Respiratory Protection PDF
Respiratory Protection PDF
Respiratory Protection PDF
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Respiratory Protection | Respiratory Protection Standards
EN12942 - Powered assisted face mask respirators EN270 - Compressed airline apparatus incorporating hood
Power assisted face mask respirators, providing protection against Compressed airline Breathing Apparatus incorporating a hood or
both particulates and gases/vapours. 3 levels of protection are helmet. These devices have a heavy-duty airline feeding the hood or
available: TM1, TM2 and TM3, the latter being the highest. These helmet via a belt and low pressure breathing hose. There is a single
devices, which may include half masks or full facemasks, are termed level of protection. A low flow warning facility is provided.
power assisted since they will still offer protection equivalent to a EN139 - Compressed airline breathing apparatus for use with
standard negative pressure respirator if the power fails. The filter full face mask, half mask or mouthpiece assembly
types and combinations available for these devices are: P (particulate),
Compressed airline breathing apparatus incorporating a full or half
A, B, E, K, AX, SX, Nox, HgP. The particulate filter efficiency is
mask. These may be constant flow, negative pressure demand, or
required to match the total protection of the system, so filters are
positive pressure demand. Positive pressure demand is the most
marked TM1 P, TM2 P, TM3 P etc depending on which level of device
common, due to the enhanced comfort, economy and protection
they are approved for use with.
afforded. These are generally regarded as high protection devices
EN138 - Fresh air hose breathing apparatus for use with full when fitted to full face masks and may be suitable for use in
face mask, confined spaces. An auxiliary air bottle may be incorporated as part
half mask or mouthpiece assembly Fresh Air Breathing Apparatus, of the system to facilitate escape from irrespirable atmospheres
often referred to as FABA consists of a long breathing air hose, should the airline air supply fail. This equipment is provided with a
secured in a clean air area and connected to face mask via the heavy-duty airline which is approved as part of the system.
wearers’ belt and a short breathing hose. This device is suitable for EN137 - Self contained open circuit compressed air breathing
situations where there is fresh air close at hand. Normally the wearer apparatus Self contained open circuit Breathing Apparatus, this can
will have to breathe against the resistance of the hose, although be positive or negative pressure demand, although positive pressure
power assisted versions are becoming more prevalent. demand is now almost universally used. Air is contained in one or
EN1835 - Light duty supplied air more cylinders on the wearer’s back and supplied via a high-pressure
Light duty compressed airline hoods, helmets and visors. 3 levels of regulator and a demand valve to the wearer’s mask. Exhaled air
protection are available: LDH1, LDH2, LDH3, the latter being the passes directly out of the mask through a biased exhale valve. In
highest. The approval covers the complete device including the positive pressure sets, pressure inside the mask is maintained slightly
compressed airline, which must be fed clean breathing quality above ambient at all times regardless of the wearer’s demand for
compressed air, usually at 3 - 10 bar (depending on the device). enhanced comfort and protection levels. These devices are designed
These are not suitable for use in confined spaces or lethal for use in the most hazardous environments and are generally used
atmospheres. The maximum length of airline permitted is 10 metres for fire-fighting and other high-risk respiratory environments.
and a low flow warning facility is required for the higher classes. EN145 - Self contained closed circuit breathing apparatus,
EN12419 - Light duty construction compressed airline compressed oxygen or oxygen nitrogen
breathing apparatus, (incorporating full face mask, half mask Self-contained closed circuit Breathing Apparatus is specialised and
or quarter mask) long duration for rescue applications etc. The wearer has a backpack
Light duty compressed airline half and full face masks. 3 levels of containing a cylinder of oxygen and a CO2 absorber. When the
protection are available: LDM1, LDM2 and LDM3, the latter being the wearer exhales the CO2 is absorbed, and an equivalent amount of
highest. These are not suitable for use in confined spaces or lethal oxygen is added back into the air stream.
atmospheres, and the maximum airline length permitted is 10
metres.
