Document No : HSE M03-P 24

Document Title : RPE Procedure

Department : HSE

CONTENTS

SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 4

1.1. Background .............................................................................................................. 4

1.2 Purpose ................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Who are these guidelines for? ..................................................................................... 4
1.4 Abbreviations ........................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Employees Responsibilities ......................................................................................... 4

SECTION 2.0 DECIDING TO USE RPE ................................................................................................. 5

2.1 Select and use RPE: .................................................................................................. 5

2.2 Specific requirements for RPE use ............................................................................... 5

SECTION 3.0 TYPES OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ........................................................... 6

3.1 Filtering Device Types (Air-Purifying Respirators) .......................................................... 6

3.1.1 Disposable (Dust)/(Disposal filtering) Masks Single-use ................................................. 7
3.1.2 Half Face Respirators ................................................................................................. 7
3.1.3 Full Face Respirators.................................................................................................. 7
3.1.4 Filter Types .............................................................................................................. 8
3.2 Breathing Apparatus (BA) types (Atmosphere Supplying Respirators) ............................ 10

SECTION 4.0 SELECTING RPE THAT IS ADEQUATE AND SUITABLE ....................................................... 11

4.1 Identifying the exposure hazard ............................................................................... 11

4.2 Forms of substance ................................................................................................. 12
4.3 Matching filters to the substance and its form ............................................................ 13
4.4 Deciding on the protection factor .............................................................................. 13

SECTION 5.0 USING RPE ................................................................................................................ 27

5.1 Management and supervision ................................................................................... 27

5.2 Training ................................................................................................................. 27
5.3 Fit testing .............................................................................................................. 27
5.4. Inspection of RPE .................................................................................................... 28
5.5 Limitations and Capabilities ...................................................................................... 29
5.6 Misuse of RPE ......................................................................................................... 29

SECTION 6.0 QUALITY OF AIR FOR BREATHING APPARATUS ............................................................... 29

6.1 Air quality .............................................................................................................. 29

6.2 Fresh air hose ........................................................................................................ 29
6.3 Compressed air ...................................................................................................... 29
6.4 Periodic testing of air quality .................................................................................... 29

SECTION 7.0 MAINTENANCE RPE ..................................................................................................... 30

7.1 Maintenance........................................................................................................... 30
7.2 Cleaning and Disinfecting ......................................................................................... 30
7.3 Disposal ................................................................................................................ 30
7.4 Storage ................................................................................................................. 30
7.5 Records Keeping ..................................................................................................... 31
7.6 Monthly RPE Maintenance Records ............................................................................ 31

SECTION 8.0 DOS AND DON’TS ....................................................................................................... 31

SECTION 9.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................... 34

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 Document No : HSE M03-P 24
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Department : HSE

Review History

Review Ref. Review Date Comments

0.0 13.12.2015 First Issue

1.0 13.01.2019 General Review

Note: This procedure is linked to PPE Standard No. HSE M2-S-11

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 Document No : HSE M03-P 24
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SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background
The oil and gas industry environment contains hazards that may be inhaled by workers
and causes illness (e.g. hazard from hydrocarbon and other chemical). Potential
chemical exposure during production and maintenance task, may be exposed to
hazardous products such as hydrogen sulphide, benzene and hydrocarbon during
accidental emergency releases. This type of exposure cannot be eliminated and the use
of personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators is the available method to
protect workers from being exposed.
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is a particular type of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE), used to protect the individual wearer against inhalation of hazardous
substances in the workplace air.

1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to provide basic information and general guidance on
the selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protection in the workplace.

1.3 Who are these procedure for?

These procedure is for employers, employees and those responsible for health and
safety in the workplace. They are designed to give practical advice to protect the health
and safety of employees through the use of Respiratory Protection.

1.4 Abbreviations

APF Assigned Protection Factor

BA Breathing Apparatus
CE Conformite Europeene
FFP Filtering Facepiece- number indicates filter type
FF Fit Factor
FFP Filtering Facepiece- number indicates filter type
NPF Nominal Protection Factor
RPE Respiratory Protective Equipment
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
SCBA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
WPF Workplace Protection Factor

1.5 Employees Responsibilities

The following roles and responsibilities pertain to this procedure:

DOTL Field Production & Operations Manager

 Ensure the RPE procedure is fully implemented.

