If you require the use of masks for your line of work, then we can advise you on face fitting in Liverpool. Additionally, we can help with the kind of apparatus that you need. Contact us now, if you require first-hand elaboration on this topic, or if you have any further queries.
Face Fitting in Liverpool
We will carry out an assessment of the working areas on site. Also, with the complete COSHH assessments in accordance with Regulation 7(3) and principle (e) of the principles of prevention in COSHH 2002.
After we completed the assessment, we found that it’s necessary to provide RPE. Also, before we select the Respiratory Protective Equipment, we would consider:
- Operations and work sites where there are any kind of contamination.
- Jobs where a lack of oxygen is a problem.
- Specific contaminants that are present at the work site.
- Harmful properties of the contaminants.
- Form of the contaminant material: dust, mist, spray, gas, vapour, fume, or some combination of these.
- Concentration of each contaminant.
Respirators
There are five main types of respirators:
- Filtering face-piece
- Half mask respirator
- Full face respirator
- Powered air purifying respirator
- Powered visor respirator
If it is necessary to consider a tight-fitting filtering face-piece, then we will make sure that each wearer undergoes a fit test. People come in different shapes and sizes, so facial differences will mean that one kind of RPE is unlikely to fit all. The differences are even more significant between men, women, and people of different ethnicity. If the RPE does not fit, then it will not protect the wearer. Face-piece fit testing is a method of checking that a tight-fitting face-piece matches the wearer’s facial features. Also, that it seals adequately to their face. It will also help to identify unsuitable face-pieces that should not be used. Tight-fit RPE will provide effective protection when the wearer is clean shaven, so they need to be clean-shaven during their test.
Additionally, users should remember that the RPE will only be effective when they wear it. Also, if used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pre-Use Check
Users need to check their RPE every time they use it – we call this a ‘pre-use check’. The check will cover a variety of things, dependent on the type of RPE. So users should follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Common things to look out for, include making sure that:
- you adjust the nose bridge on disposable RPE’s to ensure a proper seal;
- you use all of the straps;
- any hoses are connected properly;
- the battery-powered RPE is full of power.
For RPE with tight-fitting face-pieces, the user should carry out a ‘fit check’ of the seal when the device is first put on. For reusable masks this is done by placing a hand over the filter or inlet valve(s) and breathing in. If there is a good seal, then the user will experience the mask sucking in toward their face. The wearer should hold their breath for ten seconds and also, the face-piece should not loosen. If it does, then the face-piece should be readjusted and the seal checked again. Do not use RPE if a good seal cannot be achieved. The RPE manufacturer’s instructions will provide details of how to perform a fit check.
RPE Training
All people involved in the selection, use, storage and maintenance of RPE require training.
An appropriate training programme could cover the following areas:
- Why we need RPE.
- The hazards, risks, also the effects of exposure.
- What RPE is being provided.
- How RPE works.
- Why we need fit testing (if relevant).
- How to wear and also how to check the RPE correctly.
- Fit checking before use.
- What maintenance we need and when.
- Where and how it should be cleaned and stored.
- How to report/tackle any problems.
- Employee and employer responsibilities.
- Use and misuse of RPE.
The wearer needs to be clean-shaven around the face seal to achieve an effective fit when using tight-fitting face-pieces. If employees have beards, or are unable to be clean-shaven, a tight-fitting device will not be suitable so an appropriate loose-fitting device should be chosen. Our RPE supplier will provide information on the training required to use and also maintain their products. A member of staff selecting, using or maintaining RPE should be competent and be able to demonstrate this by reference to records of appropriate training. Keep reading to learn more about face fitting in Liverpool.
Fit testing
RPE with tight-fitting face-pieces each wearer has a fit test. We need this, because it ensures that the selected face-piece can fit the wearer correctly. This is a good opportunity to train, because it highlights to the wearer, two things. What the consequences of poor fit and improper use on the effectiveness of the RPE device are! To have systems in place and to ensure repeat fit tests are carried out on a regular basis, is good practice. This is more important at times where RPE is used to a frequent extent, as a primary means of exposure control, e.g. annual testing. When a person’s face changes through weight loss/gain, scars etc, a repeat fit test is completed.
Face Fitting in Liverpool – Do’s and Don’ts
These are reminders for the wearer but, as the employer, we ensure that all employees follow good practice.
Non-powered respirators
Dos
- Always ensure the respirator is in good working order before putting it on, even when new.
- Always use all the straps provided. Also, make sure that the position and adjustment is correct. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Always fit two identical filters to a twin-filter respirator.
- Always clean and store the RPE properly, while paying special attention to the valves on reusable RPE.
- Change filters as instructed by the manufacturer.
- Ensure the other PPE you need to wear is compatible with the respirator.
Don’ts
- Don’t use in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
- Never use a particle filter to protect against gases/ vapours or gas/vapour-only filters against particulates.
- Never use if dirty, damaged or incomplete (Non-powered respirators).
Powered respirators
Do’s
- Always ensure the respirator is in good working order before putting it on, even when new.
- Always use all the straps provided, and ensure that they are correctly positioned and adjusted. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Regularly check the fan is providing enough airflow before you use the device.
