Ensuring Worker Safety: The Crucial Role of Respirator Face Fitting
It’s unsurprising that a company in Northampton has been fined due to its workers being exposed to high levels of wood dust being produced onsite (originally reported by HSE), in addition to unsafe machinery being identified. Since hardwood dust is a known carcinogen and wood dust in general can cause asthma, it’s essential for anyone working with wood – even in domestic settings such as DIY projects – to use a properly fitted respirator for protection.
G&L Consultancy emphasises the critical need for properly fitted respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to safeguard workers’ health. Depending on the activity, harmful particles or fibres can move through gaps of poorly fitted respirators and enter the wearer’s airways causing long-lasting damage.
In addition to being industry leaders in asbestos management, at G&L we also offer comprehensive face fit testing services catered towards workers in multiple industries producing harmful byproducts in the form of solid and liquid particles, fibres, mists, vapours and gases. This includes professionals in the medical sector where accurately fitted RPE can help protect against bacteria and viruses. Face fit testing is also vital for those in the services who may be exposed to harmful levels of smoke and other chemicals.
At G&L, we use the TSI Portacount Plus Respirator Fit Tester for our quantitative testing (testing in accordance with HSE guidance INDG479 and HSG53). This method can test all types of RPE, including disposable respirators, Ori-Nasal (half-mask) respirators, full-face respirators, power-assisted respirators, and breathing apparatus. We also stock a range of different models and respirators so we can provide the respirator with the best possible fit.
If you work in an industry that requires a respirator, G&L recommends that a face fit test is crucial to ensure optimal protection and prevent serious illnesses. Legislation (The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 – L5) also requires face fitting to be carried out. Repeat testing may also be required if there is a change that affects the wearers face, such as a fluctuation in weight, or major dental work which may also impact the seal of the respirator.
Click the button below to find out more about our face fit testing and book an appointment, or call 01823 443898 (South West England) or 02840 623566 (Northern Ireland) for advice from one of the friendly team at G&L Consultancy.
