Case Study
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) Fit Testing
The Client
Health and Safety Executive
Various NHS Primary Care Trusts
A wide range of clients from industry sectors such as construction,
pharmaceuticals, chemicals, utilities, agriculture.
The Problem
No RPE can provide optimum performance if it leaks, and one of
the main sources of leakage is poor fit of a mask to the face of
the wearer. As a result of both fie
ld
and laboratory studies into respirator performance, regulations
(such as the Control of Asbestos Regulations), and general HSE
guidance on the use of RPE (HSG 53, supporting the Control of
Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations) require that fit
testing is included as an integral part of an RPE programme for
mask-based devices.
What We Did
The best time to conduct fit testing is at the initial selection
stage, when individual users should be given a choice of adequate
models of RPE. HSL can measure fit using the full range of
recognised techniques, from the chamber-based assessments using
either particle or gas tracer techniques adapted from European
Standards for the certification of RPE, through the quantitative
Portacount ambient particle counting method, to the subjective
taste-based methods which are only applicable to half masks and
filtering facepieces. We have routinely applied these techniques to
assist HSE in complying with its own legislation and guidance, by
ensuring that individual HSE inspectors are issued with the right
model and size of RPE for them. We have assisted numerous other
organisations to do the same. In addition, as the technical authors
of HSE's specific guidance on fit testing (HSE 282/28), we have
provided either general or bespoke training to many organisations
and individuals who want to carry out their own fit testing.
Outcome/Benefits
Clients are one step further towards achieving full compliance
with the letter and spirit of the law regarding correct use of RPE.
As a consequence, RPE users are more likely to be receiving the
optimum level of protection from their RPE, and therefore less
likely to suffer ill health as a result of their work.
HSL continues to develop our own practical and technical
experience and expertise in this area, feeding directly back into
both the evolution of HSE guidance on fit testing, and the
competence assessment scheme for fit testers (Fit2Fit) being
developed by British Safety Industry Federation.
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