DOTL/HSE Manager
 Ensure budgetary provision for RPE
 Ensure compliance of RPE with international standards
 Ensure adequacy of RPE and fit for use

DOTL/HSE Superintendent
 Ensure proper induction/training for users

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 Coordinate with maintenance department for maintaining RPE

Maintenance Superintendent
 Set maintenance plan for RPE
 Ensure implementation of PPE maintenance program
 Coordinate with QC with regards to inspection of RPE

Users
 Use RPE properly whenever it is required to be used
 Report any defects in or damage to the RPE immediately
 Participate in any training or instruction provided on RPE
 Ensure that RPE provided for their use is returned to storage after use
 Inform DOTL/HSE of any medical conditions they have that might be affected by
the use of the RPE provided to them

SECTION 2.0 DECIDING TO USE RPE

By going through the risk assessment process required, determine whether the use of
RPE is necessary in the workplace.

2.1 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.
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

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.

2.2 Specific requirements for RPE use

 RPE at work should:
- adequately control inhalation exposure to provide the wearer with effective
protection;
- be suitable for the intended use;
- be CE-marked 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.

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-
RPE that is adequate and suitable to ensure the wearer is protected, this means:

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

Employers should make sure the selected RPE is of the right size and can correctly fit
the wearer. For tight-fitting face pieces the initial selection should include a fit test.

Ensure that reusable RPE undergoes thorough examination and, where appropriate,
testing at suitable intervals test the quality of air supplied to BA at least once every
three months.

SECTION 3.0 TYPES OF RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

There are two types of RPE that are commonly used in the workplace, either filtering
devices or breathing apparatus device types (see figure 1).

 Filtering Device Types (Air-Purifying Respirators)

 Breathing Apparatus (BA) types (Atmosphere Supplying Respirators)

Figure 1: Respirator and Breathing Apparatus Types

3.1 Filtering Device Types (Air-Purifying Respirators)
A range of different types exist, dust masks, half mask respirators, full face mask
respirators and powered (fan assisted) respirators. These use filters to remove the
contaminants in the workplace air.

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Department : HSE

The types of air-purifying respirators are:

 Filters (for particulates)
 Cartridges (for gases or vapors) may have filters as well
 Canisters (used with “gas masks” – large capacity)
 Oxygen must be > 19.5%

In a negative pressure device one or more air purifying filters are attached via an
inhalation valve to a tight fitting face piece. The negative pressure relative to the
ambient air outside the respirator is created by inhalation of air, drawing the
contaminated air through the purifying filter.

3.1.1 Disposable (Dust)/(Disposal filtering) Masks Single-use

With Valve Without Valve

3.1.2 Half Face Respirators

Design allows for better fit
To protects against dusts, mists, fumes, vapors, gases.

3.1.3 Full Face Respirators

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3.1.4 Filter Types

Choosing the correct filter type is a critical aspect in the RPE selection process.
Use of the incorrect filter such as a particulate filter for protection against vapours
will result in no protection being given and the equipment will be completely
ineffective. Cartridges and Filters, change after each use.

There are 3 main filter types:

1) Particle filter (P sign and filtration efficiency number 1, 2 or 3)

Particle filters are divided into three classes:

 P1=low efficiency filters
 P2=medium efficiency filters
 P3=high efficiency filters

2) Gas/vapour filter

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Gas/Vapour filters are also divided into three classes:

 A1/B1 = low capacity filter
 A2/B2 = medium capacity filters
 A3/B3 = high capacity filters

A multi-gas filter is one that is suitable for more than one type of gas or vapour.
They will be marked for the types of gases/vapours for which they are suitable
(e.g. A1B2 = Organic vapour filter with capacity class 1 and inorganic gases filter
with capacity class 2)

3) Combined filters (for particles, gases & vapours)

Filters are available for situations where protection is needed against both
particles and specific gases or vapours. This type of filter will carry markings for
particles and vapours, e.g. A2P3 = Organic vapour filter with capacity class 2 and
high-efficiency particle filter.

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Table 1: Types of particle, gas and vapour filters

3.2 Breathing Apparatus (BA) types (Atmosphere Supplying Respirators)

Breathing apparatus needs a supply of breathing-quality air from an

independent source (eg air cylinder or air compressor).