- You need to always fit identical filters to a multi-filter unit.
- Always change all the filters on a multi-filter unit together.
- Always clean and store the RPE properly, while paying special attention to the valves.
- Change filters as instructed by the manufacturer.
- Ensure the other PPE you need to wear is compatible with the respirator.
Don’ts
- Don’t ever use in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
- Never use particle-only filters against gas/vapour, or gas/vapour-only filters against particulates.
- Always refrain from use, if dirty, damaged or incomplete, also if not providing enough air.
- Never keep working if the fan stops or the flow rate falls. Leave the work area immediately
Breathing apparatus
- Always ensure the breathing apparatus is in good working order before putting it on, even when new.
- Be sure to always look after your supply hose during use – your life may depend on it.
- Always use all the straps provided, while making sure that they are correctly positioned and adjusted. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Ensure that an adequate clean air supply is available for all users.
- Ensure that the compressed air quality meets the minimum requirements of BS EN 12021.15
- Always plan your exit from the contaminated area so you don’t run out of air.
- Ensure the other PPE you need to wear is compatible with the BA.
- Never place the hose inlet near to potential sources of contamination, e.g. vehicle exhausts.
- Do not use the equipment without the waist belt.
- Never use a light-duty airline hose, where there is any potential for crushing by vehicles or passers-by etc.
- Do not continue to work if the airflow rate drops or additionally, when any alarm devices are activated. Leave the work area immediately.
Maintenance
Maintenance is a requirement for all RPE, apart from disposable (single use) RPE, and would be carried out by properly trained personnel. Thorough maintenance, examination and tests should be implemented at least once a month. However, if the RPE is used only on occasion, an examination and test will take place before use. Also, the interval should not exceed three months in any event. Emergency escape-type RPE will be examined and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
There are five key points to follow when carrying out RPE maintenance:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- A competent person should carry out the work.
- Keep records.
- Ensure the intervals for maintenance are appropriate.
- The maintenance programme should reflect the complexity of maintaining the RPE.
Ideally, any parts that require replacing will be sourced from the original manufacturer of the RPE. This will ensure any replacement parts continue to allow the equipment to operate as originally intended and also to perform to the standards that ensure the RPE offers the protection stated by the manufacturer.
All records are kept of the examination and testing, and any repairs made, for at least five years.
Key Maintenance
Key maintenance tasks include:
- changing any replaceable filters;
- cleaning the device;
- valve maintenance and replacement;
- checking the straps for damage;
- checking the battery charge and flow rate for powered devices.
Filters only have a limited capacity, so they can become clogged, which can make breathing difficult. Filters should be replaced when necessary to make sure the RPE device remains effective.
Cleaning a reusable face-piece is necessary to remove contamination, moisture build-up and also microbes. The manufacturer instruction will be followed on cleaning and inspection of the RPE, including on the appropriate cleaning materials and disinfectants to use. The use of cleaning products other than those recommended by the manufacturer may cause problems with the RPE. Cleaning and drying should be carried out in a clean area to avoid contamination of the RPE.
Disposal
Contaminated RPE, or components, or any of the materials used to clean or disinfect the RPE, may need to be considered as hazardous waste. This will depend on the specific substances and also the amounts involved. In some cases, specific legislation may apply. If in doubt, seek specialist help.
Face-Piece Fit Testing
This is a method of checking that a tight-fitting face-piece matches the wearer’s facial features and also seals adequately to the face. It will also help to identify unsuitable face-pieces that should not be used. We would carry out a fit test as part of the initial selection of the RPE. A tight-fitting RPE will only provide effective protection if the wearer is clean shaven. So they will need to also be clean shaven when fit tested.
The performance of tight-fitting face-pieces depends on achieving a good contact between the wearer’s skin and the face seal of the face-piece.
People’s faces vary significantly in shape and size so it is unlikely that one type or size of RPE face-piece will fit everyone. Inadequate fit will significantly reduce the protection provided to the wearer. Fit testing can also serve as a useful training tool for teaching the wearer how to put on their face-piece correctly.
Correct fitting of the face-piece at all times is vital to prevent exposure. A fit test does not remove the need for correct and careful day-to-day fitting of the face-piece, which should always include a fit check.
Fit Checking
A fit test needs to be carried out:
- as part of the initial selection of the RPE;
- where an untested face-piece is already in use.
We have a system in place that ensures we carry out repeat fit testing of RPE on a regular basis. This is most important, through times where RPE is used with frequency as a primary means of exposure control.
We will always conduct a repeat fit test if the wearer:
- loses or gains weight;
- undergoes any substantial dental work;
- develops any facial changes (scars, moles etc) around the face seal area.
When face-pieces are issued on an individual basis we recommend then, that the wearer uses their ‘own’ face-piece, throughout their fit test. This is not always practical, and/or pooled equipment will need to be used. In these cases, a test face-piece that exactly matches the wearer’s ‘own’ face-piece (model, size and material) will be used.
When considering fit testing we would consider whether the wearer will need to use other PPE to ensure it is compatible and does not interfere with the protection offered by the RPE.
