Insulate Magazine Issue 15

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The only independent insulation industry trade magazine Insulate Columnist The Importance of Face Fit Testing Insulate Magazine columnist George Elliott, a technical specialist at science-based technology company 3M, explains the importance of fit testing respiratory protective equipment Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is critical for many insulation activities including protecting against fine glass fibres while cutting materials and avoiding dust hazards when using a grinder – but tight-fitting respirators must fit properly. The most common forms of RPE are disposable and full or half-face reusable respirators. These can be suitable in a number of applications but for these respirators to work effectively, they must create an adequate seal to the wearer’s face. If this seal leaks, the wearer risks breathing in unfiltered, potentially hazardous contaminants in the air. Even facial hair can affect this seal, which is why the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stipulates that those who wear tight-fitting respirators must be clean shaven under the area of the face seal. Respiratory face fit testing ensures that a chosen piece of equipment is capable of sealing adequately to a particular individual. Testing should be carried out at the earliest opportunity, before being worn in hazardous environments. It is also vital that face fit testing is undertaken while the user is wearing other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required in their daily work that may interfere with the seal of the RPE. For example, people wearing respirators and protective eyewear often adjust the seal of their respirator to accommodate their eyewear or to make it feel more comfortable, but this can significantly reduce the level of protection as it may no longer provide an adequate seal to the face. The importance of Hearing Protection Equipment (HPE) While working in a noisy environment - such as in the midst of a busy construction project or on a workshop floor - workers may have to wear ear protection at all times. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005) require employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work[i]. Why is fit testing so important? The consequences of using ineffective RPE can be seriously harmful for an individual, and also have an effect on the business should an employee wish to take action. According to the HSE, some 12,000 people die each year as a result of occupational respiratory diseases, of which about two-thirds are due to asbestos-related diseases or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Appropriately fitting RPE is essential in protecting against chemicals, dust and glass fibres when cutting insulation and mixing renders. The fumes given off by welding and hot cutting processes is a varying mixture of airborne gases and very fine particles, which if inhaled can cause a number of respiratory diseases including asthma and cancer. How to test In-house testing using a qualitative taste test is common practice for users of disposable respirators and reusable half masks. This method involves placing a hood over the user’s head while they are wearing their RPE and other PPE, then spraying a fine mist of either a bitter or a sweet-tasting solution into the enclosed hood. During the test, if the person can taste the mist, the RPE is judged not to have formed an adequate seal to the wearer’s face and, therefore, the test is failed. Two fails with the same item of RPE usually indicates that the product cannot provide an adequate seal and, therefore, an alternative model of RPE should be considered and fit tested. If the wearer cannot taste the mist during the test, they have passed the qualitative fit test. Frequency Fit testing should be done on a periodic basis, or whenever there is a change that might affect RPE performance. 16 www.insulatenetwork.com
Respiratory face fit testing ensures that a chosen piece of equipment is capable of sealing adequately to a particular individual. For example, if the wearer either loses or gains a significant amount of weight or undergoes dental work, then the shape of their face may change, which could affect the respirator seal. If an employer decides to switch RPE models entirely or a manufacturer makes significant changes to the design of their product, fit testing will again be required. If in doubt, it is recommended that consumers seek further advice from the manufacturer, to determine whether fit testing will need to be repeated. Fit testing can be conducted by a competent person from inside the company, or by an external service provider. Accreditation under the British Safety Industry Federation’s Fit2Fit scheme is a good way to judge the competence of testers, although this is not a mandatory requirement. 3M offers a fit testing service delivered by Fit2Fit accredited testers. For more information on this topic, or for information about the selection and use of 3M PPE in the workplace, call the 3M helpline on 0870 608 0060. 17
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Insulate Magazine Issue 15

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