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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.
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Health and Safety Executive
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.
■ (^) 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.
✓ 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.
✓ 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’.
✓ 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.
✓ 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.
✓ 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.
■ (^) 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/