Protection Factors for Common Respirator Types * According to BS4275 : 1997 and Revisions
This minimum factor defines the minimum required Protection deciding what level of protection is required. In general, high
Factor of the respiratory protection device (RPD): efficiency particle filters are required and these should be of a type
PF = Contaminant Concentration Outside The Mask approved for liquid aerosols. To decide on the appropriate
protection, it is necessary to at least consider the following:
Contaminant Concentration Inside The Mask
• Proximity to contamination source.
The Protection Factor of any given device is very much dependent on
the level of leakage. Leakage can vary greatly depending on fit, flow • Level of ventilation/ dilution.
rate (if applicable), training and motivation of wearer, temperature • Risk of contamination (e.g. by splash, from coughing etc).
and humidity, application and many other influences. Historically a • Infectious dose of the organism, for example TB is very infectious,
Nominal Protection Factor (NPF) has been quoted for a given class of whereas HIV virus is much more difficult to transfer.
respirator, this being based on the minimum acceptable
If risk from all of these factors is low, it is likely that an FFP3SL
performance in laboratory tests.
disposable or half mask with P3 filter would be adequate. For
More recently however, a new system has been adopted whereby progressively higher risks, higher levels of protection are required. If
safer Assigned Protection Factors (APF) have been set to allow safety the level of risk cannot be identified at least qualitatively, it would be
professionals to make a much safer assumption about the level of unwise to consider using anything less than TH3 or TM3 powered
protection offered by a respirator. respirators against bacteria and virus.
To decide if a given respirator is adequate: Asbestos and Asbestos Removal - Asbestos exposure potentially
Minimum required APF = Workplace Concentration affects workers in the construction and maintenance industries. Use
Maximum Acceptable Exposure Concentration of respiratory protective equipment fitted with effective particle
filters is essential when working with asbestos and even is
Special Considerations for Respiratory Protection inadequate unless full measures for controlling dust at source are
implemented with appropriate work enclosures and
Some applications, by their nature, require special consideration in decontamination procedures. Where work which is likely to give rise
terms of respiratory protection selection: to asbestos dust is contemplated, at a minimum a TM3 power
Bacteria and Virus – Safe exposure standards have not been assisted respirator or EN139 positive pressure demand breathing
established for bacteria and virus and this gives rise to difficulty in apparatus should be worn.
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Respiratory Protection | Selecting and using Respiratory Protection
Isocyanates - There are several organic chemicals within the 4. Check that the filter selected is suitable for liquid / mists /bacteria
Isocyanates family and they are found in many industrial applications / virus / metal fume, as applicable.
where two liquid components react to form a solid material (e.g. 5. Mark date and time of first use on the filter label or record this
insulation materials, polyurethanes and various coatings). Most of separately.
these materials are toxic and can provoke severe allergic reaction in
6. Replace the filter when breathing resistance becomes noticeably
sensitised individuals. For this reason Isocyanates have a very low
burdensome or when a powered respirator fails the flow test.
exposure limit, and it is vital that exposures are kept as far below
this limit as possible. The filtering respirators suitable for protection 7. If the filter has been used against toxic dusts, bacteria or virus, it is
against Isocyanates are full facemasks with A2P3 canisters and usual to dispose of it as controlled waste after each use.
should only be used either for short term escape from a limited 8. Always replace a particulate filter after 6 months of use regardless
spillage or leak, or for short periods where the contaminant of any of the above.
concentration is known to be less than 10 x the Exposure Limit. For Gas / Vapour Filters
general exposures less than 10 x the Exposure Limit, suitable air fed
equipment with an APF of at least 40 is recommended. For general 1. Choose the correct filter for the hazard encountered.
exposures greater than this, positive pressure demand breathing 2. Ensure that it is new and undamaged and not time expired.
apparatus should be used, possibly with an auxiliary A2P3 filter to 3. Mark date and time of first use on the filter label or record
allow transit to the airline connection point (if applicable). separately.