There are two basic types of RPE fit testing: qualitative and quantitative.
Qualitative Fit Testing
(Provided by AJ Egerton)
Qualitative fit testing is a pass/fail test based on the wearer’s subjective assessment of any leakage from the face seal region, by sensing the introduction of a test agent. These tests are suitable for half masks. They are not suitable for full face masks.
Examples of qualitative fit testing methods are:
- method based on bitter or sweet-tasting aerosol;
- method based on odour compounds.
Quantitative Fit Testing
(Not Provided by AJ Egerton)
Quantitative fit testing provides a numerical measure of the fit, in other words, a fit factor. These tests give an objective measure of face fit. They require specialised equipment and are more complicated to carry out than qualitative methods. Quantitative methods are suitable for full face masks (but can also be used for half masks).
Examples of quantitative fit testing methods are:
- laboratory test chamber;
- portable fit test devices, such as a particle counting device.
Competence
RPE fit testing should be conducted by a competent person. For instance, someone who has achieved accreditation under the Fit2Fit RPE Fit Test Providers’ Accreditation scheme, would be ideal. The scheme is not compulsory, and we will also assess various options to comply with the law.
RPE – Suitability factors to consider | |||
---|---|---|---|
Suitability factor Why Solution | Why? | Solution | |
Work Rate | Higher work rates may increase breathing and sweating, which can affect the performance of some types of RPE. Higher breathing rates can cause contaminants to leak in, and sweating can cause face-pieces to slip and leak. | Light Work Rate | Sedentary work: assembly or sorting of light materials, arm and leg work, drilling. Most RPE would be suitable. |
Medium Work Rate | Sustained hand and arm work: sawing, planing or chiselling wood, plastering, filing, work with pneumatic breaker, intermittent handling or carrying moderately heavy material, shovelling, sledgehammer work, concrete block laying, pushing or pulling heavily laden hand-cart. Consider more comfortable RPE such as powered respirators or loose-fitting devices. | ||
Heavy Work Rate | Heavy manual work: shovelling or digging, climbing, ramps or ladders. Powered respirators or BA are recommended. | ||
Wear Time | Unpowered tight-fitting masks become uncomfortable to wear for long periods and wearers may be tempted to loosen or remove the RPE | Wear time more than 1 hr | Using powered RPE with tight-fitting masks or loose-fitting face-pieces will help minimise fatigue and discomfort. |
Abnormal temperature or humidity | In hot and humid conditions, wearing RPE increases heat stress, sweating and discomfort | Extreme Heat | Using powered respirators or airline BA would help to minimise these problems. Proprietary cooling devices are available but consume a lot of compressed air. |
Airflow associated with powered respirators or airline BA can cause chilling effects. | Extreme Cold | Proprietary heating devices are available but consume a lot of compressed air. | |
Facial hair and markings | Affects where a face mask seals to the face and will cause leakage. | 1. Beard, stubble or any hair in the region where a face mask seal. 2. Deep cuts or scars, wrinkles, moles, warts present in the face seal area. | Consider the use of loose-fitting facepieces, which do not rely on a tight seal in this region. |
Spectacles | Spectacles with side arms are incompatible with full face masks as they break the face seal and they may also interfere with the fit of half masks. | RPE manufacturers can supply special frames, which fit inside their masks. It is the responsibility of the employer to find and provide an appropriate solution. | |
Vision | If you need to see fine details when wearing RPE, but don’t need to protect the eyes from the airborne hazard, RPE types which include face protection (full face masks, visors, hoods) may not be ideal because they can be prone to scratching, misting and surface contamination. | Consider half mask RPE, provide adequate lighting, or choose designs that resist scratching and internal misting. Powered respirators or airline BA are more resistant to misting. Some types include ‘tear-off’ consumable visors | |
Communication | All RPE affects your ability to communicate. | If your work requires clear and precise communication you should use RPE incorporating proprietary communication devices (ranging from simple speech diaphragms to complex radio intercom systems), or other suitable forms of communication. | |
Flammable or explosive atmospheres | RPE can be a source of ignition. | If you cannot avoid working in potentially flammable or explosive atmospheres, including oxygen-enriched atmospheres (levels above 21%), you may need to use intrinsically safe, light alloy-free and antistatic RPE. | |
Use of air power tools | Air jets from power tools (pneumatic or electric) can make RPE valves leak. | Shield tools or seek alternative design. Use RPE designs with valves remote from tool exhaust location. | |
Connecting air-powered tools and your RPE to the same air supply will affect RPE performance. | Ensure that your compressor can supply enough air for both at the same time. | ||
Contact lenses | Wearers may suffer discomfort or, if the lenses are dislodged, the wearer may remove the RPE to replace them while still in the hazardous area.* | Use spectacles (in mask if necessary) instead. | |
Mobility | Snagging and damage to trailing hoses. Added bulk of fan units/air cylinders in tight spaces. | Ensure adequate inspection regime and consider other RPE types. |
* The lenses can also jam in the RPE valves, leading to loss of protection.
Contact us for consultation on Face Fitting in Liverpool
Contact us now, if you require any further information about face fitting in Liverpool.