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

A range of different types exist, fresh air hose, airline, and demand valve; use an
independent supply of breathing quality air, for example an air cylinder or
compressor. Powered air purifying respirators, supplied air and self-containing
breathing apparatus are all positive pressure devices. The pressure on the inside
of the respiratory inlet exceeds the ambient air pressure outside the respirator. As
a general rule, positive pressure devices are used for more hazardous exposures.

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The types of atmosphere supplying respirators are:

 SCBA’s (self-containing breathing apparatus)
 Supplied air respirators (Type C or CE)
 Combinations of SCBA’s and SARS’s

Figure 2. One type of breathing apparatus

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.
 Loose-fitting facepieces rely on enough clean air being provided to the wearer
to prevent contaminant leaking in (only available as powered contaminant leaking
in (only available as powered respirators or BA). Examples are hoods, helmets,
visors, blouses and suits

SECTION 4.0 SELECTING RPE THAT IS ADEQUATE AND SUITABLE

4.1 Identifying the exposure hazard

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessment process
to identify the hazardous substances in the workplace. There are two key areas to
consider:

 Products you use at work that are hazardous substances will come with a
Material safety data sheet (MSDS) 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

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fumes. Further information on these substances is given in a series of COSHH

essentials guidance sheets

4.2 Forms of substance

Hazardous substances can be present in the air as particles (solid or liquid),
vapour or gas. Under certain conditions, they can exist in more than one form at
the same time (e.g. during paint spraying). You need to identify the form of the
hazardous substances in the air to select the right RPE (see Table 1). Note that:
 solid and liquid forms will be present as particles;
 fine sprays and mists are made up of liquid particles (droplets);
 fumes are very fine solid particles and not gas or vapour;
 smoke, fume and airborne liquids require RPE that is suitable for use
against particles.

In addition to the above, volatile liquids may under certain conditions become
airborne as both particles and vapour.

Table 1 Examples of the different forms of hazardous substances

Form Properties Examples

Solid particles Particles of solid material, Asbestos dust

including aerosols, dusts, Engine exhaust particles and fume
fibres, smokes and fume Lead dust and fume
Stone dust
Welding fume
Wood dust
Smoke
Fungal spores and parasites
Bacteria and viruses
Flour
Liquid particles Fine sprays, mists and aerosols Sprayed liquids:
made up of small droplets of ■ paints
liquid ■ pesticides
■ powder coating mix
■ liquid jetting

Mists:
■ chrome acid
■ cutting fluids
■ oil mist

Vapour Gaseous forms of a solid or Solvent vapour Mercury

liquid vapour

Gas Carbon monoxide

Engine exhaust gases
Sewer gas
Chlorine

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4.3 Matching filters to the substance and its form

There are various types of respirator and they all rely on filter material to remove
the hazard. The filter material will be different depending on the hazardous
substance and its form. There are two basic filter types available:
 particle filters;
 gas/vapour filters.

Remember that airborne liquids in the form of fine sprays and mists and solid
materials, including dusts, fibres, smoke and fume, require a particle filter.

As air is breathed in, it passes through the filter(s), removing the contaminants
before they reach the lungs. The respirator can either:
 be made of the filter material;
 have a filter(s) fitted to it; or
 use a motor to pass air through the filter(s) that may be separate from the
face piece.
Remember:
 Particle filters do not protect against gas or vapour.
 Gas/vapour filters do not protect against particles.
 Neither filter type can be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

4.4 Deciding on the protection factor

To ensure that the RPE you select can protect the worker from the hazardous
substance in the air around them. The decision will depend on the amount in the
air and its form (e.g. particles, vapour). There are various types of respirator and
BA available. The protection they offer will be determined by a number of things,
including the protection factor.

Each RPE type and class is categorised by an Assigned Protection Factor (APF).
The APF is a number rating that indicates how much protection that RPE is
capable of providing. For example, RPE with an APF of 10 will reduce the wearer’s
exposure by at least a factor of 10 if used properly, or, to put it another way, the
wearer will only breathe in one-tenth or less of the amount of substance present
in the air. There are three types of protection factor (PF):
 APF-Assigned Protection Factor, which best reflects the workplace
conditions, is the value to use when selecting RPE. Some APFs for specific
types and classes of device are published in IS EN 529:2005 (Annex C). For
example, an APF of4 gives a lower level of protection than an APF of 20.
 NPF-Nominal Protection Factor, this level of protection is unlikely to be
achieved in real use situations, since the testing is carried out in a
laboratory situation and does not give a good estimate of the effectiveness
of the respirator.
 WPF-Workplace Protection Factor, this is the ratio between the
breathing zone concentration of the contaminant outside the face-piece and
the concentration inside the face-piece of the contaminant in a correctly
functioning RPD e.g. a concentration of 400ppm Chloroform in the
atmosphere and a concentration of 1ppm inside the mask gives a WPF of
400.

