative fit testing is a simple pass/fail test based on the wearer’s subjective assessment of leakage via the face seal region of a test agent. This test is very simple to perform but is only suitable for half facemasks and half filtering facepieces. They are not suitable for full face masks. The test agent may be a bitter or sweet compound, or may be an odour based compound.

Quantitative fit testing.

Quantitative fit testing provides an objective measure of face fit. This test requires specialist equipment and is more complicated to carry out than qualitative methods. Furthermore, quantitative testing should be performed whilst the wearer is either cycling on an exercise bike, walking on a treadmill or carrying out a stepping exercise. Quantitative methods are required for full face masks. However, due to the complexity of quantitative testing with the equipment required and assigning fit factors you are advised to seek the assistance of face-fit specialists.

References

The control of substances hazardous to health regulations 2002 (as amended). Approved Code of Practice and guidance L5 (Fifth edition). HSE Books 2005 ISBN 0 7176 2981 3 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l5.htm

The control of lead at Work regulations 2002- Approved code of practice and guidance L132 (Third edition). HSE Books 2002 ISN 0 7176 2565 6 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l132.htm

Work with Materials containing asbestos. Control of Asbestos regulations 2006. Approved code of practice and guidance L143 HSE Books 2006 0 7176 6206 3 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l143.htm

Work with ionising radiation. Ionising radiations regulations 1999. Approved code of practice and guidance L121 HSE Boks 2000 ISBN 0 7176 1746 3 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l121.htm

Safe work in confined spaces. Confined spaces regulations 1997. Approved code of practice and guidance L101 HSE Books 2009 ISBN 0 7176 6233 3 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l101.htm

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended)Guidance on Regulations L25 (second edition) ISBN 0 7176 6139 8 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l25.htm

Respiratory protective equipment at work. A practical guide. HSG53 (third edition) ISBN 0 7176 2904 6 http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubs/books/hsg53.htm

Asthmagen? Critical assessments of the evidence for agents implicated in occupational asthma First published 1997 (Amended 1998, 2001) http://www.hse.gov.uk/asthma/

Fit testing of respiratory protective equipment facepieces OC 282/28 HSE 2003 revised 2010. http://www.hse.gov.uk/internalops

Face fit assessment (Qualitative Only)

21

Name Make/Model/Size

Date of assessment Mask tested (own, company pool or test facepiece)

Process for which the facemask is worn

Serial number (if applicable)

How often should this assessment be reviewed

Condition of tested facepiece

Personal Characteristics Headgear (turban, etc.) Spectacles/ contact lenses

Facial hair Eye, head, ear or facial protection

Facial markings (e.g. raised moles, piercings)

Medical condition

Test Substance

Exercise taken (yes/no)

Pass/fail Did the test get repeated

Why was the test repeated

Comments

Normal Breathing

Deep breathing

Turing head side to side

Moving head up and down

Talking

Bending over

Normal breathing

Face mask suitable?

Fit testers Name

Department

Signature