The COSHH Regulations and the associated Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) recommend that the initial selection of tight fitting respiratory protection equipment should include a fit test. This is to ensure that the selected respiratory protective equipment has the potential to provide adequate protection for the wearer.
Kentec are pleased to offer the Moldex fit testing service in cooperation with Moldex, a leading safety product manufacturer. This fitting service offers two main benefits, firstly to make sure that the respirator itself is suited for the wearers particular face shape, and secondly to make sure that the respirator is fitted correctly to get a tight seal and ensure safety against hazards in the workplace. It is important to remember it is the suitability of the respirator that is being tested.
You should carry out a pre-use check every time you put on your respirator. Always check that it is fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions, e.g. ensure that the straps and strip for moulding the respirator around your nose are correctly adjusted, then hold the mask in place and breathe in or out sharply. You should readjust the respirator if you detect any leakage around your face or your glasses steam up when you breathe out.
FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 are designed to filter out dust only. They must not be used where there is an oxygen-deficient atmosphere or harmful gases and vapours. You should discard most non-reusable disposable respirators at the end of the shift or sooner if they are heavily contaminated. Never hang up a respirator in a dusty place for use later on.
If wearing a respirator interferes with spectacles, hearing protection or head protection, a powered visor may be more suitable.
Some retailers also sell products known as nuisance dust masks or comfort masks that look like dust respirators but are not marked with CE or with any standard. They often have only one head strap. These are not intended for use when a respirator should be worn. You should never use a nuisance dust mask instead of an approved respirator when working with construction dusts, fibres, grain dust or mouldy hay, straw, grain or other material that could cause occupational asthma or in any way harmful to lung. Packaging for these masks might be labelled, ‘This product does not provide respiratory protection’, or something similar.
Some retailers also sell products known as nuisance dust masks or comfort masks that look like dust respirators but are not marked with CE or with any standard. They often have only one head strap. These are not intended for use when a respirator should be worn. You should never use a nuisance dust mask instead of an approved respirator when working with construction dusts, fibres, grain dust or mouldy hay, straw, grain or other material that could cause occupational asthma or in any way harmful to lung. Packaging for these masks might be labelled, ‘This product does not provide respiratory protection’, or something similar.
Full face masks cannot be tested because the test hood is not large enough for the mask fitted with a filter. For testing this product it will be necessary to use the Quantitative method (discussed below). Qualitative Fit Testing can be used not only as a test method to ensure your employees are properly protected; but also as a very effective way of training them in the correct way of fitting a mask. Dust and half masks commonly fail to do the job they are intended to do because of poor fitting and care by the user. The seal between the face and the edge of the mask is the most common problem area. You will also see users using a mask after having kept it on their head or hanging round the neck.as a test method to ensure your employees are properly protected; but also as a very effective way of training them in the correct way of fitting a mask. Dust and half masks commonly fail to do the job they are intended to do because of poor fitting and care by the user. The seal between the face and the edge of the mask is the most common problem area. You will also see users using a mask after having kept it on their head or hanging round the neck.
The test employs a hood to create a small test chamber around the users head, and a test solution.This test solution has a bitter taste. It is the same type of solution that is put on childrens toys and fingernails to stop them chewing them. As the test uses these two consumable parts and is designed to be carried out by the employer; it is a very cost effective solution for assessing the ability of the selected Respiratory Protective Equipment and the training given to protect the employee.
No comments:
Post a Comment