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Table 2 RPE Type

* Sometimes referred to as a filtering face piece or orinasal respirator.

** Only protects against particle or gas/vapour when the appropriate filter is fitted

Table 2 RPE Type - Continued

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Figure 3. Disposable half mask respirators

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Figure 4. Reusable half mask respirators – particle filter

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Figure 5. Reusable half mask respirators – gas/vapour filter

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Figure 6. Full face mask respirators – particle filter

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Figure 7. Full face mask respirators – gas/vapour filter

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Figure 8. Powered respirators with masks

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Figure 9. Powered respirators with hoods/helmets

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Figure 10. Fresh air hose (FAH) breathing apparatus

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Figure 11. Constant flow airline breathing apparatus with a mask – light duty

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Figure 12. Constant flow airline breathing apparatus with a mask

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Figure 13. Constant flow airline breathing apparatus with hoods/helmets – light duty

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Figure 14. Demand valve breathing apparatus

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SECTION 5.0 USING RPE

For RPE to be effective, its use should be integrated into normal workplace activities. to
make sure that control measures, including RPE, are properly used and are not made
less effective by bad work practices, inadequate training or improper use.

5.1 Management and supervision

Employers are responsible for implementing and managing RPE selection and use, or
delegating that responsibility to another trained person. Support can be provided by
internal or external health and safety professionals.

Ensure those wearing RPE follow the measures you put in place. These are some of the
key factors for users of RPE to remember:
 Users of tight-fitting face pieces should have passed a fit test for the particular
RPE device they are using.
 Hair, spectacles or other PPE can break the seal on tight-fitting face pieces,
allowing the user to breathe in hazardous substances.
 Valves on reusable RPE need to be maintained and replaced.

In addition, users should remember that the RPE will only be effective if it is worn and
used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

5.2 Training
All people involved in the selection, use, storage and maintenance (if required) of RPE
require training. An appropriate training program could cover the following areas:
 Why RPE is needed.
 The hazards, risks and effects of exposure.
 What RPE is being provided?
 How RPE works.
 Why fit testing is required (if relevant).
 How to wear and check the RPE correctly.
 Fit checking before use.
 What maintenance is required and when.
 Where and how it should be cleaned and stored.
 How to report/tackle any problems.
 Employee and employer responsibilities.
 Use and misuse of RPE.

The wearer needs to be clean-shaven around the face seal to achieve an effective fit
when using tight-fitting face pieces.

RPE supplier should provide information on the training required to use and maintain
their products. Anybody selecting, using or maintaining RPE should be competent.

5.3 Fit testing

The purpose of fit testing is to ensure a good fit of the mask to the individual and is
applicable to tight fitting filtering facemasks.

Using RPE with tight-fitting face pieces you should make sure each wearer has a fit test.
This is needed to ensure the selected face piece can fit the wearer correctly.
There are 2 methods of Fit Testing: Qualitative or Quantitative

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Qualitative Method
This is suitable for disposable filtering face pieces. Qualitative
methods are based on the wearer detecting leakage through the
face seal region using a bitter/sweet tasting aerosol or odour
compounds e.g. Saccharin, this is a pass or fail test only.
Examples of qualitative fit testing methods are:
 method based on bitter- or sweet-tasting aerosol;
 method based on odour compounds.

Qualitative method of fit testing

Quantitative Method
This is suitable for full and half face mask respirators and gives a
numerical measure of the fit. Examples of quantitative fit testing
methods are:
 laboratory test chamber;
 portable fit test devices, such as a particle counting device

Quantitative method of fit testing

RPE fit testing should be conducted by a competent person.

