Docsity
Docsity

Prepare for your exams
Prepare for your exams

Study with the several resources on Docsity


Earn points to download
Earn points to download

Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan


Guidelines and tips
Guidelines and tips

Selecting & Using Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) for Worker Health (APF 40+), Study notes of Engineering

Essential information for employers and trade union safety representatives to help comply with the control of substances hazardous to health regulations 2002 (coshh) in the uk. It covers the selection, use, and maintenance of rpe with an assigned protection factor (apf) of 40 or more, including full face masks, powered hoods, and power-assisted full face masks. The document also emphasizes the importance of planning, training, and regular checks to ensure effective protection.

What you will learn

  • What types of RPE are available for use with an APF of 40 or more?
  • Under what circumstances should RPE be used instead of engineering controls?
  • What is the importance of fit testing and training for RPE users?

Typology: Study notes

2021/2022

Uploaded on 09/12/2022

michaelporter
michaelporter 🇺🇸

4.4

(27)

287 documents

1 / 3

Toggle sidebar

This page cannot be seen from the preview

Don't miss anything!

bg1
4
Health and Safety
Executive
R4 UK Standard Assigned
Protection Factor 40
COSHH essentials:
Respiratory protective (APF 40)
equipment (RPE)
Contr
ol approach R Supplementary advice
This information will help
employers comply with the
Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health
Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as
amended, to control exposure to chemicals
and protect workers’ health.
It is also useful for trade union safety
representatives.
The sheet covers how to select and use
RPE with a UK APF of 40.
It is important to follow all the points, or
use equally effective measures.
RPE is not a substitute for engineering
controls. It is difficult to use, expensive in
the longer run, and always fails to danger.
If you are using the right controls, RPE is
not normally needed. However, some
processes always need RPE.
You should use RPE:
while you are planning to install engineering control;
clearing up a spillage;
maintenance;
emergencies;
cleaning, eg pressure washing;
a short term one-off procedure; and
whenever required for safe working.
Selection of RPE with an APF of 40 or more
RPE is designed to help protect workers from dusts, fumes, vapours or
gases. This sheet describes respirators that filter contaminated air. Fill
in the selection table on page three and show it, with safety data
sheets, to your RPE supplier.
Types of RPE available are:
full face mask EN 136 and P3 filter;
powered hood, helmet or blouse model TH3 EN 146/EN 12941; and
power-assisted full face mask model TM3 EN 147/EN 12942.
Caution: These are not suitable for use in confined spaces.
Planning and preparation
Plan for and practice emergency procedures.
Get up-to-date safety data sheets for all chemicals and products.
Make sure you get initial fit testing done. Ask the supplier for help in fit
testing and arranging training, or contact BOHS - see ‘Further
information’.
Using RPE
Wearers must be medically fit to wear RPE – seek medical advice if
you are not sure.
All types of RPE restrict what the wearer can do. It is uncomfortable to
wear, particularly for long periods of time.
The RPE has to be worn all the time, and until the wearer is away from
the contaminated air.
The RPE needs to fit the person. If the RPE depends on a face seal, it
won’t work if the worker has face hair or stubble.
pf3

Partial preview of the text

Download Selecting & Using Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) for Worker Health (APF 40+) and more Study notes Engineering in PDF only on Docsity!

Health and Safety Executive

R

UK Standard Assigned

Protection Factor 40

COSHH essentials:

Respiratory protective

(APF 40)

equipment (RPE) Control approach R Supplementary advice

This information will help employers comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended, to control exposure to chemicals and protect workers’ health. It is also useful for trade union safety representatives. The sheet covers how to select and use RPE with a UK APF of 40. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures. RPE is not a substitute for engineering controls. It is difficult to use, expensive in the longer run, and always fails to danger. If you are using the right controls, RPE is not normally needed. However, some processes always need RPE.

You should use RPE:

■ (^) while you are planning to install engineering control; ■ (^) clearing up a spillage; ■ (^) maintenance; ■ (^) emergencies; ■ (^) cleaning, eg pressure washing; ■ (^) a short term one-off procedure; and ■ (^) whenever required for safe working.

Selection of RPE with an APF of 40 or more

✓ RPE is designed to help protect workers from dusts, fumes, vapours or gases. This sheet describes respirators that filter contaminated air. Fill in the selection table on page three and show it, with safety data sheets, to your RPE supplier.

Types of RPE available are:

■ (^) full face mask EN 136 and P3 filter; ■ (^) powered hood, helmet or blouse model TH3 EN 146/EN 12941; and ■ (^) power-assisted full face mask model TM3 EN 147/EN 12942. Caution: These are not suitable for use in confined spaces.

Planning and preparation

✓ Plan for and practice emergency procedures. ✓ Get up-to-date safety data sheets for all chemicals and products. ✓ Make sure you get initial fit testing done. Ask the supplier for help in fit testing and arranging training, or contact BOHS - see ‘Further information’.

Using RPE

✓ Wearers must be medically fit to wear RPE – seek medical advice if you are not sure. ✓ All types of RPE restrict what the wearer can do. It is uncomfortable to wear, particularly for long periods of time. ✓ The RPE has to be worn all the time, and until the wearer is away from the contaminated air. ✓ The RPE needs to fit the person. If the RPE depends on a face seal, it won’t work if the worker has face hair or stubble.

Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) R4 - APF

✓ Users should check the fit every time they put on RPE. ✓ Change the filters on respirators regularly – your supplier may be able to advise you.

Maintenance

✓ Keep RPE clean and in good working order – follow the manufacturers’ instructions. ✓ Maintain RPE at least once every three months. Replace valves, face seals and worn or damaged parts on respirators. The valves need changing frequently if substances such as paint sprays land on them. ✓ Store RPE in a safe place, away from contamination. ✓ Keep a small stock of replaceable parts. ✓ Remember to check the expiry dates on RPE and filters. Caution: Make sure the correct filter is fitted.

Training

✓ Make sure that RPE users know how to check their equipment is working properly before they put it on, how to check face fit, how to replace worn or defective parts, and know about the RPE’s limitations. ✓ Instruct users to throw away disposable RPE after one use. ✓ Tell workers to stop work and leave the area if they think their RPE isn’t working properly. ✓ Your RPE supplier may be able to advise you on training.

Further Information

■ (^) Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide HSG53 (Third edition) HSE Books 2005 ISBN 0 7176 2904 X ■ (^) Contact the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) on 01332 298101 or at www.bohs.org for lists of qualified hygienists who can help you.

This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the guidance is not compulsory and you are free to take other action. But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance as illustrating good practice. Published by the Health and Safety Executive 04/