S06 HSSRME 2 2021 Respiratory protection_Layout 1 30/06/2021 16:34 Page 16
respiratory protection
Save lives with correctly fitted RPE
“The RPE needs to be adequate for the hazard identified and needs to be suitable for the individual wearing it as well as the tasks they are carrying out.”
lan Murry, CEO of BSIF.
Ian Murry and Nick Baxter at the HSM/BSIF PPE Digital Conference 2021.
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Image Credit: HSM/BSIF
Nick Baxter, PPE and RPE specialist at HSE’s Science and Research Centre, and Alan Murry, CEO of BSIF, speaking at the HSM/BSIF PPE Digital Conference, discussed the importance of fit testing to ensure employees are protected against workplace hazards.
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ach year thousands of people are killed or suffer illness from airborne exposures at work, much of which could be avoided if appropriate and properly fitted RPE was worn. To explain the importance of correctly fitted RPE, Nick Baxter and Alan Murry gave a presentation at the HSM/BSIF PPE Digital Conference 2021. Opening the session, Murry commented, “Elimination of a hazard is the first consideration in a hierarchy of control, followed by substitution and isolation. But in many circumstances, use of the correct
fit-for-purpose RPE supported by the appropriate training of the wearer is the most appropriate method of control.” In HSE’s RR1029 report, 25 volunteers wearing nine different RPE models underwent four different fit tests in random order. The results made clear that a significant proportion of the masks tested did not fit the range of users, leaving them exposed to potential hazards. Murry said, “The HSE test demonstrated the importance of fit testing to establish a suitable mask for the individual wearer. Not all masks will fit all head shapes, and so it is vital that fit
testing is carried out by a competent person. The RPE needs to be adequate for the hazard identified and needs to be suitable for the individual wearing it as well as the tasks they are carrying out.” Baxted commented, “Unfortunately, often when people wear masks they do not wear them properly with three main things done incorrectly: the nose clip is not fitted, the straps are positioned incorrectly (ideally they want to be over the crown of the head and back of the head), and finally masks are often worn with facial hair.” Baxter proceeded to outline the
ISSUE 2 2021 | www.hssreview.me