Improper fit, use and maintenance:
– If a respirator is worn improperly, it can be more of hazard than not wearing one
at all
– An improper fit means you could be exposing yourself to a deadly material and
still feel protected, when you are really not protected at all
– It is important to find a respirator that perfectly fits your face
– It is important to check your respirator before EACH use for cracks or broken
seals
Further details on fit testing are available on the HSE website and the Fit2Fit scheme can
be found at: [Link] or
[Link]
d=9780

5.4. Inspection of RPE

– Respirators should be inspected before each use
– Check the respirator function, tightness of connections and the condition of
various parts such as the face piece, head straps, valves and cartridges
– Check elastic parts for pliability and signs of deterioration

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5.5 Limitations and Capabilities

 A respirator can ONLY be used when the oxygen level in the atmosphere is
between 19.5% and 21%
 Respirators will only work with corresponding filters or cartridges
– Dusty area = HEPA filter
– Dumping solvents, painting = organic vapor cartridge

5.6 Misuse of RPE

RPE can be misused a number of different ways through incorrect initial selection,
incompatibility with other PPE being worn, wearer compatibility issues or maintenance
and cleaning not being carried out. Extra precautions should be taken when working in
confined spaces, due to the potential for reduced oxygen levels, it is never suitable to
use a filtering respirator in a confined space; a breathing apparatus should be provided
instead.

SECTION 6.0 QUALITY OF AIR FOR BREATHING APPARATUS

6.1 Air quality

Air supplied to breathing apparatus (BA) should be clean and safe to breathe, whether it
is supplied via a fresh air hose or a source of compressed air.

6.2 Fresh air hose

Securely anchor the inlet for fresh air hose BA in an area that is free of contaminant.
This can usually be achieved by siting the inlet well away from the work area (eg. in free
air outside the building), and upwind of any local sources of airborne contamination (eg
vehicle exhaust).

6.3 Compressed air

Compressed air for BA normally originates from a compressor system. The maintenance,
examination and testing of compressors should be carried out according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

Compressors which are moved from site to site, such as those used by the emergency
services or on construction sites, will require a higher standard of maintenance and
should be sited so that the quality of air they provide is not compromised by nearby
contaminants.

6.4 Periodic testing of air quality

The purpose of periodically testing air quality is to make sure that the control measures
you have put in place are delivering the air quality required. Part of the risk assessment,
if a mobile compressor is being used consideration should be given as to how often the
air supply should be checked when the compressor is moved. Testing for these
components may be carried out using any appropriate method, e.g.:
 simple colour change tubes;
 on-line gas testers;
 sample collection for laboratory analysis elsewhere.
The supplier of the compressor or BA should be able to advise on the best method. Keep
records of air quality tests for five years.

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SECTION 7.0 MAINTENANCE RPE

7.1 Maintenance
Maintenance is a requirement for all RPE, except for disposable (single use) RPE, and
should be carried out by properly trained personnel.

There are five key points you should follow when carrying out RPE maintenance:
 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
 A competent person should carry out the work.
 Keep records (see Figure 7 for an example).
 Ensure the intervals for maintenance are appropriate.
 The maintenance programme should reflect the complexity of maintaining the RPE

Key maintenance tasks include:

 changing any replaceable filters;
 cleaning the device;
 valve maintenance and replacement;
 checking the straps for damage;
 checking the battery charge and flow rate for powered devices

Filters only have a limited capacity, or can become clogged, making breathing difficult.
Replaceable filters should be changed when necessary to make sure the RPE device can
remain effective.

7.2 Cleaning and Disinfecting

– Remove filters, cartridges or canisters. Discard or repair any defective parts
– Wash components in warm water with a mild detergent or cleaner; use a brush
with bristles NOT wire
– Rinse components thoroughly in clean warm running water
– Hand dry components with clean lint free cloth or air dry

Cleaning a reusable face piece is required to remove contamination, moisture build-up

and microbes. The manufacturer should provide advice on cleaning and inspection of the
RPE, including on the appropriate cleaning materials and disinfectants to use.

7.3 Disposal
Contaminated RPE, or components, or any of the materials used to clean or disinfect the
RPE, may need to be considered as hazardous waste. This will depend on the specific
substances and the amounts involved. In some cases, specific legislation may apply. If
in doubt, seek specialist help.

7.4 Storage
Remember that all RPE requires clean storage facilities. The following is a general guide:
 RPE should be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s user instructions in
order to prevent contamination, damage and deterioration.
 All respirators shall be stored to protect them from damage, contamination, dust,
sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture and damaging chemicals.
 They shall be packed and stored to prevent deformation of the face piece and
exhalation valve.