Disposable filtering face pieces, half mask respirators and powered
4. Check usage duration with the manufacturer. This will require
respirator systems are not ideally suited for the control of Isocyanate
the atmospheric concentration to be known. Bear in mind that
exposure, and should not be used unless exposure levels have mixtures of substances can severely reduce filter life.
already been controlled at source to well below the control limit. Concentrations of all substances in the mix must be known.
Solvents – Some solvents are relatively innocuous, others are toxic, 5. Replace filters when calculated usage duration is reached.
with the potential to cause permanent organ damage or cancer.
Many are relatively volatile organic liquids which can be filtered with 6. If the usage duration is not known extreme caution should be
A type filters, however there are several commonly found exercised.
substances, e.g. Acetone, Dichloromethane, Diethyl Ether, which are 7. If the substance is tasted or smelled, the filter must be replaced
so volatile that they may require either an AX type single use filter, immediately. Subsequent filters should be used for no more than
or may not be filterable at all. For this reason, it is vital that the half the duration of the initial filter.
airborne concentrations of all solvents in any mix is determined, and 8. Taste/Smell must not generally be used as an end of life
the filter types are individually checked. indication
Because solvents are usually physically absorbed by charcoal filters 9. If the substance has poor warning properties (taste/smell) and
rather than chemically absorbed, the volatility has a major effect on the concentration is not known, then gas filters should not be
the filter performance. Also, being volatile, solvents can often be used. Instead, consider using air supplied equipment.
found in surprisingly high concentrations in a work area, meaning 10. Do not use a gas filter which has been stored out of its
that filter life will be correspondingly short. packaging for more than six months, regardless of any of the
Materials with no set Exposure Limit - There may be substances above.
for which there is not a statutory exposure limit. In these cases, it is 11. Always replace a gas filter after six months.
usually necessary to set an internal control level – the lowest
detectable concentration using modern detection equipment – and
select the highest protection respiratory protection device Care & Maintenance of RPE
compatible with the task and the wearer. Generally, carcinogenic Daily checks are required to ensure the correct functioning of a
substances should be controlled to achieve low levels at source with respiratory protection device. These should be carried out in
respiratory protection equipment used solely as the last resort. accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. For most devices,
the user should conduct a pre-use visual inspection to check the face
piece for holes, cuts, cracks or distortion. Powered respirators will
Selecting and Using Filters
require a daily flow check, before and after each use, to ensure the
To select a suitable filter for protection against workplace respiratory flow is maintained throughout the working shift.
hazards:
A documented monthly check is recommended for all RPE, and this
1. Fully identify the prevailing workplace hazards, checking the should cover all items in the daily checks. A record of each device
scientific names of the chemicals. Ensure that the state of the should be maintained to show the results of checks and a note of all
substance is known - is it a gas, vapour or particle, or a mixture of replacement parts. Air flow rate and quality for air-fed devices
these. Special attention is required where there are several should also be checked monthly. This needs to be carried out for
substances present that may interact chemically or have synergistic each working point in the compressed air system.
adverse health effects. Periodically, it is advisable to have a thorough test conducted on
2. Estimate the likely atmospheric concentration. This is best done high performance devices, including full face masks and powered
by measurement. If the substance has long term health effects it is respirators. This should be performed by the manufacturer or the
recommended that a workplace survey is carried out. Where manufacturer’s agent who can issue a certificate showing that the
measurement is not possible, an estimate should be made of the device tested still meets specification. It is important to note that
maximum likely concentration. such checks need to precisely follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
3. Select the appropriate filter.
Particulate Filters
1. Choose a particle filter to protect against particulate hazards.
2. Ensure that the filter selected has the correct efficiency for the
application and that it is correctly marked for the respirator
(powered systems).
