Respiratory

Selecting and specifying the appropriate respiratory protection equipment for most people will be a difficult decision. There are multiple factors to consider, as the equipment not only needs to provide the appropriate protection for the job, but also be comfortable enough for the individual worker to wear during the whole period of the exposure.

Selection of respiratory protection - 4 Step Method.

1. Identify the hazard - dust, fumes, gas, vapour etc.

2. Assess the risk - assess the hazard levels against safety standards and consider the other protection - skin and eye.

3. Select the correct respirator for the required exposure

4. Training in fitting and use - to optimise the respiratory protection.

Applications.

FFP1 - Low levels of fine dust (up to 4 times Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL), and oil and water based mists typically found during hand sanding, drilling and cutting.

FFP2 - Moderate levels of fine dust (up to 10 times WEL), and oil and water based mists typically found during plastering, cement, sanding and wood dusts.

FFP3 - Higher levels of fine dusts (up to 20 time WEL) and oil and water based mists typically found when handling hazardous powders found in pharmaceutical industry or whe working with biological agents and fibres