Filtering or powered respirators, self-contained breathing apparatus, emergency escape breathing devices, self-rescuers plus more… These are classified as respiratory protective equipment! The question is: when if you work with them, and more importantly, how do you choose the best equipment to provide you maximum protection?

This is a sound practice help guide to help you pick the right kind of respiratory protection.

When should you use respiratory protection?

Before you make the wearing of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) mandatory, it is very important implement other prevention solutions such as finding substitutes for hazardous substances or installing air purification techniques (closing off processes, trapping pollutants, ventilating the premises, etc.). If it’s not very easy to put these measures available, or maybe if they may be insufficient, you simply must provide respiratory protective clothing.

Respiratory protective gear can be used:

If there is a threat that the person’s health will probably be altered because of inhaling air that’s polluted by gases, vapours, dust and aerosols or by oxygen-depleted air in the office;

When intervening to tackle a fireplace or gas leak, plus closed spaces in which the atmosphere can become dangerous due to inhalation;

In closed areas with the insufficient oxygen supply (contaminated areas).

There are several types of respiratory protective gear suitable for each situation and particular field. They work by placing physical barrier involving the polluted atmosphere in the workplace and the worker’s face (respiratory tract, eyes, skin). These devices are classed as Personal Protective clothing, so it will be vital that you make a good option to ensure you are thoroughly protected.

Perform an exam of the workstation

You should define the circumstances people beforehand:

Oxygen level

Kind of pollutants (gas, vapours, dust, etc.)

Toxicity with the pollutants

Worst-case-scenario concentrations of each one type of pollutant via a flight

Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs), if appropriate

Dimensions of the particles when it comes to aerosols

Exercise of the user

Use of the task to become accomplished

Related risks (projection of fluids, fire, etc.)

Respiratory equipment selection guide

There’s two broad kinds of respiratory protective gear:

Self-contained breathing apparatus

The device supplies breathable air from another source. The consumer is just not dependent upon the ambient air

Works extremely well in closed and confined spaces

Always employ this type of protection when there is any doubt regarding the excellence of the air, plus all atmospheres by having an oxygen level < 17%

Filtering respirators

The gear filters and purifies the contaminated air. The person breathes the ambient air.

The ambient air must contain between 17 and 21% oxygen

That may help you determine the kind of respiratory protective equipment best suited to your wants, we’ve got provided a decision-making chart using the following questions:

As to what situation will the respiratory protective gear provide?

Is there a oxygen level during work? Note: an average oxygen level is between 17 and 21%

Which kind of pollutant is involved and just how toxic would it be?

Is there a OEL, or permissible concentration a higher level the pollutant?

After selecting the equipment family (filtering or powered respirator, self-contained breathing apparatus, emergency escape breathing devices or self-rescuers), you have to determine the minimum required Protection Factor (PF).

Minimum required PF = Concentration of contaminant outside of the facepiece / Permissible power of contaminant inside the facepiece, or OEL.

To make certain sufficient protection, the Nominal Protection Factor (NPF) and also the Assigned Protection Factor (APF) have to be higher than the minimum required Protection Factor (PF).

For example: when selecting a filtering respirator (gas mask), you should select the most suitable equipment in line with the protection levels shown from the table and judge the proper filter (type and class)

After selecting the equipment family (filtering or powered respirator, self-contained breathing apparatus, emergency escape breathing devices or self-rescuers), you should determine the minimum required Protection Factor (PF).

Minimum required PF = Energy contaminant outside of the facepiece / Permissible concentration of contaminant in the facepiece, or OEL.

To be sure sufficient protection, the Nominal Protection Factor (NPF) and also the Assigned Protection Factor (APF) must be higher than the minimum required Protection Factor (PF).

By way of example: when selecting self-contained breathing apparatus, you have to choose the best suited equipment depending on the protection levels shown within the table and select the right filter (type and class).

Equipment suited to the job situation

After you have determined the appropriate category of respiratory protective gear, you’ll need to be in a position to adapt the device for the work situation. It is essential to involve future users within the buying process as they are individuals who are best able to describe their activity.

The subsequent parameters need to be taken into account:

Physical characteristics of the wearer (beard, face scars, etc.) that can determine the size and style and design of protection (helmet, hood, facepiece, etc.)

If the person wears contacts or glasses, with there being special devices for attaching glasses

Work patterns: air line breathing systems are better suitable for more intense work; powered respirators works extremely well when the flow is sufficient cancel out the negative pressure

The amount of time that the equipment will probably be worn: it is best to choose powered filtering respirators if you want to wear them for more than One hour

Visibility requirements: depending on the needs, organic beef recommend panoramic facepieces for improved visibility, single-use visors or hoods with a replaceable visor offering eye protection in case of projections

Communication requirements: you can find models with phonic membranes and voice amplifiers enabling communication in harsh conditions for example confined spaces

Other personal protective gear and accessories to use: particular sorts of equipment have integrated head, eye, ear and respiratory system protection – they are ideal for welding operations, as an example.

Decontamination requirements applicable to respiratory protective equipment

Thermal constraints

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