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11 May 2005 - HSE Publication of New
Revised Guidance on RPE Selection and Safe Use
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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have published a revised
updated guidance for the correct and safe use of Respiratory Protective
Equipment (RPE), entitled Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work: A
Practical Guide.
The new guidance provides employers, safety reps and
manufacturers who either use or supply RPE with advice for it's correct use as
the law requires.
Some of the features within the new guidance booklet are as
follows:
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A new RPE Selector tool, a step-by-step questionnaire, allows
the user to make the decision of when it is appropriate to use RPE and select
the correct level of protection required.
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Illustrations are provided to ensure the most comfortable design
and the type of environment required to be worn in.
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Examples of the misuses of RPE and how to prevent them are
included.
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Tips and advice are provided within the guidance in order that
RPE continues to work safely for the wearer.
In respect of the law, the use of RPE holds 5 areas of
Regulation, including The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
and The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations and specifies requirements for
the correct use of RPE in the workplace as follows:
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To be adequate and provide the wearer with effective protection.
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To be suitable for the intended use.
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To be 'CE'-marked.
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To be selected, used and maintained by properly trained people.
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To be correctly maintained, examined and tested.
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To be correctly stored.
Dr. Bob Rajan, HSE Chemical Risk Assessment and Control Group
commented:
"Every year, UK industry spends around £250 million on RPE,
but a sizeable portion of this money is wasted because the equipment selected is
not right for the job or used wrongly. This can result in RPE wearers being
exposed to avoidable hazards to their health or even life. Chronic ill health,
respiratory sensitisation, and - particularly in confined spaces - deaths have
all occurred because employers have failed to provide RPE matched to the risks,
the work environment and the user."
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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