There are many jobs and working conditions which require the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) in order to keep people safe while they do their jobs. RPE is worn to remove harmful substances from the air and in some cases for breathing apparatus to provide clean air for workers to breathe while they work.

Unseen dangers

There are many working environments that come with hazards and risks. Working with hazardous substances, extreme heat, working at heights, and construction sites have their obvious dangers but it is often the dangers that we cannot see that pose the biggest risks.

A contaminated atmosphere can damage our lungs and cause short-term, long-term, chronic and even fatal damage and we may not be aware that it is happening, until it is too late.

Possible causes

Employees who cut materials such as wood and stone, or who may work on dusty construction sites may inhale silica, non-silica and wood dust. This can affect the lungs, causing silicosis, cancer and asthma.

Solvents, mists and vapours are potentially extremely dangerous, as is handling any kind of powder or even welding. Any of the above when working in confined spaces can cause serious illness or even death.

Choosing the correct RPE

To select the correct RPE, the risks and hazards of the working environment need to be assessed. There are several different types of RPE for different circumstances. You need to ensure that it offers suitable protection for the wearer against the hazards that they are being exposed to and the correct size, allowing sufficient freedom of movement.
Respirators are used to remove contaminants from the air before breathing. These can either be powered, using a motor to pass air through the filter, or non-powered, using the power of inhalation to drag air through the filter (negative pressure), or Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, SCBA (positive pressure).

UK law states that employers are legally responsible for providing the correct RPE and carrying out all the necessary assessments before use. They also need to ensure that all equipment is suitable and in good working order.

Always use the correct equipment.