Respiratory protective equipment at work A practical guide

HSG53 (Fourth edition, published 2013).

You can buy the book at www.hsebooks.co.uk and most bookshops.

ISBN 978 0 7176 6454 2

This book provides guidance on the selection and use of adequate and suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) in the workplace, in order to comply with the law.

It tells you when you can use RPE, using a simple step-by-step approach. It helps you to decide the adequate level of protection for a given hazardous substance and how to select RPE that is suitable for the particular wearer, task and work environment. It also contains advice on how to make sure that the selected RPE This is a web-friendly keeps working effectively. version of HSG53 published 05/13

© Crown copyright 2013

Second edition 1998 Third edition 2005 Fourth edition 2013

ISBN 978 0 7176 6454 2

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This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the guidance is not compulsory, unless specifically stated, 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.

Contents Introduction 5 Section 4 Using RPE 22

What is in this guide and how to use it 5 Management and supervision 22 Training 23 Fit testing 23 Section 1 RPE explained 6 Awareness 23 Designated areas 23 RPE types 6 Dos and don’ts 24 RPE filters 7 Breathing apparatus 7 Section 5 Maintaining RPE 25

Section 2 What the law says 8 Maintenance 25 Disposal 26 Deciding to use RPE 8 Storage 26 Consulting employees and safety Air quality 26 representatives 8 Specific requirements for RPE use 9 CE marking 9 Appendices 28 The Regulations 10 Accidents involving RPE 10 Appendix 1 RPE types 28 Appendix 2 Filters 43 Appendix 3 Quality of air for breathing Section 3 Selecting RPE that apparatus 47 is adequate and suitable 11 Appendix 4 Fit testing 49 Appendix 5 Selecting adequate and Introduction 11 suitable RPE: Some case studies 51 Selecting RPE adequate against the Appendix 6 Selecting RPE for hazard 11 radioactive or biological hazards 55 Identifying the exposure hazard 11 Forms of substance 13 Matching filters to the substance and References 57 its form 14 Deciding on the protection factor 14 Selecting RPE suited to the wearer, Further information 59 task and environment 18 Suitability factors 18 Carrying out a fit test 19 Further information 19

Overview of this guide Section 1 RPE explained What it is, where it is used and the types covered

Section 2 What the law says The COSHH risk assessment and your legal responsibilities

Section 3 Selecting RPE that is adequate and suitable Matching RPE to the hazard, wearer, task and environment

Section 4 Using RPE Ensuring the RPE you use protects the wearer

Section 5 Maintaining RPE How to make sure the RPE you use continues to provide protection

Appendices Additional technical information and case studies of RPE use

References

Introduction 1 Many workers wear respirators or breathing apparatus to protect their health in the workplace. These devices are collectively known as respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Respirators filter the air to remove harmful substances and breathing apparatus (BA) provides clean air for the worker to breathe.

2 This guide will help those who have responsibility for the use of RPE at work. You may be an employer or self-employed. It supports the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) to the Regulations that apply (see paragraphs 36–39).

3 Those responsible for managing staff health and safety, safety representatives, health and safety specialists, manufacturers and suppliers of RPE will find this guide useful.

What is in this guide and how to use it

4 As an employer, you have a legal responsibility under all the Regulations listed in paragraphs 36–39 to control substances hazardous to health in your workplace, and to prevent and adequately control your employees’ exposure to those substances. Provision of RPE may be necessary as part of your control regime.

5 The guide assumes you are considering the use of RPE based on your COSHH risk assessment (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002).1 The hazard and risk information gathered in your COSHH risk assessment is required to select the correct RPE.

6 The guide contains practical guidelines to help you select the correct RPE and manage its use in your workplace to ensure effective protection. The process of selection and management of RPE is split into key steps. The guide has been colour-coded to help direct you through the process (see ‘Overview of this guide’).

7 This guidance has been prepared by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in consultation with industry: employers, trade unions and trade associations.

Section 1 RPE explained 8 Work activities may result in harmful substances contaminating the air in the form of dust, mist, vapour, gas or fume. For example, when:

■■ cutting a material such as stone or wood; ■■ using a product containing volatile solvents; ■■ handling a dusty powder; ■■ welding stainless steel.

9 Workers may also need to work in areas where oxygen levels are or may become low, for example:

■■ confined spaces, such as a trench, silo or tank.

10 RPE is a particular type of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to protect the wearer from breathing in harmful substances or from oxygen-deficient atmospheres when other controls are either not possible or insufficient on their own.

RPE types

11 There are many different RPE types designed to:

■■ protect the wearer from a variety of hazards; ■■ suit a variety of work situations; ■■ match the specific requirements of the wearer.