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 Document No : HSE M03-P 24
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Department : HSE

7.5 Records Keeping

An Employer should keep records of:
 Risk assessment(s)
 Evidence of review of RPE effectiveness
 Assessment of adequacy and the suitability of the device e.g. fit test certificates
 Repair and maintenance
 Details of the training provided to the wearers, supervisors and those who
maintain RPE

7.6 Monthly RPE Maintenance Records

Table 3. Example maintenance record

SECTION 8.0 DOS AND DON’TS

General dos and don’ts are given in the following tables, to highlight key considerations
for using RPE. These are reminders for the wearer but, as the employer, you should
ensure that your employees follow good practice
Table 4. Non-powered respirators

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 Document No : HSE M03-P 24
Document Title : RPE Procedure
Department : HSE

Dos Don’ts

 Always ensure the respirator is in good  Never use in oxygen-deficient

working order before putting it on, even atmospheres.
when new.  Never use a particle filter to protect against
 Always use all the straps provided, gases/ vapours or gas/vapour-only filters
making sure they are correctly positioned against particulates.
and adjusted. Follow the manufacturer’s  Never use if dirty, damaged or incomplete.
instructions.
 Always fit two identical filters to a twin-
filter respirator.
 Always clean and store the RPE properly,
paying special attention to the valves on
reusable RPE.
 Change filters as instructed by the
manufacturer.
 Ensure the other PPE you need to wear is
compatible with the respirator.

Table 5. Powered respirators

Dos Don’ts

 Always ensure the respirator is in good  Never use in oxygen-deficient

working order before putting it on, even atmospheres.
when new.  Never use particle-only filters against
 Always use all the straps provided, gas/vapour, or gas/vapour-only filters
making sure they are correctly against particulates.
positioned and adjusted. Follow the  Never use if dirty, damaged or
manufacturer’s instructions. incomplete, or if not providing enough air.
 Always check the fan is providing  Never keep working if the fan stops or the
enough airflow before you use the flow rate falls. Leave the work area
device. immediately.
 Always fit identical filters to a multi-filter
unit.
 Always change all the filters on a multi-
filter unit together.
 Always clean and store the RPE
properly, paying special attention to the
valves.
 Change filters as instructed by the
manufacturer.
 Ensure the other PPE you need
.

Table 6. Powered respirators

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 Document No : HSE M03-P 24
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Department : HSE

Dos Don’ts
 Always ensure the breathing  Never place the hose inlet near to
apparatus is in good working order potential sources of contamination, eg
before putting it on, even when new. vehicle exhausts.
 Always look after your supply hose  Never use the equipment without the
during use – your life may depend on waist belt.
it.  Never use a light-duty airline hose
 Always use all the straps provided, where there is any potential for
making sure they are correctly crushing by vehicles or passers-by etc.
positioned and adjusted. Follow the  Never keep working if the airflow rate
manufacturer’s instructions. drops or any warning devices are
 Ensure that an adequate clean air activated. Leave the work area
supply is available for all users. immediately.
 Ensure that the compressed air quality
meets the minimum requirements of
BS EN 12021.15
 Always plan your exit from the
contaminated area so you don't run
out of air.
 Ensure the other PPE you need to
wear is compatible with the BA.

Remark:

Facial hair may affect the seal of the mask required for breathing protection.
Employees are cautioned not to have beards or long, thick sideburns. Employees that
are required to wear respiratory protection are not permitted to have facial hair that
touches the sealing surface of the respirator.

See pictures for guidance on acceptable facial hair:

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 Document No : HSE M03-P 24
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Department : HSE

SECTION 9.0 REFERENCES

– Health and Safety Executive (UK), Respiratory protective equipment at work A
practical guide, HSG53 (Fourth edition, published 2013).
– OSHA US Standards, Respiratory Protection (1910.134)
– ANSI/AIHA Z88.10-2001, American National Standard-Respirator Fit Testing
Methods
– EC Personal Protective Equipment Directive (89/686/EEC). This directive is
implemented in Ireland as the European Communities (Personal Protective
Equipment) Regulations, 1993.
– Control of substances hazardous to health (Fifth edition). The Control of
Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. Approved Code of Practice and
guidance L5 (Fifth edition) HSE Books 2005 ISBN 978 0 7176 2981 7
[Link]/pubns/books/[Link]
– Health and Safety Authority, Guidelines to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work
(Chemical Agents), Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 619 of 2001)

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