Filtering or powered respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus, emergency escape breathing devices, self-rescuers plus more… Many of these these are known as respiratory protective equipment! The question is: when should you use them, and even more importantly, how will you choose the best equipment to offer maximum protection?

This is a good practice guide to allow you to select the right sort of respiratory protection.

When must you use respiratory protection?

Before you make the wearing of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) mandatory, it is very important implement other prevention solutions like finding substitutes for hazardous substances or installing air purification techniques (closing off processes, trapping pollutants, ventilating the premises, etc.). If it is not possible to put these measures set up, or if perhaps they are insufficient, you will have to provide respiratory protective equipment.

Respiratory protective clothing is used:

When there is a threat that a person’s health will likely be altered on account of inhaling air that is polluted by gases, vapours, dust and aerosols or by oxygen-depleted air on the job;

When intervening to tackle a fire or gas leak, along with closed spaces in which the atmosphere may become dangerous as a result of inhalation;

In closed areas by having an insufficient oxygen supply (contaminated areas).

There are several kinds of respiratory protective equipment ideal for each situation and specific field. They work by placing a physical barrier involving the polluted atmosphere in the workplace and also the worker’s face (respiratory tract, eyes, skin). These units are classed as Personal Protective Equipment, so it will be important to make the right option to make sure you are well protected.

Accomplish an assessment from the workstation

You’ll want to define the physical conditions people beforehand:

Oxygen level

Sort of pollutants (gas, vapours, dust, etc.)

Toxicity in the pollutants

Worst-case-scenario concentrations of each kind of pollutant via a flight

Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs), if appropriate

Dimensions of the particles when it comes to aerosols

Physical exercise of the user

Amount of the project to become completed

Related risks (projection of fluids, fire, etc.)

Respiratory equipment selection guide

There are two broad groups of respiratory protective gear:

Self-contained breathing apparatus

The device supplies breathable air from an outside source. The user isn’t dependent upon the ambient air

May be used in closed and confined spaces

Use this kind of protection if you have any doubt concerning the company’s air, and in all atmospheres by having an oxygen level < 17%

Filtering respirators

The gear filters and purifies the contaminated air. The user breathes the ambient air.

The ambient air must contain between 17 and 21% oxygen

That will help you determine the kind of respiratory protective gear best suited to your demands, we now have provided a decision-making chart based on the following questions:

With what situation will the respiratory protective equipment provide?

Is there a oxygen level during work? Note: an ordinary oxygen level is between 17 and 21%

Which kind of pollutant is involved and how toxic is it?

What is the OEL, or permissible concentration degree of the pollutant?

After choosing equipment family (filtering or powered respirator, self-contained breathing apparatus, emergency escape breathing devices or self-rescuers), you need to determine the minimum required Protection Factor (PF).

Minimum required PF = Energy contaminant outside the facepiece / Permissible power of contaminant in the facepiece, or OEL.

To make certain sufficient protection, the Nominal Protection Factor (NPF) and also the Assigned Protection Factor (APF) must be greater than the minimum required Protection Factor (PF).

By way of example: when choosing a filtering respirator (gas mask), you have to select the best suited equipment depending on the protection levels shown within the table and select the proper filter (type and sophistication)

After choosing equipment family (filtering or powered respirator, self-contained breathing apparatus, emergency escape breathing devices or self-rescuers), you have to determine the minimum required Protection Factor (PF).

Minimum required PF = Energy contaminant outside of the facepiece / Permissible power of contaminant within the facepiece, or OEL.

To make certain sufficient protection, the Nominal Protection Factor (NPF) and also the Assigned Protection Factor (APF) have to be in excess of the minimum required Protection Factor (PF).

For example: when deciding on self-contained breathing apparatus, you have to choose the best suited equipment using the protection levels shown within the table and pick the proper filter (type and class).

Equipment fitted to the task situation

When you have determined the right class of respiratory protective gear, you should be capable to adapt the device towards the work situation. It is essential to involve future users in the shopping process as they are individuals who are best able to describe their activity.

These parameters need to be looked at:

Physical characteristics with the wearer (beard, face scars, etc.) that may determine the size and design of protection (helmet, hood, facepiece, etc.)

If the person wears contacts or glasses, because there are special devices for attaching glasses

Work patterns: air line breathing systems are better fitted to more serious work; powered respirators can be utilized in the event the flow is sufficient to offset the negative pressure

How long for which the equipment will probably be worn: it is better to select powered filtering respirators in order to wear them for longer than An hour

Visibility requirements: with respect to the needs, natural meats recommend panoramic facepieces for improved visibility, single-use visors or hoods which has a replaceable visor offering eye protection in the case of projections

Communication requirements: you can find models with phonic membranes and voice amplifiers enabling communication in harsh conditions for example confined spaces

Other personal protective equipment and accessories to use: particular sorts of equipment have integrated head, eye, ear and respiratory system protection – they may be a good choice for welding operations, for example.

Decontamination requirements applicable to respiratory protective gear

Thermal constraints

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