Warning: Respirators must not be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres. You will require suitable breathing apparatus and should seek professional advice. The HSE publication L101 Safe work in confined spaces2 provides further information.

12 RPE is available in different sizes to allow for the facial differences of workers. Gender, ethnicity, build and many other factors mean that one size of facepiece will not fit everyone. Figure 1 shows some of the common types of RPE. Appendix 1 details the different types of available RPE.

13 RPE must be both adequate and suitable:

■■ Adequate – It is right for the hazard and reduces exposure to the level required to protect the wearer’s health. ■■ Suitable – It is right for the wearer, task and environment, such that the wearer can work freely and without additional risks due to the RPE.

14 The two main types of RPE are respirators and breathing apparatus:

■■ Respirators (filtering devices) use filters to remove contaminants from the air being breathed in. They can be either: ■■non-powered respirators – relying on the wearer’s breathing to draw air through the filter; or ■■powered respirators – using a motor to pass air through the filter to give a supply of clean air. Figure 1 RPE types

■■ Breathing apparatus needs a supply of breathing-quality air from an independent source (eg air cylinder or air compressor see Figure 2).

15 Respirators and BA are available in a range of styles, dividing into two main groups:

■■ Tight-fitting facepieces (often referred to as masks) rely on having a good seal with the wearer’s face. These are available as both non-powered and powered respirators and BA. A face fit test should be carried out to ensure the RPE can protect the wearer (see paragraphs 71 and 72). ■■ Loose-fitting facepieces rely on enough clean air being provided to the wearer to prevent contaminant leaking in (only available as powered respirators or BA). Examples are hoods, helmets, visors, blouses and suits.

RPE filters

16 A key component of any respirator is the filter. Filters are available for solid or liquid particles, vapours and gases (see Table 1). They can be an intrinsic part of the device or come separately so they can be changed on a reusable respirator.

17 It is vital that you choose the correct filter, which will be effective against the hazard. Appendix 2 gives more detail on filter types.

Breathing apparatus

18 There are different types but all:

■■ will supply air from an independent source such as a compressed air cylinder or air compressor; ■■ can be used against a range of airborne hazards and in different atmospheres.

Figure 2 One type of breathing apparatus

Section 2 What the law says Deciding to use RPE

19 The laws governing the control of harmful substances in the workplace, and their supporting ACOP, say that you should only use RPE after you have taken all other reasonably practicable measures to prevent or control exposure. By going through the risk assessment process required by these laws, you can determine whether the use of RPE is necessary in your workplace. If you write your justification for using RPE on your risk assessment record you should remember the reasons behind your chosen control regime and be able to adapt it in the future as necessary. If you have fewer than five employees you are not legally required to record your risk assessment.

20 You should only select and use RPE:

■■ where an inhalation exposure risk remains after you have put in place other reasonable controls (residual risk); ■■ while you are putting in place other control measures (interim measures); ■■ for emergency work or temporary failure of controls where other means of control are not reasonably practicable; ■■ for short-term or infrequent exposure, such as during maintenance work, where you decide that other controls at the source of the exposure are not reasonably practicable.

21 There are situations where specialist advice may be needed to select the right RPE. These include:

■■ emergency escape – where you need to provide RPE for safe exit from an area where hazardous substances may be released suddenly after control systems fail; ■■ emergency rescue.

22 Under the law, RPE is the last line of protection. Remember, RPE can protect only the wearer and if it is used incorrectly, or is poorly maintained, it is unlikely to provide the required protection. Note also that RPE can be uncomfortable to wear and may interfere with work, which can lead to incorrect use.

Consulting employees and safety representatives

23 When implementing health and safety measures, including the selection and use of RPE, you must consult either:

■■ safety representatives appointed by recognised trade unions; ■■ employees, either directly, or indirectly through elected representatives.

24 You will find helpful guidance in INDG232 Consulting employees on health and safety: A brief guide to the law.3

Specific requirements for RPE use

25 RPE at work should:

■■ adequately control inhalation exposure to provide the wearer with effective protection; ■■ be suitable for the intended use; ■■ be CE-marked (see paragraphs 33–35) or of an approved type/standard approved by HSE; ■■ be used by properly trained people who are supervised; ■■ be properly stored, cleaned and checked regularly to ensure it remains effective.

26 Adequate RPE is right for the hazard and reduces exposure to the level required to protect the wearer’s health.

27 Suitable RPE is right for the wearer, task and environment, such that the wearer can work freely and without additional risks due to the RPE.