3. Ensure that the filter is new and undamaged.
Employee Training
The following, as a minimum should be covered as part of employee
training on respiratory protection:
• The workplace hazards, possible health effects and the control
measures in place.
• How to recognise faults in their respiratory protection equipment,
where to report them and how to obtain spares (as necessary).
• How to maintain their respiratory protection equipment.
• How to perform pre-use checks.
• How to use the device correctly.
• Any limitations associated with use of the device.
• How to clean and store the device correctly.
Training should be revised regularly to ensure employees remain
proficient and retraining may be necessary where audits indicate
incorrect practices.
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Respiratory protection Standards
EN 1146:2005 EN 13274-7:2008 EN 142:2002
Respiratory protective devices - Self-contained Respiratory protective devices - Methods of test Respiratory protective devices - Mouthpiece
open-circuit compressed air breathing - Part 7: Determination of particle filter assemblies - Requirements, testing, marking
apparatus incorporating a hood for escape - penetration
Requirements, testing, marking
EN 143:2000/A1:2006
EN 13274-8:2002
EN 12021:1998 Respiratory protective devices - Particle filters
Respiratory protective devices - Methods of test - Requirements, testing, marking
Respiratory protective devices - Compressed air - Part 8: Determination of dolomite dust
for breathing apparatus clogging EN 14387:2004+A1:2008
EN 12083:1998/AC:2000 EN 133:2001 Respiratory protective devices - Gas filter(s) and
combined filter(s) - Requirements, testing,
Respiratory protective devices - Filters with Respiratory protective devices - Classification marking
breathing hoses, (Non-mask mounted filters)
- Particle filters, gas filters, and combined filters
- Requirements, testing, marking
EN 134:1998 EN 144-1:2000/A2:2005
Respiratory protective devices - Nomenclature Respiratory protective devices - Gas cylinder
EN 12941:1998/A2:2008 of components valves - Part 1: Thread connections for insert
connector
Respiratory protective devices - Powered
filtering devices incorporating a helmet or a
EN 135:1998
hood - Requirements, testing, marking Respiratory protective devices - List of
EN 144-2:1998
equivalent terms Respiratory protective devices - Gas cylinder
EN 12942:1998/A2:2008 valves - Part 2: Outlet connections
EN 14594:2005/AC:2005 EN 403:2004
Respiratory protective devices - Continuous Respiratory protective devices for self-rescue -
flow compressed air line breathing apparatus Filtering devices with hood for escape from fire
- Requirements, testing, marking - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 148-1:1999 EN 404:2005
Respiratory protective devices - Threads for Respiratory protective devices for self-rescue -
facepieces - Part 1: Standard thread connection Filter self-rescuer from carbon monoxide with
mouthpiece assembly
EN 148-2:1999
Respiratory protective devices - Threads for
EN 405:2001+A1:2009
facepieces - Part 2: Centre thread connection Respiratory protective devices - Valved filtering
half masks to protect against gases or gases
EN 148-3:1999 and particles - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 15333-1:2008/AC:2009
Respiratory equipment - Open-circuit umbilical
supplied compressed gas diving apparatus -
Part 1: Demand apparatus
EN 15333-2:2009
Respiratory equipment - Open-circuit umbilical
supplied compressed gas diving apparatus -
Part 2: Free flow apparatus
EN 1827:1999+A1:2009
Respiratory protective devices - Half masks
without inhalation valves and with separable
filters to protect against gases or gases and
particles or particles only - Requirements,
testing, marking
EN 250:2000/A1:2006
Respiratory equipment - Open-circuit self-
contained compressed air diving apparatus -
Requirements, testing, marking
EN 269:1994
Respiratory protective devices - Powered fresh
air hose breathing apparatus incorporating a
hood - Requirements, testing, marking
EN 402:2003
Respiratory protective devices - Lung governed
demand self-contained open-circuit
compressed air breathing apparatus with full
face mask or mouthpiece assembly for escape
- Requirements, testing, marking
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