28 Employers should make sure the selected RPE is of the right size and can correctly fit the wearer. For tight-fitting facepieces the initial selection should include a fit test (see paragraphs 71 and 72).

29 In addition, you must ensure that reusable RPE undergoes thorough examination and, where appropriate, testing at suitable intervals. This should be monthly, or every three months if used less frequently. This will not only make sure the RPE protects the wearer but will also extend the life of the equipment and so maximise your investment.

30 You should record RPE examinations and tests – and, where appropriate, any repairs made – and retain them for at least five years. The records will help to keep track of the equipment’s maintenance.

31 You should test the quality of air supplied to BA at least once every three months (see Appendix 3).

32 For RPE to be effective, you should integrate its use into normal workplace activities. You should also ensure that RPE is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as poor working practices or improper use can significantly reduce its CE marking effectiveness.

CE marking

33 RPE used at work must be manufactured in accordance with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002.4 In practice, this means you need to use CE-marked equipment. The CE mark on RPE tells you that the equipment has met the minimum legal requirements for its design.

34 This marking appears as the letters ‘CE’ and a four-digit code that identifies the body responsible for checking manufacturing quality (see Figure 3).

CE marking 35 CE marking does not indicate that an RPE device is automatically adequate and suitable for use in your workplace. It is your responsibility to select the correct RPE to meet your specific requirements.

Figure 3 Examples of CE marking

The Regulations

36 The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 19745 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 19996 require you to provide and maintain a safe working environment, so far as is reasonably practicable. They set out the basic requirements for you to follow.

37 In addition to the COSHH Regulations 2002, RPE may need to be used to satisfy requirements in the following pieces of legislation. You will need to consider whether any of these Regulations apply to you and comply with any specific requirements they contain on RPE:

■■ Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012;7 ■■ Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002;8 ■■ Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999;9 ■■ Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.

38 These Regulations are supported by Approved Codes of Practice. ACOPs give practical guidance on compliance and have a special status in law. If you are prosecuted for a breach of health and safety law, and it is proved that you did not follow the relevant provisions of the code, you will need to show that you have complied with the law in some other way or a court will find you at fault.

39 For RPE use that is not covered by any of the above Regulations, employers and employees have duties under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.

Accidents involving RPE

40 You should report accidents involving RPE and diseases resulting from exposure to hazardous substances by completing the appropriate online report form at www.hse.gov.uk/riddor. You should consult L73 A guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 199510 for specific details.

Section 3 Selecting RPE that is adequate and suitable Introduction

41 This guide is for those who need to manage exposure where it cannot be avoided. Your risk assessment will help you decide if controls are required for airborne workplace hazards such as dust, mist, vapour, gas or fume. RPE may be required because there are no other suitable controls or if the controls are not sufficient on their own.

42 You will require RPE that is adequate and suitable to ensure the wearer is protected.

This means:

■■ Adequate – It is right for the hazard and reduces exposure to the level required to protect the wearer’s health. ■■ Suitable – It is right for the wearer, task and environment, such that the wearer can work freely and without additional risks due to the RPE.

43 To select RPE that will protect the wearer you will need a basic understanding of:

■■ the hazardous substance and the amount in the air (exposure); ■■ the form of the substance in the air (eg gas, particle, vapour); ■■ the type of work being carried out; ■■ any specific wearer requirements, such as other PPE or a need for spectacles.

44 Figure 4 illustrates a process you can follow to gather this information and select the most suitable RPE options.

45 If there is a likelihood of the atmosphere in which the RPE will be used being deficient in oxygen, or if the concentration of substance in the air could be life- threatening, specialist BA is required. Only those with appropriate training should use this type of BA. The use of RPE in oxygen-deficient atmospheres is not covered in this guide and specialist advice may be needed.

Selecting RPE adequate against the hazard

Identifying the exposure hazard

46 You will have been through the COSHH risk assessment process to identify the hazardous substances in your workplace. As a reminder, there are two key areas to consider:

■■ Products you use at work that are hazardous substances will come with a safety data sheet (SDS) provided by the supplier. Any product classed as ‘dangerous for supply’ must come with this sheet by law and it should contain information on: ■■health hazards (product labelling); ■■forms of the substances contained in the product; ■■type of RPE necessary for its use. ■■ Work activities, such as cutting or heating materials, may generate harmful substances, which contaminate the air in the form of dusts, mists, gases or fumes. Further information on these substances is given in a series of COSHH essentials guidance sheets.11

Identify respiratory risks for the task (check your risk assessment)

Yes Specialist equipment and Is the task carried out in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere? (see para 45) training required – seek advice No

Identify substance form (see Table 1)

Is there a COSHH guidance sheet or safety data sheet Can